Saturday dawned a dark and snowy day. Addy caught the delicious scent of coffee before opening her eyes. Even better than having coffee in bed was the gorgeous man bringing it to her. He grinned as her eyes focused on him.

“Morning,” Owen said.

Addy stretched and smiled. “Morning.”

“Would my almost-wife like some coffee?”

“Your almost-wife would kill for a cup. Or three.” She pushed herself up just as Troy ran into the room. His brown hair was tousled and his feet were bare, but he already wore his wedding suit. He crawled up next to her. She and Owen exchanged smiles.

“I see you’re already set for the wedding,” Addy said.

“I am. I’m the ring bearer, Mom.”

“I know. But the wedding isn’t until this afternoon. You can’t wear that until then.”

“But this is a big day.”

“It is. And I promise you won’t miss it if you wear play clothes until later.”

“I’m the only ring bearer, right?”

“You are.”

“Good.”

“Why?” Owen asked.

“’Cause Zavi wanted to be one, too, but I said he couldn’t be.”

“Why can’t he?”

“Because I’m your son. I want to bring both rings.”

Just then Zavi, also already in his suit, hurried into their room. He climbed on the bed and gave Troy a dark look. Addy sent Owen a glance, catching his raised brows and a smile he tried to hide.

“Good morning, Zavi,” Addy said.

“Morning, Aunt Addy.” He rubbed his eyes as his bottom lip quivered.

“Did you have some breakfast?” she asked.

“No. Troy said I can’t be a ring bearer today. But I have a suit. And I already did it once, so I know how to do it. He hasn’t done it before.”

“You aren’t their son,” Troy said. “I am.”

Zavi looked crushed. He got off the bed and slowly crossed the room, his little shoulders slumped. Addy sent Owen a silent plea, hoping he’d find a solution.

Owen put his coffee mug on the nightstand then sat on the edge of the bed. “Zavi, come here.” Zavi did, but he was heaving ragged breaths as he tried not to cry. Owen lifted him up onto his leg. “Troy, you too.” He lifted Troy onto the opposite leg. “You boys are friends, right?”

“Yeah,” Troy said.

“Your friend’s hurting, Troy. We don’t leave our friends hurting. Is there something you could do to help him feel better?”

Zavi sniffled and swiped at a tear.

Troy glared at him. “I’ll be nice to him at the wedding.”

“You should always be nice to your friends.”

“He can’t be a ring bearer. We don’t have two pillows.”

“I’m sure we can find another small pillow in this huge house.”

Zavi looked so sad—Addy had no idea how her son could deny him. She sipped her coffee, then ventured into the fray. “Troy, wouldn’t it be nice to share your big day with your friend? Sometimes friends are few and far between. Today’s a day you’ll both remember for a long time—and that makes it even more special.”

“We could go try to find another pillow,” Zavi suggested.

“Okay,” Troy said. “If we can find one, then we can both do it. I think I know where we can get one.” They got off Owen’s knees. Troy put his arm around Zavi’s shoulders as they walked to the door. “I’m sorry I made you cry.”

Zavi shrugged as another ragged breath left his chest. “It’s okay.” They left the room.

Owen chuckled and leaned across the bed. He grinned as he reached for Addy’s hand. “First catastrophe of the day averted.”

Addy smiled. “I’m so happy.”

“You ready for this?”

“I am.”

“Do you have your vows memorized?”

“I do, but I’m bringing them on paper anyway just in case I get flustered. How about you?”

“They’re all in here.” He touched his chest. “I can’t forget them.”

Everything Owen said and did drew him deeper into her heart. He treated her and her boys as if he cherished them. “I’m so glad you never found someone else to love. I know that’s selfish of me, but—”

Owen shook his head. “No, it’s not. You’re my great love, Addy. No one else compared. No one ever could.” He stood up. “Now let’s go have breakfast before they hide you away, and I have to be without you for hours.”

“Hey—Case,” Lion gestured to the limp sides of the tie draped over his neck. “Can you help?”

Casey’s heart squeezed to the point of breaking. “Sure.”

