We hadn't rehearsed any of this. Jackson spoke from his heart. I clung to every word.

  Jackson turned to his parents.

  "I want to thank my parents. You guys are an amazing example of what marriage, parenthood, and family is all about." He turned to my parents. "I feel fortunate to be able to have the Butlers trust me with loving and taking care of their Carrington."

  "And, me too," Jack said.

  The room laughed.

  Kayla sat to my right, where my maid of honor should sit. She handed me a tissue as she dabbed her own eyes.

  "I’m happy to have been adopted, for lack of a better word, by the Griffin family, too."

  Jackson's two brothers sat to his left, unaware that our impromptu wedding meant he didn't have to choose who would be the best man.

  Jackson turned to me, and we stood face to face.

  He took my hands and kissed them both. I didn't have a chance to see if the room had caught on. The whole room faded away. It was Jackson, speaking to me, directly to my soul.

  "Carrington Olivia Butler. I love you. I have since the moment we meet at FSU. My love grew from there. Even in those years when we weren't together, it's no wonder I couldn't live my life to the fullest. You had a hold of my heart. Now, I have it back, I have you back, for now, and forever. Thank you for loving me and opening your heart to me. I know it wasn't easy, and I know it took a lot of work on your part, so thank you for putting in the work. I won't ever give you cause to regret it."

  I reached up and touched Jackson's chin. I caught a tear as it slid down his cheek. He leaned over and kissed me. I drew all the strength and courage from his lips to allow me to speak to him from my heart.

  "Jackson Latre Mitchell," I said in my best Southern accent. Jackson chuckled. "I can't believe we're here. It's a miracle, but we know a little something about miracles, don't we?"

  "Yes, we do."

  "It was a miracle that saved Jack and me. It was a miracle that brought you to Phoenix to finish what you started so many years ago in that room in the library at FSU, Go Noles!"

  "Go Noles," Jackson and Mr. Griffin said.

  When the room laughed, I noticed them again.

  "It's a miracle that opened my heart. I'm so sorry it was closed for so long, but I'm grateful in a sense because I'm now prepared to love you the way you love me. You are my king, my rock, my constant, always caring, always compassionate and ready at a moment’s notice to deal with me and all that I bring. I know I'm not easy, but I promise to show you every second of our lives together that I am worth it."

  We kissed again. I loosened my grip on Jackson's hands, and we both turned toward Jack.

  "Sweetie, come here for a second." We each took one of Jack's hands. His face was red and tear stained. I ran my hand over his face and took his hand again. "Breathe, sweetie. It's all good."

  He took in a deep breath and let it out and then he smiled up at both of us.

  "Our family starts and ends with you. So in front of all these people, I wanted to ask you, Jackson Davis Butler, can I be a part of your family? I want you to be a part of mine."

  Jack nodded vigorously, and we all laughed. Jackson took the ring on a chain and pulled it out.

  "Your mom and I got this for you as a symbol of our union; the three of us are a family now."

  I hung the platinum band on the chain around Jack's neck. He held it up and studied it. "Cool," Jack said.

  Jackson turned back to me.

  He took my ring out of his pocket and presented it to me.

  "Carrington Olivia Butler, will you accept this ring as a symbol of our union. Will you devote yourself to me, mind, body, and soul?" Jackson asked. I nodded my head too. I couldn't speak words; I was all raw and pure emotion, but it was my turned to talk.

  "Yes, I will." I fished Jackson's ring out my pocket. "Will you accept this ring as a symbol of our union? Will you devote yourself to me mind, body, and soul?"

  "Absolutely," Jackson said as I slid the ring on his finger. We kissed again then I grabbed Jack's hand, and we all turned to face James.

  He stood up and looked at both of us, his eyes wet. I took a moment to look around the table and noticed every eye focused on us. Not a dry eye in the room. Jackson squeezed my hand, and I turned back to James.

  "I was given the honor and the privilege to officiate this union, but like I figured, they didn't need me." The group chuckled. "They know best what their union means to them, to little Jack, and to their families."

  "I guess there's only one thing left for me to do. Everyone, please stand." James reached for his glass and held it in the air. "Please join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Jackson and Carrington Mitchell."

  A roar of cheers, laughter, and applause rose up from our little group. It would have disturbed the whole hotel if we weren't the only ones there. Everyone crowded around us offering hugs and congratulations.

  It was Jack who asked the question.

  "Did y'all really just get married?"

  "Yeah, buddy. That was kind of the whole point."

  Jack hugged Jackson. "This was the best Christmas present ever."

  "Oh, great! So I can return all the rest."

  "Yep." Jack squeezed Jackson, and we all laughed. "Well, maybe not the PlayStation."

  The End

  Sydney’s VIP Newsletter

  Books by Sydney Aaliyah Michelle

  Another New Life

  A New Season

  Your Biggest Fan

  Hope Series:

  Hope for Her

  Hope for Him

  Hope for Us

  Hope: A Sports Romance Boxed Set

  Hope for Us All (Hope Series Christmas Novella)

  Love Sick Series:

  Anxious Love

  Anthologies:

  Valentine Pets & Kisses

  Romancing the Wine

  Spicy Christmas Kisses 2

  About the Author

  Sydney Aaliyah Michelle is a Contemporary Romance writer, a voracious reader and movie fanatic who hails from Texas.

  After surviving 5 1/2 years living in China, she had the courage to finally pursue her passion and become a writer.

  Sydney's novels tackle the dramatic world that is college and professional football She writes about heroines who love their men and the sports world they play in.

  She identifies the sci-fi action flick "The Matrix" as the best representation of her life in the past. She is now blessed to be awake and doing what she loves.

  She can recite the entire script from the 80's teen comedy/drama "The Breakfast Club" and loves any and everything associated with the Avengers Movie, especially Tony Stark.

  When it come to books, Sydney reads different genres, but some of her favorite writers are Stephen King, Alex J. Cavanaugh, J.A Huss, M. Never & Emily Bronte. Under the Dome, The Great Gatsby & Wuthering Heights are her favorite books.

  Sign up for Sydney's News!

  Connect with Sydney Aaliyah Michelle Online

  @sydneyamichelle

  SydneyAaliyahMichelle

  www.sydneyamichelle.com

  sydliyah@hotmail.com

 

 

  Sydney Aaliyah Michelle, Hope for Us All: A Hope Series Christmas Novella

 

 

  Thank you for reading books on GrayCity.Net
Share this book with friends