Two Dreams Become One

FORREST

FOUR MONTHS LATER

Rocking back on my heels, I stare at the aisle, waiting for her to make her way toward me. It's amazing how, in just a few short months, our lives have completely changed. We're moving to Charlotte. I've been picked up by the NHL team for the next year. I can't believe it's real.

That it's really happening.

But it is.

And today I'm adding to my dreams coming true. I'm marrying the girl I fell in love with the moment I laid eyes on her. The music begins, and I blink a few times as the double doors at the end of the aisle open.

We didn't do groomsmen or bridesmaids for our big day. We decided that we wanted everyone to just enjoy the day and not have to be involved in anything other than having a good time.

The doors open completely, and then I see her standing there. She's wearing a tight floor-length dress that has lace over the top. Honest to fuck, the dress could be a potato sack, and she would still take my breath away.

The music plays, but it's not the traditional wedding march. Instead, it's "At Last" by Etta James. It's fucking perfect. She holds her pink bouquet of roses from her parents' garden in front of her as she slowly makes her way toward me.

Tears well in my eyes.

I'm such a pussy, but I don't care. Right now, I am a pussy for her. This woman is mine. And in a few minutes, the whole world will know. She'll have my ring on her finger and my last name.

And at last —she is mine, forever.

When she reaches me, her eyes find mine as she faces me. The pastor is standing beside us, but I see nobody and nothing but her. Fuck me, but I love this girl. Always have and always will.

No man will ever touch her. Nobody will ever hurt her. I will protect her from anything and everything that could possibly cause her harm. It is my silent promise to her, and I will die to keep it.

We say our vows, slip on rings and then kiss. Taking her hand in mine, I turn to face the family and friends who have joined us. I grip Brooklynn's hand in mine, and we gaze at the crowd as they stand and cheer for us.

I ought to feel an emptiness inside of me that my parents aren't here. I know it should be odd. I should feel as if something were missing, but it doesn't feel that way. In fact, this feels right. They aren't part of our lives, so why should they be here to witness the beginning of our new chapter?

This is exactly how I imagined our day would be—surrounded by the people who truly love and care for us. Together, Brooklynn and I walk down the aisle and head toward the waiting limo.

Our reception takes place about a mile away at a small farm. The barn is decorated, and the food is waiting, along with the drinks and cake. I only know some details because Brooklynn wanted to share her excitement, but this day is really made possible by her and her mother.

Once we're alone in the limo, I turn toward her. Lifting my hand, I cup her cheek. "Hello, wife," I murmur.

Her lips curve up into a smile, and she wraps her fingers around my wrist. "Hello, husband. It happened. It's real."

I lean forward and touch my mouth to hers. Slipping my tongue inside her mouth, I taste her, kissing her until we're both panting. Then I lean back in my seat. Brooklynn lifts her fingers to her swollen lips, then smiles before she lets out a sigh.

"I never would have guessed four months ago that we would be moving to Charlotte eight days after our wedding."

"A week in the Caribbeans on the beach, then it's moving time," I murmur.

"A week next to you, with a fruity drink in my hand."

Letting out a chuckle, I reach forward and grab her hand, giving it a squeeze. "Honey, a week with you in a bikini. Fucking bliss."

And it will be.

However, my idea is to keep her out of the bikini and in bed for as much time as possible. We have a hell of a lot of celebrating to do, and I'm ready to enjoy every goddamn moment of my time off. When we get back, we're going to move, and then it's right back into training.

Life is good. No, it's phenomenal.