Page 21 (1/2)

Part 1

Chapter One

Reese

Finally

Al falls into place as I approach room at the altar of a rustic-chic church outside Mendocino Eric sives me a tender look and offers him my hand

His blond hair is combed back neatly, and when I look at Eric, I still see the twenty-year-old I o It took a long tie, but we’re finally here

“Dearly beloved,” the pastor begins, looking out at the guests in the pews—all two hundred and eighty-six of them

At least, it better be two hundred and eighty-six That’s how many I received RSVPs fro uys

The fresh, salty sh the open s of the church The crash of the surf is soft from in here, but it’s there, and it soothesnear the water I’h

Eric squeezes uard, because I’ up to today Eric is usually indifferent about these types of things to the point it can annoythat way, because I’m a major Type A planner

I take a deep breath and give hiet past the ceree tent is set up just a few hundred feet ahere our reception will be held with a stunning ocean view of the sunset

Mrs Eric Darnell I’ve practiced saying it and writing it, but it doesn’t feel real There’s a part ofAfter nine years together, where else can our relationship go?

At the sound of a sniffle, I turn toI never knew her to be such a softie The ceremony hasn’t really even started yet She takes a tissue out from around her bouquet and wipes the corners of her eyes

“Before we begin the ceremony, let us pray,” the pastor says

“Hang on,” Eric blurts out

Did he just say hang on as our wedding ceremony was about to start? My heart skips several beats as I look around to see what’s going on Is there a o off script?

The pastor and I both stare at hirimaces

“I’o of my hands