I gape at him. This isn't what we discussed. We agreed on normal, boring vows.

His statement affects me. I try to hold back tears, but one escapes.

What is he doing?

Why did he say that?

His words are everything I would ever want to hear from my husband-to-be. I don't understand why he's doing this to me.

Maybe I was wrong and Sebastian is cruel.

Is it part of his ruthlessness?

No, he's not anything but good to me.

The officiant glances at me. "Would you like to make your vows, Georgia?"

Panic fills me. My insides turn into a quivering, chaotic mess. Flustered, trying not to cry more, and wondering what I'm going to say, I close my eyes briefly.

Sebastian cuts in, ordering, "State the regular vows for Georgia, please." He squeezes my hands again and refocuses on me.

I open my eyes, grateful he stepped in. He gives me his award-winning smile, and a part of me calms.

The officiant comments, "I take you, Sebastian Allen Cartwright, to be my lawful husband."

My voice shakes and then it grows stronger. "I take you, Sebastian Allen Cartwright, to be my lawful husband."

Sebastian clenches his jaw, his eyes twinkling.

"To have and to hold from this day forward," the officiant adds.

My lips tremble and my knees wobble more. I repeat, "To have and to hold from this day forward."

Sebastian steps closer, caressing my hands again, and somehow it magically reduces my anxiety.

The officiant states, "For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health."

I repeat, "For better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health."

The officiant continues, "To love and to cherish until death do us part."

I swallow hard, then raise my chin and square my shoulders, locking eyes with Sebastian. "To love and to cherish until death do us part." My insides roll so fast that I feel like I might get sick.

Sebastian gives me a small smile.

The officiant beams at us. "By the power vested in me by the glorious state of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Let me introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Cartwright."

The entire room breaks out in applause and shouts.

Mrs. Sebastian Cartwright.

The officiant looks at Sebastian. "Well, you may kiss your bride."

Sebastian tugs me into him and slides his hand under my hair, grasping the back of my neck. He briefly studies my face, then brings his lips to mine.

The room disappears. My body submits against his, molding into his hard frame, and he owns me once more. Only this time, I'm legally his wife.

He pulls back and murmurs against my lips, "You did good, Sunshine."

I stare at him, still processing everything.

"Or should I say Mrs. Cartwright?" He winks, then takes my hand and leads me past the chairs.