Page 33 of Eternal Pieces (The Violet Delights Duet #2)

“They’re gorgeous,” I sigh, getting a closer look and taking Tobias from him. “Hi, baby, don’t you look pretty today.” He gurgles back at me, his chubby arms reaching for my hair.

Sarah comes to my side and holds her arms out for him. “Come give Aunty Sar Bear some cuddles so your mama can have some time with your daddies.”

“Thank you,” I say softly as I pass him over to her.

Tobias grabs the flower crown off her head and giggles. She hugs me with one arm and kisses my cheek. “I love you, Violet. I’m so glad we’re friends now.”

“Me too.”

Reginald goes to stand behind his sons. He’s officiating our ceremony?

“Go on.” Sarah nudges me forward. I take the first step, and a song from my favorite movie starts playing. Young and Beautiful from The Great Gatsby.

I can’t help but feel a little shy as I approach Max and Maddox. Their eyes are glued to me. But with each step, my confidence grows.

“Did you finally decide who it’s going to be?” I ask when I reach their sides.

They share a quiet look. A secret I’m not privy to is exchanged between them.

“Mad is who you’ll legally be married to, but you get to have the ceremony with both of us.” Max wipes his thumb across my cheek, catching my tears. I’m glad Sarah used waterproof mascara on me, otherwise, I’d be a mess.

I don’t need to ask Max if he’s sure; the look in his eyes tells me everything.

He’s settled on this. I’m proud of him for putting his brother first. They’ve both been through a lot these past few years, Max more so.

But I know he’s been carrying a lot of guilt for the way he’s treated us both, and we understand why he’s acted the way he has.

It doesn’t justify his anger, but the way he’s making it up to both of us is more than enough for me.

My eyes meet Maddox’s. He holds out his hand for me. They both do. I take them and it feels like home.

Reginald begins the ceremony, and it all comes so easily. There are no interruptions other than mine and Maddox’s sobs, and a few cute baby noises that have all our hearts melting.

When it’s time for the vows, Maddox goes first.

He takes hold of my hands and gives me a look that is nothing but pure pride and certainty.

“Violet, baby, you had already given me everything I wanted when you chose to be ours, but you’ve kept on giving me things I didn’t know I needed.

Now it’s my turn to do the same for you.

” He slips off my engagement rings and replaces them with a brand-new wedding band.

It’s a simple yet perfect design of a vivid yellow triangular diamond set into a golden ring.

“Every part of me is yours. Always has been. Always will be. I vow to always care for you no matter what. You have all of me forever.” He plants a gentle kiss on my forehead before Max steals my attention by turning me to face him.

I’m trapped in his warm, golden gaze as he vows his love to me.

“Mad is right. You own us. We’ll do whatever you want of us, no questions asked.

And we’ll do it all with a smile because you’re so perfect and you’re all ours.

We’ll love you forever, sweetheart, you and our beautiful children.

” He looks over at the triplets, and my heart soars as his gaze softens on them.

Love and joy shimmering in his eyes. It’s been a wonder to watch him become a father.

He’s so patient with them, not once getting angry from their constant crying and need for attention.

He’s never complained about all the poopy diapers or the lack of sleep.

He and Maddox have given us the safest home.

A home that I will always be grateful for.

“Gold to match your eyes,” Max says, sliding the second ring onto my finger. I sob as I see the shape of the diamond and the way it connects on top of Maddox’s ring. Together they form a heart. My two loves filling one heart.

“It’s perfect.”

“Violet, is there anything you’d like to say?” Reginald asks.

“I know this is last minute, so you don’t have to say anything if you’re not up to it,” Max adds.

“I want to. Do we have the rings?” I look around, and Sarah comes over with a bright smile on her face and tears on her lashes.

She’s cradling Tobias, and in his lap is a ring box.

I take it and pop the lid open. They’re the ones I picked out for the last time we tried to do this.

Two golden bands engraved on the inside.

One says Forever, and the other Always .

I had prepared vows for the last time as well, rewrote them over and over until they felt right. But I don’t need them. The words I want to say come straight from my heart.

“Max, you’ve always been our strength, and I feel like you’ve passed some of that on to me.

With it and your constant protection, I’ve been able to let go of the things that were hurting me and forge our life together.

I wouldn’t want to do any of this without you, and I’ll never have to.

You swear I’ll be yours forever, and I promise I will.

” I put the ring on his finger, then look to Maddox.

“Always. Maddox, you keep me sane on the darkest days. Make me laugh when I don’t even realize I need to.

You hold me so close I can barely breathe.

And it’s perfect. I don’t need to worry about breathing when I’m with you two.

Because I know you’ll always protect me and our children.

All I’ve ever wanted is a home, and I finally have it. ”

After I slip Maddox’s ring onto his finger, Reginald announces our marriage.

I’m curious who I’ll get to kiss first. Did they have another contest between themselves to figure it out?

Everything becomes a blur as I’m suddenly squashed between the two of them, their hands hold me in place as they kiss me at the same time.

It’s messy and a little awkward in front of our family, but I’m so lost in our love that I don’t care.

This is who we are. All our messy, broken pieces fit perfectly together, and it’s our never-ending love that will keep us eternally bound to one another.