A Different Side (University Park #4) (74 page)

BOOK: A Different Side (University Park #4)

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“Family and friends, I’m happy to introduce, Mr. and Mrs. Davenport.” The crowd clapped and Nevara started crying. Lexi looked at me and I shook my head. Our baby girl was definitely a drama queen. “You may now kiss your bride.”

“I never thought this day would come.” I gathered her in my arms and dipped her, planting an enticing kiss on her lips. More yells and whistles flooded the air and Lexi giggled.

We took pictures with our family and friends and then entered the large tent located behind the swimming pool. Round tables covered in white tablecloths and tall vases with white and purple flowers filled the space. Thousands of white lights twinkled underneath purple fabric draped from the ceiling to the floor. In the center of the tent was a huge crystal chandelier that created colorful prisms all over the room. Making it seem more fairytale like. The bride and groom’s cakes had me salivating.

“It’s beautiful, Raven.” Lexi kissed me on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, baby.” Hearing and seeing how much she liked everything had me smiling inside. I was willing to do anything for this woman.

The music lowered and the DJ said, “The bride and groom have arrived. If they can please take the dance floor.”

I held out my hand. “May I have this dance?”

“Of course.” Lexi placed her hand in mine and I led us to the dance floor. I slid my arm around her waist and pulled her close. “Are you happy?”

“More than you’ll ever know.” Happiness radiated through my body. “The most beautiful woman in the world is now my wife, I have a son and a daughter, and I’m living my dream, playing football for a living. What more could I ask for?”

“I love seeing you happy.” She stared deep into my eyes. “It shows me how much you’ve healed.”

“You’re right, baby. I’ve come a long way.” I recounted some of the darkest moments in my life, but new ones quickly overcame them. Ones far exceeding the hard and painful times. It took a lot of perseverance and determination to get past those, but most of all, faith. Faith that things would get better if I kept on the right path. A path Lexi helped me see and Dr. Galen helped me achieve. “Thank you for standing by my side. I know it wasn’t easy.”

Her eyes filled with tears, but she held them back. “When you love someone, you’re willing to do whatever it takes to help them, and that’s exactly what I did.”

“And for that, I’ll always be grateful.” My eyes closed and I kissed her softly, instilling all the love I had for her so she knew just how much she meant to me. I wanted her to see how thankful I was for her sticking by my side when she didn’t have to. For refusing to give up on me regardless of how much heartache and pain I’d caused her. I opened my eyes and held her gaze. “You look radiant, Lexi. Happy.”

“That’s because I am.” She draped her arms around my neck and rested against me. Having her in my arms gave me a sense of security that only existed with her. With Lexi next to me, there wasn’t anything I couldn’t face.

“Good. I want to keep you that way forever.” I nuzzled her neck, eager to feel her skin against mine.

“That’s easy. All you need to do is love me, stay loyal to me, and be there for me and the twins.”

“Then it’s a done deal,” I said confidently.

She narrowed her eyes. “So just like that, you figured it all out?”

I turned her and drew her close again. “Yep. I finally figured out what it will take to keep you trapped forever.”

She inclined her head. “I hate to break it to you, but I was caught in your trap a long time ago.”

“Really?” My head jerked back. “How long?”

Her lips pressed together and her eyes wandered up before returning to me. “Since the day I met you outside the library to help you with that Stephen Crane paper.”

My lips spread into a wide grin. “That far back?” I rubbed the slight scruff on my chin. Was I that irresistible? “Damn, that was like the third time we got together.”

“I know.” She ran her fingers through the sides of my hair. It felt good and I was glad I let it grow back. “You’re quite the charmer, in case you haven’t noticed.”

“There’s only one woman I want to charm, and that’s you.” I lowered my lips to hers. “Lexi, you’re my end and my beginning.”

Her faced flushed a perfect pink and a bright radiance covered her. “Raven, as long as you are with me, there’s no place I’d rather be.”

Those words were like gold. More precious than the metal itself. I twirled her and then dipped her. I still couldn’t believe Lexi was finally my wife. “And where’s that?”

A smile emerged and without any doubt in her voice, she said, “Right here, in
The Raven’s trap
.”

About the Author

Born and raised in the United States of America in the great state of Texas, CM Doporto resides there with her husband and son, enjoying life with their extensive family along with their Chihuahua and several fish. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, where she is associated with the Young Adult Special Interest Chapter. To learn more about her upcoming books, visit
www.cmdoporto.com
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