I did not want to cry, not yet anyway.
I took a quick look back at my parents holding Matthew, Breigh and Wyatt, Olivia, and Virginia. They were smiling ear to ear and I couldn’t help but think about how blessed I was.
I had refused to make a big deal about the wedding, but my mother insisted on a nice white dress and her pearls. I insisted on a pair of Louboutin glitter heels for the occasion. I couldn’t say I would ever give up my “big girl” shoes, as Olivia puts it.
Cash was dressed in a black suit, looking incredibly gorgeous. His hair was cut shorter now than normal but I was still able to run my hands through it.
The justice of the peace cleared his throat, bringing me back to the moment, as I had been lost in Cash’s green eyes.
“Do you, Emma Gray, take Cash to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” I said.
Cash kept the wedding ring concealed until he slipped it on my finger. My mouth dropped when I spotted the diamond. A princess cut diamond, far bigger than I had ever imagined.
“This isn't what we picked out,” I said, as Cash smiled largely showing all his beautiful teeth.
“It’s what I wanted to get you. You deserve so much and I hope I can always…”
I leaned in and kissed him, interrupting his stuttering, trying to find the right words for the moment. I knew exactly what he was thinking, he had spoken the same words to me often.
I pulled back when the justice of the peace cleared his throat.
“Oh, sorry,” I apologized.
Our friends and family laughed. The justice of the peace continued after it silenced.
“Do you, Cash Galloway, take Emma to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?”
“I do.” I slipped the black steel wedding ring on his finger.
“Cash and Emma, I want you to always remember this moment. Remember how much you love each other right now and always carry that with you. Don’t let anyone or anything dim that light.” He paused.
“And without further ado, I present you as Mr. and Mrs. Galloway. You can kiss your bride.”
And kiss he did.
Epilogue
EMMA
Today, was our fifth wedding anniversary. Cash held up his part of the bargain and has been exactly what he promised.
Matthew is a little over five today, and he is starting kindergarten. We dropped him off just a bit ago and I had planned a little date for us.
In bed.
Both of us had taken off for the day to celebrate with our baby boy. And for our baby boy. This was a big milestone for the little guy and for our marriage.
Five years.
I had run us a bath, added Mr. Bubble and called Cash to join me. It was nice to be in the bath without rubber duckies and bath paint for once. Time alone was rare and we ate up every bit of it when we were able to.
We kept the curtains drawn, and drank mimosas and sat in the bath until the water turned cold.
Then moved to our bed for a long nap.
Yes that is what it had come to.
Anything else would come after we caught up on some sleep. It had taken the back seat for a while now, but the passion was still on mark.
The chemistry almost seemed more on fire with less time to have to ourselves. When we had the time alone, it was a mad rush to devour each other. And every time was fantastic.
But man had sleep moved on the ladder of wants.
Five years.
As for Cash’s father, he was still in prison. He had been convicted of illegal investing and would stay there for a long time. We had all decided he wasn’t welcome in our lives.
Cash had been on patrol for a little over five years now. He loved it, and didn't have any want to promote to any other sector. He felt he did his best work on the streets.
There were days I was scared when he left for work, but I had to have faith. Just like he told me. And I did. He was great at his job.
I was working only part time for the first couple years of Matthew’s life but had started to full time now. I was happy with my position now, and always put my family first. I still loved my job, but I didn't live for it, like I had all those years before. Mr. Thomas was still President and was accepting of my boundaries I had set.
My father had been in remission and doing great. Although he had aged greatly from the treatments, he was living life to the fullest. He was spending his days playing golf, helping with Matthew when he could, and enjoying his retirement. Him and Cash had become quite close. He was proud that he had followed through on his promises he made at Maxwell’s when he asked for my hand.
My mother and Virginia were always planning something for Matthew and bugging us to expand our family. We were working on it…
Five Years.
We were going strong.
We had a full life ahead of us and I wanted each day to slow down so I could take it all in.
I was in love with my husband Cash and my baby boy.
Life was damn good.
Sneak peek at Be My Reason
Sneak peek at Be My Reason, Wyatt and Breigh’s Story
Wyatt
Galloway. Most people around Houston, Texas hear that name and think royalty: Texas oil, money, privileged, never having to work for anything, born with a silver spoon in my mouth. Until you meet me, and I tell you I’m not
