Chapter Twelve

 

Parker fumbled with the tiara with the attached wedding veil so much that Avery finally took it out of her hand. She’d been perfectly calm last night, but today she was a bundle of nerves.

“I can’t believe I’m shaking like this. I feel like an idiot.”

“It’s just bridal nerves. Everyone gets a bad case. As soon as you see Riley, that will all subside.” Avery put the tiara down and picked up a brush. “Why don’t you let me do this? It is my job as bride’s maid to do things like this.”

“I swear I think Sam’s on to me.”

“Why do you say that?”

“She’s called me three times. She never calls that much when we’re in the same state.”

Avery shrugged. “Well, we did announce we were staying over a couple of days. The ladies in the family may have gotten together and felt a disturbance in the family collective. Aunt Morgan is good for that.”

“Do you think we should wait? I feel like I’m cutting in line, leapfrogging over your wedding. And the family isn’t here.”

“I think you should follow your heart.” Avery put the brush down and sat on the vanity seat next to her. “As for getting married before us, Wyatt and I have always engaged in a slow waltz. It works for us. I’m finishing med school. He’s coming into his own in the PR department for the Tomcats. Scheduling our wedding a year out is good because I’ll be at a more stable time in my life where I can appreciate being newly married. I don’t want to get married in between rotations or some important exam. Your first response to Riley was that you’d marry him now. Go with that. And as for family, we may not have the whole brood here, but you have Wyatt and me. We’re your family.”

“Yes. You are.” Parker hugged her. “I can’t tell you how much it’s meant to me to be your friend. Your sister.”

“It’s been wonderful. I’m so glad we won’t be living apart. I love that we’ll still be in the same building. I’ve been thinking about that.” Avery beamed. “Wyatt and I are engaged. I was thinking I could move in across the hall with him and you and Riley could take our place. That is if you want to.”

“Riley could give up his place and move downstairs. But what would we do with Bridgette? She’s doing really well living with us. I don’t want to change that.”

“We’ll split custody of our wayward college student.”

“Thanks.”

“See? You’re getting married and nothing is changing. You’re simply rearranging a few things in your life.”

“The family is going to kill me.”

“Just remind them that Seth and Morgan also got married on an island with no one present.”

“Really?”

“Yes, my aunt and uncle have had a mad-capped love affair right from the beginning. She came back to Philly from vacation married to Seth, and they even kept it under wraps for a while. And it’s not like the family can’t see it. I can record your ceremony. Be sure to mention that in your defense. At least you have a recording for them to view. So there’s that.”

“OK. I feel a little better.” Parker sniffed.

“Tate and Isabelle got married on the fly in Las Vegas when he proposed to her during one of his concerts. Boy was that a wacky vacation. I was just growing into my body, and my dad had a fit about the bathing suit I wanted to wear to the pool. Jared, Tyler, and Channing barely made their way out of a strip club when the patrons mistook them for exotic dancers. Charisma was in Vegas too, but she’d had a bad fight with that loser Lamont she used to date. The family went and got her from their hotel. I think that’s when the tide started turning for the family again. Charisma started to change for the better when she saw the family loved her no matter what crazy things she did.”

Parker laughed. “Wow. I’m feeling better by the second.”

“Please, double weddings. Pregnant brides. Everyone in this family has taken a different journey down the aisle. You and Riley are two adventurous, impulsive people. It makes sense you’d get married here. Now.”

“I love him so much.”

“Then let’s get you ready.” Avery smiled. “We have to be down to the beach in a half hour.”

 

* * *

 

Riley checked his phone to make sure he’d turned it off. He didn’t want anything spoiling the most important moment in his life. It had been a beautiful day that was turning into an enchanting night as the setting sun laid a beautiful hue on the water and the beach. It was beautifully decorated with a few chairs, tiki torches, and floral bouquets leading to the tulle covered gazebo where he stood waiting for his bride with his good friend Wyatt by his side. It had been hard to be away from her the few hours as they went their separate ways to get prepared. But he could tolerate it all because he knew that once the magic words were said, they could get on with the wedding night.

He’d become a sports superstar, but all of that paled in comparison to taking this step with Parker. They were about to embark on the greatest adventure yet that was guaranteed to yield more joy and happiness than he’d ever known. He smiled, thinking about the day he’d met her. Sheer stubbornness prevented him from admitting she was the perfect woman for him. She was beautiful, tough, and she didn’t let anything get in her way. She loved truth and justice and had a high respect for the law. Just like everyone in her family. She was a fighter. She’d fought for him on many occasions. The fierce protectiveness she had for him sometimes sent them to some strange places, but they always went together.

