Page 167 of Love Unscripted
The pastor smiled gently.
“What God has joined together, let no man separate.”
Then, with a warmth that broke the stillness,
“You may kiss the bride.”
Aaron didn’t hesitate.
He drew her in, one hand at her waist, the other lifting her chin, and kissed her—not hurried, not tentative, but certain.
The church erupted into applause.
And for the first time since the doors had opened, Aaron allowed himself to smile—wide, unguarded—because she was finally his, and they were stepping forward together, exactly as God had intended.
~*~*~*~
The reception on the lawns of Aaron’s house was joyful and relaxed. Lights were strung through the trees. Music floated through the warm evening air.
When it was announced by the M.C that the bride and groom would open the dancing by leading off the first dance, Aaron pulled Camille onto the dance floor.
“This one,” he murmured, “is ours.”
The opening notes ofWe’ve Only Just Begundrifted into the night.
Camille’s breath caught.
He drew her closer, one hand at her waist, the other holding hers between them. They moved slowly, almost unconsciously, as if the music had found them rather than the other way around.
Around them, conversation hushed. People watched with quiet affection.
Camille lifted her gaze to him. There was something in his expression she had seen before—but never this unguarded.
“You’re really here,” he said softly.
She smiled, eyes shining. “So are you.”
He exhaled, almost like a man who had been holding his breath for years.
And they danced.
~*~*~*~
As the night began to wind down, Madison, flushed from hours of running and laughter, could barely keep her eyes open. She leaned against Camille sleepily as her grandparents approached.
“Someone’s had a full evening,” her grandmother said with a gentle smile.
Aaron crouched slightly, brushing a kiss over Madison’s forehead. “Did you have fun?”
She nodded drowsily. “The best.”
Camille kissed her too. “Go get some rest, sweetheart.”
Madison reached for her grandparents’ hands, already half-asleep as they led her away.
Aaron and Camille stood side by side, watching until the car disappeared down the drive.
A quiet settled between them—not empty, but full.
