Page 48

EPILOGUE

I’m pretty sure I’m going to need an ambulance if six o’clock doesn’t arrive soon. I try to clear my throat. The emotion there isn’t getting any better. Instead, it’s getting bigger by the minute.

“You alright, man?” Reeves asks as he slips on his black tuxedo jacket.

“Fuck no, man. I’m not alright. I’m about to die of happiness. I can’t believe how freaking much it hurts.”

He laughs at my expression. “That heart of yours is really out of shape.”

I tug on my own coat. “You’re preaching to the choir. I know this.”

Linc holds out his boutonniere with a frustrated scowl. “Dad, can you help me?”

“Sure, kiddo, but wouldn’t you rather Belle help you? She’ll do a much better job.”

His frown snaps into a grin. “Excellent idea. See you out there when things get real.”

When I look in the mirror to straighten my tie, I see Reeves's pained expression, and it’s not because his bowtie is too tight. “Okay, you’ve been moping around all afternoon. What gives?”

He pinches at the bridge of his nose. “We shouldn’t talk about work on your wedding day.”

I go back to futzing with my collar because I’ve got to do something or I’m going to come out of my skin. “Suit yourself.”

He flops into a chair next to me. “Okay. I’m all torqued up because that internal auditor the county hired is all over my case.”

“Oh yeah? You mentioned her. She combing over the department records?”

He grunts. “Yeah, and she fucking hates my guts. I don’t get her. She’s like an ice queen with an ax to grind on my head.”

I genuinely gape at him. "What the hell? You? No one hates you!”

He raises a brow. “Exactly, I don’t know how to deal with it.”

Gunnar flies through the door. He puts his shoulder against it, holding it closed. Outside there’s a loud screeching sound.

“That woman is nuts. She tried to stab me with a pin. Said she was going to make sure my flower was on right.” He laughs darkly and yells at the door, “You’re not getting in here.”

She’s stomping on the other side. “Fine, don’t wear the flowers your sister wanted you to wear. She’s going to be so disappointed.”

He stares at the door in disbelief. “Did you guys hear that? She’s blackmailing me.”

I laugh so hard my eyes sting as I watch him fuming at the door. “You can’t say living above Elena’s is boring.”

“Fuck me. I’m thinking it was a lot easier living above some four hundred pound inmate with a penchant for singing Cher songs.”

The banging on the door gets louder, only this time, it’s Bryce Archer. “Go time, boys.”

I’m the first one through the door. The guys had a hard enough time keeping me from Avery all day. But now, there’s no holding me back.

A breeze with saltwater drifting on its current is stirring the palm trees. The ocean-view patio at the sailing club is decorated with white flowers everywhere. Avery didn’t want to plan a wedding, so I paid Elena to put the whole thing together.

I have to give her credit, it looks incredible in the setting sunlight. The area for the ceremony is facing the ocean, and to the left are the reception tables. All out in the open, where the ocean can be heard lapping. The stars will shine overhead once the sun makes its final drop to melt into the water as we say our vows.

The seats on either side of the aisle are full of our friends. My heart gets bigger with every step I take down the aisle. I never imagined that my battered ticker would feel again, but god, it’s going crazy right now. It has been pretty much since that infamous blind date .

And of course, having Linc here makes it even that much better. He looks like a grown man in his tux as he watches me walk down the aisle.

When I take my position under the arch of flowers with the officiant, the music starts. Everyone rises.

Then my world stands still.

I’ve never seen a more beautiful sight—my bride-to-be in a long, delicate white lace gown. In her hands is a bouquet of fire red roses with long white streams of ribbon that float in the breeze.

Gunnar is squared away in his tuxedo, boutonniere and all, as he ushers her solemnly down the aisle. When they reach the arch, he passes her hand to me with a silent nod and a silent exchange of respect.

Then we’re alone. Avery and me. Well, not really alone. But we might as well be, because nothing else in the world exists.

Her eyes are full of love as they slide over me. “Hello, handsome. Look at you in that tuxedo.”

The power of her beauty steals my breath, like it always does. “Hello, gorgeous.”

Melting me with the excitement in her eyes, she asks, “Ready to do this?”

My voice is pure gravel. “I’ve never been more ready for anything.”

I turn and nod to the woman who will make this official. She smiles. “Let’s begin.”

With my thumb, I catch a tear that slides down Avery’s cheek. It’s a happy tear that spills off her lashes as she smiles up at me during our vows. “I’ll always be here to catch your tears, in happiness and hard times, sweetheart.”

She laughs softly, “So romantic, killing me here.”

Below my breath, I say, “I’m saving the best for later. ”

Her blush creeps from her tempting neckline up to the diamonds on her ears. “I bet you are.”

I don’t even wait to hear the official words, “You may kiss your bride.” Screw formality. Avery doesn’t seem to care one bit. She knows I like breaking the rules. When I take her face between my hands, kissing her like there’s no tomorrow, she wraps her arms around me and holds me tight.

I feel like I’m flying. I want to roar and pound my chest. “I love you, babe.”

She’s laughing. Smiling. Crying. “I love you, Brock, you crazy man.”

No more wondering for me. I know that every decision, everything that led me to this moment, hardships and all, were worth it. It made me the man I am today—the man who loves this woman—and the man she loves back.

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