My gaze flickered over the people seated. I saw Cole’s parents and family. I recognized Tyron sitting near my mother. Miranda was waiting at the arbor, along with the pastor Mom had known for years, and Derek, who stood next to Cole.
Air hitched in my throat when I saw him. Heart thumping like a steel drum, my knees felt weak as our gazes collided and held. I saw his lips part, could practically feel the unsteady inhale he took. Raw emotion crawled over his striking face, and those pale blue eyes that matched the dresses that Miranda and my mom wore, the same color as the ties secured loosely around James’ and Derek’s necks. The same color threaded through the roses I carried.
Oh my God, he was the most beautiful man I’d ever seen. Felt that way all those years ago when I first saw him in class, and I still believed that, today more than ever, because he was about to become my husband.
I was actually going to get married.
Cole’s full, expressive lips curled into a smile, and there was no stopping my response. I felt my grin race across my face, and James had to pick up his pace to keep up with me.
“Damn, girl,” James grumbled as we reached the arbor. “He ain’t goin’ anywhere.”
“Truest words ever spoken,” Cole replied.
The crowd laughed, and even though my cheeks flushed, I wasn’t embarrassed. I only had eyes for Cole. Miranda took the bouquet from my hands and stepped back while James shuffled over to one of the chairs. I only guessed that was what had happened, because I was 100 percent focused on Cole.
He took my hands in his and said in a low voice, “It’s taken us a long time to get here.”
A strangled, emotional laugh erupted from me as I squeezed his hands back. My heart beat fast. “Too long.”
“But we’re here,” he said, tone rich and deep.
And we were, after all this time, after everything that had happened. Despite the fact I’d sworn I’d never wear a wedding gown, never allow a ring put on my finger, Cole and I were here.
What did Grandma Libby always say?
Never say never.