Bad Boys of Romance(174)

The third box was smaller than the rest and jewelry shaped. I ripped the paper off this time and smiled at the tiny blue flag toe ring. In the top of the box was the note folded small enough to fit. I removed it and unfolded it to read Cole’s words, “The blue flag is the courtesy flag. As you know, the slow driver needs to move out of the way for everyone else. Well, babe we’re going to be courteous and move off the track and focus on us.”

We had discussed quitting racing and maybe starting a team of our own, and seeing the blue flag, I knew he was letting me know he was ready. He was ready to start our race, our future.

The last box was wrapped in checkered flag wrapping paper. I loved the fact that he incorporated the racing theme into my presents. I opened the square box and saw a familiar square key chain. The words “I Love Racing” were fading, but as I lifted the piece of our past out of the box, I saw that he had added to it, there were fresh words on the opposite side.

Cole



Rylan

Racing to

Our future, together.

Jamie stood beside me smiling as she watched the tears stream down my face. “It’s perfect. Tell him all of it is perfect and go give him his money clip. Please, maid of honor?” I flashed her puppy dog eyes as she grabbed the race themed bag and headed out the door.

McKenna scolded me for crying and making my face blotchy. “The other gifts were a very ornery idea from your future husband. You don’t have to wear those items.” But I didn’t care if snot was streaming out my nose. I was completely in love with this man. He proved to me how right for each other we are. We went with the racing theme without ever discussing it. I left all the fake gifts in our room, all of them except the rock. The rock I nestled inside my bouquet. It was special and for him to think enough to include it meant the world to me.

I was ready to marry him. Well I was almost ready; I rushed to the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water before applying my make up. As soon as Jamie returned, she slid her dress on and helped me into mine.

McKenna and Jamie held my small train as I made my way down the staircase, the photographer snapping pictures as I go. Together they situated me at the French doors that lead to the backyard and rose garden.

Jamie gave me an air kiss. “I love you, friend. I am so happy you found your prince. You are beautiful, and you’re gonna make him want to leave immediately.” We both laughed and she sauntered out the door to take her place at the top of the stairs on the porch.

McKenna gives me a tight hug. “Please call me mom. You have always been family, and today it is official. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you, too, Mom.” Moisture swirled around my eyes as I watched a tear fall down her smooth, wrinkle free face. I could only hope I will look as good as she does when I am her age. I doubt it seeing as I spend a lot of time in the sun and around grease. Gah! Now I’m rambling to myself. I shook my head gently and smiled as I watched McKenna join Christopher and walk down the isle to their seats.

Butterflies fluttered around inside my stomach as I stepped on to the porch and approached the stairs for my decent. I could see Cole perfectly, since it was a straight shot from the stairs and not too far. His eyes sparkled and his cheeks lifted as a sexy lopsided grin spread across his face.

I made it half way down the aisle and he came for me. “You are gorgeous, and I can’t have you walking the whole way by yourself. This is a marriage; we’ll always meet half way.”

The water in my eyes finally broke free again, and a few tears escaped as a few women in the seats around us sighed dreamily. I was speechless and all I could kind of sputter out was, “Thank you.”

I stared into the chocolate irises of my soon to be husband as we exchanged our vows. I don’t know how it is possible, but I loved him more in that moment than I have ever. I mouthed to him, “I love you to the moon and back.”

As Cole placed the wedding band on my ring finger, he said what the Pastor instructed and looked in my eyes before adding, “I love you to the moon and back, Ry.”

“You may now kiss your bride.” The Pastor smiled as he stepped back from us.

Cole let go of my hands and slid his strong fingers along my jaw, cupping my face and pulling me into him. He met my gaze, and I saw the desire and happiness swirling around and lighting up his eyes.

Before his lips met mine, I whispered to my husband, “Thank you for the gifts. They are perfect. Today was perfect. I love you, Husband.”

“Thank you, I love you, Wife. Now, shut it and kiss me.”

Laughing, I slid my arm around his waist and pulled him the last bit to me so our lips could crash into one another, sending sparks and flames of desire through my body. Whistling and yelling erupted around us, and Cole pulled me in deeper, playing a game of cat and mouse with our tongues chasing each other.