Page 113 of Meant to Be

We were silent for a few moments until I spoke.

“She knew … you and me. Somehow, she knew.”

“She wished us luck in my letter. Said she would be looking down on us to make sure we were happy.” Kayla got choked up on the last word. “You always say we were meant to be. It took me so long to really believe it.”

“I’ll spend every day for the rest of our lives making sure you continue to believe it. You and our little one.” I tightened my hand around hers.

She let out a small giggle. I knew she was touching her still flat abdomen. We hadn’t told a soul just yet but the evidence of our love would be showing soon enough. In about seven months or so.

“I think I’ve loved you since the first day we met.”

“You onlythink?” I chided.

“Jerk,” she mumbled, causing me to laugh.

“I’ve loved you in more ways than one since I was twelve years old. I’d thought I lost you once. I was so angry I couldn’t see straight. Thank you for coming back to me.”

“Thank you for making me remember how to love. And for being my hero when I needed one.”

“You were your own hero.”

“I forgot who I was for a little while. You helped me remember again. I will spend the rest of my life loving you for that and for the life you’ve already given me.”

“You won’t ever leave me again, right?” I’d move heaven and Earth to keep that from happening, but I still needed to hear her say it.

“Wild horses couldn’t drag me away.”

“I love you, Kay.”

“I love you, Joshua Tobias Townsend.”

I grinned, loving when she used my entire name.

“Now, let’s go get married before my makeup is completely ruined.”

“I’ll meet you at the aisle, sweetheart.” I gave her hand one last squeeze before releasing it and moving to the door, opening it.

Four very irate women stared at me but I felt like I was on top of the world. I gave them all my most charming grin and kissed my mother on the cheek.

“Make sure my girl gets down that aisle safe and sound,” I looked over and told Kay’s father who was arriving from down the hallway, before sauntering off.

I clapped as soon as I entered the changing room where my brothers, father, and nephews were. “Let’s get me married!”

****

Kayla

Perfection.That’s exactly what the moment was. Pure and total perfection, as Joshua and I danced under the starlit sky at Townsend Manor. It was still early spring but the weather was warm enough for us to host our reception outside.

“You’re going to make me dizzy and cause me to fall,” I giggled as Joshua spun me around yet again on the dance floor.

“No chance of your falling when I’m around, Kay.” He kissed the tip of my nose.

“You’re such a sap.”

“For you? I sure the hell am.”

Smiling, I lifted on my tiptoes, feeling satisfied when Josh leaned down to press his lips to mine. We continued to dance and I was able to catch a glimpse of the guests who danced and ate at the surrounding tables. Something caught my eye.