Page 37 of Protected By the Bikers Next Door (Never Just One #4)
Harper
One Year Later
I don’t remember feeling this happy at my wedding to Ryan. All I recall is the nausea and nerves. As I’m preparing to walk down the aisle for the first of three weddings today, the legally binding one to Wolf, all I feel is joy. There’s no uncertainty in my heart.
It helps that Jenny is so excited and happy about her mommy marrying three ‘Daddies who all love Mommy’, her words.
If it harmed Jenny in any way, I’d think twice about it, but she’s been so excited about the weddings.
It’s because of her that we’re doing three separate ceremonies.
She insisted that one ceremony wouldn’t be enough and I needed three different dresses.
An extravagance I initially refused until the guys insisted they wanted it for me, too.
Dress number one is a simple yet classic dress made of cream satin that hugs my curves, tapering out at the waist into a slim-fitting skirt.
I didn’t want anything too extravagant as we’re at the city hall for the first ceremony.
It’s still reasonably early, the first ceremony of the day, so there’s a chill in the air.
Wrapped around my shoulders is a faux fur stole in gorgeous colors of grays, browns, and creams to resemble a wolf’s fur, a nod to the man I’m about to marry.
My hair is worn loose with some braids, and my makeup is simple.
“Mommy, you look like a Viking queen,” Jenny says in awe. She’s recently been learning about the Vikings in school.
I look in the mirror and realize with a smile that she’s right.
It’s perfectly fitting for the strong warrior I’m about to marry.
Jenny looks like a little mini-me, except for the fact that her skirt is a tutu-style skirt.
Even baby Sofia is coordinated; she sits in her playpen, happily cooing away and pulling at the little booties she’s wearing.
“She’s right, you look beautiful,” Mira adds, coming to stand behind me, squeezing my shoulders, and looking at me in the mirror.
“So do you,” I point out. “Both of you,” I add, turning to look at Katie, who is my other bridesmaid. “Paul and Tiny are going to lose their minds.”
It didn’t surprise me that Tiny and Katie became an item.
Tiny might be a giant at six-foot-eight, but he’s a real softie, rescuing kittens in his spare time.
Katie needs someone like that, strong yet gentle at the same time.
He’s utterly besotted with Katie, he said he knew she was the one the moment he saw her that night at the pier.
Katie and I have become firm friends since that night.
She now works at the Shadow Pack clubhouse, managing the bar, so between her relationship with Tiny and her association with the Pack, we see a lot of each other.
Mira and Paul getting together was a bit more of a surprise.
It’s not that they aren’t suited, quite the opposite, but Mira’s usually so protective of me, I didn’t think she’d be able to see past what he did to me on Viktor’s behalf.
It certainly took her a little while to warm to him.
However, their mutual interests and obvious connection ultimately prevailed. I’ve never seen Mira so happy.
There’s a knock at the door, and Hawk pokes his head around. “Wow, you look beautiful, Harper,” he says as he takes me in.
“Thank you. You look very handsome yourself,” I reply, noting how his suit fits him just right, highlighting his broad shoulders and narrow waist. All three of my men have donned their military jackets, with medals on display, for the occasion.
“Are you ready?”
We decided that Bear will be Wolf’s best man and Hawk will give me away. The men will then rotate roles for the next two ceremonies; it’s a perfect display of our harmony.
I take a deep breath, glancing at myself one last time in the mirror.
The woman who stares back at me isn’t the woman I used to be.
I’m not Haley, the timid victim. Nor do I feel like the Harper I was before I met my men.
Back then I was a scared mom doing her best. I was in survival mode, not truly living.
Not only have I found the loves of my life, but I have also found myself.
“Yes, I’m ready.”
I walk over to Hawk, taking his arm as he leads the way. I can hear the music as we wait outside the door. I watch proudly as Jenny confidently leads the way, scattering flowers and basking in the attention of the guests. Mira goes next with Sofia in her arms, followed by Katie.
Now it’s my turn.
I take a deep breath and walk toward my future.
