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CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

FOUR DAYS LATER , Violet entered the back of the church auditorium on Brent Maddox’s arm. Her white gown sparkled in the afternoon light as she walked up the aisle to Noah, who stood with his teammates lined up beside him.

Her own teammates waited for her at the end of the aisle, each woman carrying a small bouquet of red roses.

Friends and coworkers from Fortress Security and their families filled the church, along with Noah’s sprawling clan. Violet glanced at Brent. “I didn’t think we’d have so many people here,” she whispered.

“Word spread quickly, and everyone wanted to wish you well, especially after the week you’ve had.” Brent stopped in front of Noah. “Take good care of her, or you’ll answer to me.”

Laughter filled the auditorium as Brent laid Violet’s hand on Noah’s.

This was perfect. Violet grinned at her soon-to-be husband. Laughter and love should be the foundation of their marriage.

Her only regret was that Cami had missed out on this event. Camilla would have been ecstatic to know Violet was marrying the man who held her heart.

Noah raised her hand to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “Thank you for trusting me with your heart, Violet. I’ll cherish you for all time.”

“All right now,” the minister said with a twinkle in his eye. “You’re getting ahead of the program, Noah.”

More laughter filled the church.

Ten minutes later, the minister pronounced them husband and wife. Noah wrapped his arms around Violet and kissed her for the first time as her husband.

She hugged him close as cheers erupted in the auditorium. Violet drew back and beamed at the man she adored.

Together, they walked down the aisle. Noah guided her to the fellowship hall, where a wedding cake and punch were ready for the guests.

He tugged her into his arms and kissed her long and deep. When Noah lifted his head, he murmured, “I’ll share you with everyone for one hour. After that, you’re mine, Mrs. Mann. We have a plane to catch and eight weeks of honeymoon to enjoy. Are you ready?”

Violet grinned as their teammates joined them in the fellowship hall. “I can’t wait to live life with you, Noah. So let’s enjoy this party with our friends, then create a lifetime of fresh memories together.”