Chapter Fifteen

“Holy shit, Lee Lee. It’s beautiful.” I sigh. She’s created a dream. The Wichita State baseball field is covered with an extra large white cloth and it’s surrounded with red stitching carrying the theme I chose. Our parents have seats on the field but the rest of our friends are in the bleachers. The only piece of the field that is visible is the pitcher’s mound— where Mason is standing, flanked by Deacon and Caden. Brody will join him after he walks me down the aisle.

“You look amazing, Breck. I can’t believe this day is here. Mason fucking Adler getting married.” All the girls share a laugh at Emberlee’s amazement.

“But Mason fucking Adler loves you.” Saylor winks.

“I know. And believe me— I love that boy.” I close my eyes and daydream. Freshman orientation— he was being punished and wore his douche hat. Until spotting me. I became a challenge, to end up being his salvation. The lake. The misunderstandings. The sex. The drugs. The end. And the reconciliation. It happened here on this field and I couldn’t think of a more perfect place to start our future.

“Are you gonna share?” Avery asks. “You looked deep in thought.”

“Just remembering.” I wink.

“Tell me this isn’t your fairytale?” Saylor looks at the perfection Emberlee created.

“Nope. It’s better. In my daydreams the groom wasn’t as good as Mason fucking Adler.” I tease.

“Are we gonna have to call you Brecklynn fucking Adler, now?” Emberlee is serious.

“Hopefully in eight months you’ll be calling me mommy. Well, not you because that would be odd. But fingers crossed— that’s what I’ll be.” I glance to them to see their reaction. I know Mason is telling the guys while they wait and I’ll hear hollering in a bit. We’ll announce to the others at the reception.

“Holy shit. He got it up?” Saylor asks.

“Damn it. We’re all separated. I’m so happy for you, Breck. I’ll be the best damn aunt.” Avery grabs my hand.

“Breck,” Emberlee gasps. Her hand covering her mouth and her eyes fill with tears. “Perfect.” She whispers and embraces me.

“Now, all I need is you to put Brody outta his misery and marry that man. I need it to be official that you’re my sister-in-law.” I pinch her. “And Aves and Caden’s wedding and babies.”

“Stop. Stay in your lane. Caden and I will wait a year. Med school is gonna kick his ass. Babies— they’re five years or so out. I learned how to fuck without procreating.” She informs us.

“Birth control isn’t one hundred percent.” Saylor is haughty.

“Anal and swallowing is.” I bite back my laughter because I know she’s fucking with us. I think. Oh hell no, Avery is a closet freak.

“Every time?” Emberlee asks.

Avery sighs. “Y’all are too easy. NO! He fucks me the normal way.”

“No condom?” Saylor is curious.

“Uh, can we get back to Breck’s wedding day? Caden and I have normal sex. No condoms. I get the shot. And we aren’t planning kids in the near future— if it happens it happens. Yes, I do swallow. And yes, he puts more than the tip in. End of discussion.” Her cheeks flame and I wink at her.

“Has Caden decided what field he’s gonna specialize in?” Lee Lee asks Aves.

“Yeah. But it isn’t for me to announce. You’ll find out at the reception.” She’s so damn evasive— that’s how she kept her secret for so long.

“You’re a pain in the ass.” I slap her arm.

“And I have something for you.” Saylor hands me a sapphire blue box. “From Mason.” I blink to stop the tears.

I look at my girls— all so different, yet we’ve forged a bond. Saylor and I weren’t the original crew but you’d never know it. That’s what’s so special— I wasn’t there for most of the years but you wouldn’t know it. Hell, sometimes I forget because it’s like I’m a part of something beyond me. “I love y’all.” I sigh. The tears are streaming and I can’t stop them. “I never thought I’d end up here.”

“Yeah. It’s great.” Saylor bumps my hip and I nod.

“Although, I feel like a fucking groupie.” Lee Lee grimaces and I giggle. Granted, I may have told her I wanted a baseball themed wedding but she took it a step further. I took a peek at the reception hall— and it stole my breath; even if it was over the top. Little red stitching adorns every edible piece of food. She drew the line when I said I was gonna wear cleats under my dress.

Each one with different looks all wear the strapless red dresses I chose flawlessly. Saylor with her deep tan and blond hair is stunning. Runway model worthy, I swear. Deacon’s gonna lose his fucking mind when he sees her. Emberlee’s eyes with her dark hair pop with the coloring and she owns it. Brody will be distracted with trying to find a corner to hump her in that I’ll have free reign with my husband tonight. Avery— fuck me. The glow of love is evident in her cheeks, her sparkling eyes and dark curls that enhance the seams of the dress. She’s wearing the dress, not the other way around.

And me . . . I giggle as I take in what I’m sure will drive Mason crazy. I know he loves the game but he worships me. In his arms I experience a love I didn’t know existed.

“Open it.” Aves is restless. I lift the box and gasp. Nestled in the white satin is a platinum necklace with three charms dangling. A baseball, a camera, and a pair of baby shoes.

“Put it on.” I ask anyone to help. I don’t care who clasps it but I need it against my skin, hanging close to my heart.

“He did good.” Saylor is in awe. “With the bride and gift.” She winks.

“Time’s up.” Brody kisses his woman and turns to stare at me. “Wow.” His eyes get misty and the girls give us a minute.

“Good wow?” I need his approval. He loves me. He loves Mason. He doesn’t love me with anyone, but that’s the big brother way.

“Good. You look beautiful. You sure you wanna marry this chump?” He semi jokes.

I roll my eyes. “Every single day. He’d be my choice each time.”

“I know. That’s why I’m walking you down the aisle. Dad would be so proud and he’d see what I do— Mason Adler loves you and there’s no better man for you.” I lose the battle of controlling my sobs and my big brother holds me while I compose myself.

“Hate you.” I whisper.

“Hate you the most.” He kisses my temple and bends his arm for me to assume the walking position.