by Tiana Cole
Chloe pulled him to her lips with a laugh.
Chapter 17
“You look beautiful.” Ben stood at the door, looking at Chloe, who was standing in front of the mirror.
“I don’t know…. Your sister is showing a lot.” She placed her hand on the protruding belly.
“That is the best part.”
Ben hadn’t been able to contain his excitement when they had told him that he was about to become a big brother. And then when he found out the baby was a girl he seemed even more excited. All he'd talked about was how he was going to protect her.
Last night, before Chloe had left to spend the night at the hotel, they had started the mural for the baby’s room. Ben insisted that his dad needed to have it framed just like his.
“Wait until daddy sees you.”
“Not until I walk down the aisle.”
“That’s right, little man.” Richard’s father, Rick, stepped into the room and scooped Ben up in his arms. Since her father wasn’t around, his father had asked if he could have the honor. She felt privileged to have him walking her down the aisle.
Chloe turned around and Rick stopped. “Gorgeous.” A tear formed in his eye.
“Don’t make me start crying.”
Chloe had nervous butterflies in her stomach. And the baby had just started moving. She was probably just as excited about the day as her mother was.
“Are you ready to get married?”
“Absolutely.”
They made their way through the hallway to the area outside of the main room where the ceremony was being held. The doors were closed, but Chloe could hear the music playing. Julia was waiting at the doors, and she looked beautiful in a light blue dress. They hugged briefly until the wedding planner gave Julia the thumbs-up to head down the aisle.
The doors opened and Julia swept in with Ben on her arm. Chloe gave a little smile, thinking about how he was Richard’s best man.
The wedding march was next, and Chloe confidently put her arm through her new dad’s. She gave him a small nod and the doors opened. Her eyes instantly met Richard’s.
The rest of the ceremony was a blur. She knew it was being videotaped and she’d be able to watch it later. Things didn’t become clear again until they were entering the reception hall.
“I would like to introduce Dr. and Mrs. Marlen.”
Chloe and Richard stepped into the reception hall to a round of applause. Everyone in the town came to see them get married. Her joy overwhelmed her, and a smile covered her face.
Richard swept his wife onto the dance floor and pulled her close. They moved to the music, but everyone else around them went out of focus. This moment was just for the two of them.
“Are you having a good time, Mrs. Marlen?”
“I am, Doctor Marlen.”
“Good.” He leaned down and kissed her on the mouth. “What about Little Miss Marlen?”
“She seems to be having a good time, too.”
She kissed him this time.
Chloe looked up at the man with whom she was dancing, and she just couldn’t believe he was finally her husband. They had survived everything together, culminating in this moment of her dreams. When she'd come to this town and was looking for a new start, she'd never expected to end up with a whole new family, but that was what happened.
Once she stopped looking for love, it made its way into her life, and that was the difference. Richard was a man, who loved her for herself, unlike David who was a boy, and still acted like a boy, taking their so-called love for granted. She had finally found the one person she would love to spend not only today or tomorrow with, but also the rest of her days. Chloe was one lucky girl.
THE END
About The Author
Tiana's a young writer who only recently began having her stories published. At only 30-years-old, Tiana plans to continue her writing for many years to come and seems to have a never ending stream of unique story ideas.
Tiana was raised in New York City and currently resides in a small apartment house in Philadelphia with her two adorable cats. She's yet to meet Mr. Right, but in the meantime enjoys depicting him in her various interracial stories!
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Also from Tiana Cole:
Which Baby for the Billionaire?
Southern Charm
Escort by Mistake
The Billionaire's Offer