I realize I have once more been staring at Sierra through the officiant’s opening. Have we had a union of two hearts or did we just make a drunken mistake? I’m not so sure anymore, but I know it was more than just a whim. I think it happened because we were drunk, sure, but I think underneath it all was a genuine want for each other.
The officiant goes on as Sierra smiles at me again, a shy smile that makes my heart skip a beat. I give her a little smile back and then look away quickly. I can imagine her laughing on the inside at my discomfort.
“Do you, Kimberley Montgomery, take Sebastian Hunter to be your lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish from this day forward, until death do you part?”
“I do.” Kimberley smiles. Tears shine in her eyes and one slips down her cheek. She reaches up and wipes it away without taking her eyes off Sebastian.
Suddenly, a thought hits me. One I never thought I would have. I want this. I want someone who looks at me the way Kimberley looks at Sebastian. I want someone who I love as completely as he loves her. I glance at Sierra again, pleased to discover she’s already looking at me with a dreamy expression on her face. Maybe she’s thinking the same thing as me.
I catch myself and shake my head ever so slightly, trying to dislodge my thoughts. It’s just the occasion making me think silly things, that’s all.
“Do you, Sebastian Hunter, take Kimberley Montgomery to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish from this day forward, until death do you part?” the officiant goes on.
I hold my breath for a moment, sure Sebastian will take this moment to make some stupid joke or something, but of course he doesn’t.
“I do,” he replies without hesitation.
“And now the exchanging of the rings,” the officiant says with a warm smile.
Matt digs in his pocket and pulls out the ring for Sebastian as one of the girls from Kimberley’s side steps forward with the ring for her.
“Sebastian,” the officiant prompts.
Sebastian takes the ring Matt is holding out and then he takes her hand in his.
Kimberley looks down at their joined hands for a moment and then her eyes go back to Sebastian’s.
“Kimberley,” Sebastian starts. “I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love for you, as I give to you all that I am and accept from you all that you are.” He pushes the ring onto her finger.
“And now you, Kimberley,” the officiant says.
Kimberley smiles and takes the ring from her maid of honor and then she takes Sebastian’s hand in hers. Her voice is shaky with happy tears as she speaks, “Sebastian, I give you this ring, as a symbol of my love for you, as I give to you all that I am and accept from you all that you are.” She smiles and pushes the ring onto his finger, her fingers lingering on his for a moment.
“I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Sebastian, you may now kiss your bride.”
Sebastian and Kimberley lean in to each other. Sebastian wraps his arms around Kimberley as they kiss.
The guests clap and cheer.
I glance at Sierra, wishing I could hold her in my arms like that and feel her lips on mine. She smiles up at me. I look away quickly, turning back to Sebastian and Kimberley with their long, lingering kiss.
Sebastian and Kimberley finally break their kiss and turn to face the guests.
“Ladies and gentleman, I present to you for the first time, Sebastian and Kimberley Hunter,” the officiant announces.
This gets another round of applause. Sebastian takes Kimberley’s hand in his and raises it above his head. The applause gets louder, with a few appreciative whoops and cheers thrown in.
I’m looking at Sierra again, and this time, I don’t even bother trying to hide it. She stares back at me, her face glowing and happy. What I wouldn’t give right now, to march over to her and take her in my arms and kiss her the way Sebastian has just kissed Kimberley.
The officiant comes over and asks Sebastian and Kimberley who will be their official witnesses and I focus my attention on that, knowing it won’t be long until I’m looking at Sierra again. I think I can keep my attention focused on something other than her long enough to sign the register though. Or at least… I hope I can.
Chapter Thirteen
Chance
The time since the wedding ceremony has passed in a blur. After the register was signed and yes, I managed to stay focused on it long enough to get my signature in the right place, we moved to the area by the creek and had photographs taken and then we repeated the process close to some of the flower beds.
We went into the large dining area and had a sit down meal. Matt and I both gave speeches and Kimberley’s maid of honor gave one too. Finally, Sebastian and Kimberley did their speeches and cut their cake.
We went back up to our rooms with a half hour to spare to get changed and freshen up for the evening. I’m kind of glad to be out of my suit. It’s hot in the ballroom now, as the reception is well under way. I’m still wearing trousers and a dress shirt, but I’ve at least shed the jacket and the tie.
The DJ is playing good music and most of the room is up dancing. Kimberley and Sebastian had their first dance early and the dance floor has been full ever since.
I’ve spent most of the time
