Chapter Sixteen

“Didn’t think I’d see the day.” Deacon says in amusement.

“What day is that? The day your wife is gawking at my ass?” I go back at him with the subject that will set him aflame.

His head whips to see his wife coming down the aisle with Julie in front of her throwing blown up miniature baseballs. Saylor has her eyes watching her daughter and nobody else. “Asshole.” Deacon murmurs.

“Sucker.” I lob.

“Children.” Caden intones. We’re fucking up his concentration as Avery follows Saylor and I know he’s still in the honeymoon phase— fuck, we all are with the women we snagged.

Take this wedding— what other girl would do this? A baseball field where my dreams were crushed and made. The same field she took me back. Baseball is a huge part of my life— our life— and it can take its toll. But, Breck, she turned our wedding into my dream— baseball and her. Not in that order. Add in the little peanut she’s carrying and I don’t think there’s a luckier man.

Standing atop this mound where I pitched the game that could’ve ended my career, but in the end, it was the same place my dreams came true. She took me back. All the other perks of this life are white noise. They don’t compare to being with Breck. Mason fucking Adler fell in love— hard and fast. But most importantly, forever.

“Speaking of children,” I tease. “Brecklynn’s pregnant.” The music interrupts their stunned comments and we all turn to watch the girls make their entrance.

“Holy fuck.” I wheeze. My eyes locked where Brody is escorting her down the aisle. Her eyes light up when she catches me rubbernecking. Her flowers look like a baseball, her dress is white and she stops walking, turns to show me the back and resumes her trek to me without missing a beat. That fluffy stuff billows at the bottom, hugs her waist and is laced up with red ribbon. She’s my fucking wet dream— in reality.

But it’s her.

It isn’t the dress.

The body.

The shoes.

The flowers.

The stunning smile.

The beautiful eyes.

It’s her love.

And the way it makes me ten feet tall and bullet proof. I came back from rock bottom— in part because I knew I had to, but most of all, it was because if I didn’t claw myself from the trenches of addiction I’d lose her. And this day.

As she stands in front of me, Brody refuses to let her hand go. “Brody, it’s time.” She murmurs from the side of her mouth. Deacon and Caden chuckle but this shit doesn’t faze me. I’ve been playing this game since I fell in love with his sister. Soon enough, after hemming and hawing, he’ll put her hand in mine so we can begin this stage of our life.

“I can’t.” His eyes squint at me.

“Brody,” Emberlee utters.

“Embe, she’s my sister.” I mean, it wouldn’t be a wedding without a shenanigan.

“Brody,” that Texas drawl makes me chuckle. “Let your sister go so I don’t tan your hide in front of all these people. Grown or not, I’ll take you over my knee.” Wanda Collier hollers from the seats for the parents and his grip loosens. “Now.”

“Busted.” Brecklynn taunts.

“Brecklynn,” that drawl warns and she straightens up, tugs her hand from her brother and places it in mine herself. “Brody, take your place.” Wanda directs her son.

Half stomping, full of grumbling, he moves to my side and joins the guys. I know he trusts me with his sister, but he has to do the big brother act. It’s part of him, and I respect it.

“You look beautiful, Doll.” I make a move to take her other hand and let my hand brush against her stomach on purpose. She sucks in a breath and I see the first tear escape.

“Happy tears.” She assures me when she notices my look of concern.

“C’mon. We have a honeymoon to get to.” I tell the officiate and get whacked in the back of my head.

“Mason— my sister.” Brody growls.

“Brody— my wife.” I don’t turn to face him but I’ll win this battle. I watch her face the entire time we recite our vows— she opted for traditional because she was afraid what would come outta my mouth. Good choice. She doesn’t have just beauty and that decision proves it.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Ladies and gentleman, Mr. and Mrs. Mason Adler.” The dude in a suit announces but I feel cheated.

“Where the hell is the part where I kiss her?” I gripe. Brecklynn laughs. Saylor snorts. Brody hits me on the back of the head— again. Emberlee rolls her eyes. Caden is silent— surprise. Deacon is shaking his head.

My Aves pulls through. “Just do it. Be like Nike.” I throw her a thumbs up while bending my wife back and kissing the shit outta her. Hands grip my shoulder separating us too soon for my liking. One day, I won’t let his big brother shit go and will knock the big lug down a few pegs. Better yet— I have a plan.

“Fucker, pull me off my wife again and I’ll make sure your job is a nightmare.” He drops the smug grin and pouts. He knows I have some clout and him being hired as the new trainer puts him as low man on the totem pole in the organization.

“You wouldn’t.” He begs.

“You know I would. Without a second thought if you do that shit again.” To make my point, I reenact the moment and this time my lips stay against Breck’s until she’s ready for me to stop. His fists may be clenched, his mouth in a tight line— but he let it happen. Like a good little boy.

“Unc Mace. My turn.” Julie worms her way between us and wraps her hands around my legs. Breck winks and steps back.

Catching my eye she mouths, “I hope we have a boy.” I’m shocked and wouldn’t admit it aloud but I want a little girl. I miss the shit outta Julie and her innocent love for me motivates me. I tilt my head and she nods down to Julie and it dawns. If I had a little girl of my own how would Julie react . . . would she feel scorned?

I smile and lift Julie, moving her to my other side as I grip Brecklynn’s hand and move us down the aisle. “Hey asshole, you think I can have my daughter?” Deacon asks.

“Starbucks, Daddy.” Julie waves and I keep walking. I have a chore for Julie during the reception and I need to get started with prepping her.

“I don’t wanna know what that grin is for.” Brecklynn acknowledges next to me.

“Probably a good idea.” I admit.

“Have fun.” She chortles and shit do I love her. She knows I’m gonna put my foot in my mouth, act like an ass, possibly embarrass her but she doesn’t care. She just loves me.

“C’mon Princess, I have some pops for you if you can help me.” I bribe this little blonde haired beauty and she negotiates.

“Seven.” She informs me.

“Five,” I barter.

“Nine.” She smacks my shoulder.

“You shouldn’t hit.” I remind her.

“Eleven. I can’t count highzer.” I laugh and approve.

“Eleven it is.” My wife shakes her head and pushes us along while she waits for her mom and the rest of the gang. The reception is in the announcer’s booth since we kept it pretty small and I’ll join them after I coach Julie on what needs to be done.