Page 27 of Billy and Cord (Omega Hearts #1)
He squeezed Billy’s hands, feeling them tremble slightly in his grip.
“You are brilliant, kind, brave, and absolutely perfect exactly as you are. I promise to protect you, to support your dreams, to make sure you never doubt for a single moment how loved and wanted you are. I promise to bring you hot chocolate on cold nights and to pretend I don’t notice when you steal my hoodies.
I promise to be your partner, your mate, your family, for the rest of our lives. I love you, Billy. My mate. My heart.”
Billy was openly crying now, not bothering to hide it. When he spoke, his voice was thick with emotion but strong with certainty.
“Cord, I spent years thinking I’d never have this.
That I wasn’t worthy of a mate, of love, of a real home.
Then you crashed into my life like some kind of action hero, all growly and protective and absolutely perfect, even when you fell on the floor the first time we saw each other.
” A watery laugh escaped him. “You’ve shown me that I deserve to be cherished, that my past doesn’t define my future, that it’s okay to lean on someone else sometimes.
You make me feel safe and loved and seen in a way I never thought possible. ”
He lifted one hand to touch Cord’s cheek, and Cord leaned into the touch without thought.
“I promise to stand by your side, to support your work even when it takes you away, to be your soft place to land after hard missions. I promise to trust you with my heart, to build our life together one day at a time, to love you fiercely and completely. You are my mate, my alpha, my home. I love you, Cord. Always.”
“The rings?” Mr. Brown prompted gently.
Razor stepped forward, producing two simple platinum bands from his pocket. Cord had wanted to get Billy something elaborate, but Billy had insisted on simple bands. “I don’t need fancy,” he’d said. “I just need something that says I’m yours.”
They exchanged rings with hands that shook slightly, emotion making them both clumsy. But then the cool metal was settling against Cord’s finger, and Billy wore his mark in yet another way, and Cord’s wolf was rumbling with satisfaction.
“By the power vested in me by the Omega Hearts Foundation and the state laws governing our kind,” Mr. Brown said, his voice carrying across the yard, “I now pronounce you married. Alpha Cord, you may kiss your omega.”
Cord didn’t need to be told twice. He cupped Billy’s face in his hands and kissed him deeply, pouring all his love and promise into the contact. Billy made a soft sound and pressed closer, his hands fisting in Cord’s jacket.
The gathered crowd erupted in cheers and applause, but Cord barely heard them. His whole world had narrowed to the man in his arms - his husband, his mate, his everything.
When they finally broke apart, both breathing heavily, Billy’s glasses were fogged, and his lips were swollen. He looked thoroughly kissed and absolutely radiant.
“I love you,” Cord said, needing to say it again.
“Love you too,” Billy replied, then grinned. “Husband.”
The word sent a thrill through Cord. Husband. Billy was his husband.
“Come on,” Billy tugged at his hand. “Our guests are waiting to eat. Cece’s mom made enough food to feed the entire town, and Tristan’s been planning the cake cutting for weeks.”
They walked back down the aisle together, hands linked, wedding rings catching the light. Friends called out congratulations, someone threw flower petals, and through it all, Billy never let go of his hand.
The reception was held on the deck and throughout the backyard, casual and comfortable, just like they’d wanted.
Cece’s mother had indeed cooked enough for an army - tables groaned under the weight of dishes both familiar and exotic.
The wedding cake, bought by Tristan’s brother as a gift, was a simple two-tier creation decorated with delicate sugar flowers.
“Speech!” Bullet called out once everyone had food and drinks. “Best man speech time!”
Cece bounced to his feet, champagne glass in hand, as he grinned at the assembled guests.
“I’ve known Billy since we were in school together,” he began.
“And in all that time, I watched him convince himself he didn’t need an alpha, that he was fine on his own.
Which he was - Billy’s one of the strongest people I know.
But being strong doesn’t mean you don’t deserve love.
” He turned to look at Billy directly. “Watching you with Cord these past months, seeing you blossom and grow and just be so damn happy - it’s everything I wanted for you and more. ”
He raised his glass toward Cord. “And you. You better know how lucky you are. Billy’s not just gorgeous and brilliant - he’s loyal and loving and will stand by you through anything. You hurt him, and you’ll have me and Tristan to deal with.”
