Surviving The Aftermath [Book Three]

Seventeen

Demi

"True marriage is more than joining the bonds of marriage of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace when the day is done. May you both be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding" my hand wrapped in Kobe's was causing my entire body to cover in goosebumps. "Now, Kobe and Demi have written their own vows to express their love for each other. Kobe would you like to go first" he nodded and I watched as he swallowed.

"Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not always great with my words" there was a collection of laughs. "The first day that I met you, you were beating the shit out of that punchbag" I gave him a playful glare as everyone else chuckled. My eyes shot to Ayla and Kyra who were sat beside my mom with their basket of flowers on their laps. I gave them a smile as they waved. "I knew that I needed to get to know you better. The first time I heard your laugh, you had me hooked. There was no way I could ever let you slip through my fingers. To my surprise you seemed interested in me too" I lightly giggled as my eyes locked back on his. "Just a couple weeks in to knowing you, you found out that you were pregnant with Kyra, and even though that terrified me. I knew that I couldn't let you go. You're beautiful, you're courageous and you're the most amazing mother to Ayla and Kyra, and that just makes me love you so much more" a lump formed in my throat and tears welled up in my eyes as Kobe quickly wiped at his cheeks. "I can't wait to grow old with you. I love you, Demi. I can't wait for us to spend the rest of our life together. I promise to love you and cherish you. I promise to shower you in love for the rest of our lives. I promise to treat you like a queen, and I promise to treat Ayla and Kyra like the little princesses they are" I lightly giggled. "And calling you my wife can't come quick enough."

"Demi, when you're ready" I released a breath and quickly wiped my cheeks.

"I'm so glad I didn't wear much makeup today" Kobe lightly chuckled and lifted my hand up to his lips. "From the moment that I met you, I was also hooked, but it wasn't just about me, it was about Ayla too. Then I found out that I was pregnant with Kyra, and you didn't run, you stayed right by my side, holding my hand through everything. I am so thankful for you. You own my entire heart and soul and you are my forever" I released a breath, and took a moment, quickly wiping at my cheeks. "I can't wait to call you my husband. I can't wait to spend the rest of our lives together, and I can't wait to one day have my own little Kobe running around" his lips twitched at the corners. "I love you so much, Kobe, thank you for being my everything, and thank you for being a daddy to my girls. I promise to cherish you and love you through everything. I promise to always be there for you. I promise to always be truthful and I will stand by you for the rest of our lives" I tried to compose myself, quickly wiping at my cheeks.

"Kobe and Demi will now exchange rings to solidify their marriage and connection" I turned to Dallas and took the ring from her. We shared a smile and I lightly giggled at the tears rolling down her own cheeks. "Kobe, if you would like to repeat after me..."

"I, Kobe, give you, Demi, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you" I smiled up at Kobe with tears in my eyes.

"Demi, do you take Kobe to be your husband, your partner in life and your one true love?"

"I do" I nodded, holding out my shaking hand so that he could slide the ring onto my finger. I released a breath so that I could continue.

"I, Demi, give you, Kobe, this ring as an eternal symbol of my love and commitment to you."

"Kobe, do you take Demi to be your wife, your partner in life and your one true love?"

"I do" a cheer filled the air as I slid the ring onto his finger, giggling as the excitement bubbled away in my stomach.

"By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Kobe, you may kiss your bride" Kobe took a step towards me and lightly cupped my face in his hands before he leant down to brush his lips against mine. I clutched at his suit jacket, our lips dancing together, our tears mixing into the kiss as the air filled with cheers once again. The cheers filtered away the longer we kissed. It was like we were the only two people in the world. I didn't want to pull away but I knew that we needed too. We have a party to get too. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you for the very first time, Mr and Mrs Johnson" Kobe took a hold of my hand and laced our fingers together as we turned to face our family and friends, huge smiles spread across our faces, tears still pouring down both of our cheeks, tears of happiness.

I'm married.

I'm finally a wife and I've never been happier.

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