Slater

I couldn’t believe I was getting married. Yet as I stood there in my tux waiting for the only woman I’d ever loved, I couldn’t help but take it all in. We were getting married in the reception hall of our distillery, which was rustic yet elegant, with vaulted ceilings and rough-hewn beams crisscrossing above, while fairy lights added a magical touch. I had wanted everything to be perfect for Izzy—and it was. I couldn’t have asked for anything more on this day.

With all five of my brothers at my side, I knew how lucky I was, even if I was a nervous mess as I waited for Izzy. I’d never been happier, especially as I looked around me. I was surrounded by my friends and family…my mother, my brothers, their wives and their children, my cousins and friends. Yet it was hard not having my father here, taken when he still had so much life to live, just like I knew Izzy would be missing her father and mother on this day. At least she now had her brother in her life, and he’d soon be walking her down the aisle.

As if the mere thought of her was enough to call her to me, I spotted her among her bridesmaids as the music started, her arm linked with her brother’s, and Lola leading the way wearing a collar of flowers, her tail wagging happily.

Izzy looked so beautiful, her red hair swept back from her gorgeous face, and her gown elegant and sophisticated, the white silk shimmering in the light like liquid silver. She stole my very breath, and I knew I was the luckiest man alive, to have someone so loving, sweet, and smart in my life. And though we all had our flaws, to me, she was perfect—and in just minutes she’d be my wife.

Nearly at my side, she smiled at me, her eyes already shimmering with tears when her brother kissed her cheek and let me take her hand. My gaze locked with hers, and it was if we were the only two people in the whole world, our love for each other overwhelming me.

I spoke my vows, and she spoke hers before exchanging rings, though I remembered little of it all beyond the love I had for Izzy. And soon…just another seven months away…she’d not only be my wife, but the mother of my child. A child I couldn’t wait to welcome into this world.

I kissed my bride to the cheers of my family, friends, and all who’d come to share in our joy, my heart overflowing with happiness. “I love you so much, Izzy.”

“I love you too, Slater. I always will.”

* * *

Family reunions weren’t something my family did often, but with my older brother Conor here from Ireland with his wife and children, and Andrew here from Vermont, it seemed like fate was telling us to throw a party—especially when the rest of my brothers and cousins were around for once.

Ash and Wren.

Conor and Paige.

Finn and Skylar.

Locke and Emie.

Dane and Avery.

All my brothers. All their wives. All their children.

We were all here, having a lovely time on a gorgeous summer day.

I scooped up my daughter, Lena, as she ran away from me, her giggles filling my heart with joy. “Where do you think you’re going, my little monkey?”

“Mama. Want cake.”

“Yes, your mother does have a slice of cake for you. Come on then.” I kissed her freckled cheek, thinking that all this running around with her cousins would have her sound asleep tonight. I put her down once I got to Izzy. “Rumor has it you’re the one with the cake.”

“I am.” She looked up at me and stole a kiss, as I wrapped her in my arms, loving how her belly bumped me, swollen with our second child. But before we could get Lena set up with a plate of cake, she’d grabbed a cookie and was off and running with her cousins once more, heading in the direction of the bouncy house and slide. “This get-together was such a good idea.”

“I can’t believe how our family has grown. We’re all married—and with kids, no less.” Making my mother one happy grandmother. “Conor and Paige are even thinking of moving back to the States.”

“It’ll be nice to have your whole family close by.” She then tilted her head over at Colton, who was heading our way. “Here comes trouble.”

“Hey…I heard that.” Colton kissed Izzy’s cheek as I teasingly swatted him away.

“Oye! Get your own girl.” I swore Colton would forever be single.

“One of these days I’m going to surprise you—especially if I find someone as lovely as Izzy.” Colton winked at her, as she laughed and shook her head at him. “In all seriousness…you guys certainly give me relationship goals.”

“You’ll find that special someone, Colton.” Izzy gave him a sympathetic smile, her heart too pure and good.

Colton gave her a shy smile. “I think I may have already found her.”

Yet he didn’t stick around to elaborate, making his escape with a wave.

“Do you think he’s really found someone?” Izzy slipped her arms around my neck as I held her to me, my head bent to hers.

I let my lips linger on hers, my heart hammering with the love I had for her and our family. “I hope so. He’s a good man, and I’d love for him to be as happy as you’ve made me.”

“Have I told you how much I love you, Slater?” She nuzzled me, kissing me sweetly.

“You have—but I’ll never tire of hearing it.” That was the truth, since it only reminded me of how lucky I was to have her in my life.

“Then I’ll say it again. I love you, Slater Blackthorn. With all my heart.”

“And I love you, Izzy. With my very soul.”

* * *

* * *

Book Series by Cali MacKay

The Blackthorn Brothers Series

The Billionaire’s Seduction Series

The Billionaire’s Temptation Series

Forbidden – The Townsend Twins Series

The Silver Moon Pack Series

A Maine Island Romance Series

The Highland Heart Series