Page 92 of 27 Kisses

The event hall looks amazing, and the theme is eclectic. There are bits of every single wedding we’ve done over the last year, from theHunger Games-style altar to the sonic screwdriver bouquet and the lightsaber boutonnieres. It’s wonderful. And I realize it doesn’t really matter what anyone else thinks of our wedding because it’s truly for Aidyn and me. And I absolutely love it.

Aidyn is stunning in his blue-and-green tartan kilt with a Brian Boru jacket and vest—according to Aidyn—with a matching tartan bow tie. I especially like the hose socks. And I almost feel bad for some of the thoughts I’m having about him in that outfit.

Lanie is wearing a green dress that matches her dad’s kilt. And someone has braided her long red hair. She looks beautiful. As she walks Aidyn down the aisle, happiness shines on both of their faces.

I straighten my bow tie. Jonah did an amazing job finding something that matched my fiancé. I love that word. But I love the sound of my husband even more.

“I’m so happy for you, Garrett.” Tears shine in my mother’s eyes as she looks up at me, and honestly? That’s the nicest thing my mother has ever said to me.

“Thank you, Mother.”

Then we’re walking down the aisle toward the front, where Aidyn stands waiting for me. I swallow the emotion in my throat. I can’t believe I get to marry this man.

When we reach the front, I kiss my mother’s cheek, and she smiles warmly at me. Then, it’s just Aidyn, me, and the preacher. And the town of Mule Creek. I choke on a laugh.

No getting hysterical, Garrett.

“Hey, beautiful,” Aidyn says, brushing his fingers against mine.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

“I think the entire town showed up.”

This is one of our largest spaces, and it’s filled to the max. “Looks like it.”

I can’t decide whether they care, if they can’t believe it’s happening, or if they’re just nosy.

Then the ceremony starts, and I no longer care about the town. My entire focus is on Aidyn Christy. Since no one objects—which, not gonna lie, is a little surprising—we move on.

The minister has us join hands, and it’s a relief to get to touch Aidyn as we vow to love each other in sickness and in health until death do us part. I blink at the sting in my eyes.

“Do you, Aidyn Christy, take Garrett Bishop to be your husband?”

His green eyes shine with love.

“I do.”

The preacher turns to me.

“Do you, Garrett Bishop, take Aidyn Christy to be your husband?”

“I do.”

“Do we have the rings?”

“I do,” Simon says, practically jumping up and down. Everyone laughs.

Aidyn ruffles Simon’s hair. Then he takes the ring and places it on my finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

I swallow the lump in my throat as I slide the other ring onto Aidyn’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

The minister nods and smiles. “For as much as Aidyn and Garrett have consented to be together in matrimony and have witnessed the same before the entire town of Mule Creek and all others present, and have pledged their faithfulness to love each other. Now, by the authority invested in me, I pronounce you husbands. You may now kiss your groom.”

We grin at each other. Aidyn leans toward me but stops right before kissing me. “This kiss is your last Advent kiss. Number twenty-seven.” He squeezes my hands. “I love you so much. Forever and ever.”

Then he kisses me, and it’s absolutely perfect.

We’re presented as Mr. and Mr. Bishop-Christy. We both have businesses with our names, so it seemed only fitting.