They were alone in the little alcove that led out to the gym wing. Casey gave him a quick smile, then got to work. Better to finish quickly and get away from him before she embarrassed herself. Unfortunately, neither her hands nor the tie cooperated. Her first attempt was a mess, and she had to pull it all apart and start over.

He frowned. “You okay?” he asked.

“Yeah, why?”

“You don’t seem yourself.”

She licked her lips, trying to drag herself away from the cliff she was standing on. He was a man. She was girl. How much clearer could her mom have made their differences?

“I miss you.” There. She’d said it. The truth. The whole truth, and everything it held within. He’d only been gone a week, and already her heart was like a puppy dropped off on the side of the road. She could feel heat climbing up her neck.

He tilted his head. “You’re pretty when you do that.” His lips twisted into a half-grin. “You’re always pretty, but I like it when you blush. It’s like your face blooms.”

Her eyes watered. She blinked to clear them. “Do you think the next eight years will go fast?”

His brows lifted. The scrolling lines of the tattoos above his eyes were only partly obscured by his naturally tawny brows; she stared at them instead of his eyes.

“I hope not,” he said. “I’m looking forward to every moment of them.” He frowned. “Why did you ask that?”

She shrugged. She finished his tie and forced her hands away from him. “I guess I’m not looking forward to all the years of school and college that I have left.” …Before we can be together. Did he read between the lines? Had she said too much?

He smiled. “I guess that part will go quickly. Especially if you make it fun.”

How could it be fun without him?

“That’s what I intend to do,” he said. He gestured toward the door. “Ready to go in?”

“Not yet. I’m running some errands for my mom to help Addy.”

“Okay. Catch you inside.”

A knock sounded on Addy’s door, then it opened. She froze, worried Owen would see her before the ceremony, but it was Troy’s little face that popped around the door. He and Augie came inside.

“Hi, Mom,” Augie said. “We just wanted to come by and—” He stopped and stared at her. “Wow. You look great.”

Troy ran up and hugged her hips. She held her arm out for Augie to join them. “Thanks, honey. You know what’s best about today? I get to have both of you at my wedding. I can’t think of anything better than that.”

“You can’t?” Wendell asked as he came into the room. “What about having your brother there to hold your bouquet?”

Addy laughed. “Well, that too!”

“We’ve been staying with Dad, doing boy stuff so you could do your girl stuff,” Troy said. “Are you finished yet? Everyone’s downstairs waiting.”

“Are they?” Addy looked over at Wendell to confirm.

“Well, everyone except for the female half of the group, who are all here,” Wendell said, nodding toward the women sitting on the chairs and bed.

“I guess that’s our cue to head down,” Mandy said as she lifted herself out of one of the chairs in Owen’s room. She gave Addy a hug and made a little adjustment on her hair. It was pulled up at the sides and fell behind her head in wide curls, with a froth of baby’s-breath for decoration.

Ace snapped a picture of that moment. One by one, each of the ladies gave Addy a hug then slipped out of the room.

“Jax, take the boys out to the sitting room,” Ace said. “I want a last word with Addy.”

Addy smiled at Ace, hoping to ease the tension in her friend’s face. She took Ace’s hands. “You don’t have to say anything.”

“I do. We’ve been in this spot before. I could have—should have—stopped it before.”

“No, you couldn’t have. You were barely older than Augie is now. And we were never in this spot. Today is filled with hope and joy. It’s the only day like it I’ve ever known.”

Ace nodded. “I hope that we can be friends, Addy.”

“We are friends. All of us. No matter what happens, we’re family.”

Ace nodded. “I like that.” She hugged Addy, then lifted her camera. “I’m going to go ahead of you so that I can get some candid shots of your procession.”

When she left, Addy took a last look at her reflection. Her dress was a tea-length white satin overlaid with guipure lace in a floral pattern. The fitted bodice had a sweetheart shape with narrow off-the-shoulders sleeves. A wide satin ribbon wrapped around the waist for a big bow in the back of the dress. The flaring skirt was made possible with several layers of stiff crinoline underskirts. She loved it and couldn’t wait to see Owen’s expression. She’d been shocked that Val’s friend had had just the right dress for her based on the pics she’d had Val send in. Maybe one day, she’d have a daughter who might wear it to her wedding.

