Rediscovering Peace (Military Love Book 1) (28 page)

“Her dad has already given me the same speech. I won’t hurt her. Skye and our daughter are my whole life. I would never jeopardize that. I do appreciate you looking out for her. I am glad she has you and Faith in her life.”

We headed for the house so I could start getting dressed for the wedding. Skye wanted me to wear a tux but I had convinced her that I would wear my dress blues. I had been out of the army for three months now and was in law enforcement school. I missed the military but I loved my new profession. I couldn’t wait to get school over with and find a job.

The guys and I were sitting around, kicking back, and drinking a beer while waiting for the ceremony to start. In about an hour I would be waiting at the end of the aisle for Skye and make her my wife. I urged the time to go by faster.

“Here, Skye wanted me to give this to you,” Faith said as she walked in the room and handed me a letter. Opening it I started reading.

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I
tried to keep the tears that threatened to spill over at bay. The guys would never let me live it down. I was touched by her letter. Words couldn’t describe the love I felt for this woman. Soon she would be officially mine.

“Is that tears I see? You are so pussy whipped.” Seth laughed at me.

“Says the guy who is miserable in his marriage but yet is still with her.” I knew it was a low blow but I was still a little mad at him for what had happened with Faith and I didn’t understand why he was still with Krystal. Yes, I got the whole miscarriage thing, but they were both unhappy.

“Let’s just focus on your marriage for today. I don’t want to talk about Krystal.”

“Where is she anyways?” I asked.

“She has been staying at her parent’s house the last two weeks. I honestly didn’t even ask her to come, she would’ve said no anyways.” He shrugged his shoulders. He looked defeated. I felt sorry for even bringing it up.

Finally it was time for the guys and me to head down to the altar. We took our place while we waited for the ceremony to begin. I had heard stories about guys being nervous, but all I felt was happiness and excitement to get married to the love of my life.

The music started and I was filled with anticipation. I saw the girls approaching. Faith was leading the girls and she looked beautiful in her shoulder less teal dress that was flowing loosely around her knees. Her hair was pulled up into a curly ponytail and I heard Seth’s sharp intake of breath. He grumbled something but I couldn’t make out what it was. Paisley followed in a similar teal dress. We did know some gorgeous ladies.

Finally I caught a glimpse of Skye and my world stopped. She looked breathtaking. Her long red hair was curled and pulled into a side ponytail. It was topped off with a white flower. Her dad was leading her down the aisle towards me.

Skye

I was standing at the end of the aisle taking in the sight of my future husband. He looked delicious in his Dress Blue’s and I mentally fist bumped myself for letting him talk me into wearing them. When his eyes landed on me his face lit up in that dimple smile that almost brought me to my knees. It was like nothing around us existed and I was eager to get down the aisle and steal his last name. The ceremony was simple and we had opted for an arch and a few chairs that were decorated with purple lilies. The flower arrangements were beautiful and matched my bouquet.

“Are you ready?” my dad asked me.

“I am more than ready. Let’s get this show on the road.”

“In case no one has told you, you look beautiful. Even though I am handing you over to Braden, you will always be my little princess. I am so proud of the two of you. You have come a long way and I admire you guys. It hasn’t been easy for you but despite everything life has thrown at you, you stuck together. Always fight for your love. You’ll never find another like this one. Now let’s get you married. I love you, Skye Taylor Donovan.”

“I love you too, Daddy. Now stop making me cry or my makeup will be ruined.”

He walked me down the aisle and handed me over to Braden.

“You’re the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on, Skye. I can’t wait to peel this dress off of you,” he whispered.

I laughed. Finding this dress had been a nightmare. I had tried on a million dresses and was ready to give up and ask Braden if we could just get married naked. But then the sales woman brought out this dress. I knew then that this was it. I tried it on and it fit like a glove. I started crying when I looked at myself in the mirror. It was a lace ball gown wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline and a silk waist sash. It hugged my curves perfectly and still had room for alternations for when my belly started growing. My mom and Faith had also started bawling when they saw me. I had handed over my credit card and told the sales woman to get it packed up for me.

“We are gathered here to join Braden James Parker and Skye Taylor Donovan in marriage. Today we will witness the joining of these two lives. In this craziness that we call life they found and loved each other. Romance is fun but true love is something far more and it is their desire to love each other for life and that is what we are celebrating here today.

“Today is also a celebration for the rest of us, for it is a pleasure for us to see this love in bloom and to participate in the union of two people so perfectly suited for one another. And to have a couple of stiff drinks in the process.

“Braden and Skye have prepared their own vows and will now read them.”

Braden turned to me and took my hands in his.

“Skye Taylor, when I first saw you walking around high school I knew you would change my life forever. Then I met you and you were the sweetest, kindest and most beautiful girl I had ever seen. But of course, you had to be stubborn and place me in the friend zone. I am stubborn too though and I fought every day to show you that we belonged together. When you finally agreed to date me, I was over the moon. But as life wants it, we spent eight years apart. I never forgot about you, and I hoped that one day I would find you again. When I did, you were broken. It took a while to convince you that our love was worth it. When you finally caved and let me in I was the happiest man on earth. I promise always to fight for you, our love and our daughter. I will love you unconditionally and be by your side through the good and the bad. Whatever you have to face, we will face together. You’re my heart, my soul, my everything. I love you.”

