Test Drive (The Bachelor #1)
Page 15
She faced me from across the altar and mouthed, "I love you."
I returned the sentiment as the ceremony got started. I had not even seen the bride walk down the aisle, but she and her beautiful flower girl, Emmaline, had made their way down, and she was now perched in front of the altar.
"We are gathered here today in the sight of God and these people to join together Matt Carlson and Victoria Dempsey in Holy Matrimony."
I got lost in the words and the tears streaming from Beth's eyes as she watched our two best friends get married. They had only met six months ago, but Matt said he knew this was the woman he was meant to be with. Emmaline, Victoria, and Matt were a family now, and he had become quite the stepfather to little Emma. She adored him, and he was smitten by the talented little girl.
Jason nudged my arm, and I remembered the rings. The shiny ring caught the glare of the sun, and I almost dropped it onto the sandy beach.
Matt and Victoria were pronounced husband and wife. He kissed his bride and picked her up out of the sand. Georgia came up on cue with Acorn and Starlight in tow. As a special favor for the groomsmen, she had brought two of her finest horses for the wedding. I gave Starlight a pat on the back. Beth had given her a bath that day and her dark skin glistened in the setting sunlight.
Matt and Victoria climbed on top of the horses and headed off down the beach to the reception site at the hotel.
I thanked Georgia for the horses. "Anytime, Drew, except for Tuesdays and Thursdays. We received a donation from a company called Sloane Enterprises. Have you heard of them?" She winked. "They want to help us keep our equine therapy open. There is enough money that we could expand to adults with disabilities too. I don't know who they are, but they must care an awful lot about those kids."
"I have always said y'all have a special program out there. I am very happy for you." Georgia went to load up in her truck and go meet the bride and groom at the hotel. She had been all but gracious when I told her that I had already found the love of my life. She was a sweet girl, but Beth was the only girl for me. I sat down behind Beth on the sandy beach, and we watched the waves crash into the sand. The rest of the group walked down the beach, but the two of us were happy to be in each other’s arms.
"Did I tell you that you’re the prettiest woman here?" I said, covering her lips with my own.
"Yeah, I think you mentioned that once or twice."
About the Author
Avonlea Cole is a romance junkie from a small town. She started writing at an early age and has finally settled down to write out her own set of fantasy love stories. She is dedicated and driven with a love of happy endings. You can find her cuddled up to the computer or book or whatever she can find to read or write on. Avonlea is a wife, mother, author, and anything else she needs to be. Her books will leave you smiling as they inspire hope and happiness to its readers showing how perseverance and love can conquer all.
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