“And me,” Mrs. Rawlings called out, making everyone laugh.
“And my mom, and probably my brothers, too,” Cece agreed with a grin. “But I don’t think we need to worry about that. The way you look at him, Cord - that’s the real deal. So here’s to Billy and Cord. To true mates, found family, and happily ever after.”
Everyone raised their glasses, chorusing the toast. Billy wiped at his eyes, and Cord pulled him closer, pressing a kiss to his temple.
Bullet’s speech was shorter but no less heartfelt.
“I’ve known Cord a long time,” he said simply.
“Seen him in good times and bad. But I’ve never seen him as happy as he’s been since he met Billy.
That’s all anyone can ask for - someone who makes you better, makes you happy, makes you whole. Welcome to the team, Billy.”
As the afternoon wore on, Cord found himself watching Billy interact with their guests.
He laughed at something Tristan said, helped Mrs. Rawlings bring out more food and chatted with Anthony about some project he was working on.
He looked comfortable, confident, and happy in a way that made Cord’s heart swell.
“You did good,” Bullet said, appearing at his elbow with two beers. “Real good.”
“He makes it easy,” Cord replied, accepting the bottle. “Being with him, loving him - it’s the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”
“Even when he had you wanting to go hunting all over town for him after catching his scent?”
Cord laughed. “Even then. Maybe especially then. He was worth the chase.”
“Ready to dance with me?”
Cord turned to find Billy holding out his hand, eyes bright, his smile wide.
They’d set up a small speaker system for music, and something slow and sweet was playing.
Without hesitation, Cord set down his beer and took Billy’s hand, letting his omega lead him to the cleared space that served as a dance floor.
Other couples joined them - Cece’s parents swaying together with practiced ease, Anthony spinning a laughing Tristan in a brotherly dance. But Cord only had eyes for Billy as they moved together, Billy’s arms around his neck, Cord’s hands settled on his husband’s waist.
“Good day?” Cord murmured.
“Perfect day,” Billy corrected. “Though I’m looking forward to everyone leaving so I can get you out of that suit.”
The words sent heat through Cord, and he tightened his grip. “Careful, or I’ll throw everyone out right now.”
Billy laughed, the sound bright and happy. “Patience, my husband. We only get married once, let’s enjoy it.”
As the sun began to set, casting golden light through the trees, their guests gradually began to leave. Hugs were exchanged, Mrs. Rawlings pressed leftover containers into their hands, and Mr. Brown shook both their hands with genuine warmth.
“You boys take care of each other,” he said. “And Billy, that offer still stands whenever you’re ready. The Foundation could use someone with your skills and life experience.”
Billy nodded, leaning into Cord’s side. “I’ll think about it. Thank you. For everything.”
Finally, it was just them and Cord’s team helping to clean up. But when Cord started gathering plates, Bullet waved him off.
“Get out of here,” he ordered. “We’ve got this. Go start your honeymoon.”
“We’re not going anywhere,” Billy protested. “We’re staying home tonight.”
“Exactly. So go home and let us handle this.”
Billy looked like he wanted to argue, but Cece appeared and literally shooed them toward the house. “Go! Consummate! Be married! We’ve got the cleanup covered.”
Laughing, Cord swept Billy up into his arms, making his mate yelp and grab onto his shoulders. “You heard them. Time to go home, husband.”
He carried Billy through the back door as their friends’ laughter followed them, not setting him down until they were in their bedroom - their bedroom, in their house, where they’d build their life together.
“Hi,” Billy said softly, looking up at him with so much love Cord that felt breathless.
“Hi,” Cord replied, cupping his face. “We’re married.”
“We’re married,” Billy agreed, turning his head to kiss Cord’s palm. “I love you.”
“Love you too. So damn much.”
They came together in a kiss that started gently and quickly turned heated, two months of touches and exploration making them confident in what the other needed. Cord would never get tired of Billy’s taste, his scent, the little sounds he made when Cord found just the right spot.
“Best day ever,” Billy gasped when they broke for air.
Cord grinned, already working on Billy’s tie. “Day’s not over yet.”
Billy’s answering smile was wicked and full of promise. “Then we better make the most of it, alpha.”
And they did.