Liam
I made a sweeping gesture with my hand, indicating everything I set in motion. “You seriously need to ask me that?”
“I just want to make sure you don’t feel pressured. Because of the baby.” She hedged, and I crossed my arms over my chest and glared. “And because of things people might be saying.”
Ah.
I made a rude noise. “You think I give two shits what some fired bitches have to say?”
“Well, you exiled them for saying it, so yeah.”
“I exiled them because of the way they treated you.”
An impatient sound filled her throat. “I don’t want to argue. I just want you to be sure. I know you love me and our baby.”
“I do, which is exactly why I want you to have my name.” Softening my tone, I cupped her jaw, imploring her with my eyes. “I want this. You. More than anything else. I would marry you even if you weren’t pregnant, even if I wasn’t famous and women weren’t being jealous hags.”
She rolled her eyes, and I smiled. “I will admit I’d like to be married before my son is born. He deserves that.”
“Yes.” She agreed. “He does.”
“Good. Can we get married now?” I asked. Geez, I never had to work so hard for anything in my life.
“Yes, please.”
I scooped her up and made her shriek and laugh. “Liam!” she exclaimed, patting my shoulder. “You’re supposed to carry me over the threshold, not to the altar!”
“I’m doing both, sweetheart. To the extreme.”
“‘Bout time y’all got here. I was about to become a snowman,” Alex heckled.
“You guys!” Bellamy exclaimed. “You all knew!”
“It was so hard keeping the secret!” Bells’s mom exclaimed.
“Liam has been hard at work.”
I set her down beside me as our family stepped close. Bellamy looked up. “How did you have time to do this and train?”
“I’m a motivated guy.”
“I did it all.” Alex lied.
I punched him in the shoulder. “He did not,” I told Bells.
“I’m so happy for you both,” Holly said, reaching for our hands. “All a mother wants is for her child to be happy.”
Stephanie nodded. “It’s true.”
“I just wish your father was here to see it.”
“He’s watching.” Alex assured her and looked to the sky. “He has the best seat in the house.”
My throat tightened, and I glanced overhead. I hoped Dad was watching. I hoped he knew how grateful I was for his sacrifice.
“Shall we begin?” the minister said from near the awning thing. It had a fancy name, but damn if I remembered it.
I held out my hand to Bellamy, and she reached for it. Alex smacked my arm away. “That is not how this shit works!”
I spun on my best friend and glared. “Dude. I’m trying to get married here.”
“And I’m trying to be the best man.”
“Being best man requires you to stand over there and shut it.”
“Liam!” Bellamy hissed.
“I’ve taken it upon myself to walk Bells down the aisle,” Alex announced.
“There is no aisle,” I pointed out.
“Don’t you think your girl deserves a proper ceremony?”
I relented. “Yeah.” I agreed. “I do.”
“Doesn’t anyone want to ask me what I want?” Bellamy wondered.
Both our mothers snickered.
“That boy is a handful,” Stephanie told my mom.
“Is he ever.”
Alex and I turned to Bellamy. “What would you like, sweetheart?”
“Go stand over there.” She directed me.
Alex made a triumphant sound. I leaned in to kiss her, but she pulled back. “You have to wait until we’re married.”
Alex cackled, and I resisted the urge to give him the finger. I figured it wouldn’t be proper in front of a minister and all.
The snow crunched beneath my boots as I went over and stood under the lights and pine near the minister.
Bellamy’s cheeks were flushed and her eyes were bright when she turned to my best friend. “I’m very honored that you would do this for me.”
Alex offered Bellamy his arm. “Girl, the pleasure is all mine.”
She tucked her hand in his elbow, and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. She looked so happy I couldn’t yell at him.
“He ever gives you any trouble, you just come to me,” Alex told her.
“I’m waiting down here,” I called out.
Bellamy giggled and started forward with Alex. Her mom gasped quietly and hurried over and handed her a bouquet of roses. She accepted, and then they started toward me again.
There was no music except for the rustling of the wind in the trees, and the only light was from the millions of stars overhead and the candles we’d placed all around.
Honestly, it wouldn’t have mattered if it was this or a million people standing watch. The only two people who existed in this moment were her and me.
Our eyes never strayed as she closed the distance between us, and I savored every step she took because in just moments, she would officially be mine.
Alex stopped in front of us, and Bellamy rushed forward. A pulled her back, though, saying, “Whoa, girl, slow your roll.”
“Bro,” I growled in warning.
“Go ahead,” Alex said to the minister, ignoring me.
“Who gives this woman to this man?” the minister said clearly.
Bellamy giggled, and even though I was annoyed, my lips twitched.
“That would be me,” Alex replied dutifully.
I reached for my girl, and Alex grabbed my hand. “Take care of her.”
“You know I will.”
He nodded and dropped my hand, came forward, and hugged me. “Congrats, man. You deserve this. It’s good to see you happy.”
I forgot how annoying he was being and hugged him back. “Thanks, Alex,” I replied. “Wouldn’t have wanted to do this without you at my side.”
“Always.” He pulled back and smiled at Bellamy, then moved over to my side.
Mom and Stephanie were already crying as I pulled Bellamy to me. She smiled up at me, candlelight reflected in her eyes and glistening off the sleek strands of her hair coming out from beneath her hat.
I honestly couldn’t think of anything more perfect… more us. Standing on the top of the mountain with the people we loved most.
It moved me in ways I honestly hadn’t expected.
“I love you,” she whispered, reaching up and stroking my cheek.
“Love you more,” I mouthed back.
The minister cleared his throat, and we turned to face him. Our vows carried with the wind and echoed through the trees. Rings were exchanged, and a long kiss was shared.
It didn’t take very long to bind us for eternity, which somehow seemed appropriate because in truth, Bellamy owned me from the very first moment we met.