Page 71 of Something to Believe In

He reached for her hand and held it as they strolled through the house. Once in the car, he took her hand once more and held it as he drove them to their new homesite. He'd gotten his Mustang back yesterday, and the smile on his face was priceless.

The weather was warm and not as humid as it had been. The perfect weather for a wedding. That was a sign, wasn't it?

Moving up the driveway to the top of the bluff, her tummy fluttered once more as excitement raced through her.

Tony had erected a white tent at the top, and it provided a place for them to sit and eat sheltered from the blaring sun. It changed the look up here, for the better. Their friends had gathered. Tony and Livia and Sean and Gloria stood waiting for them, looking out over the water.

Axel opened her door and helped her from the vehicle. Hand in hand, they neared their friends. Livia hugged her close. "You are stunning."

Mads chuckled. "Thank you. I love that dress on you."

Livia grinned. "Thank you for helping me find it."

Gloria hugged her close. "You are a gorgeous bride, Mads. But then, when aren't you gorgeous?"

"You should see me first thing in the morning."

Gloria shook her head. "Doubtful."

She stepped over to Sean. He hugged her close. "The next wedding is yours."

He grinned. "I'm excited for the day."

She winked and hugged Tony. "You look handsome. Thank you for getting the tent set up."

"Anytime I can help my beautiful friend marry her soulmate, I'm in."

She sniffed lightly. This was not the time to cry.

Jami's vehicle was parked with the rest of the cars. When he stepped out, she grinned. It was clear why the women swooned when Jami was on stage. He had a presence. He commanded the room.

He smiled at her as he neared. Wrapping her in his arms, he whispered, "I'm so fucking happy for you and Axel, Mads."

"Thank you, Jami. It means the world to us."

Zeke stepped out of the tent. His hair was a bit messed up, but he finger-combed it as he neared. He glanced at Tony and said, "All good." Maddyn grinned. Tony had Zeke set up the tent.

The last arrival made his way to the top of the bluff. The pastor who would marry them.

He neared Axel and nodded. Axel shook his hand and moved toward her. His smile was beautiful. Her heart fluttered.

Axel stood next to her, the pastor before them. They looked over the bluff as he prayed for them and their future together. Axel put a beautiful eternity band on her finger with her engagement ring. She put a shiny, thick gold band on his finger. It looked good on his hands.

They were pronounced husband and wife, and she kissed her husband, but the best part was when he kissed her back.

Zeke handed Axel a guitar, and she watched in surprise as Axel lifted the strap over his head and settled it on his shoulder. He faced her and smiled. "I wrote this song for you on this day."

She sucked in a deep breath.

As he sang to her, he stared into her eyes. His watered twice. Hers flowed over heavily. Livia handed her a tissue, and she made good use of it. After he finished the song, he handed his guitar to Zeke and kissed her once more.

She got her emotions under control and whispered. "It was simply beautiful, Axel. Thank you."

"I love you, Maddyn Peters."

She grinned. "Oh, wow, my new name."

"I wanted to be the first to call you by it."

She hugged him. "I'm glad you did."

Their friends joined them in congratulations. The Sandbar delivered a meal for them to share, and they were home in the early evening hours, excited, happy, and spent. Tomorrow, they started a tour, and they'd be on the road for two weeks. They'd go on a honeymoon another time. They were starting their new life together, doing what they absolutely loved.

Axel grinned. "How about we write a song while we're on the road?"

"I'd love that. Yes, let's do it."

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