A knock sounded on the door. “I’m coming, Wendell!” she called out as she hurried over.

“It’s me,” Owen’s deep voice came through the door.

“No! You can’t see me. Owen!”

“Addy, I need to.”

She set her hand on the door. “Why?”

“I have a gift for you.”

“Owen, you can’t come in.”

“Then I’ll send Augie in with it.”

Addy stepped back as the door opened. Augie slipped inside, quickly followed by Troy. Their eyes were happy. Augie handed her a long, narrow box.

“Owen, what is this?” she asked, letting her voice carry through the cracked door.

“A gift. I want you to wear it today. Please.”

Addy’s hands shook as she ripped off the wrapping. She looked at her boys before opening the box.

“Hurry, Mom,” Augie urged.

She flipped the case open and gasped. There, lying on black velvet, was a bracelet of aquamarines and diamond baguettes that alternated the entire length.

“Oh my God. This is gorgeous.”

“You like it?” Owen asked.

“I love it.”

“Have Augie put it on you.”

She handed him the bracelet then held her hand out. He snapped it around her wrist.

“It’s beautiful, Mom,” Troy said, gently touching it.

“I love you, Owen.”

“I love you too. C’mon, boys. We need to get downstairs.”

Both boys hugged her. She waited for them to leave the sitting room. “Is it safe, Wendell?”

“All clear,” he replied. “Ready to do this?”

“I am so ready.”

He held her hand as they walked down the hall. Outside the gym, they faced each other, pausing for a moment. Her brother’s expression was heartbreakingly serious.

“I love you, sis.” His words were heavy with so many things spoken only by his eyes.

She smiled. “I love you, Wendelly.”

He nodded. “Shall we go in?”

“Yes!” She laughed.

The doors to the gym opened for them, held by Kelan and Ty. They both gave her fortifying smiles and seemed as happy as she was.

There was a big area between the door and the altar. Despite their practice walk during the rehearsal, Addy suddenly wanted to run forward. Wendell held her to a slow space. She caught Owen’s gaze. He solemnly held his hand on his heart.

“Jesus, does that man love you,” her brother whispered.

Addy’s heart beat a fierce rhythm.

Wendell handed her off to Owen, then took his place behind her. She reached over and handed him her bouquet, which he took with a wry smile.

Owen reached for her hands. She was grateful his grip was so steady and firm. His pale eyes held hers captive, reminding her that she was here, with him, at this new step in their lives. His thumb brushed across the backs of her hands.

“You are so beautiful,” Owen whispered as he kissed her forehead.

“Beloved family and friends, we’re gathered here today… Oh, heck. I suppose you all know we’re here to witness an important evolution in Owen and Addy’s relationship.”

Addy smiled at the officiant’s change in delivery.

“They’ve known each other since they were children, playing imaginary games and sharing chickenpox. As often happens, their lives didn’t unfold in the way they’d hoped. Time and terrible experiences separated them, but despite the years, despite the pain of their separation, love brought them back together. And it is in the name of love that today we witness their lives forever united.

“Owen and Addy, a marriage isn’t simply created in a mere ceremony. It is a living, breathing event that lasts the rest of your lives. It takes careful tending so that it may rise above simply existing to a state where it thrives.

“Owen, do you take Addy as your wife, a life partner to be cherished? Do you accept her as your equal in all things? Will you honor her, protect her, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?”

Owen’s lips tilted in a half-smile. “I do.” He then mouthed, Fuck yeah. His eyes were so intense, she almost melted on the spot.

“Addy, do you take Owen as your husband, a life partner to be cherished? Do you accept him as your equal in all things? Will you honor him, protect him, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?”

Owen arched a brow at her. She almost laughed. “I do.”

“Owen and Addy, beyond the words I’ve said and your intent which brought us here today, you have vows to say to each other. Catch them in your hearts and never let go of them.” The officiant nodded to Owen.

