Page 147 of Levi

The brave face I’ve had firmly in place, crumbles.

“I was keeping it together. I never imagined it would hit me all at once like a tidal wave. I miss them so much, my heart aches,” I admit.

A few beats pass before he speaks.

“Your parents, my mom, Annmarie, and my little girl are up above partying with God and the angels.” His is voice is warm. “They may not be here,” he points to the floor, “but they’re here,” he taps against his heart, “And here,” he taps against mine. My gaze lowers. “Theyaresharing our joy.”

I glance up. “I keep telling myself that, but it’s still so hard.”

He runs his thumb over my lower lip. “I understand.”

He pulls me close to his body and wraps me in his strong arms, his warmth seeping through me.

My safe place.

I close my eyes.

This man holds my heart in the palm of his hand.

I’m not sure how long we stay like this, him rocking side to side.

He pulls away from me.

With his gaze boring into mine, he asks, “You’re going to be okay?”

I nod. “The sadness comes and goes, but yes, I’ll be okay.”

“I didn’t only come up here to find my beautiful wife. I’ve been told it’s time for the cake cutting, and then the tossing of the bouquet and garter.”

I laugh.

“By you’ve been told, you mean, Sydney?”

“No, I mean, Riley,” he chuckles. “She’s hoping to send her boyfriend a message.”

Riley Carrington, a boisterous and bubbly redhead with a big personality is also here. Sydney nearly died. She’s a huge fan of the popular Food TV chef and food blogger. I met Riley Carrington at a few of Shane’s barbecues and parties. She’s also a client. She couldn’t wait to get her own Cycle Thonix bike. She even got a couple for her brother’s ranch in Montana––one for Jake and one for Hunter, Jake’s business partner and best friend.

“She’s too much,” I laugh.

“Yes. She. Is,” he agrees. “But you’ve got to love her.”

“I guess there’s no pressure weighing on your shoulders since none of your boys are going to be fighting over the garter. On the contrary, they’ll be fighting to distance themselves as fast as humanly possible.”

“I’m certain they’ll conveniently be absent, or lost in the bathroom or garden. And that includes my brother, unless he uses Micah as his scapegoat.”

“I’m sure you’re right.”

“As for Larkin, the garter is smart enough to stay the hell away from him.”

I explode in laughter.

Random Misconception rocked the crowd until our feet hurt with a playlist of danceable tunes and ballads—all with a rock edge, of course. Holt, the fourth member, flew in from London with his adorable little girl.

My wedding day is beyond anything I could’ve dreamed of. Marrying Levi is a blessing, but being surrounded by all of these new friends warms my heart.

“Everyone is waiting, Mrs. Aldridge.” My husband laces his fingers with mine and brings my hand to his lips before dropping a soft kiss.

An unbidden smile steals across my lips, “God, I love it when you call me Mrs. Aldridge.”