She felt as if walking on a cloud as her father escorted her down the aisle, toward her waiting groom.
When they reached the podium, her father kissed her on the cheek. “I’m so proud of you.” Then he stepped aside and took a seat in the first row next to her soon-to-be in-laws.
Daniel took her hand. “You are so beautiful, baby. You steal my breath away.”
She couldn’t say a word for fear she would cry, because she was so moved.
Father Vincent took a deep breath and began. “We are gathered here today to join together Sabrina Palmer and Daniel Sinclair in holy matrimony. The bride and groom have informed me that they’ve written their own vows.”
Father Vincent nodded at Daniel, signaling for him to start.
Daniel took both of her hands into his and smiled. “Sabrina, my love, you came into my life when I least expected and most needed it. In the short time we’ve known each other, you have given me more to live for than anyone I’ve ever met. You’re the reason I want to get up in the mornings and the reason I can’t wait to go to bed at night.”
Sabrina felt her face flush as the crowd chuckled.
Daniel continued undeterred. “Because of you, I’m a better person.” He turned to Tim and reached for the ring his friend held out to him. Slowly, deliberately he slid it onto her finger. “I promise to spend every moment for the rest of my life loving you. I promise to make you smile every day, to tell you I love you every night, and to never take you for granted. For as long as I live, I will love and cherish you.”
Sabrina’s face was wet with tears and her lips trembled. Her hands shook and Daniel gave them a reassuring squeeze.
“Sabrina?” Father Vincent prompted her.
She nodded and wiped her face with the back of her hand. Taking a deep breath, she tried to speak, but her voice failed her. She cleared her throat and tried again.
“Daniel.” Her voice was shaky. “Every little girl dreams of finding her knight in shining armor. For so many years I truly believed I would never find him, but then I met you.”
She paused and licked her lips, hoping to stave off another round of tears. “You showed me what true love is. Daniel, I fell in love with you the moment I met you without knowing why. But now I know. Because you’ve proven to me time and again that you’ll fight for our happiness and slay every dragon for me. Just when I think I can’t possibly love you more, my love for you grows stronger.” A sob escaped as she took the ring from Holly and slipped it onto Daniel’s finger. “I promise to love you, cherish you, and honor you for as long as I live and fight for our love as much as you do.”
Father Vincent raised his hands and announced, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Before the last word had left the priest’s lips, Daniel’s mouth was already capturing Sabrina’s for a deep kiss. His lips were soft and gentle, his tongue delicious and imploring. Sabrina slid her hand to his nape and savored their connection. Daniel snaked his arms around her, pulling her flush against him, before releasing her lips for a moment.
“I love you, Mrs. Sabrina Sinclair,” he whispered, and then kissed her again.
His kiss left her dizzy, and had he not held her so tightly, she might have fallen. When they turned to their guests, smiling faces greeted them.
They were finally united. Husband and wife.
29
Daniel twirled Sabrina around on the dance floor. The wedding reception, surrounded by happy family and friends, had been perfect. As it drew to a close and the sun had set, making way for a glittering night sky, Daniel couldn’t wait to spend the night with his new bride. He’d been thinking about peeling her out of her beautiful wedding dress the moment he’d seen her walking toward him on her father’s arm.
“Today has been an absolute dream,” Sabrina said with a smile.
“Perfect,” he murmured into her ear. “But it’s not over yet.”
She laughed softly. “Well, I hope not.”
“What do you say? Shall we get out of here? I have a car waiting for us to take us to a hotel for the night.”
Sabrina looked around. “We still have guests. We can’t leave yet.”
“It’s our wedding. We can do whatever we want. Besides, they all expect us to leave.” He motioned to the guests who were dancing, talking, and drinking.
“To a hotel, you said, hmm?”
“Yes. Tonight, we’re staying at a hotel. I thought it was more appropriate than staying in my old room in my parents’ house. And tomorrow we’ll leave for our honeymoon.”