Later that night back at the apartment, Jason took her into his arms as soon as they went into the bedroom. “You are amazing. You know that?” he whispered as his lips moved over her cheek.
“So are you.” She put her hands around his neck and held on. “I love you.”
*****
took a deep breath as she passed her hands over the slim fitting dress with the overlay of rich white lace. She had refused to think about the price and had refused to let Jason pay for it. Her mother had come over two days ago and Jason had charmed her until she was constantly singing his praises. The wedding was at three p.m. and it was now two-thirty which meant that she had thirty minutes to stand up there and pledge the rest of her life to the man she loved! Leah was her maid of honor and Kaila was a bridesmaid. Lilly was her flower girl and even though Matthew was too big for it he would be carrying the ring. The ceremony was taking place at the Elite Club on the grounds and securities had been put in place to keep the photographers at bay. She had been made up by a professional and she stared at herself in the mirror not believing that it was really her. The dress hugged her frame lovingly and appeared even more dazzling against her skin. A tiara perched on top of her elegant chignon and a diamond necklace graced her neck.
“Ready, honey?” She turned to see Leah standing at the door, looking stunning in a peach silk dress, her curls tamed and pinned on top of her head. Her mother had stayed with her in her apartment and was somewhere in the kitchen. She was going to be giving her away.
“I am nervous. That’s okay, right?”
Leah came into the room and looked her over. The girl was stunning. “Yeah.” She reached for her hands. “It is totally natural.” She squeezed her hands. “We are going to be sisters and I am going to insist that you come and visit often.” She pulled the girl into her arms and hugged her. “I am glad it’s you.”
“Thanks,” she whispered.
*****
Jason watched her walking along the red carpet on her way to him.He stood with his brother next to him dressed in a dark blue custom made suit and watched her approaching. His nephew had made his way up and stood next to his dad and Lilly looking adorable in a frilly pink dress with a bow in her curls stood next to her mother. Kaila, Michael’s daughter, fully recovered, stood next to them in a dark blue dress, her dark brown hair piled on top of her head. She had been accepted by the family and was slowly coming around.
Jason met her halfway and brought her hands to his lips for a kiss before going with her to where the minister stood.
“Please be seated,” the man intoned.
“We are gathered here together to witness the sealing of a love between Jason Kiefer Collins and who are pledging their love in front of witnesses. A union like this is something honored by God himself and what God has joined together let not man put asunder.” He looked at them both. “A marriage is one where both parties are supposed to leave Mother and Father and cleave to each other. Jason, I want you to take your bride’s hands and repeat after me.” He waited until they did so.
“Jason Kiefer Collins, do you take you to be your lawfully wedded wife to have and to hold through sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death parts you?”
“I do,” he said softly as he gripped her hands.
“, do you take Jason Kiefer Collins to be your lawfully wedded husband to have and to hold, to honor and obey for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” she said clearly, her eyes on him.
“Is there anyone here who thinks that this union should not take place?” he threw out at the crowd and then waiting a beat, he continued. “The rings, please.”
Matthew stepped forward and handed them to him.
“Jason, put the ring on her finger. And repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed.”
“With this ring, I thee wed,” Jason said as he slid the ring on his finger.
“, please do the same.”
She did and he continued. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. Jason, you may kiss your bride.”
He tipped her chin up and his dark blue eyes scoured her flawless face before he bent his head and took her lips with his. leaned into him and touched her lips to his, her eyes closing and her heart tripping inside her breasts.
He had to pull her away from him forcibly as he felt the desire pounding at him.
“Easy there, bro,” his brother whispered as he came over and put his hand on his shoulder.
Jason gave him a wry look as he turned to face his wife.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I now present Mr. and Mrs. Jason Collins!”
*****
The reception was held inside one of the ballrooms. People were milling around chatting when they got inside. They had stayed for a few minutes to take pictures with the rest of the bridal party. Lilly had insisted on taking one with her ‘Aunty’ and she had obliged.
“Mr. and Mrs. Collins, ladies and gentlemen!” the master of ceremonies called out as they made their way in. There was a loud cheer as Jason held her hand and took her over to the main table. The interior was decorated in shades of white, peach, pink, and blue and looked amazing. There was an ice sculpture in the middle of the room and a six-tier butterscotch cake on a table next to the main table.
“Hey,” Jason whispered as he leaned into her and stole a kiss. “Mrs. Collins, how are you?”
She looked up at him and touched his cheek. “I am fine.”