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The ceremony went by in a blur: Tanner’s voice was strong and steady as he promised to love and honor her for the rest of their lives. She repeated the vows after Trip, and before she knew it, it was done.

Ashton handed over the rings. They slid them onto each other’s fingers. And then, Trip was telling Tanner that he could kiss his…

Of course, Tanner didn’t need to be told. He’d already closed his arms around her and tipped her as he claimed her mouth in one of his deep, soul-searing kisses.

When he finally set her back on her feet, the crowd was cheering and applauding. As they walked back down the aisle, with Ashton leading the way, she couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

When they reached the back porch, Tanner tugged her hand. “Would you go make sure that your grandpa’s okay, Ash? Your mom and I just need to sign the papers.”

Ashton nodded happily and went off in search of her dad.

Everly gave Tanner a questioning smile as he tugged her in through the kitchen door. “Where are we going? I thought we had to sign the papers with Trip?”

He rested his hands on her shoulders and grinned as he looked down into her eyes. “We’re not going anywhere. I just need you to myself for a minute.”

She slid her arms around his waist. “I don’t think you have the hang of how this works yet. You know that thing we just did? Those vows we exchanged up there? It means that you get me to yourself for life.”

He shook his head with a laugh. “I know damn well that’s how this works. I just… This is it, darlin’. This is the first day of the rest of our lives. When we go back out there, all those wonderful people who are here to celebrate with us will take over. And it’ll be great, we’ll enjoy every second of it – of our wedding day. But I just wanted this minute with you, to tell you just for you and me, that I’m going to love you forever. I’m yours and you’re mine. You’re the most beautiful girl in the world. Ashton said that you look like a princess in your dress, but he was wrong – you’re not just a princess, you’re the queen of my heart. And I know what a lucky bastard I am. Thank you.”

She pulled his head down so that she could kiss him. When they finally came up for air, she tapped her finger against his lips.

“You know that I think it’s the other way around. You’re the most beautiful guy in the world, and I’m the lucky one. You should just give up and accept that I’m right. Do you think you can do that?”

He chuckled. “Unlikely. But I’ll be happy to spend the rest of our lives debating who’s right.”

They both turned when Cash stuck his head in through the kitchen door. “Thank fuck for that, you’re still here.”

“Is something wrong?” Everly asked.

Cash laughed. “Not a damn thing, honey. I was just worried that he’d dragged you off already and I was going to have to make your excuses.”

Tanner wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “You’re safe. We won’t be disappearing. We’re coming back out there now. This is the happiest day of my life; no way we’re going to miss it, right, darlin’?”

Everly nodded happily. “Right. Although, I’ll be looking forward to the part where you drag me off later.”

He chuckled. “Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint you.”

She nodded happily. “I don’t doubt it – I’m not worried about a thing.”

He tucked his fingers under her chin and pressed a kiss to her lips. “Good. Let’s get out there and start enjoying our life together.”

She rested her forehead against his chest for a moment and nodded – she was already enjoying it;

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