Page 25 of Billy and Cord (Omega Hearts #1)
“Fair point,” Tristan agreed. “Maybe just a nice dinner? Some drinks, some embarrassing stories about you...”
“Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this?” Billy asked, but he was grinning.
“Because you know us too well,” Cece said cheerfully. “Now, let’s talk honeymoon. Somewhere warm? Mountain cabin? City break?”
Billy’s cheeks heated. “Cord mentioned maybe going to the coast. He knows I’ve never seen the ocean.”
Both his friends went quiet for a moment, and Billy knew they were thinking the same thing he was - about all the things he’d missed out on, all the experiences his parents’ rejection had stolen from him.
“That’s perfect,” Tristan said finally. “Your first time seeing the ocean should definitely be with your mate.”
“Romantic walks on the beach,” Cece sighed dramatically. “Sunset dinners, sleeping in, no missions or work deadlines...”
“It sounds nice,” Billy admitted. “Really nice.”
His phone buzzed again. This time it was a photo from Cord - him and Bullet making faces at the camera, clearly bored with whatever surveillance they were doing.
“Your alpha’s a dork,” Cece observed, looking at the photo. “I approve.”
“He really is,” Billy agreed, his whole face soft with affection. “He bought me a hot chocolate sachet when he came back from that mission, all because he felt bad about not being able to get me a proper hot chocolate in the middle of the night.”
“If that’s not true love, I don’t know what is.” Tristan agreed.
They spent the next hour going through wedding inspiration photos, arguing good-naturedly about centerpieces and menu options.
Billy found himself actually getting excited about it, imagining walking down an aisle toward Cord, seeing that proud, possessive look his alpha got whenever he called Billy his mate.
“You know what?” Billy said suddenly. “I want to do it soon. Not like next week soon, but... I don’t want to wait a whole year or whatever. We’ve already mated. We’re buying a house together. I want to make it official in human terms, too.”
“Spring’s only a few months away,” Cece pointed out. “Totally doable if we start planning now.”
“The house should be closed on by then, too,” Billy mused. “We could have the reception in our own backyard if we wanted. Keep it simple.”
“I love it,” Tristan said. “Your first party in your new home being your wedding reception? That’s beautiful.”
Billy’s hands went to his bracelets again, twisting them nervously. “Do you think... do you think Cord will be okay with that? Moving fast, I mean?”
Both his friends gave him identical looks of fond exasperation.
“Billy,” Cece said patiently, “that alpha would marry you tomorrow if you asked. He’s completely gone for you.”
“He really is,” Tristan agreed. “I’ve never seen an alpha so thoroughly whipped. In the best possible way, of course.”
Billy ducked his head, his cheeks heating. “I want to do this right. I want to give him a proper wedding, with all his team there and everything planned out perfectly.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do,” Cece declared. “Operation Wedding Planning is officially a go. I’ll start a shared document tonight with all our ideas.”
“Of course you will,” Billy laughed. “Just... try not to go too overboard?”
“Me? Overboard?” Cece pressed his hand to his chest in mock offense. “I would never.”
Tristan snorted. “Remember when you planned that birthday party for your cousin and ended up with actual peacocks?”
“They were rented peacocks, and they were fabulous,” Cece defended.
“No peacocks at my wedding,” Billy said firmly. “Or swans, or doves, or any other fancy birds.”
“You’re no fun,” Cece pouted, but his eyes were dancing. “Fine, we’ll keep it simple and elegant. Classic. Timeless.”
“With really good cake,” Billy added. “That’s non-negotiable.”
“Obviously. What kind of friends would we be if we let you have a subpar wedding cake?” Tristan shook his head. “I’m thinking multiple tiers, maybe different flavors for each layer...”
As Cece and Tristan debated cake choices it hit Billy in that moment that he was content.
He didn’t have his parents, but he had a found family who loved him and supported him in every way, even before Cord came into his life.
It was fun, he realized, having something exciting to celebrate because he was with friends.
Friends who chose him, not because they had to, but because they wanted to, and that made it all the more special.
His phone buzzed one more time. Mission wrapped up early. I’ll bring dinner home with me. Love you.
“He’ll be home soon,” Billy told them, unable to keep the smile off his face.
“And that’s our cue to go,” Cece said, gathering up his things. “You’ll want to pretty yourself up for your alpha’s return.”
“I do not pretty myself up,” Billy protested, even though he was already mentally planning to shower and change into the soft sweater Cord loved.
“Sure you don’t,” Tristan said knowingly. “Come on, Cece. Let’s leave the lovebird to his primping.”
They left in a flurry of hugs and promises to start serious wedding planning over the weekend. Billy stood in his doorway, watching them go, his heart full.
Five years ago, he’d thought he’d lost everything. Now he had a mate, a home, a future, and friends who loved him enough to argue about wedding centerpieces.
It’s going to be a busy few months, he thought, slowly closing the door and then hurrying to get in the shower.