Chapter Twenty-Six

Deacon is trying to make this an epic night but Mason and Brody won’t join us until the day of our wedding so it’s just two guys, missing their women, nursing a beer. “We’re pathetic.” He announces.

“Nah. We just know what we have at home.” I pay the tab and we both leave, in a hurry to get home. She’s staying at her parents so I go back in time and sneak in. “Shhh.” I tell her when I startle her.

“You aren’t supposed to be here.” She giggles.

“I couldn’t stay away.” I plead with her. I don’t want to spend the night apart from her. She lifts the covers and I make fast work of stripping so I can climb in bed next to her.

“No hanky panky. We’re saving something for the wedding day.” Her head finds the space reserved for her against my chest and I sigh. Content to hold her, feel her, touch her— breathe her in. I don’t know how I got so fucking lucky to have her by my side but I’m holding tight.

I keep checking my watch. Our parents have been seated. My guys are next to me. I need the fucking girls to get their ass in gear and start this shit.

“Native is getting restless. I bet if they don’t start he’s gonna go find her.” Deacon chuckles.

“It’s always the quiet ones. They’re the craziest.” Mason agrees.

“Shut up.” Brody grumbles. He’s irritated they won’t shut up and the fact his kids are a few feet from him and he can’t hold them.

The doors open and Julie leads Darby and Kinsley— rose petals are thrown in the air and all over the guests. I hear Deacon sigh as he watches his world come towards them. His girls and his wife begin their walk. “Shit.” He grumbles. His hands clench and he wants to reach for them, grabbing them and smothering them with shelter. Hold them close. I think he’d shrink them every day and carry them in his pocket if he could.

Saylor looks at me and starts crying. Deacon growls and I shake my head at her. She wipes the tears, smiles and blows a kiss at Deacon and he settles. Fucking caveman. Emberlee follows and her eyes find Brody’s, jump to her babies, and settle on me. She winks and blows me a kiss, relaxing my taut nerves. Brecklynn comes down, free and flighty, smiling at me. Pausing, I get a thumbs up and today it all comes full circle.

The originals, the new additions, we all end one chapter of our lives and begin a new one today. Avery and I were the last to take this journey and it ties it all together. Kids are already a part of our life and I know their circle will keep growing . . . there’s six kids added to the mix and I know many more to come. We carried a tradition set by our parents, expanded, shrunk, and grew into an amazing support system filled with love, loyalty, and forever friendships. Our kids are gonna keep it going, I have no doubt— but the way these people procreate, it’ll be a small army.

Sometimes, this passage we’ve endeavored has been like walking rough terrain barefoot. We’ve had scratches, bumps, and blow-ups— but we’ve come to the other side stronger, with a broader respect and understanding of love.

The wedding march starts and I stiffen, craning my neck to get a peek of her. We don’t have a lot of guests, like she asked, but every motherfucker stands up, blocking my view. And one of the guys standing up with me grabs my arms, pulling them behind my back and another blindfolds me. “Her orders.” Brody grunts.

My nose flares and I’m biting my lip, hands balled in fists. Her orders. I’m gonna redden her ass tonight. She’s denying me the joy of seeing her walk the path to taking my last name. Pledging herself to me. “It’ll be worth it.” Mason promises.

I relax and while I don’t know her reasons, I’ll oblige her. I peek through the bottom of the bindings hindering my eyesight and see the lights in the room change. They dim and something flickers. It’s silent and I hear chairs scraping and a gasp. “Fuck.” Deacon whistles.

My shoulders jerk, trying to loosen the hold and Brody pulls tight. “Just a minute.” He warns. “Don’t make me snap your shoulders.”

Finally, I hear her voice. “It’s good. Let him go.” My arms are freed and my hands immediately go to remove the blindfold. I don’t have to take time for my eyes to adjust because the room has been darkened and candles glow. My head swings to the door and see her standing there with her dad.

Her hair tumbling in dark waves, her lips painted red, creamy skin calling for my mouth— but her eyes. Shining, transfixing me with the love that’s evident. I forget to swallow. I forget to drag oxygen in my lungs. I forget everything but her. My nose burns, eyes sting and I struggle to keep composure.

Each step she takes electrifies my nerve endings.

Each step she takes brings her closer to me.

Each step she takes renews my love and desire.

She stands before me and I can finally take in air. “Hey,” she whispers, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

“Hey.” I choke. “You look beautiful.”

“Marriage is in itself a blessing. But doubly blessed is the couple who comes to the marriage altar with the approval and love of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this woman to be married to this man?” The officiate starts.

"On behalf of her loving family and friends, I do." Brian removes her hand from his arm, choking back emotion. “She’ll always be mine. I’m loaning her to you for eternity.” I nod. Respect that. I wouldn’t be able to give her up so I understand his sentiment.

She hands her bouquet to Breck and turns to face me. I capture both of her hands, my thumbs strumming her palms. “Do you, Avery Michaels, take Caden Monroe to be your partner in love and life; will you honor and cherish him as long as you both shall live?” I’m watching her eyes as the words are uttered and I see the slightest grin.

“I do.” Her voice clear, unwavering.

“Do you, Caden Monroe, take Avery Michaels to be your partner in love and life; will

you honor and cherish her as long as you both shall live?” It’s music to my ears.

“I do.” Her fingers lace with mine and we both sigh.

“The bride and groom have chosen to say their own vows.” The officiate hands us our cards and clears his throat. “Caden has asked to speak first.” I feel her shudder with emotion and I bend to kiss her cheek and whisper in her ear.

“Love you, Picasso.” She calms and watches me as I pledge my devotion. “Avery, my

Dad told me I’d know when I found the one. And I did. I wasn’t waiting for the one because you were the one. Your beauty has the ability to stop my breath. Your touch makes my heart beat out of control. Your love makes me a better man. You’ll be the better half of me until the day I die. The first time I felt your hand brush mine— I was alive. I live for that feeling— for you. To hear your voice. Feel your tenderness. I know I’ll never be cold with your love covering me. I know I’ll never be alone because you’re by my side. I know I’ll never fail because I have you cheering for me. In my heart. In my soul. In my bones. I love you.”