BEAUTIFUL BROKEN MESS (Broken, Series #2)(134)

A low rumble emerges from his chest and he growls, “Well, that’s a damn good thing, babe, because there’s no way in hell that’ll ever change.”



~~~~~~~~~~

I never pictured myself standing outside on my wedding day, with my hair tightly pinned to my head and my long, white dress blowing in the cold breeze…blindfolded. When Em approached me as I was climbing into the limo with a light blue sash in her hands, I stared at her with apprehension.

“Your something blue,” she chuckled wickedly.

“I already have something blue,” I reply, gesturing to the thin, sterling silver bracelet with diamonds and turquoise gemstones that Jace had sent over while I was getting ready.

“He wanted you to have something else too,” she says, shrugging her shoulders. That was the last thing I saw before she wrapped the sash around my eyes and helped me the rest of the way into the car.

Standing out in the breeze, completely blind to the world around me, I hear a familiar deep voice say, “Well, this is different. A blindfolded bride. I’ve heard that usually happens on the honeymoon, but not before the ceremony,” Lane chuckles.

“Don’t make fun of me. I have no idea where I am,” I nervously confess.

His arm is instantly around me in a protective hold. “You look beautiful and you’re going to love this.” Shortly after, I hear a door open and close. “Well, doll, that’s our cue. Should we bail and run away forever, or go inside?” he asks teasingly, although I know if I asked him to, he would whisk me away in a heartbeat.

“I’m ready.” And I am. I’m ready to marry my best friend and the one true love of my life.

“Good, because Jace has been pacing nervously all damn morning.” When he feels my body lock up, he rushes to say, “Not that kind of nervous. More like, so-f*cking-anxious-to-see-you nervous.”

I let out a deep breath and allow Lane to lead me inside to my mystery wedding. We step inside and I immediately feel relief at the warmer setting. My dress has a deep V-neck and my back is almost completely bare. Not the best choice for a wedding in the chill of November, but the second I put it on I knew Jace would love it. It feels classic and elegant, just like him.

Wherever we just stepped into has a very distinct yet recognizable aroma. It smells antiquated and musty. I scan through locations in my head that can produce this scent. When realization hits, I gasp and grab to pull my blindfold down. The first thing I see is Lane’s bright smiling face. I skim my surroundings and take in the beautiful old bookstore. The very same bookstore that I first crashed into Jace, right out front on the sidewalk. The store that I’ve spent countless hours in since we’ve been back. I don’t like to come into town much, but this is the one place I make an exception for.

I stare up at the towering shelves full of old books with yellowing pages that contain beautiful love stories. Gorgeous white flower arrangements hang from the high ceilings. My family has strung tiny little lights between the books and tea lights adorn the shelves to create a magical atmosphere. Strings of light bulbs criss-cross along the ceiling, giving off a romantic glow. I smile widely when I realize I’m going to say my vows in front of a bunch of love stories that have stood the test of time. I can’t imagine a more perfect setting.

My eyes make their way down from the mesmerizing shelves and finally land on my handsome fiancé. The breath is stolen straight out of my chest when I catch the look on his face. Tears are streaming freely and shamelessly down his face, and I can feel his deep love with just that look alone.

Jace stands at the end of a long center aisle, with our closest friends and family sitting in front of him. Before I realize it, Lane has walked me all the way down the aisle and placed my hand in my soon-to-be husband’s comforting one.