The Hamptons-Eight months later

“Mr. and Mrs. Duffy, I put you in this room where there’s a great ocean view and a tub big enough for two.” I wink at Grace’s dad and he bumps his fist against mine.

“Eww.” Grace jabs me with her pointy little elbow. “Don’t say those things in front of me.”

Mr. Duffy chuckles, “Get over it, Fireball.”

“Thank you, Trevor. I’m going to check out that view right now.” Grace’s mom smiles at her husband and I know they’ll be busy for a while.

We continue walking down the hall, our group now two people fewer. “Owen, you’re in your usual room.” I point to the next door we come upon.

“This is officially my room, no one ever stays in there anyway. I might just move in for the rest of the summer.”

“You can try it, but I’m not sure coach would go for you skipping practice.”

“Yeah, there is that.”

“Leah, you’re next to Owen, and Flynn you’re across the hall.” I gesture to the appropriate door. “Nolan, you’re in the attic.”

“What the fuck, dude?”

“Just kidding. You’re down at the end on the left.” Nolan and I have become a lot closer through Grace. I was angry at him for what he said to me when the blog posted that story. But ultimately he was looking out for Grace and being a good friend. He’s one more person who cares for her and looks out for her well being, and that makes him okay in my book. For a young kid, he impressed me by standing up to me. Not only because I’m bigger than him, but because I’m his captain too.

“Clancy, you’re across from Nolan.” I jut my chin at the room he’ll be staying in.

“Thanks, man. This place is unbelievable.”

“Yeah, dear old dad did good when he bought this place.”

“I’m glad you approve,” my dad offers with a smile as he meets us all in the hallway - Mr. Charming himself.

“Now I know where you get it from,” Grace whispers.

“What?” I tip my ear toward her.

Her lips touch my lobe. “Your cheesy charm.”

Turning my head, I growl against her neck and playfully nip her skin. “I also get my sex addiction from him.” She giggles and shakes her head.

“Dad, what time is the reception?”

He glances at the blue face on his yellow gold, custom diamond bezel Rolex. “You need to be there at seven o’clock sharp.”

“Gotcha. We’ll be there.”

Dad and I recently talked out our differences. He admitted he was impressed at how well I handled paying all my bills. And because I didn’t go running back to him, or ask my mother to bail me out, he realized how committed I was to becoming a teacher. He offered to pay my bills again, and I refused. I want to prove to myself that I can make it on my own - no, scratch that. I want to make it with Grace by my side every step of the way. I almost lost her once and I’ll never let that happen again.

I no longer keep secrets from her, even if they’re well intended. I learned my lesson when I kept the country club job from her. Thankfully, she was understanding about my reasons for doing so and she forgave me, but I’m smart enough not to repeat bad decisions.

While she likes my dad, she still holds a grudge for his part in our split. If he hadn’t forced me to work, then I never would’ve given Sandy a ride home. But we both agree our relationship is stronger from all we’ve been through.

“Where’s mom hiding?”

“She’s outside finalizing everything. You know how she is, she has to be hands on.”

Speaking of hands on. “Come on.” Catching Grace’s hand, I tug her along with me. “Let’s go unpack.” I wink and lead her down the other end of the hall to my room - our room now. Opening the door, I usher her through before spinning her around to face me. I kick the door closed behind me and smile wolfishly. “About that unpacking…”

“I’m really particular about how my things are put away. We might need a lot of time for you to practice folding clothes properly,” she jests, sliding her hands up my chest to wrap around my neck.

“You know I always rise to the challenge, Red.”

“Whoa,” Grace halts, wide eyed as she looks at the scene in front of us. There are hundreds of white candles floating in the pool, making the water glow romantically. Round tables adorned with crisp, white tablecloths line both sides of the pool. Guests are already seated and enjoying drinks and appetizers. A long, rectangular table has been set up with chafing dishes lining the length. God only knows what my mom had catered for the meal. Whatever we’re having I’m sure she planned some vegan dishes too. She’s thoughtful like that and she adores Grace. Those two have taken to each other better than I could’ve imagined and seeing them get along so well makes me happy.

Tiny white Christmas lights have been wrapped around the thick, rustic beams of the pergola, and a jazz band is set up on the decking using it as a makeshift stage as they play some soft dinner music. My mom has thought of everything.

“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention, please,” my dad speaks into the microphone in his hand.

I glance at the watch on my wrist to make sure we’re not running late.

“I’d like to do the honor of announcing Mr. and Mrs. Trevor Lincoln to the party.”

“Are you ready, wife?” Her head turns and our eyes meet, hers shine with happiness and love and I know mine do the same. I take her hand and raise it to my lips, pressing a soft kiss on the back.

“You bet, husband.” We walk forward together just as we face everything in life. If there’s anything we’ve learned from our relationship, it’s that we can handle anything. There’s no stopping love when two people are meant to be.

We’re greeted by our closest friends as we approach the seating area.

“Grace, you look gorgeous,” Leah gushes.

I have to agree with her. Grace looks stunning in her white, strapless, knee length dress. Her long, red hair has been curled and it drapes temptingly over the top of her shoulders, so fiery against her fair skin. I can’t wait until later when we’re tangled up in the long tresses.

Leah turns to me. “You don’t look so bad in your tux.”

“Thank you, but I think we all know my wife is the show stopper.”

“Let me in here,” Brady shoulders his way in. “I need to give my little brother a hug.” He pulls me into him and whacks me on the back with his large palm. “Congratulations. I’m proud of you. You’ve turned out to be a hell of a man.”

I clench my teeth and fight not to get emotional. His words mean a lot to me.

“Thanks, bro. I’m so glad you guys were able to make it.”

“We wouldn’t miss it,” Harlow answers before kissing my cheek. “Who would’ve thought you’d be the first one to get married?”

“I know. All it took was one feisty redhead to capture my heart.”

We exchange hugs with the rest of our friends. Zeke and Amelia are arm in arm, no longer having to hide their relationship. Nick and Carter sidle over to congratulate us. All the people we love most are here to support us and celebrate the beginning of our life together.

“Dad, can I borrow that?” I nod at the microphone and he passes it to me. “Hey, everyone. Grace and I would like to thank you for coming. We’re so happy you’re here to celebrate the beginning of our marriage. I’m sure more than a few of you were wondering what the rush to get married was when we’re so young. Maybe you even wondered if Grace was pregnant.” Some chuckles ring out and I smile. “I’m happy to say she’s not pregnant, but we’re actively practicing.” More laughter rings out. Grace elbows me. “Trevor,” she scolds me in an embarrassed whisper.

“It’s okay, Red. We’re married.” I wink. “I met Grace a year ago, and the moment I saw her, I knew we were destined to be together. And speaking to her only solidified that. She shot down all of my advances. Every time I flirted with her she would roll her eyes or ignore me. A few times she even told me off. I guess you could say it was love at first sight for me or love at first insult.” Everyone laughs.

“Grace was a harder nut to crack than I imagined. It wasn’t until we’d been here for a couple of days that I began to feel any hope at all. It was during a girls against the guys game of beach football that Grace couldn’t hold back her attraction for me any longer. She charged after me as I made my way to the end zone, jumped on my back and knocked me from my feet. I twisted around and caught her as she crashed down on top of me.” Cheers and whistles erupt from our friends. “I’ve never been the same since that moment.” I turn to face Grace. “Red, I love you more than anything in this world. I know we’re young, but together we can accomplish anything. You tackled me and stole my heart.” A chorus of ‘aww’ breaks out. Lowering the microphone, I lean forward and press my forehead to hers. “And I’m never taking it back.”

The End