Jacob and I stood side by side, Scott moving to the forefront.
“I’ve been a minister for fifteen years, traveling to the different Caribbean islands and performing marriage ceremonies, I can tell you that Mr. Whitmore did provide me with an interesting first. He came to me before the ceremony and told me that this had to be perfect--or he’d have my head.”
I shook my head, smirking at Jacob. He’d threatened the poor man?
Scott let out a belly chuckle that made Jacob’s cheeks darken. “Don’t judge him too harshly. After I told him that I had a wife and grandchildren I wanted to see grow up, he relaxed and clarified. He told me that he never thought he’d find love. That he didn’t deserve it. But then he found you, Leila. And he wants to spend the rest of his life showing you how precious your love is...starting today.”
I gazed at Jacob, blushing furiously. “How romantic.”
When he met my eyes a smile split his lips. “I can be romantic if I have the proper inspiration.”
I had no doubt of that. The beach, the candles, the tent, the flowers--he’d handled all of it.
Scott beamed. “I was told you would like to exchange your own custom vows.”
We both nodded and turned to face each other, hand in hand.
Jacob winked, holding my hand steady. “Ladies first.”
The nerves I’d forgotten about came spinning back and my hands started shaking. You should have written it down. I’d never forgive myself if my vows were eighty percent uh’s and um’s. But the more I looked into his eyes, the more confident I felt. I didn’t need a script. I knew the words to say.
“You’re the best surprise ever,” His face brightened. “That first day we met, I was definitely shocked when the guy that nearly knocked me on my behind was you. And you kept surprising me, being nothing like the person that you show to the world.
I fell in love with your passion, the beautiful moments of vulnerability when I get to see the Jacob that no one else knows. But it’s more than seeing the real you. You see the real me. And when you asked me to marry you--” My voice cracked and I let the tears that rushed to my eyes streak down my cheeks. “You’re the love of my life, Jacob. I can’t wait to be your wife and experience our amazing life together, one beautiful moment at a time.”
He pulled me in, lips pressed against mine, sparks flying as he surprised me again, not even waiting for the minister to prompt him.
Our lips separated, but his mouth still hung close to mine, forehead pressed against my own. The earth stopped spinning for us for one delicious moment, everything pausing but my racing pulse and the undeniable knowledge that I loved Jacob Whitmore more than anything in this world.
Scott rumbled his throat, reminding us that the ceremony wasn’t quite over. If he was waiting for an apology from Jacob or a peevish look where he acknowledged he’d broken some sort of etiquette rule, he came up wanting.
Jacob stood up tall, offering the man a shrug. “I just couldn’t wait.”
Scott smiled and gave him a nod.
“I don’t think I realized I’ve been writing my vows since I met you until I sat down to actually write my vows,” Jacob began, his deep voice as soothing as the water crashing into the sand. “It’s funny that you called me ‘the best surprise’ because you’ve amazed and surprised me from that day in the lobby. It’s not an easy feat, making me do a double-take, making me question my future and how I want to spend it.” His thumb caressed my hand as he continued. “You have such fire. You wouldn’t let me live a life without you in it. From that first kiss it wasn’t even an option. You are my future, Leila. You’re my everything.
We’ve been through a lot of things together. Weathered a lot, you and I.” He skimmed the curves of my arm with his fingertips, making gooseflesh run up and down the length. “Just know that you are the single most important thing to me. You’re my best friend and my partner. And you’ve given me the greatest gift--the most beautiful love anyone could ask for.”
I wasn’t just dealing with a conservative tear or two. My internal faucet was turned on full blast, tears of happiness spilling down my face as I gripped him, feeling lightheaded, feeling like I was on top of the world.
“Beautiful vows,” Scott murmured. “People search their whole lives looking for what you two have in spades. Cherish each other. Cherish every moment.”
I licked my lips, staring into Jacob’s eyes, swearing I saw every perfect thing in this world shining in the blue.
“By the power vested in me, I know pronounce you husband and wife.”
I let out a squeal as Jacob dipped me, the second kiss pulling all the air from my lungs. He gave me all with his lips, promising me a life of beautiful surprises. Love--and never being bored in the bedroom.