Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98524 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 493(@200wpm)___ 394(@250wpm)___ 328(@300wpm)
The ring bearer was Deke’s nephew, Eli, a handsome kid with dimples, just like his uncle. He was going to be just as charming as his uncle, too, considering how well he absorbed all the attention he was getting from the guests.
And then, finally . . . there was my sister.
She approached the top of the aisle, with my mother on one arm and my brother, Abe, on the other. I held a hand over my mouth, wanting to smile and cry at the same time.
That was my family. My people.
Davina stood in the center like an angel. So much hope in her eyes after all the dark days she’d endured was truly a sight to behold. There was a point when I didn’t think she’d ever wear a full smile again. I’d tried to bring it out, of course, but her light had faded, so it had been useless.
But now . . . wow. She was glowing. She was stunning. She was restored, and that alone was beautiful.
I looked at the groom. His jaw was locked, but his eyes were filled with tears. They shimmered in the sunlight, and he shook his head, trying his hardest to fight those tears, but the emotion eventually won. Javier clapped his shoulder and gave it a proud shake. Deke swiped at his tears, but not once did he take his eyes off his walking bride.
And yeah . . . I was pretty much sobbing now. He had so much love for her. Lewis was great for Davina, yes, but Deke was a perfect match as well.
My mother and Abe handed her off once they reached the altar, and my mother walked with Abe to their seats.
As the officiant spoke and I watched my sister and Deke hold hands and stare into each other’s damp eyes, there was one thing I knew for certain: Life can truly be a wondrous thing.
Yes, it’s hard, and some days are darker than others, but let me tell you something: When you have true love in your life, nothing can ruin you. Especially when the love runs deep and conquers all odds. Love like this should be cherished because it’s so insanely rare.
As those thoughts ran through my mind, all I could do was look at Javier. The man who I knew for certain was my soulmate. The man who made me feel whole after so many years of emptiness.
The man who protected me.
Kept me safe.
Nurtured me and brought me back to life.
He was for me, and I was for him.
Javier’s eyes connected with mine, and I wanted to throw my arms around him and hold on forever. I wanted to feel his arms wrap around me and for him to whisper in my ear how much he loved me and how he’d never let me go.
It amazed me how, when I first started working for Javier, falling in love had been comical and a thing of the past. The idea of it had literally made me scoff, because there was no way in hell falling for someone and investing all your time and energy into them was worth it.
But, you see, love was never the problem. It was fear.
Fear of the unknown.
Fear of being hurt again.
Fear of becoming so vulnerable that I also became breakable.
I had carried that same fear with me for years, thinking if I let another man into my heart, he would ruin me just as much as Luther had. Giving another man that kind of power over me had been petrifying.
But, without even realizing it, Javier had slowly brought me out of that depressing state of mind. He’d been there through it all, so patient with me, caring, considerate, and understanding. He’d never mocked me for my feelings and never made me feel like I was wrong for how I felt. He’d simply accepted me for the damaged, flawed woman I was and held my hand through it.
And being at my sister’s wedding, witnessing the real, genuine love floating between them, reminded me how important it is to have this kind of love—especially when it’s with someone who only ever wants to see you happy.
Sure, the love you give can be weaponized when you place it in the wrong hands; however, when it comes from someone who promises to never hurt you, defy you, or betray you . . . well, nothing can beat that. Not even fear.
Deke and Davina shared vows, and they were beautiful. Truly, truly beautiful.
And their kiss . . . well, of course Deke went over the top with it. He tipped her back just enough to angle her face, winked at her, and then kissed her passionately.
Everyone cheered, squealed, and rejoiced.
Because they did it.
They made it.
And, my goodness, how sweet it was to witness.
Fifty-Two
Javier
Deke and Davina’s wedding was food for the soul for many of us. I had never seen my best friend smile so much, or seen him look at a woman with so much adoration in his eyes. Davina was perfect for him.