There was a murmur of approval from the crowd, and the spell broke, the real world returning. Pulse still racing, Vic glanced over at Lexi and realized she’d finished her vows.
Now it was Austin’s turn.
* * *
What the hellhad just happened?
Eric didn’t know. Something had passed between him and Victoria, and now his heart was pounding like he’d just run a mile in full bunker gear.
Snap out of it!
He wouldn’t be any good for Taylor if he couldn’t focus.
“Most of all, I promise to be your faithful and true friend, honoring you above all others, from this moment until my dying breath. I make this promise in love, keep it in faith, nourish it with hope, and will renew it in my heart every day.”
Cheers.
Relief surged through Eric. Taylor hadn’t screwed up his vows once—as far as he could remember.
Rose looked straight at Eric. “May I please have the rings?”
The rings.
“Oh! Yeah.”Shit.
Laughter.
Eric reached into his vest pocket, took out the two platinum wedding bands, and put them into Rose’s upturned palm.
Rose held the rings out at chest level, placed her free hand above them as if casting a spell on them. Eric wouldn’t be surprised if that’s what she was actually doing.
“Your wedding rings are the outward sign of the love that unites you. They are made of platinum, a precious and rare metal that endures forever. Lexi’s has diamonds, the toughest substance known to us. Like all circles, your rings have no beginning and no end. Wear these as a symbol of your love, which is precious, rare, and endures forever.”
Lexi turned to give her bouquet to Vic.
Rose handed Austin’s ring to Lexi. “Lexi, place this ring on Austin’s finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I become your wife. Wear it as a symbol of our love.”
Lexi took the ring, repeated the words, and slid the ring onto Austin’s hand, the two of them sharing a private smile, and damned if they didn’t look happier than Eric had ever seen them.
Rose repeated the words for Austin.
“With this ring, I become your husband. Wear it as a symbol of our love.”
Rose was clearly enjoying every second of this. She held up her hands like a priest who’d just said mass. “Lexi and Austin, you have taken vows before witnesses, declaring your love and committing yourselves to each other. By the power vested in me by the State of Colorado, it is my great joy to pronounce you husband and wife. Please, seal your vows with a kiss!”
They were in each other’s arms in a heartbeat, and this wasn’t just a peck on the lips, Austin holding her close, Lexi going pliant in his arms.
People began to laugh.
And still they kissed, deep and slow and hard.
“Get a room!” someone shouted.
That finally brought them back to reality.
“Friends and family members, I present to you Austin and Lexi Taylor.”
Eric cheered and applauded along with everyone else, his gaze drawn again to Victoria, who handed Lexi her bouquet and kissed her on the cheek.