I move toward the mirror, taking one last look at myself. I start to feel a little emotional. I would sell my soul to have my mother here with me today. The more I look, the more I see her in me.
“All right, ladies, the show is about—” Keith stops at the door. I catch his reflection in the mirror. His mouth drops open. “You look very pretty, Savannah.” I smile and press my lips together. He stands a little straighter then steps forward, offering me an arm. “Miss Miller, it is time.”
I thread my arm through his and take a deep breath. “Don’t let me trip.”
“Never.” He grins down at me. “Come on. Your future waits downstairs.”
This is our day, our moment, our time. I beam up at Keith, feeling complete.
“Okay, I’m ready.”
ChapterFourteen
Sue and Daniel have outdone themselves with decorating the entire house and grounds for our outdoor wedding. Yellow roses line the walkway leading outside to the rows and rows of chairs full of eager people patiently waiting for my arrival.
I hear Abigail scold Mark for dipping into the appetizers. I chuckle and think that only Mark would hold things up at our wedding because he’s sneaking food. Bottomless pit.
I hear her behind me, and the warmth that spreads right down to my toes is worth the possible spit-up that comes along with that sound. I whirl and see her dark eyes peeking out from her tiny white hat. “Hello, my little love.” I lift my daughter out of Sue’s arms, cradling her, breathing in her scent. She warms my heart from the inside out. “Are you going to behave for Mommy and Daddy today?”
“Fat chance.” Mark grins and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “She is, after all, half you,” he jokes then steps back to take in my dress. “Oh, Cole is gonna love this.”
“Mark!” Abigail hisses from the doorway. “Go.”
“I am, I am,” he mutters, heading outside. “Relax!”
“Come here, Olivia.” Sue holds out her hands, taking her from me. I feel my heart squeeze when I hear her name. My mother’s name. “Come on, Grandpa,” Sue calls. “You and I need to help this little thing throw some flower petals. Let’s make a mess!” She throws some in the air, laughing and hugging Olivia to her. It’s hard to believe she’s already six weeks old. “Let’s not make Daddy anxious by keeping him waiting, or he’ll get Uncle Keith to stick a tracking device on you.” Sue laughs at Keith, who gives a nod with a deadpan expression.
Daniel grasps my elbow and leans down to whisper in my ear. “I wanted to give you my gift now. Lynn got life without parole.”
I lean back to look at him. “Really?”
“Yes.” His face lights up as his news sinks in.
The fact I’m not overly saddened by this makes me see I’ve made progress. My past is behind me. I give a little smile and know I’ll be all right.
“Now,” he gives me a kiss on the cheek, “it’s your turn to live.” I wrap my arms around his waist and mutter a heartfelt thank you.
“Have no fear, your Male of Honor is here.” Jake comes strolling in, looking like he jumped out of a tuxedo ad. “I’m ready when you are.”
“You’re late.” I raise an eyebrow.
“Sorry.” He blushes, and I don’t even want to know. Graham slips through the door, not making eye contact. I smack Jake’s arm and roll my eyes.
“Really?”
“He surprised me with a trip to L.A.” He shrugs, but I see his excitement just below the surface. “We’re going to be staying with his cousin, Pete. It’s getting serrriiious.”
I give him a hug. I know how important Graham is to him. “I’m so happy for you, Jake. I am.”
Suddenly, the music starts, which brings on the butterflies.This is it.Keith hooks my arm and nudges me forward.
“You’re up, sweetheart.” He smiles down at me. Jake walks behind Sue and Olivia, with Daniel beaming beside them. Talk about excited grandparents; I can’t help but grin. Then the aisle clears, and my heart stops.
Cole is in his full dress military uniform. He stands strong and tall, hands at his sides. His dark eyes lock with mine, his mouth parts, and his gaze slides down my front, stopping at the leg-revealing slit. A devilish grin appears, and my feet move a little faster. Keith pats my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
My face hurts from smiling when we finally reach the altar. Keith shakes Cole’s hand, giving a little bow to me. I grab his hand and step up on my tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek. “Thank you,” I whisper, and he blinks a few times before he turns and takes his seat.
Cole holds my hand and latches his gaze onto mine. I barely hear the minister speak; I’m so fascinated with this amazing man. He turns my life right side up, and everything makes sense when he’s near. He’s my life, and now it’s going to be official.