Page 32

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

Kenzie

The morning sun streams through the delicate lace curtains, casting a warm, golden hue across the bedroom, creating a pattern of intricate shadows on the faded wooden floor.

I stretch languidly, feeling the absence of the familiar heaviness that had accompanied me for months.

It's been half a year since our triplets, Kingston, Daisy, and Lily, entered our lives, and today marks the day I officially become Braden's wife.

In my heart, though, I know I'm committing to an entire family.

Through the slightly ajar bedroom door, the soft, melodic cooing and giggling of the babies float in, punctuated by Reggie's rich Scottish brogue as he hums a lullaby while gently rocking Kingston in his arms.

Ambrose's deep, soothing voice follows, offering calming whispers as he bounces Daisy and Lily, his presence a steady comfort to the little ones.

Meanwhile, Braden, ever the playful spirit, playfully pretends to nibble on baby toes, eliciting peals of laughter from the girls, their new found giggles like music filling the air.

A surge of warmth fills my chest, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. I know they're all out there, lovingly caring for our precious trio while I prepare for the day ahead.

Today isn't just about exchanging vows—it's the dawn of a new chapter, the foundation of our forever together.

Drawing a deep, steadying breath, I wrap the silky robe more snugly around my body, feeling its cool, smooth fabric against my skin.

With a sense of anticipation, I step into the bathroom, ready to transform into a bride. This transformation will require professional help.

I need to make sure I don’t miss my start time at the spa.

The spa is an oasis of tranquility, the air thick with the soothing aroma of eucalyptus mingling with the floral sweetness of lavender and rose.

I lie face down on a plush, heated massage table, exhaling deeply as the masseuse's expert fingers work their magic on my tense muscles.

Her hands glide over my shoulders and back, unraveling the knots that have accumulated over months of stress and long work hours.

Once my muscles are relaxed, a body scrub treatment begins. The textured blend of sea salt and essential oils gently exfoliates my skin, creating a pleasant tingling sensation.

As the scrub is rinsed away, my skin feels unbelievably smooth and renewed. Next, a cool, refreshing facial follows, the mask soothing and rejuvenating my tired skin, leaving it with a radiant glow.

My hairdresser artfully styles my hair into cascading waves, the soft curls tumbling down my shoulders. She expertly pins back the sides with delicate pearl clips, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication.

My nails are meticulously manicured, each one coated in a soft blush pink polish that catches the light with every movement.

I pause for a moment in front of a floor-length mirror, taking in my reflection once they are done. The transformation is striking, I appear ethereal, poised, and ready for the day ahead.

Sliding into the backseat of the waiting Limo, anticipation bubbles within me, not just for the wedding ceremony, but for the adventure that follows.

Reggie, always the romantic, has orchestrated a dream honeymoon, a two-week escape to the rugged beauty of Scotland. Our flight departs in just a few short hours. As the car pulls away, a small, contented smile graces my lips.

I can hardly wait to begin this new chapter.

The Limo snakes its way down the long, winding road, bordered by Minnesota's vast farmland that unfurls into the horizon like a green and gold quilt.

The sun warms the air and a gentle breeze carries with it the sweet, earthy aroma of wildflowers newly bloomed and the rich, damp scent of soil soaked by last night's rainstorm.

As I step out of the Limo, a sense of awe fills me as I take in the wedding venue, a picturesque estate styled like a barn, nestled amidst the endless fields.

The ceremony is set to take place outside, beneath a white wooden arch, gracefully adorned with cascading wisteria that sways gently in the breeze.

Inside the bridal suite, my eyes are drawn to my wedding dress hanging elegantly on a pearl-studded hanger. The soft lace glimmers in the sunlight that streams through the tall window, casting delicate patterns on the floor.

I slip into the dress, carefully smoothing the fabric over my curves, and then I turn to face the ornate mirror.

My breath catches in my throat. On the vanity, a small black box rests quietly, a note tucked beneath it. The handwritten words read, "From all of us, our forever bride."

With fingers trembling from emotion, I lift the lid of the box. Inside lies a diamond necklace, its brilliance almost blinding, with three large, colorful birthstones nestled within, each representing one of our precious children.

Tears well up, blurring my vision as I stand there, overwhelmed by love. They never stop showering me with their affection and generosity.

The music crescendos as I step into the aisle, the soft crunch of rose petals beneath my heels grounding me in the moment.

Braden stands at the altar, grinning beneath the little arch, his tuxedo perfectly tailored to his athletic frame, every seam meticulously aligned.

But it’s not just him.

Ambrose stands to the side, cradling Daisy and Lily, the two girls wrapped in matching lace dresses that flutter like tiny wings when they move.

Reggie holds Kingston, his gentle rocking soothing the baby, his hand wrapped securely around the gold wedding band that glints in the soft, ambient light.

My eyes well up with emotion, a warmth spreading through my chest. This is my family, my forever. The ceremony is intimate, each word spoken weaving an emotional tapestry that feels perfect, a moment frozen in time.

I pledge myself not just to Braden, but to all of them, my voice steady yet trembling with sincerity.

“I promise to love you, through every win and every loss,” I say, tears slipping down my cheeks, each one a testament to the depth of my commitment.

Braden slides the ring onto my finger, his voice thick with emotion as he responds, his words a vow etched into my heart.

“With every success scored and every dream lost, with every laugh and every cry, I will love you.”

Then, the kiss follows—soft, sweet, sealing our union with a finality that feels both tender and profound.

Cheers erupt around us like a joyful symphony, but I don’t stop there. I turn to Ambrose and Reggie, pressing a kiss to each of them, my heart overflowing with gratitude and love.

We are a family, bound by moments like this, and nothing will ever change that.

As I slide into the passenger seat of the sleek, black sedan, the rich scent of fresh leather lingers with a hint of Ambrose's musky cologne, creating an intoxicating aroma.

The evening breeze drifts in through the slightly open window, carrying the soft, rhythmic hum of crickets from the nearby fields and the sweet, delicate perfume of the wildflowers that adorned our wedding venue.

I’m thankful Ally and her men could watch our babies for the night. They are true pros.

Ambrose eases into the driver’s seat, his fingers wrapping confidently around the smooth leather steering wheel. Before turning the ignition, he reaches across the console to capture my hand, his touch warm and familiar against my skin.

I pivot toward him, feeling the comforting roughness of his calloused palm against mine, a sensation that never fails to reassure me.

Then, with a deliberate slowness that makes my heart flutter, he pulls me closer, his lips meeting mine in a gentle, lingering kiss that seems to stretch time itself.

My breath hitches, and my heart skips a beat, caught up in the quiet intensity of the moment. When he finally pulls back, his hazel eyes hold mine, flickering with an unspoken depth of emotion.

"I love you, Kenzie," he says, the sincerity in his voice wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

I blink rapidly, overwhelmed by a rush of emotion, my heart swelling with joy. My fingers tighten around his, anchoring me in the reality of this perfect moment.

"Say it again," I whisper, barely able to contain the delighted smile that tugs at my lips.

His lips curl into that familiar, gruff smirk, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, but he indulges my request.

"I love you," he repeats, his voice a gentle promise that makes my heart soar.

From the backseat, Reggie and Braden watch us with wide grins, their presence radiating warmth and their own brand of unyielding love.

This is my family, my forever, and the thought fills me with a profound sense of happiness.

I turn to Ambrose, my grin matching his as he finally starts the car.

With a shared glance full of hope and anticipation, we set off into the twilight, ready to embrace whatever adventures await us down the road.