The pastor’s voice rings out as he speaks about trust, respect, and commitment. I vow in my heart to honor his words. When it’s my turn to speak, I say, “Nick Merrill, my love for you will never die. I promise to respect, honor, and cherish you forever.”
Nick repeats my words, and we both remove our gloves. Alex takes mine, and I place my hands in Nick’s. He envelops my fingers to keep them warm as the pastor asks, “Do you, Megan, take Nick to be your lawfully wedded husband?”
“I do.”
I place a solid gold band on his finger, and when it’s my turn, the ring Nick slips on my finger is a surprise, because I expected a simple band. I inhale sharply when I see it’s channel set with small diamonds all the way around. “This ring is an endless circle of my love and commitment to you.”
The pastor speaks again. “Do you, Nick, take Megan to be your lawfully wedded wife?”
“I do.”
Alex hands me a platinum band, and I place it on Nick’s ring finger as I say, “This ring is an endless circle and signifies our love and commitment.”
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Nick gazes down at me, and his eyes sparkle with tears like mine. When our mouths meet, I taste the salty moisture of our emotions combined. When it’s time to break away, Nick doesn’t release me, and pulls me back for another kiss that makes our friends whoop and chuckle as he extends it to the point of our own laughter.
Casey grabs me for a hug first. “I’m so happy for you.” She pulls away to take my hand and inspect my ring. “That’s perfect. It’s like you’re wearing snowflakes.”
“It is.” I smile at her as Dannika, Lori, and Alex look too.
Dannika says, “It’s gorgeous. Nick knows you well.”
“That he does.” I find him, and he comes to me. He pulls me against his chest. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” He kisses me again as the girls chatter about how beautiful the ceremony was. We stop when skis thud to the ground while Kaleb starts lining them up for us to get ready. Bindings click when we all step in to prepare for an amazing powder run down pristine terrain.
Nick and I lead everyone over to the section of the mountain where we’ll ski. He turns and says, “Thank you all for joining us today. I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the first day of the rest of my life with Megan.”
Jason says, “I just came for the free heli skiing. Thanks, man.” Casey hits him as we all laugh.
Christian says, “And he’s coming to our house for the free liquor.”
Dannika and Christian are having a party for us after we finish skiing, and more of our friends will be able to come celebrate our wedding with us. I insisted nobody bring gifts, and it should be a great chance to reconnect with some of my favorite people in a casual setting.
Snow rushes under my skis as we glide over to the section where we’ll go down. The consistency underfoot is similar to smooth frosting, and my heart beats a little faster in anticipation of what we’re about to do. When we get to the edge of the steep expanse of terrain, I grin. Nick steps over to be by my side.
He bumps my shoulder with his, and in a low voice meant for my ears only, he says, “Turn ’em right.”
“And left.” I lean to meet him in a kiss. And when we finish, we both take off down the mountain for the run of our lives.
* * *
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About the Author
Violet Vaughn writes New Adult Romance in her home in New Hampshire. She lives with her husband, two teenagers and three Portuguese Water Dogs. An avid skier she taught skiing and snowboarding before she started her family and now skies every winter weekend for enjoyment. Summers are full of hiking and running with her dogs.
Violet also writes Paranormal Romance as V. Vaughn.
Pulse: Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 6) Page 16