“Your tie’s a little crooked.” Wyatt reached up and started adjusting it. “There. Now you’re symmetrical.”

“And if there was ever a need to be symmetrical, your wedding day is it. Right?”

“Exactly.” Wyatt rubbed his hands together. “You ready for this?”

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” Riley reached into his pocket and retrieved the wedding ring.

“Good. Parker’s a wonderful woman, and I’m happy that my two closest friends have found happiness together. I wish you nothing but the best.”

“Hey, I’m sorry about getting married before you.”

“No worries. You two aren’t exactly a traditional couple. So why should getting married be any different? This is a very Riley and Parker thing to do.”

“You could get married too. We could have a double ceremony like Tyler and Channing.”

“It would be nice. I’d love to marry Avery this second.” Wyatt cleared his throat. “But I’d be looking over my shoulder for the rest of my life. Avery’s dad would eventually forgive her for eloping, but I’d have to move to Nova Scotia.”

“I hear you. I don’t look forward to the talks I’m bound to get when we get back.” Riley shook his head.

“Parker will protect you.” Wyatt smiled.

“You’re right. She will.” Riley relaxed. “There’s got to be something we can do together. How about we make a deal?”

“OK. What is it?”

“We could have our kids at the same time.”

“Deal.” Riley shook his hand. “I just have to clear that with Parker.”

“Of course.” Wyatt straightened his tie. “Avery would kill me if I didn’t run it by her.”

Riley went silent, and his heart thudded wildly when Parker walked down the steps onto the carpeted path that was covered in rose petals. She was wearing a stunning white dress.

“Here’s the beautiful bride now,” the minister said enthusiastically.

Parker took his hand.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”

He tuned out the minister’s words. He’d been to enough weddings to know the words spoken when entering into a bond of love, faithfulness, and commitment for all eternity. The good times and the bad. The best and the worst. It all equated to giving oneself unconditionally without pride, ego, or selfishness. It was a merging of two souls that would never be separated until death.

He looked at her with that bright, beautiful smile she had and squeezed her hand. He’d gotten lost in those shining, expressive eyes many times before, and now he never wanted to look away. He remembered what Seth said to him. One day he’d find something he loved greater than football. He’d found it. It was an undying love for the woman who’d changed his world.

“Riley Patrick. Do you take Parker Jane to be your lawfully wedded wife?”

“I do.” Riley slipped the ring onto Parker’s finger.

“Parker Jane. Do you take Riley Patrick to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

“I do.” Parker smiled as she nervously put the wedding band on Riley’s finger.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister gushed. “You may now kiss your bride.”

Riley took Parker into his arms and kissed her. Avery and Wyatt whistled and clapped. The minister chuckled when Riley dipped her and continued the kiss. He didn’t want the moment to end. Avery was snapping photos like crazy on her cell phone, while the resort’s videographer continued to film. When they finally came up for air, Parker’s lipstick was all but gone.

“What do you say to a fancy dinner?” Parker asked.

Riley nodded. “I love that idea.”

“I think we’ll give you two some space,” Wyatt said.

“Don’t be silly,” Parker replied. “Join us. You can help us brainstorm a plan to tell the family.”

“How do you feel about going into hiding for like three months?” Wyatt mused.

“That’s a great idea, but the new season starts soon.” Riley laughed.

“I have cases waiting for me,” Parker said.

“What’s the worst they can do?” Avery asked. “It’s not like they can ground you.”

“Wanna bet?” Parker laughed. “To them, we’re just bigger kids with jobs and cars.”

“I know.” Avery scrunched her nose. “Teri-Lyn still gives me gas money when I visit.”

“We’ll figure something out.” Riley kissed her. “Isn’t that right, Mrs. Sloane?”

“You know it, Mr. Sloane.” Parker winked at him.

At least he hoped they’d figure something out. The idea of the herd of over-protective cowboys charging at him sounded worse than having the other team’s entire offensive line mowing him down on the field. He got it. The love that flowed in this extended family was an awesome thing. It was uplifting, soothing, and made him feel honored to be a part of it. He knew that the clan would understand that he loved Parker and they were married. He’d do whatever he had to do to ensure the family that he’d love, cherish, and honor her for the rest of their lives. Because that’s what he intended to do. There was never a dull moment with her, and he expected more zany adventures to come. He worried about her, but he also felt alive when they worked together. He knew she had a strong sense of duty to help others, and he was fine with it. He just wanted her safe.

If anyone was worth fighting for, it was Parker.