AllFreeNovel
Share Us
16
Nadia
My hands swept along my curves as I stared at my reflection in the mirror. The form fitting, white spaghetti strap, embroidered wedding gown flowed over my feet. My mother insisted on purchasing the expensive wedding dress three days after Aiden asked for my hand in marriage. I loved being primped and pampered for my wedding in the church’s bridal suite. My dad wanted to make my big day special.
“Nadia, you look beautiful,” Aiden’s mother Mary-Anne stated with a thick southern drawl.
Her big brown eyes glassed over as she kissed my cheek, clutching my shoulders. Mary-Anne’s hair was swept up in a bun. The pale pink chiffon dress fell below her knees.
“Thank you,” I bit back the tears.
Aiden and I Face Timed with his parents weekly. His mother was ecstatic we were getting married. A big wedding would have been nice, but an intimate ceremony is just as sweet. Sebastian introduced me to Sydney and her cousin Samantha on Face Time. The first time we talked for an hour.
Samantha who’s a party planner insisted on planning a huge reception for us at a later date. She wanted to attend our wedding but couldn’t. They said I have to visit while Aiden’s away.
“Nadia, are you ready?” My mother smiled, stepping into the room. Her short salt and pepper hair gave her a youthful look.
“Yes.”
She lowered the veil over my face.
Hooking my arm through my fathers, he smiled and kissed my cheek. “You look beautiful. He’s a lucky man.”
“Thank you, Dad.” A wide smile spread across my face.
“Are you ready?”
I exhaled. “Yes.”
The ushers opened the double doors to the large sanctuary. My eyes landed on Aiden standing at the altar. My heart skipped a beat marveling his muscled tall frame in his Navy dress uniform. My lips twitched. Licking my lips at the sexy grizzly bear awaiting me was at the forefront of my mind. I snapped out of my day dream and peeked at the sea of white uniforms gracing the aisles. Aiden’s SEAL buddies accepted me into their military family. Yesterday afternoon, our home overflowed with visitors from out of town. Our parents cooked and grilled. I heard an abundance of Aiden stories. Each one only made me love him more. I knew who I was marrying. An alpha who would die to protect me. My alpha grizzly turned teddy bear. I smiled at my brother who stood and kissed my cheek.
Aiden stepped forward taking my hand from my father. I mouthed hello to Sydney who arrived late. I asked her to be my matron of honor and stand in for my best friend Katie who passed away. She said she’d be honored. Even though we hadn’t known each other long, we talked or texted every other day since Sebastian returned home. She became like a sister. Sydney winked and smiled. I placed my bouquet in her hand and kissed her cheek. “Sydney, thank you for being here.”
“I wouldn’t miss this day.”
Aiden led my steps before the minister. I peeked at Valen and mouthed hello. He stood behind Aiden grinning in his Navy dress uniform.
I would have never guessed I’d be standing at the altar marrying my brooding neighbor. His soft green eyes roamed my body. His black hair was cut low on the sides. The front of his hair swept to the left. I couldn’t wait for his large hands to wrap around my waist and those pink lips to kiss mine. I could barely keep my eyes off that angular jaw, begging to be touched.
Aiden flashed his white teeth, clutching my hands. My nerves kicked in as we prepared to exchange our vows.
AIDEN
Nadia, I didn’t think I deserved happiness. Fighting for my country was a privilege and an honor. But something was missing. You.
You showed me I deserve love. Now I couldn’t imagine life without you. Tomorrow isn’t promised, but I vow to treat each day like it’s our last. Where ever I am in the world know when the sun rises and set’s I will be reminded of our love.
NADIA
Aiden, when we first met you wanted nothing to do with me. Not because you didn’t want me, but because you were afraid to fall in love. I never met a man like you. Without hesitation you laid your life on the line for mine. You are my protector. It wasn’t easy, but I finally opened your eyes to the beauty of us. Our love is endless. Know that I too will be reminded of our love when the sun rises and sets. I vow to treat each day like it’s our last.
I glanced at my beautiful oval diamond ring and gleamed as the minister pronounced us husband and wife. Aiden raised the veil over the beaded bun on my head. He gasped and swept me up into his arms, crushing my lips. Our guests cheered.
“I love you, Nadia Wilder. I’ll protect you until my dying day,” he stated against my lips.
His eyes were full of warmth and love.
Tears threatened to burst forth. I choked down the tears. “I love you, Aiden. I’ll always be by your side.”