“Addy, I’ve always known that I loved you,” Owen began. “It wasn’t easy waiting for you to also realize we were one person in two bodies. And even when I thought I’d lost you, you were my one and only. I will spend my life making your life everything you wish it to be. I look forward to all we’ll experience and build together. I can’t believe we get another chance, and I vow I will not waste a single moment of our time.”

The tears in his eyes were almost Addy’s undoing. She reached up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “I love you.”

“I love you.”

Addy squared her shoulders. Turned out she didn’t need her written lines after all. She just needed to speak her truth. “Owen, silly man, I knew when I was born that you were mine and I was yours. Why do you think I always cast you as my knight in shining armor and sent you out to battle my dragons, and, well, my brother?” Owen smiled at her. “It seems we’ve lived three lifetimes already. Before the hell. The hell. And now this heaven. In each, you were my beacon of light. I know the world will change, and I know we’ll change with it. I vow to always love you, always honor you, and to strive to become your beacon of light.”

“You are that light, Addy,” Owen assured her.

“Owen and Addy, you’ve chosen to exchange rings during your ceremony,” the officiant said. “Let us consider the symbolism of a ring, a circle, a thing often thought to have no beginning and no end. But everything has a beginning and an end, marriage included. Your rings were made from raw materials that came from the earth and were transformed into something polished and beautiful. So too will your life as a married couple be forged in the fires of sorrow and joy. You were raw and separate before today united you. And you will spend the rest of your lives polishing and forming your beautiful marriage.

“Troy, please hold the pillow with your father’s ring on it for your mother.” The officiant nodded when Troy moved to stand next to Addy. Addy smiled and stroked her hand over his head. “Zavi, please hold the pillow with your aunt’s ring for your uncle to take.” Zavi grinned up at Owen as he moved to stand next to him.

“Owen, please place the ring on Addy’s finger and repeat these words after me.”

Addy stared into Owen’s eyes as he pushed the ring just to her knuckle, then, in his deep voice, repeated what the officiant said. “Addy, I give you this ring as a sign that I choose you to be my wife and best friend to the end of my days.”

Addy sniffled. When she was directed, she took the ring Troy held on the little pillow. Her hand shook as she pushed it to Owen’s knuckle. “Owen, I give you this ring as a sign that I choose you to be my husband and best friend to the end of my days.”

Owen’s smile was blinding. She barely heard the next words their officiant said.

“I’ve presided over many weddings in my career. Some of them here.” He chuckled. “Owen, Addy, the vows you’ve exchanged here today are sacred to your souls. May I add my own wishes for your union? Two simple things.

“Remember to always strive for kindness in your interactions. Be uplifting to each other and your home will always be a place of refuge for you and your loved ones.

“Love lavishly. I don’t mean living beyond your means. I mean laugh easily, compliment each other often, and always reach for joy. Make your marriage the richest experience you’ll ever have.”

Addy and Owen nodded.

“Then, ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to present to you your beloved friends, Owen and Addy, now Mr. and Mrs. Tremaine. You may now share your first kiss.”

Addy was laughing and crying as Owen’s warm mouth met hers. When they separated, a little cloud of confetti snowed down over them. Addy knelt to hug Troy and Zavi, then reached for Augie.

Troy knelt down to scoop up as much confetti as he could and throw it again. Zavi did that too. Both boys laughed then hugged. Everyone closed in around Addy and Owen, but she looked back at her boys in time to see Augie move over next to Troy and set a hand on his shoulder.

Wendell came over and hugged them both. He still held her bouquet. She laughed and reached for it. “Maybe I should take that again—unless you’re enjoying it.”

“Yes. Take it. Thank God.” He kissed her cheek again as he handed it to her. The event staff were moving the chairs off the dance floor and returning them to the tables.

Everything progressed in the orderly fashion that the wedding planner had mapped out for them, but it was mostly a blur for Addy—until the music started and Owen bowed in front of her, offering her his hand.

She took it and smiled at him, seeing in her mind the lonely man he’d been, writing about his lost dreams to a dead woman. And now they were together, married, making their dreams come true.