Page 143 of Taming the Beasts

A few people in the audience laughed.

“Sorry,” Callum said. “I think we’re ready to proceed now.”

The pastor nodded. “Good, good. We are gathered here today to celebrate the union between Theo and Emma.”

It was strange hearing people refer to Callum as Theo. He’d told some people in town that Callum was his middle name to excuse why I always called him that. I hoped that lie was good enough to hide the truth. Although, we wouldn’t have anything to hide soon.

Callum cleared his throat and grabbed my hands. “Emma.”

I realized I’d zoned out during the pastor’s speech. Callum was starting his vows. And there was no way I was missing a second of this.

He squeezed my hands as he stared into my eyes. “When we ran into each other ten years ago, I knew that very night that you were the one.”

I was already starting to blink away tears.

“I was in a bad place when we met. I wasn’t myself. At least, the self I wanted to be. I wanted to be worthy of you. One moment, one night, and I was a goner. You’ve owned my heart even when we were thousands of miles apart. I never once stopped thinking about you.”

“Callum...”

“Baby, you have to wait until it’s your turn,” he said.

I laughed.

He smiled down at me.

I really wasn’t sure I’d ever seen him more handsome.

“I hated that time apart,” he said. “It felt like torture. And I know it felt like a lifetime for you. I know the feeling. I waited a lifetime to meet you. But I don’t regret our time apart for a second. I’m standing here the best version of myself. Well, almost,” he added as a whisper just for me.

I squeezed his hands. He was his best version. Exactly the way he was. He didn’t need to change. I never wanted him to think that he did. I’d loved him ten years ago. And I loved him now. And I’d love him forever.

“I’ve never met anyone like you on all my time on earth. You’re kind, witty, smart, and so sweet.” His eyes fell to the side of my neck for just a moment. “You pulled me out of my darkest moments. You were like a guiding light, without even realizing it. I’m only here because of you. You are everything to me, Emma. Everysingle thing. And I will spend the rest of my life making sure you know that each day.

“I’ll never run away again. I’ll never leave your side. I swear. I am yours and you are mine.” He lifted one of my hands to his chest. “And nothing will ever keep us apart again.”

I felt his heart racing.

“My heart beats for you, baby. I will love you forever and always. And now we know our forever will be a long one,” he added with a whisper just for me.

He kept my hand against his heart as he reached out with his free hand to wipe away the tears just starting to spill down my cheeks.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you. So much, Callum.”

“This is supposed to be a happy moment. Why are you crying?” He leaned forward, kissing one of the spots on my cheeks that my tears had spilled.

“Happy tears, I promise.”

“Hm.” He kissed the spot again.

All I wanted to do was wrap my arms around him and kiss him. But I was worried if I didn’t get my vows out, I’d end up a puddle of tears.

“My turn,” I whispered. I kept one of my hands on his chest as I stared up at him. “It’s always been you.”

He smiled.

“When we met that first night? I was instantly captivated. I was addicted to your touch. Your golden eyes. The way you looked at me. I never once stopped thinking about you during our time apart either. I thought I dreamt you into existence. That you were too perfect to be real. And I was so worried I’d never see you again.”