Page 118

Despite being surrounded by our family and friends, the moment she appeared at the end of the aisle, Laylawas the only one who existed for me. Everything and everyone else faded away.

My eyes remained on hers as she walked toward me, and my emotions got the best of me. After having spent so many years believing I’d never have this, it felt so surreal to be standing there, my brothers at my side, waiting for my bride.

I lifted my hand to my chest, rubbing back and forth to ease the ache. Tears clouded my vision.

She was exquisite.

Utter perfection.

And in a matter of minutes, she was going to be all mine.

Layla finally made it to me, allowing me to take her by the hand to lead her those remaining steps to the front of the aisle. My gorgeous bride didn’t stop smiling as she took me in, and the tears were shining in her eyes, too.

The music stopped, we faced one another, and all I could do was let it all sink in.

“Dearly beloved…”

I was vaguely aware of the words being said, but my focus was solely on Layla. On how beautiful she looked and how happy she made me. On the life I intended to build with her and how lucky I felt that she’d decided to work things out.

Maybe I should have paid better attention to what was happening around me, but I didn’t think this was so bad. Years from now, when I looked back on this day, all I wanted to remember was the way I felt and how Layla looked.

That was it.

That was all.

Well, that and slipping the ring on her finger as we said our vows to one another.

Of course, that also meant that it would have been impossible to ignore the one final thing that sealed the deal.

“I now present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Liam Westwood. Liam, you may kiss your bride.”

The corner of my mouth twitched with a smile.

Layla grinned excitedly at me.

And a moment later, to the cheers and whistles from the family and friends around us, I kissed my wife.