Chapter 167 Wedding
Liv went through first, sending a sassy wink over her shoulder, before she sauntered through the open double doors.
Charlie was next, she sends me a shy smile before whispering, "You look amazing Jos. I'm so happy for you," and then followed our younger sister down the makeshift aisle.
And then it was my turn.
My heart pounds in my chest as I take my first step. I try to push back my tears, but dammit! It's not working!
I push through the double doors and walk along the silky rose petals. Something Hailey convinced me was a necessity, and I must say, she had a gorgeous vision. The whole thing is beautiful!
I am making my way down the path right through a gauzy tent. Fairly lights are strung up, and the lights outside the tent are low, making it look soft and intimate.
I pass the few guests we have. I didn't want to make a huge production about this. This is about me and Rick, not a spectacle.
My father's family and some distant relatives Rick doesn't actively hate, along with the staff and Hailey... (And her daughter, husband and new grandbaby!) Along with the photographer who is currently shooting like his life depends upon it.
I walk up to the arbor dripping with white silk and red and white roses, where my groom stands anxiously by the officiant, and Jeff (who I just met yesterday and learned he was actually Rick's best friend).
Rick in a tux does something to my insides. He normally doesn't dress up like this, but damn! He's hot! And the girls were teasing he was the one who was going to lose it at the altar!
The moment I step up he reaches for my hands. Charlie grabs my bouquet and stands to the side.
I don't know what on earth the officiant is actually saying. All I can pay attention to is the way the fairy lights flash across Rick's blue eyes.
I feel like I'm at the end of a very long, drawn out fairy tale... Minus the bits I can't remember, but even before that, my life had been hard. Now I'm finally getting everything I had ever wished for when I was little and believed in magic.
The only thing I know is this feeling of absolute love and peace rushing through my veins. This is right.
Tears start to leak from my eyes as the officiant rambles about love and struggles and coming together in tough times. Something about eternal love and commitment. Building strength through one another...
I can practically feel the love, need, heat, protection and absolute devotion rolling off Rick in waves. Those butterflies in my tummy were doing acrobatics at the look in his eyes.
Then Rick turned to Jeff, who handed him the other half of my ring and then he slipped it on my finger.
I did the same thing, taking the ring from Charlie and slipping it on Rick's finger. The moment Rick and I finish our 'I do's', Rick doesn't wait for the man to give his permission, Rick's lips were on mine.
His kiss was deep, passionate and possessive. Everything that was him, promising me that life we want to ride through together.
I was so busy I didn't notice the shouts and cheers going on until we pulled back for air. And of course, my damn tears leaked down to my chin. I just hoped Liv's makeup job isn't running down my face.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Richard Kingston," the officiant cheered, clapping his hands.
"Finally!" Rick stated before he kissed me once again.
And then everyone stood and clapped.
Rick lifted me into his arms and strode down the aisle while everyone threw rose petals at us. I was giggling the whole way, only half wondering who Rick conned into cleaning up the mess.
But right now, I was just going to enjoy this. This was our moment. Our beginning of forever.
Since everything was already set up in the ballroom, we didn't have to go anywhere. He just carried me off to the other end where there was a stage for the string quartet and set me down as our guests followed us.
The photographer followed us around, taking shot after shot. I wonder just how many of these are going to end up online? It doesn't matter. It's proof that we finally tied the knot. Now, no one can call me a slut ever again!
Honestly, after the ceremony, the whole thing was a blur. Music, color and cheers.
Rick pulled me out onto the dance floor and we danced. I blush as I listen to I Don't Dance by Lee Brice. I haven't heard this song in a long time. My dad was a big country music fan, he would've approved.
There were hugs and congratulations. People coming up to us, telling us how they enjoyed the ceremony and how beautiful we look together.
There were toasts with sparkling cider. I'm pretty sure the guys are gonna skip out at some point and find actual alcohol, but I don't mind. It was a thoughtful gesture.
There was a huge chocolate cake along with a huge buffet style dinner. I didn't get much. I seemed to be too busy to eat, but I did manage to eat a little bit of the chicken salad, mostly because Rick was worried about me passing out on him.
None of it mattered.
Only Rick.
Halfway through another round of toasts to the bride and groom, Rick decided he had enough.
"Sorry everyone. Feel free to continue celebrating! I need some time with my wife," He announced to a room full of laughs as he whisked me away upstairs.
Rick slammed me against the door, a wolfish grin on his face. "Now it's finally time to get you out of that damn dress!"