Wolf stands at the end of the aisle, looking handsome and serious as always.
It’s odd to see him in a suit, but he wears it well, and I can see the brave soldier who earned those medals pinned to his chest. His mouth pops open when he sees me, and I spot a rare moment of vulnerability where I could swear he’s about to cry before he pulls himself together.
Bear stands next to him, grinning from ear to ear.
All of the Shadow Pack are here to bear witness, and they will be for the next two ceremonies too.
Patrick, a former Army chaplain the guys know from their military days, is conducting the ceremonies.
When I asked him if he had an issue with me ‘marrying’ three men, he simply said, “Love can only be multiplied, never divided.” I like him.
I’m able to make it through the ceremony without issues, my voice strong and clear with conviction.
My heart swells with love, and as I say, “I do.” I know that this time, my marriage won’t fail.
How can it when I’ve finally married the right person, or should I say people? After all, the day isn’t over yet.
Wolf kisses me passionately, taking my breath away and making me blush as people cheer.
Next, we move on to the MC clubhouse, where the rest of the day will take place.
The venue has been transformed with a large marquee in the parking lot area, beautifully decorated with fairy lights hanging above, creating a stunning garden wedding atmosphere.
I can hardly believe it’s the same place.
We take photos and have the wedding breakfast. I make my excuses and go to change into my next outfit, ready for my marriage to Bear at midday.
This time, I wear a dreamy, fairytale-style dress that showcases my cleavage, the skirt made of taffeta and lace.
Bear and I say our vows in the yard area, under a big oak tree, the sun shining down on us as our friends stand and watch. It’s perfect as Bear is such an outdoorsy type, my big lumberjack. When Bear kisses me, he picks me up and twirls me around as if I weigh nothing, and I giggle with joy.
Next, there are speeches, as well as more food and drinks, in the marquee.
Wolf’s speech is serious and authoritative, as the Prez of the Shadow Pack, he declares his love and devotion, and I am officially welcomed as a member of the pack and given my very own leather jacket with the Shadow Pack patch.
Bear’s speech is both romantic and funny, just like him.
I’m surprised when Hawk stands up. I know how little he cares for public speaking.
“Harper, as you know, I’m not one for speeches, so I’ll keep this short.
It’s not like I could ever find the words to describe how much you mean to me or how much I love you.
Pretty soon, you and I will make the same declarations of love to each other that you have already made to my best friends, my brothers, today.
I am honored that you chose me, and I promise to love you until my dying breath and beyond. ”
My heart swells with love, and I kiss him. “I can’t wait to marry you, too,” I whisper to him.
My third and final wedding outfit for the day is a gorgeous white jumpsuit that fits me perfectly, and I can dance in it later.
Katie expertly ties my hair up into a messy yet chic updo, and I finalize the look by wearing my new leather vest. My final look is applauded by our guests, making me laugh as I make my way down the aisle for the third and final time today.
Hawk and I say our vows in the marquee, under the twinkling lights as the sun is setting outside.
Hawk’s kiss is brief and gentle. When we pull apart, the cake is brought over to us.
I feel a surge of pride as I look at it.
Hawk and I decided we would make the wedding cake together.
Not only does it look far better than I could have hoped for, but looking at it reminds me of how much fun we had making it.
I’ll treasure those memories far more than I would if we’d simply bought one.
We cut into it, and the crowd cheers. When I throw the bouquet, a surprised Mira catches it.
Her cheeks flush as Paul beams at her shyly, and I wonder if they will indeed get married one day.
Later, as the guests dance and have a great time, I take a step back to catch my breath and let the day sink in.
As I look around at everyone I love under one roof, I feel happier than I’ve ever felt.
Seeing that I’m alone, my men come over to embrace me and stand watching our friends and family having fun.
They lead me over to the dancefloor as our first dance song comes on.
“This has been the best day of my life. I can’t wait for what comes next,” I say with a dreamy smile as I sway, dancing between each of them.
“What comes next?” Bear asks, kissing me as he twirls me into Wolf’s arms.
“We live happily ever after, of course.”