Chapter 18

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The venue was nothing short of enchanting, a picturesque canvas painted with the hues of love and celebration

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The venue was nothing short of enchanting, a picturesque canvas painted with the hues of love and celebration. Our family beach house, standing proudly against the backdrop of the ocean waves, played host to this momentous occasion.

I chose this place with intent, a decision inspired by a conversation with Addy's mom. She had once mentioned how Addy harboured a dream of marrying at a beach house, and the idea took root in my mind. The rhythmic sound of the waves, the caress of the sea breeze, and the golden glow of the setting sun that was beautiful.

Liam,stood by my side as my best man.Christian,took his place as one of my groomsmen. Standing on the stage, flanked by the minister who would officiate this pivotal moment in my life, I couldn't help but glance at the audience. There, in the front row, sat my parents, their expressions a poignant mix of pride and  joy, their eyes, glistening with happy tears.

The music swelled, signaling the much-anticipated moment. The doors opened, revealing the entrance adorned with anticipation. Evan, a bundle of energy and innocence, stepped out as the flower boy, scattering petals with unbridled enthusiasm. A collective "aww" rippled through the audience, his charm infectious. Following Evan, Lily took her place as maid of honor and Sophia as bridesmaid and took their positions beside Liam and Christian respectively.

Time momentarily stood still as the doors at the end of the aisle swung open, revealing the breathtaking scene I had been awaiting. Addy, arm in arm with her father, stepped into the radiant glow of the venue. Addy's eyes, sparkling with a mix of excitement and tenderness, met mine. Time unfroze, and the world resumed its natural course, but everything else faded into the background. In that moment, all I could see was her—a vision of beauty walking toward our shared destiny, and my heart swelled with an overwhelming sense of admiration.

The music continued its gentle melody as Addy reached the end of the aisle,  I offered Addy my hand to help her up, our fingers intertwining in a silent vow."Take care of my princess, Asher, and don't hurt her," Addy's father said with sincerity. I met Addy's father's gaze with a solemn nod, my own commitment mirrored in my eyes. "I'll cherish her," I replied. I heard Addy scoff at my reply and if it weren't for our proximity, it might have slipped away.

The minister's voice resonated through the air, signaling the beginning of the vows. The minister began "Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, we gather here today in the presence of love and joy to celebrate the union of Asher and Audrey. Today is a day filled with promise, as we witness the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. Let us come together with open hearts as we join Asher and Audrey in the celebration of their love and commitment to each other."

The minister turns towards me and asks "Do you, Asher Noah Carter, take Audrey Rose Wilson to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, until death do you part?" With a firm but gentle grip, I took Addy's hands into mine, our fingers entwining as a symbol of the unity we were about to profess. As I met her eyes, "I do," I declared.

I held my breath as the minister turned toward Addy, his gaze shifting from me to her."Do you, Audrey Rose Wilson, take Asher Noah Carter to be your lawfully wedded husband, to cherish and honor, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, forsaking all others, as long as you both shall live?"

Relief washed over me as Addy's words, "I do," reached my ears. The tension I didn't realize I was holding released, and a genuine smile formed on my face.
Slipping the wedding band onto Addy's finger, I couldn't help but notice how it nestled perfectly against the engagement ring. Addy took my hand and slipped the ring onto it's place.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce for the first time as a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Carter. You may now seal your vows with a kiss." the minister announces and the crowd breaks into cheers and claps.

Pulling Addy gently by the waist, I cupped her cheek with one hand, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my touch. A soft whisper escaped my lips, "Relax, Blue," before sealing the moment with a tender kiss on the corner of her mouth. I wanted to kiss her properly, so badly but she was not ready and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable or awkward.

Drawing back from the kiss, a playful smile curved on my lips. "Hi, Mrs. Carter," I murmured.As Addy whispered back in a breathy voice, "Hi, Mr. Carter," the warmth of the moment settled over us.

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