Till Death(99)

“I am so happy for you,” Miranda whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “So freaking happy for you.”

“Thank you,” I croaked out, fingers spasming along the cool stems.

Miranda glanced over at my mom. “I’ll be downstairs.”

When she left the room, Mom faced me. Her eyes glimmered with unshed tears. “There is so much I want to say to you, but I know if I get started I’ll start bawling, and I’m saving my tears for the pillow.”

I laughed. “You’ve been watching Dance Moms.”

“Possibly.” Her inhale was shaky as she reached out, smoothing my hair at the temple. “But I want to tell you that I am so incredibly proud of you.”

“Mom,” I whispered, feeling the wetness gather in my eyes.

She clasped my shoulders. “My beautiful daughter . . .” Cupping my cheek, her smile wobbled. “It’s time.”

We still had a few moments, but I knew if we lingered, both of us would end up sobbing uncontrollably, and I didn’t want to be a mess. We left the room and took the main staircase. The inn was closed for the weekend, so the hum of conversation I heard as we reached the top of the staircase was all from people we knew.

Lit garlands twisted around the railing, twinkling, and the air smelled of crisp balsam and pear. It was the last weekend of November, and the entire inn was decorated for Christmas. From where we stood, I could see one of the four Christmas trees. This one wasn’t the largest, but was set to the right of the staircase and could be seen outside, through the glass panes in the doors.

Gathering the skirt of my dress, I headed down the stairs, and stopped while Mom walked ahead. The conversation lulled as I focused on taking deep, even breaths. Nervous energy was bouncing all through my system, but it wasn’t fear. Oh no, it was eagerness and anticipation. It was a thousand different emotions but none of them bad or frightening.

James appeared, and I smiled when I saw him. Never in my life had I seen him wearing anything other than an old shirt and jeans that had seen better days.

His salt-and-pepper beard was trimmed, and the black trousers, white dress shirt, and pale blue tie seemed so out of place on him, like he was wearing another man’s clothes, but he cleaned up nicely.

“You look so handsome,” I told him.

He didn’t smile. Didn’t grin. That wasn’t him, but those dark, soulful eyes softened. “You ready, girl?”

Twisting at the waist, I looked up the staircase, and I could almost see my father standing there, nodding at me, telling me I was ready. He would be proud of who I’d chosen to escort me, and I was ready. I nodded.

“Then let’s get this show on the road,” James said gruffly.

In a daze, I threaded my arm through his and we walked to our left. Folding white chairs had been brought in to accommodate the small ceremony, and the dining tables had been temporarily cleared out to make room for the garland-covered arbor. Those tables would be back out later, for the reception, but right now, the whole area was a winter wonderland with a touch of love.

My gaze flickered over the people seated. I saw Cole’s parents and family. I recognized Tyron sitting near my mother. Miranda was waiting at the arbor, along with the pastor Mom had known for years, and Derek, who stood next to Cole.

Air hitched in my throat when I saw him. Heart thumping like a steel drum, my knees felt weak as our gazes collided and held. I saw his lips part, could practically feel the unsteady inhale he took. Raw emotion crawled over his striking face, and those pale blue eyes that matched the dresses that Miranda and my mom wore, the same color as the ties secured loosely around James’ and Derek’s necks. The same color threaded through the roses I carried.

Oh my God, he was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. Felt that way all those years ago when I first saw him in class, and I still believed that, today more than ever, because he was about to become my husband.

I was actually going to get married.

Cole’s full, expressive lips curled into a smile, and there was no stopping my response. I felt my grin race across my face, and James had to pick up his pace to keep up with me.

“Damn, girl,” James grumbled as we reached the arbor. “He ain’t goin’ anywhere.”

“Truest words ever spoken,” Cole replied.

The crowd laughed, and even though my cheeks flushed, I wasn’t embarrassed. I only had eyes for Cole. Miranda took the bouquet from my hands and stepped back while James shuffled over to one of the chairs. I only guessed that was what had happened, because I was 100 percent focused on Cole.

He took my hands in his and said in a low voice, “It’s taken us a long time to get here.”

A strangled, emotional laugh erupted from me as I squeezed his hands back. My heart beat fast. “Too long.”

“But we’re here,” he said, tone rich and deep.

And we were, after all this time, after everything that had happened. Despite the fact I’d sworn I’d never wear a wedding gown, never allow a ring put on my finger, Cole and I were here.

What did Grandma Libby always say?

Never say never.