The officiant begins by asking, “Who gives this woman to be married today?”
“I do,” Dave says before kissing Bella’s cheek.
He steps back, then takes a seat in the front next to Linda, who is holding a bouncy Jaxon.
I reach out and take Bella’s hand, walking her in front of the officiant. She’s trembling, so I place my other hand overtop our clasped ones.
Our eyes lock as we seek stability in each other. My legs feel like they could give out at any moment.
The officiant rambles off some shit that I don’t even hear as I’m lost in her eyes. It’s not until she squeezes my hand and nods toward the officiant that I realize it’s my turn to speak.
“As I said, the bride and groom have decided to write their own vows. You may begin, Callum.”
Shit. I had it all memorized. Replayed it in my head a thousand times, and now I'm drawing a complete blank.
I stutter, choke, and nothing comes out.
Mark leans over and whispers, “Just speak from the heart, man”
Speak from the heart. Okay. I can do this.
“Bella,” I begin, still not sure what I’m going to say, “you came into my life when I least expected you. I was sure that I was meant to spend all my years alone. I’m not talking about the day you arrived here at Cori Cove. I’m going way back to The Webster House.” I glance over my shoulder to where Mark stands, though I don’t catch sight of him. Then I return my eyes to my bride. “You were my best friend. On the days I didn’t get to see you, because I was in trouble, I counted the hours until I could be near you again. When you left, you took a piece of my heart with you, but I always knew, deep down, that we’d be together again. Whether it was orchestrated or simply fate. Regardless, we found our way. You complete me, Bella. You are the beauty I see in the world, the light in the darkness. You are the air I breathe. I promise to spend my entire life showing you how much I love you.”
Tears fall from the corners of her eyes, and I can feel the sting in my own as they threaten to break free. I swallow hard, feeling a lump in my throat. I’m not sure what it is, but it’s an odd sensation.
“Bella, you may begin.”
“I wrote everything down, but of course, I lost it. That’s me. Always misplacing things and ending up in places I don’t belong.” She’s not lying. “So I’m winging this and I hope I get it right.” Her throat clears. “When I was a little girl, I used to dream of my wedding day. I envisioned everything I wanted. I watched myself walk down the aisle to marry the love of my life. I have a confession,” she smiles, “it was you I saw. When I was a kid, I pictured fourteen-year-old Cal. When I was a teenager, I tried to imagine what you looked like, and it was still you. There is no one in the entire world I would rather have as my husband and the father to my children. You love me in a way that makes me feel worthy. The safety of your arms is my favorite place to be. I love you more than all the castles, islands, and empires, Cal. It was always you.”
I pull her to my chest, not sure if it’s allowed, but hell if I care. I make my own rules. Bella begins sobbing softly against me, and I just hold her through it, even though I know they’re happy tears. My heart squeezes, and at the same time, Jaxon squeals. We both laugh and look over at him.
Bella extends her hands to her mom, asking for our son.
Linda gets up and brings him over and we finish the wedding with the three of us becoming one happy family.
“You may kiss the bride.”
And I do. I lift her veil, and I kiss her beautiful lips, over and over and over again.
“I’m pleased to introduce to you, Mr. and Mrs. Callum Blake.”
We raise our held hands while everyone claps.
I did it. I got the girl.
The end.
If you liked this duet, check out the Redwood Rebels Series. These boys will take you on a winding road of suspense!
Read the full series here!
NOTE TO READERS
Thank you so much for reading Her Broken Pieces. I hope you all enjoyed Bella and Callum’s love story!
Just a quick thanks to everyone who had a part in brining this book to life and helping get the word out. Thank you to…
My street team, the Rebel Readers. Carolina for being the best PA and friend. My alpha reader, Amanda, I love you! My group, Rachel’s Ramblers for being amazing and supporting me and my books. Becky for another beautiful edit. Rumi for proofreading. Candi Kane PR for helping me spread the word. Sara for always talking me through…everything. Most importantly, thank you to my readers. I couldn’t do this without you—XOXO, Rachel
ALSO BY RACHEL LEIGH
Redwood Rebels Series
Book One: Striker Book Two: Heathen
Book Three: Vandal Book Four: Reaper
Redwood High Series
(All books can be read as a stand-alone)
Book One: Like Gravity
Book Two: Like You
Book Three: Like Hate
Fallen Kingdom Duet
His Hollow Heart & Her Broken Pieces
Black Heart Duet
Four & Five
Standalones
Devil Heir
Guarded
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rachel Leigh is a USA Today bestselling author of new adult and contemporary romance with a twist. You can expect bad boys, strong heroines, and an HEA.
Rachel lives in leggings, overuses emojis, and survives on books and coffee. Writing is her passion. Her goal is to take readers on an adventure with her words, while showing them that even on the darkest days, love conquers all.
Join the fun in Rachel’s Facebook Readers Group: Rachel’s Ramblers