Page 149 of Levi

CHAPTER35

Levi

As far as I’m concerned, love isn’t measured in months or even years. It’s measured in heartbeats. I love my girl with every fiber of my being, and I know with absolute certainty she loves me. Why wait to start the rest of our life together?

I would’ve been happy with a courthouse wedding, but Jules deserves better. Thank God I have the right connections, and so many people cared enough to make our big day one we’ll never forget.

Larkin came through for us when he offered his spectacular mansion, overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Dominika insisted we weren’t to hire a wedding videographer. Since she’s a guest, and not allowed to work, a couple members of her team are capturing every moment on video.

Shane put his other talent to work when he insisted on doubling as our photographer.

The best rock band in the world, albeit retired, gave an unforgettable live performance.

Sydney worked her magic with myriad bouquets decorating the mansion.

We lucked out when a top local caterer was able to fit us in after a cancellation. Something about the bride-to-be running away with her fiancé’s father. Very scandalous.

Everything else just fell into place.

The champagne has been flowing all night and everyone is tipsy on happiness... and on too much booze.

I couldn’t ask for more.

For the closing act, we decided to shake things up by breaking with tradition, hence the commotion.

After removing my gorgeous wife’s garter with my teeth to the hoots and hollers of my boys, Jules and I are standing in the middle of the expansive living room, facing each other. The announcement of the garter-slash-bouquet toss tandem event is causing a big buzz among our guests.

“This should be fun,” Jules’s hazel green eyes twinkle as she meets my gaze.

Goddamn, she's fucking stunning.

And she’s mine.

I sweep a strand of hair behind her ear. “These women are taking this very seriously,” I note, swinging my gaze over her head. “I sense we might end up starting a war.”

Jules giggles.

The women are standing behind her, andthreebrave men are standing behind me. As predicted, my boys are standing nearly a state away. Larkin escaped in the gardens a few minutes ago. I figured as much. To my surprise, Riley is dragging him back inside by the hand as we speak. Grudgingly, he follows behind her. That woman has no idea who she’s dealing with.

“Let’s get ready to rumble,” the MC’s voice booms through the speakers.

Laughter roars through the crowd.

“All right, Mr. and Mrs. Aldridge, you’re about to make dreams come true for one lucky lady and one poor sucker,” the MC’s mouth twitches into a sly smile. “Is the happy couple ready?”

“Yes!” Jules and I exclaim in unison.

“On the count of three,” the MC shouts into the microphone.

Our guests shout their approval.

The countdown begins.

On the count of three, Jules tosses the bouquet over her head with all her might at the same time as I throw the garter over mine.

Clearly, Jules has been holding back on me because that throw is what sports championships are made of.