The group applauded and cheered her on.
After taking the ring from Dakota, she held Sin’s hand. As she slipped on the thick, Zirconium wedding band, she said, “Together forever as husband and wife. This ring means you’re my man. Don’t forget that. But I’m guessing my dad would come after you pretty good if you mess this up.”
When the group stopped laughing, she smiled up at him. “My heart and my soul are yours forever.”
Dakota handed Sin her wedding ring.
As he gazed into her eyes, he said, “This band signifies our never-ending love story. I will love, honor and cherish you for the rest of my life…and beyond. You, my beautiful Evangeline, are my entire universe, my best friend, and my life partner in all things good…and bad.”
He slid the black wedding band emblazoned with white diamonds over her ring finger. “I pledge my love and everlasting commitment to you today, tomorrow, and for all our days ahead.”
“Nice job,” Maverick said with a grin. “Congratulations, it’s my great honor to now pronounce you husband and wife.”
As the guests applauded, Sin drew her into his arms and kissed her. A feeling of peace washed over him. Evangeline’s love had freed him from his past and set him on a trajectory for a lifetime of happiness and love.
When their kiss ended, Evangeline clasped his hand and turned to the crowd. “I have a little something for my husband.” She grinned at him. “You aren’t the only one with a surprise.”
Big D walked to the front carrying a large box. “Hey, everyone. I’m Big D.”
The attendees shouted their hellos back.
“I’d like to give Big D kudos for bringing this gift with him since I had no idea I was getting married today,” Evangeline said before addressing Big D. “Thank you for being one step ahead of Sin and me.”
“My pleasure,” he replied.
Evangeline faced her husband. “Babe, I had this made for you, for the lobby of your children’s center.”
Big D opened the box and lifted out a large gold plaque. Evangeline read the inscription out loud.
The Develin Center for Runaway Children is
dedicated to my two amazing dads
David Develin
Warren Hott
And to the two men who changed my life with their unconditional love
My brother, Ashton “Maverick” Miles Hott
My twin brother, Dakota Winston Luck
Tears filled Sin’s eyes. “Wow,” he said and kissed her. “This is awesome. Thank you, babe.”
She beamed at him. “I hope you like it.”
He re-read the plaque. “Hmm.”
“What’s wrong?”
“It’s missing someone.”
Evangeline scoured the guests before turning back to him. “We can have it redone.”
“I’m the building supervisor for the center,” Big D said. “Everything at that facility has to go through me.”
“The real boss,” Sin said and everyone broke into applause.
“I’ve worked with Sin for a long time and I think I know him pretty well,” Big D continued. “Because of that, I decided to make a second plaque.” He pulled more brown packing paper from the bottom of the box and lifted out a second gold plaque. “Let’s try this one. Evangeline, can you do the honors?” He held it up for everyone to see while she read this one out loud.
The Develin Center for Runaway Children is
dedicated to my two amazing dads
David Develin
Warren Hott
And to the three people who changed my life with their unconditional love
My brother, Ashton “Maverick” Miles Hott
My twin brother, Dakota Winston Luck
My wife, Evangeline Worthington Develin
Her voice broke while her eyes grew moist. “Oh, wow.” She hugged Big D. “Thank you so much for including me.” Turning to her husband, she asked, “What do you think?”
“Now, it’s perfect, my love,” Sin said with a smile. “It’s absolutely perfect.”