Page 183 of Headstrong Like Us

I laugh. “I’ll catch him.”

Luna is beaming with real fucking happiness, and her eyes well like this is also a dream. Me joining her family. Yeah, I feel that too. We hug, and afterwards, she inspects Alpha’s present, sniffing a cigar.

Our heads turn as terrace doors bang against the wall. A cool breeze gusts inside, sheer drapes blowing wildly. The cloudy sky isn’t that ominous to me.

Oscar peers outside. “The storm might pass over.”

I shrug. “I really don’t give a shit.”

Rain or shine, I’m still marrying the love of my life today.

Donnelly glances down at his cell. “Jane’s asking if you need anything.”

Thatcher straightens up at her name. He hasn’t said anything, but I’m guessing he’s not the biggest fan of Jane communicating with Donnelly over him. Jane wants to give Donnelly the responsibilities that come with being the best man, and I appreciate that.

“I’m good,” I say. “You guys? Luna?”

They all nod.

Donnelly stares up at the ceiling, trying to remember something. “I’ve got tissues, Tylenol…” He pats his pants pockets and takes out a couple items. “Chapstick, condoms.”

My brows rise. “Why are you carrying around condoms?”

“You know, in case you and Maximoff have a quickie after the ceremony. I’ve got you, man.”

I nod with a growing smile. “You can mark that down as:shit that’s not happening.There’s no probability we’ll ditch our reception to go fuck in the bathroom.” I wouldn’t knock anyone for doing it, but we definitely want to wait.

Oscar grins and pops a Cheeto in his mouth. “You hear that, Donnelly. Your emergency condoms are useless.”

“Nah, man.” Donnelly slips the condom back in his pocket. “These are for you three then.” He looks between Oscar, Thatcher, and Luna. “In case you need them. I’ve got my guys and girl.” His eyes flit to Luna for a second longer.

She smiles.

Oscar laughs, “No way you have Moretti’s size in your pocket.”

Donnelly focuses back on Oscar. “Thatch can double wrap it.”

I can’t help it—I’m fucking cracking up.

Thatcher shakes his head into a long blink. Stunned him silent. Going to be honest, it’s not that hard. My smile aches my cheeks, and in the next beat, we all return to getting ready.

Luna slips back into the bathroom, where she left her heels.

I stand in front of the mirror and take a breath. Oscar comes closer, studying me from head to toe. I look over at him.

“In less than an hour, you’re going to be a married man, Redford.” He nods with a nostalgic smile like,this is it, what you’ve always wanted.Happiness glows in his brown eyes. “How does that feel?”

“An hour too long.” I can’t lie. Nervous anticipation courses through me. I usually don’t havejitters.I step back from the mirror, for a fuller view, and I skim myself.

I’m a doctor. I’ve trained my entire life to switch nerves into calm focus, but right now, my breath is short with this strange,jumpyexpectancy.

Shit.

The three guys share a look with one another.

“No, don’t do that,” I tell them. “I’m perfectly fine without you three silently worrying.”

“We’re not worried,” Thatcher says, arms weaving over his chest. His lip edges up.