“I love you so much, and every time I think I know everything about you, you surprise me with something new. You never let me be sad for long because you can make me laugh no matter what I’m feeling. Whether it’s dancing with me in the kitchen, whispering jokes in my ear when I’m nervous, holding me when I feel overwhelmed, or reminding me that we can just run away and do something absolutely crazy, you make every day an adventure. You make me want so much more for myself and out of life.”
God, my heart. It stutters in my chest, trying and failing to beat normally. I blink because she’s going all watery and shake my head. I have to sniff just to hold onto some bit of sanity. “Can I kiss you yet?”
“I promise, no matter how old we are, we’re never going to grow up. I promise to never let you feel like you’re an option when I can’t live a day without you. I promise you that no matter what happens, I will always read with you, I will trust you, I will love you and I willneverlet you forget how much more you have to offer the world beyond your quick wit and cleverness.”
I groan and try to pull her against me, but she giggles and shakes her head. “And I know you can be patient.”
“Not with you,” I argue. “Never with you, Sophie.”
“Now, repeat after me …”
The classic lines are said, but Sophie doesn’t promise obedience and I don’t promise any kind of restraint. As soon as the rings are on, I try to kiss her again, making her giggle, but at least I have her against my chest now.
“You may now …” Fuck it’s the longest pause in the entirety of the world. I can’t handle it. I cup her face in my hand and run my nose over hers. “Kiss the bride.”
“Fucking finally.”
“Gun!” She squeaks at me cursing, but I kiss the objection away.
I know it’s supposed to be some romantic kiss that is family-friendly, but Sophie and I have never been and will never be capable of that kind of moderation. I kiss her like I’m dying and she’s my last meal, pulling her up so she has to stand on her toes and licking into her mouth.
There are some cheers, and finally, she draws back, her breath puffing against my cheek as she pants. Her nails dig into the back of my neck. “You’re killing me, Gunner.”
“A long slow waiting game isn’t death, sweets.” I kiss her cheek. “I’m just giving you a taste of what you’re going to have every morning before we part ways for work and every night before we go to sleep.”
“I love you so much.” She says softly. “So, so much. You’re never an option. You’re always a need.”
I cup her face between my hands as she beams up at me, bright and shiny and so fucking perfect that I can’tnotkiss her again. I feel like the grinch when his heart grows three sizes. I didn’t know it was possible to love her more than I have, but here I am, unable to believe that I’ve ever loved her any less.
“I’m all yours, Sophie.”
“Better not tell me that.” She teases. “Or I’m going to make some naughty demands.”
I laugh and hold our hands up. My parent's whistle and my sisters' whoop. Sophie’s mom stands and hugs us both, but then her dad follows us back down the aisle. The officiant reminds everyone that there is an open bar, but not to leave the area since we’ll be starting all over again in less than thirty minutes.
“God, thirty minutes isn’t enough for me to get under this dress and ravage you.” I groan.
“Still here,” Miles grumbles, but only at half venom.
He looks between us, then actually hugs me, patting my shoulder. “That was great, Gunner. Really good. Keep those promises so I don’t have to kill you.”
“I think there would be a lineup for my head if I ever hurt Sophie.” I wink at her over her dad’s shoulder.
He nods and I see him wipe at his eyes. “God damn, I’m not ready for round Two, Sophie. I’m not.”
“It’s okay, Daddy.” She hugs him gently.
“I’m going to be walking your next man in,” I say when Sophie tries to take my hand.
“But!” It’s a quick complaint.
I gently fix the little smears to her makeup and press my forehead to hers. “But nothing. You’ll have us all soon enough. And you’re more than worth the wait.”
She melts and kisses me again softly. “Who is it?”
“It’s a secret.” I tease. “Now be good and dry those eyes.”
“Fat chance.” She fans at her face.