Blurb
We've
changed. Darker, damaged and unable to conform. My husband Joshua is
dealing with the past the best that he can.....as am I.
Nobody
else can understand the language we speak. The trauma we have been
through.
But
with the pain comes pleasure and happiness is our gift.
Excerpt
My
eyes glance up to the stone staircase for the hundredth time as my
heart hammers in my chest.
“She
changed her mind,” Cameron whispers. “Smart woman. She’s
currently on her way to Ibiza.”
I
throw him a glare and Adrian chuckles.
Eight
years and it all comes down to this – this moment in time where we
become one.
A
united family.
A
broad smile instantly crosses my face as the thought runs through my
mind.
I
inhale deeply. What the fuck is taking them so long? I turn back to
Ben who is sitting in the front row. “What time did they get back
from the beach?” I frown.
Max
smirks. “Relax. She’s fine. I checked on her half an hour ago.
She’s ready to go.”
I
nod nervously and blow out a breath. Ok, relax. I shake my head and
look at the ground as my nerves, once again, steal my rationality.
“Here
they come,” Adrian whispers and my eyes instantly flick to the top
of the stone staircase. I see them. First Abbie, then Bridget.
I
feel like I can’t breathe.
A
smile spreads across my face as my girl comes into focus on Brock’s
arm, the wind whipping through her hair.
She
looks gorgeous… and not because she is wearing a sexier than hell
wedding dress – although, that could have a lot to do with it.
It’s
her smile.
Her
strength.
Her
courage, and the love that has shone through to me since she has been
found.
I
always knew she was strong, but I had no idea to what depth.
Her
eyes lock on mine as she walks down the stairs like a rock star
without one single hesitation.
God,
I love this woman.
She
is wearing a fitted, white satin dress, and her hair is down and full
with a large white flower tucked behind one ear. I have never seen
anything more beautiful and I feel myself harden as a wave of emotion
hits me like a tsunami. Fuck… not now.
I
have to stop myself from running up the stairs to greet her, to pull
her down to me. Hurry
up!
I
watch intently with my heart in my throat and, after what seems like
an eternity, she arrives at the bottom of the staircase before making
her way to the alter on our ledge.
“Hello.”
She smiles softly.
“Hello,”
I whisper, and before I can stop myself, I have her in my arms and
I’m kissing her gently on the lips. I haven’t seen her all day
and I’ve missed her so desperately. Tash closes her eyes and kisses
me back, then again, and before either of us know what’s happening,
we are kissing passionately and our friends are all laughing.
We
eventually pull apart from each other in realization of what we are
doing.
Fucking
hell, reign it in, Stanton.
There
is a time and a place, and at the alter, on your wedding day, with
everyone watching isn’t it.
The
memory of us making out on the dance floor, that first night at
Scott’s wedding, comes to the forefront of my mind, and I have to
bite my bottom lip to hold back my grin
What
is it about us and weddings?
The
minister moves forward and smiles warmly. “Can you take each others
hands please?”
My
eyes flick to the minister, Father Joseph. I flew him in from L.A.
yesterday. I had to be positive that the marriage was legal, and the
only way I could ensure that was to get him here myself.
Natasha
and I face each other and she giggles loudly.
“Holy
crap. We are getting married!” she exclaims excitedly as she lifts
her flower bouquet in the air. Everyone bursts into laughter and I
melt as my eyes hold hers. That is such a Natasha thing to say.
And
then I’m transfixed.
I
watch my beautiful Natasha declare her love with her sacred wedding
vows and I watch as she slides the gold band on my finger. I, in
return declare mine vows to her and slide the gold band onto her
finger.
She
slowly leans forward and tenderly places her hand on my cheek and
kisses me, sweeter than anything I have ever experienced, longed for
with all of my heart. I feel myself well up and blink to stop myself
from crying.
The
love on the ledge, both between us and from our families, is so
strong that I’m sure it could be felt from another galaxy, it’s
such a tangible force. I pull out of her kiss and glance around to
see everyone seems to be feeling the same way, all of them wiping
their eyes, overcome with emotion. Even Ben has a tear in his eye.
Nothing has ever felt so right and so damn well fucking deserved.
I
desperately wish I could bottle this perfect moment in time so I
could replay it again and again throughout my life.
“I
now pronounce you husband and wife.”
Through
teary eyes Natasha laughs, leans closer, and tenderly cups my face.
“Kiss
me, my husband.”
Our
lips touch and I am lost.
T.L.
Swan’s newest release in the Stanton Series drops on June 5th!
You
don’t want to miss this final chapter in Stanton Bliss!
