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Pulling Aspen’s hand around the crease of my elbow, I look down at her with a smirk. “You ready for the future?”

She scrunches her eyebrows together, but misses not a single beat before saying, “Yes.”

The double doors open as two pack members pull them back. We are the first in line as the Best Man and Bridesmaid. I was supposed to walk Nellie down the aisle, but I asked for Xavior to be the one, since it’s hilarious how much she gets under his skin.

Right before we step through the threshold, I glance over to Aspen before asking, “You ready for this?”

“More than ready.” She smiles at me before looking forward as we walk down the path.

I don’t take my eyes off of her as we walk down the path. I want to ingrain this into my memories forever. The first moment I knew there was actually hope for our future. Watching the sunlight dance across her amber brown curls as streaks of blonde shine through it. Seeing the gold flecks in her eyes that I never knew existed. The way her eyes crinkle as she smiles. Her face lighting up as she waves at different townsfolk. I catalogue all of it into my memory, praying I will never forget this moment. Before I know it, we have made it to the moment we are to separate, but I’m not ready to let go. She glances up at me with a questioning look on her face.

“Warrick?”

“Give me a chance tonight? Let me show you something after the wedding is over. Please say yes,” I plead with her.

“Yes,” she answers as she pulls her arm away from mine to take her place.

Taking my place beside Silas, I see he has a smile playing across his face. “Seems I’m not the only one that has been making big changes in their life. You owe me an explanation.”

Nodding my head once, I keep my eyes focused on her.

“Tonight will be the night. I can feel it.”Wraith’s excitement is almost palpable.

“If everything works out, hopefully, we won’t ever be alone again,”I tell him.

“Don’t fuck it up. I would hate to have to take over and show you how it’s really done.”

“Fuck off, Wraith.”

He chuckles before stepping away again.

I’m sure the wedding was beautiful, just as I’m sure that their vows were heartfelt. But, if you were to ask me anything about it, I could only tell you based on Aspen’s reactions. The moments of the tears welled up and slid down her cheeks before she blotted them with a tissue. The moment she clapped with her entire body as they kissed. How I watched her envy what they had. Or the moment I knew that we would have a wedding just like this, or whatever version she wanted. Because from here on out, she’ll get whatever she wants so long as it will make her smile at me like this, where her eyes crinkle. Where she will cry tears of happiness at our sappy moments. I want it all.

Nova and Silas walk down the aisle, each of us stepping in behind them to follow. Just as before, right before we step through the threshold, I look at Aspen and know that it’s now or never.

Chapter 24

Warrick

My skin prickles with the sensation of a thousand needles as I spin Aspen around to face me. Pulling her flush with me, I lean close to her ear, “Leave with me. I have something I want to show you and I can’t wait any longer.”

She nods her head subtly as I pull her hand into mine and pull us back toward the exit.

We pass Xavior on our rush back to the doors and he gives us a bewildered look. “Where are you two going?”

“No time to explain. Have a great night, Xav,” I toss over my shoulder as I push open the double doors.

The cool breeze blows past us as we push out into the canopy of trees. The sun set not long ago and the temperature is already dropping. Aspen shivers as it blows across her bare arms.

“Where are we going?” she asks, while running her hands up and down her arms to warm herself.

Pulling my jacket off, I place it over her shoulders. “Just to my house.”

She gives me a questioning look.

“Trust me, it’s worth it. I promise to be a good boy and keep my hands to myself,” I say while holding my hands up.

She smirks. “I don’t think you could be a good boy even if you tried.”