Page 142 of Lethal Threat

Snowflakes dance around the string lights that are hanging over the pathway. I’m awestruck. “Oh my god, it’s beautiful.”

Cole squeezes my hand. “The ladies did a great job.”

“On such short notice. I’m blown away.”

“The Strong family kicks ass when the pressure is on.”

I smile up at my fiancé. “I know that.” He leans down and touches his lips to mine. Lipstick gets on him.

Laughing, I smudge it away with my thumb.

He nips at my thumb, happiness lighting his eyes with the warmest glow. “Are you ready?”

“Absolutely,” I say with all the conviction in my heart.

“Let’s do this, then.”

He turns me, and hooks my hand in the bend of his arm. My hand is shaking as I hold my bouquet of deep red lilies. But it’s not from cold, I’m wrapped up nice and toasty in a beautiful long gray wool dress coat with pink cashmere gloves and hat.

I’m shaking because I’m cranked up on happiness, my new favorite drug.

Cole’s quiet beside me and I’m enamored with the man, as always.

Mine.

I’m one lucky girl to get such a gorgeous, loving husband. His profile is so strong and handsome next to me it makes me weak.

I float along on a cloud as we walk down the freshly shoveled path, following the gently swaying lights overhead. Laughter and voices carry on the breeze as we draw near the sunken garden at Caleb and his wife’s house.

It’s a nighttime winter wonderland, complete with sparkling lights and falling snow. “I can’t believe this is real.”

He presses his gloved hand over mine. “It’s as real as it gets, babe. And it’s perfect...”

A round of cheers go up when we step into the opening.

A guitar player starts strumming the bridal march.

Wow. We’re getting married!

I’m laughing and crying from happiness at the same time as family and friends toss red rose petals on the snowy path in front of us.

The minister opens his arms to welcome us into the circle of light created by the flaming torches.

It’s fairytale material.

Cole’s brothers and their wives set everything up. It’s so magical, I’m breathless.

The lights and the flakes dance and sway, so beautiful against the black night sky.

I slow Cole’s strides. “Look at all this.”

Luminaries surround the garden, casting a warm glow on the friends and family decked in their winter gear.

In a warm voice, the minister says, “Welcome around, everyone, on this special New Year’s Eve as we come together to celebrate the union of Cole and Sierra as they begin their new life together.”

Cole turns me to face him and gathers my hands in his. His eyes devour me, and my insides heat up like I’m one of those kerosene torches. “You look beautiful.”

I wink and smile so hard my face aches. “You’re a treat for the eyes too, babe.” I let my gaze travel over his big, powerful body.