Page 31 of Knox (Comeback Duet #2)
Knox
I straightened my tie in the mirror and smoothed a hand over the front of my dress shirt as if that could settle the nerves bouncing around my stomach.
Mallory had set up her two guest rooms for Crew and me to get ready in. It was amazing what she’d pulled off in such a short amount of time. String lights were woven through the trees, flowers were arranged in vases on every table, and folding chairs stood in rows across her immaculate lawn.
I walked to the window and peeked outside for probably the twentieth time. Grady sat next to Crew’s parents, swinging his feet under his chair. He was our ringbearer, but I knew Mallory wasn’t giving him the rings until the very last second just to be safe.
On the other side of the aisle was the Singleton clan.
Just my parents and siblings filled an entire row.
Behind them were several rows filled with our teammates who’d stayed around for the break.
Parker and Rockland were also there with their daughters, as well as Matthewson and his husband, Gage.
Matthewson’s son Jase, who had been drafted by the Boston Red Sox, and Gage’s son Dylan, who had been selected by the Carolina Crushers, were with them.
And in the last row of Crew’s side sat his high school buddy, Levi Sexton, along with the same two people I’d seen him bring to a game last season.
A soft knock on the door had me turning around.
Mallory stepped inside. “You ready?”
I nodded. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
She smiled and came in a little closer. “You look great.”
“Thanks. Although I should be complimenting you. Everything looks perfect.”
“I’d do anything for you and Crew.” Her voice cracked a little. “Before you go out there, I just wanted to say thank you.”
I cocked my head to the side. “For what?”
“For loving Grady like you do. I’m sure finding out Crew had a son must’ve come as quite a shock to you as well. It would have been easy to cut your losses and bail, but you stuck around. It means everything to me that he’s got another person now who would do anything for him.”
I swallowed around the lump in my throat and wrapped her in a hug. “Thank you for letting me be a part of his life.”
She squeezed me tight, then pulled back and wiped under her eyes. “All right. Let’s get you two married.”
We stood just inside the French doors waiting for Mallory’s signal.
“You ready?” I asked, squeezing Crew’s hand.
He smiled. “I’ve been ready since the moment I proposed.”
Mallory nodded, and we opened the doors. As soon as we stepped outside, the small gathering of family and friends fell quiet.
“There they are,” Grady shouted from the front row and everyone chuckled lightly.
Mallory had rented a wooden arch and had it decorated with twinkling lights and blue and white flowers. Underneath, the officiant waited for us. When we reached her, Crew turned toward me and didn’t let go of my hand.
“Family and friends,” she began, “we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Crew Stratton and Knox Singleton. Through every win and loss, every road trip and return home, they have proven that love is a team sport.”
We both shook with silent laughter, but what she said was true. We’d definitely worked together to get to this point.
“We’re going to keep this short and sweet like the couple requested and start with the vows they’ve prepared for each other. Crew, whenever you’re ready.”
He took a steadying breath. “Knox, you came into my life during a time I was still hiding who I truly was. The way you lived out loud without worry or care about what others thought was inspiring. Our relationship hasn’t always been easy, but I’ll be forever grateful for your love and patience through all the curveballs that have been thrown at us.
I promise to never take you or us for granted, to be there for you every day, and to make sure you always know how deeply I love you for the rest of our lives. ”
The officiant turned to me. “Knox?”
I held Crew’s hand a little tighter. “Crew, if you’d asked me two years ago if I’d be getting married, I probably would have laughed.
But you changed everything the minute I walked into that Rockies clubhouse.
You have such a big heart that’s capable of so much love.
It’s clear in the way you love your son, your friends and family, and how you love me.
I never have to doubt your feelings for me, and I promise to give you the same security and make you feel loved forever.
You’re the love of my life, and I’m never letting you go. ”
Crew blinked hard, and I had to look up to keep my tears from slipping down my face.
“Do we have the rings?” the officiant asked.
Mallory gently nudged Grady who looked up and shouted, “I have them.” He walked up to us and handed over the two rings his mom had been safeguarding.
Crew smiled at him. “Thanks, buddy.” He held onto my ring and passed me his.
“Knox,” he said, placing the band onto my finger. “With this ring, I promise to stand beside you on and off the field for the rest of our lives.”
Next, I slid the ring onto his finger. “Crew, with this ring, I promise to love you through every inning, every season, for the rest of our game.”
The officiant smiled. “By the power vested in me by the state of Oregon, I pronounce you married. You may kiss your husband.”
I didn’t wait for Crew to make the first move. I tugged him forward, and kissed him like I’d been waiting my whole life to do it in front of everyone.