Amy, who was previously calm, was now nervous at Richard's reminder. That was all that occupied her thoughts as they drove to the church. She hardly responded to anyone, a little too nervous as they drew closer.
At the church
It was now time for the boys to enter. Stephen was the first, followed by George, then Xavier. The ladies of the book club gave each other a knowing look seeing the pretty boys.
"This boy was just pretending", Henry mused in irritation seeing how calm Xavier was. He earned a nudge from his wife as she was too focused on taking pictures of him.
"It is now time for the groom to enter."
The place went quiet when Zach stepped forward and walked down the aisle with each stride taken with confidence. The man was already handsome and on this day he just looked even more godly.
Right after him, the girls walked in with all smiles and stood where assigned. He stepped off the alter and gasps were heard when they saw him smile. A baby's coo was heard and everyone saw Roserie smiling upon recognizing her smiling father.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Hello princess", he picked up the little one from Stella and kissed her chucbby cheeks.
"Awwww."
"Their behaviors are so similar", Lorraine whispered to Nora.
"I'm convinced, I want one of those", Nora responded and gave George a knowing look that sent shivers donw his spine. Suzy only chuckled. Roserie started to cry when Zach gave her back to Stella.
"Gosh Zach", Victoria shook her head at the crying child. She walked over to Stella. "Give her to me, I haven't seen her all morning."
The officiant waited for Victoria to go back to her seat and Zach resume his spot before announcing,"It is now time for the bride to enter."
Out of habit, Zach pulled on his jacket to straighten it and blew out a deep breath keeping his gaze peeled on the doors.
Right outside, Amy was taking a couple deep breaths to calm her nerves. Richard patted her manicured hand that was hooked in his arm.
"It will be okay", he assured her with a smile which she returned with hers. "Ready?"
Not trusting her own words, she gave him a strong nod and the doors opened. Gasps echoed the moment the beautiful girl took a step forward. The ladies from the book club came with their families, the ladies from the golf club as well, Alex sat with Stacy and Ian, Rider and some other members of the FBI, Henry and Victoria feeding Roserie, and Stella. There were others Amy did not know but she guessed were important guests of the Frosts'. But none of these mattered to her.
She looked up at the alter and everything in the background except for one man. There he was, the man she loved more than life itself, her rock. She was finally going to be his, and him, hers. A single tear fell on one side, followed by another on the other.
It was close to a year ago that she was kidnapped and thrown into a hotel room together with this man. What started as a forced passionate night, only ended with each of them leaving a strong permanent print in each other's hearts.
Zach felt a tear slide down his cheek too when he saw Amy walking down. Her ethereal beauty made him feel like heaven was coming to him instead. Almost a year ago he would've found it hard to believe that this day would come.
Her reputation for being a master at hiding still stands, it made him wonder how on earth he could be so lucky to stumble upon the gem that is Amy. Before her, all he was a working man and a protector of his family. But ever since she came into his life, he learned to be a littlw selfish and focused on his feelings and what he wanted, and that was Amy.
It was only one night but that had changed his life forever. She may have disappeared from the world, but not from Zach's heart. A lot of persistence, with a hint of fate's mercy on them, and a little blessing in the form of their daughter Roserie along the way whom they loved more than anything inthe world, they were finally becoming one as man and wife.
"Who gives this woman?"
"I, her father", Richard answered proudly before turning to Zach and whispered, "Take good care of her."
Zach nodded before Richard exchanged a cheek to cheek kiss with Amy before taking a seat next to his wife. Zach took Amy's hand and led her to the alter. She raised her hand and gently wiped away his tears.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Can I?" He asked, afraid to ruin her makeup. She chuckled and nodded away. "You look beautiful."
"You too", she whispered and sniffled. "I didn't think you'd cry."
"I could not help it especially when I started to think about how we started till we got here", he answered honestly and her eyes widened.
"I was- I was thinking about the same thing", she admitted making his brows shoot up.
How were they so in sync? Was it really true about people who were deeply in love, soul mates? They both broke into smiles and Zach caressed her cheek under the veil lovingly. He was about to start a new chapter in his life, going down the path of forever, and he wouldn't do it with any other person but the woman before him, Amy Jennifer Harper.
"I love you", he breathed out, his honest heart reflecting in his gaze.
"I love you too."
Amy was no different from him. Her gaze mesmerized him on the spot. His gaze fell to her luscious lips that parted for him. He started to lean in and her eyes flattered close until they heard an awkward clearing of a throat from in front of them.
The officiant cleared his throat once more under Zach's glare, "Sorry, but we haven't gotten to that part yet."
The audience laughed, amused at the couple that had completely gotten lost in their own world. Amy's face heated up as she smiled, feeling embarrassed, "Sorry."
"Sorry", Zach apologized. He took her hands and cleared his throat making her flash her beautiful smile once again.
The priest nodded and started to speak, "Dear beloved, we are gathering here today..."