Aimie twirled in her white dress, laughing as Ryan’s father drew her in again to lead her across the dance floor like not even his son had been able.
Five months had passed since that dreadful night, and it seemed Ryan had promised everyone a wedding reception once he figured Aimie was healthy enough for it. They could’ve done it months ago, but then he suddenly had wanted it big and perfect.
She could hardly believe she was on her way to becoming an American citizen one day now that she had an amazing husband and knew her heart would always be in the U.S.
“Landon, may I cut in?”
Aimie grinned up at Jazz while Ryan’s father bowed slightly. “Of course, soldier. I’m all out of breath anyway.” It was a lie, but no one commented as Jazz took Landon’s place.
“Hey,” he whispered softly and Aimie couldn’t help her beaming smile.
“It’s all because of you, do you realize that? Had you not stayed back to help Tessa, we wouldn’t be here.”
And it was true. After the attack she’d thought a lot about how life sometimes threw you curveballs, ones you never expected to hit, and yet they somehow ended up out of the park.
Had Tessa and Jazz not fallen for each other as fast and hard as they had, sticking through all the tough times, she wouldn’t be there, dancing at her own wedding reception, and Evy wouldn’t be watching Tank dance with her daughter.
The soldier would probably still be grumpy and not believe in love, and Evy? She’d be suffering under her horrible boss.
No, because Jazz had stayed back and offered a lost girl a hand, they were all there, and happier than ever.
“I saw her and knew I needed her in my life. You all were the siblings I didn’t ask for.” He winked and she laughed, playfully slapping him.
“You love us.”
He nodded, smiling. “I interrupted your dance with your father-in-law because I felt the need to tell you thank you, and how happy I am that life worked out for you. You had my back right from the beginning. All the time. I owe you.”
He didn’t. “It’s called friendship, Jazz. I have your back and you have mine. So stop worrying. Although I’ll still probably demand payback.”
She stuck out her tongue at him just when the soft ring of a spoon being knocked against a glass penetrated the party music.
Silence spread and Aimie found Ryan standing on a chair, his eyes on her. “Aims,” he started and she crossed her arms in front of her body, waiting to see what he had to say before she moved closer to him.
After all, maybe she soon would have to hide a blotchy face because she’d been crying happy tears.
“I tricked you into marrying me.”
“Yeah, you’re not exactly the prettiest guy out there,” one of his colleagues teased and the guests chuckled while Aimie already felt tears coming to her eyes.
“Thanks, man,” Ryan stated, rolling his eyes before looking at her again. “You said yes, and it was everything I’d hoped for. We’ve been through ups and downs, and few lower downs, because I just didn’t know what I had at home. However, you’re the reason my dad’s here today, and that’s…if you hadn’t stepped into my life, I’d have never called him, never would’ve wondered if what I felt about you was what he felt about Mom. Of course, now he has Christine and I couldn’t be happier for them.”
He toasted to his father and his girlfriend, and everyone drank to them before Ryan continued. “I know now what I’ve been missing for years, but I also know I wouldn’t have found it with anyone but you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for being mine. Thank you for being just the way you are, Mrs. Ryan Spencer.”
‘I love you,’ she mouthed, walking closer to him while he climbed down from the chair, drawing her into his arms the moment she was within reach.
She couldn’t remember him ever looking as happy as he did that moment, and even if she couldn’t recall anything from her wedding, she knew this was almost as good. And who knew, maybe one day they’d renew their vows, just to have another story to tell.
“Here’s to making a hundred babies prettier than Jazz’s can ever be. Let’s show all those soldiers how to do it right,” Ryan announced. “You’re my everything. Here’s to you.”
She lifted a glass someone held out to her, and smiled. “Here’s to us, and to love, and to soldiers who are tagged for life—and for love.”