Page 48 of Final Temptation (Alpine Peak #2)

“I know I don’t need to ask, but are you ready for this?” Straightening Declan’s tie, my eyes shifted from the small smirk on his lips to the dark fabric tangled in my fingers.

“Been ready for this, man. I can’t wait to stand next to Paige and call her my wife.” His body turned away from me, double-checking his tie in the mirror, and at the same time doing a once-over of his fitted navy suit.

His smile was contagious.

This day of happiness and the joy floating in the room was damn near contagious too.

Now that I was in a better place in my life, it was so much easier to find joy and truly take in a day as happy as this one without a second of doubt or disappointment.

“You never know, I may be right behind you.” I winked at our reflections in the mirror.

“What are you saying, bro? You planning to pop the question?” Declan turned toward me; a serious look painted on his face.

“Nah, I mean, don’t get me wrong, Sophie will one hundred percent be my wife one day.

I think she knows that, too. But I need to make sure I’m one thousand percent before I go and make a big life decision as altering as one like that.

” It was normal for me to make quick decisions without fully thinking them through, and at this point in my life, whether it be good or bad, I needed to take more time and really think about things before I did them.

Sophie and I were still both so young and had some growing up to do, and in the meantime, there was no one else I’d rather have by my side in life while we both figured out what’s next.

“Proud of you, man.” My brother slapped me on the shoulder.

“Thanks. But let’s focus on you, it’s your wedding day.” I grabbed hold of Declan, pulling him in for a quick hug before he walked out these doors and down the aisle.

“Damn right it is.” His smile widened.

“I’ll go get mom and let her know you’re ready.” I stepped out of the guest room where Declan was getting ready and headed for the living room where my mom waited patiently for her firstborn.

“Mom, he’s ready for you.” My voice startled her when her head snapped back in my direction, and her hand flew up to her chest.

“Oh, honey, you scared me!” She stood from the couch in all her shimmery, Mother of the Groom glory. Blonde hair curled over her shoulders, and her shiny sequin dress sparkled. My mother was absolutely stunning.

“Sorry,” I chuckled. “I’m going to head down. See you in a few.” I kissed her on the cheek before meeting Sophie on the front porch.

When the door closed behind me, the fresh spring air hit me in the face. Immediately, I spotted the back of Sophie, talking to a suited-up Chase in the front yard.

“Gotta go get the bride, my man.” Chase slipped away from my girl and clapped me on the back before he made his way into the house.

“Don’t forget to wait for Declan to head out, we can’t risk the groom seeing the bride until they’re at the altar!” Sophie called after him with just a crack in the door for her voice to travel through.

“Yeah, yeah!” Chase hollered back.

“Mmm, you’re so sexy when you’re in wedding mode.” I nuzzled into her neck.

“Yeah? You like it when I’m authoritative and bossing everyone around?” Her fingers played with my tie.

“Well, when you put it that way, I would rather boss you around myself, but I’ll allow it for the day.” I kissed her lips gently, careful not to mess up her makeup.

“Come on, it’s our time to shine.” Sophie grabbed my arm with one hand and the skirt of her long rose-colored dress with the other.

With the most beautiful girl in the world latched on to my side, we walked down to the creek together.

The guest list was small, essentially everyone at dinner last night returned today for the wedding. As best man and maid of honor, we made our way down the dirt path leading to the grassy area alongside Cherry Creek .

It was the perfect place for a wedding of this size, and it didn’t hurt that their home held so many memories between them, making it the perfect location to tie the knot.

Once we stepped off the dirt trail, our feet were met with white rose petals scattered about, leading us all the way to a flower-filled arch at the altar.

Light pink and white flowers of all kinds filled the archway—it was easily the most perfect backdrop for the bride and groom, and it was all thanks to Sophie’s grand imagination when it came to stuff like this.

The same violinist from dinner played a beautiful rendition of Perfect by Ed Sheeran as Sophie and I continued to walk down the aisle to take our place on each side.

After we took our respective spots, it wasn’t long until Declan and my mom followed behind us. He nodded his head as he walked toward me, saying hello to the wedding guests, grinning ear to ear. Before taking his spot, he gently kissed my mother’s cheek and whispered something in her ear.

Standing beside me, he clasped his hands in front of him as he gently rocked back and forth on his heels, awaiting his bride to follow the path down to the creek.

“You got this, brother.” I squeezed his arm, just as everyone in the crowd began to rise, their eyes flitting toward the bottom of the pathway.

Paige walked slowly toward us, toward her soon-to-be husband, careful not to fall in the grass. Chase held her steady as she clutched onto his arm for support. Held tightly in her other hand was a bouquet of white lilies, and her simple, yet stunning, white dress flowed around her.

When every head turned, following the bride’s footsteps, my eyes drifted to the right. With every set of eyes on Paige, mine settled on Sophie.

She watched her best friend walk down the aisle, tears gathering in her eyes, and all I could think about was how I wanted her to be the one in a white dress one day.

Truly and one hundred percent mine. Forever.