Tears were streaming down my face and I had to take a moment to get myself together before saying my vows.

“Braden James, I don’t know what I would do without you. You came back to me at a time when I was shattered and didn’t think I would ever love again. But the stubborn man that you are, you never gave up on me. You made me open up my heart again and showed me what true love really feels like. I want to spend the rest of my life being the best wife and mother I can possibly be. I promise never to run again when things get tough and that I will always be by your side no matter what happens. I love you forever and always.”

“Braden, do you take Skye to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, and be faithful to her?” the pastor asked.

“I do.”

“Skye, do you take Braden as your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish and protect her, and be faithful to him?”

“I do with all my heart.”

“Who has the rings?” On cue, Caige reached into his pocket and handed us our wedding bands.

“I, Braden James Parker take you, Skye Taylor Donovan, to be my wife. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my wife, for as long as I live.”

“I, Skye Taylor take you, Braden James Parker, to be my husband. To have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer, in joy and in sorrow, and I promise my love to you. And with this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as I live.”

“Well then, may your life be filled with happiness and love. By the power vested in me I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Braden pulled me to him and soon we were lost in one of the most passionate kisses I had ever encountered. I was officially Mrs. Skye Taylor Parker.

Our friends and family started whistling behind us and we finally pulled away from each other. We turned to the crowd and were greeted with congratulations and hugs. I was the happiest woman on earth.

We celebrated with our loved ones well into the morning. Our backyard had been transformed into a reception area and my mother had done a wonderful job. Lanterns were flooding the yard with light and my dad had arranged for a DJ. We had thought about asking Caige, but we wanted him to be able to celebrate with us.

All our guests were gathered around a big table that had been set up. It was decorated with beautiful lily arrangements. The wedding had been kept simple, just like I had requested. I looked around and caught Seth and Faith stealing glances at each other. I wished for them that one way or another they would find their way to each other. The passion between them was obvious. Neither Jordan nor Krystal had been able to make it to the wedding and I secretly thanked the Gods above for that. Maybe this was the chance Faith and Seth needed.

Someone at the table asked for attention and I looked up to see my dad standing there. I smiled. He was famous for his long speeches.

“Thank you everybody for joining us in the wedding of our beloved daughter Skye. People mock me for my long speeches so I will keep this one short. Braden, I couldn’t ask for a better guy to take care of my daughter and soon my granddaughter. I love you as if you were my own son and I am thankful that you found your way back to each other. I love you three so much. Welcome to the family, son.”

Everybody applauded while Caige stood up.

“Well, since we are on the subject of speeches I figured I will do mine. I have never met two people who are as stubborn as the two of you. Skye, I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to kick your ass when you denied your feelings for Braden. But love always finds its way. Braden, I am so glad you saved my Skye. When I was at my wits end you sneaked in and saved the day. I have never seen a love more pure, more passionate than the one you share. We all know, I am not the firmest believer in love, but even I can’t deny that what you share is beautiful. I hope that you live long, happy lives together. Congratulations.”

Now it was Faith’s turn.

“A friend told me that you only have one shot at that once in a lifetime kind of love. You two have found it. Hold on to that love tight because in a blink of an eye that love can slip through your fingers. I am so happy for the two of you and I am happy to be part of your lives and to be able to see your love blossom more every day. You deserve one another. I love you guys even though you make me sick to my stomach with your mushy crap sometimes.”

We all erupted in laughter – leave it to Faith. I didn’t miss the part about true love slipping through your fingers and I had a feeling that was directed at Seth. I glanced over at him and saw the sad look on his face. He must’ve caught that too.

“Well, everybody got their turn, so now it’s mine,” Paisley announced. I was stoked she had been able to make it to the wedding. “When I met you guys in Germany, I knew that one day I would be attending your wedding. You guys are perfect for each other – even a blind guy could see that. I didn’t think it would take you guys ten years to get here but all that matters that we are here now. Every curveball and broken heart, all that is in the past. You have found your future in each other and I am glad to be part of your lives. Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, great sex and lots of babies! Cheers!”

The DJ announced the first dance so Braden and I headed to the make shift dance floor. I had left the song choice to him.

When “All of Me” by John Legend started to play the tears began to spill over again. Braden led me around to the song and I leaned on him.

“I love you so much, Skye Parker. I will treasure you forever and I promise I will never take you for granted.”

I looked up to kiss him.

“I love you too. So much it hurts.”

The song ended and our friends and family joined us on the dance floor. We danced and laughed for hours.

When I sat down for a little break, I saw Seth and Faith dancing. They were so wrapped up in each other that they didn’t notice what was happening around them.

“I really wish they’d realize how perfect they are together,” Braden said as he sat down next to me. He pulled my feet in his lap and started massaging them.

“Me too. But I won’t interfere anymore. They need to figure it out on their own. You can’t force them to open their eyes. We can only sit back and hope.”

“You’re right. How are you feeling?”

“I am okay. I am tired and little princess here has been kicking almost all day.”

“Well how about we say our goodbyes and get out of here. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow and I booked us a hotel room at the Hilton.”

“Sounds like a plan. Will you finally tell me where we are going?”