Page 72 of Unbreakable Bonds (The Boston Romance #2)

ALISHA

"You’re breathtaking, honey. Your beauty will knock the air out of Cole's lungs," my mom says, tears welling in her eyes as she opens her arms.

I hug her tight, breathing in her familiar perfume. "I love you, Mom. But please don't break down. If you cry, I will too, and then I'll have to redo my makeup." Again - morning sickness has already made me touch it up twice, though no one knows that yet.

"I know, give me a moment." She sniffles, tightening her hold.

My parents are everything I hope to be someday.

They taught me to be true to myself, to love who I am regardless of others' opinions.

Those lessons made me the strong woman I am today - the woman who'll soon be both wife and mother.

My hand drifts unconsciously to my still-flat stomach.

"Are you ready to see yourself?" Mom steps back, catching the gesture with a knowing look that makes me wonder if she suspects.

I turn to face the full-length mirror, and my breath catches.

The wedding dress is absolute perfection - a sexy sheer open back with modern lace patterns flowing into a sleek crepe skirt.

The sheer organza bodice with French lace makes the details pop, creating gorgeous straps that lead to an open keyhole back.

Fabric-covered buttons trail down the length of the train like delicate pearls.

My loose waves frame my face, and there's a glow to my skin that has nothing to do with makeup.

"Oh, I'm smoking." And carrying a precious secret.

A knock interrupts my thoughts. "Can we please come in?" Amanda calls impatiently.

I laugh at the chorus of whispers from my friends. Mom grins as she opens the door, and squeals of delight fill the room.

"Alisha, you're... I will not cry," Amanda says, though she's already sniffling. "This finished look is extraordinary."

Bella and Emma wait their turn to gush. "My god, you take being a bride to another level. Your soon-to-be husband will need to pick his jaw off the ground," Bella grins.

"His self-control will be tested today," Emma adds with a wink. "Bet he can't wait to get you alone after he slides that ring on your finger."

If only they knew about the tiny secret growing inside me - Cole's self-control is about to be tested in more ways than one.

"You girls look remarkable too." I admire my best friends in their romantic chiffon spaghetti strap bridesmaid dresses, the v-necks elegant and flowing.

"Are you ready to claim your man?" Emma asks.

Butterflies - or maybe morning sickness - swirl in my stomach at the thought of my personal Thor in his suit.

Last night at my parents' house was the first night we'd spent apart since the proposal, and I already miss him.

He stayed home with Samantha and Brian, probably driving them crazy with pre-wedding jitters.

We chose Six-Pack for our venue - where we first met, where our adventure began. When we asked Brian if we could transform his club for the ceremony, he'd beamed and said, "Hell yes. We'll turn it into your dream venue."

My eyes fill with tears as Carmen enters with Samantha and Charlotte. Their matching dresses feature satin v-neck tops with delicate straps flowing into effortless chiffon skirts. The sight of them makes my hormones surge - or maybe it's the thought of telling Samantha she'll be a big sister.

I stop in front of Sam, taking her hands in mine. "You are one gorgeous lady."

"And Dad will drool when he sees you." She squeezes my fingers, and for a moment I imagine her doing the same with her future sibling.

Everyone laughs as I pull her into a tight hug, careful not to wrinkle either of our dresses. The scent of her shampoo makes my stomach roll slightly - another fun pregnancy symptom I'm learning to hide.

"Ladies, it's time," Mom announces. The room falls quiet as seven pairs of eyes turn to me.

I gather myself, pushing down the wave of nausea, and manage a wink. "Let's make my sweet Bulldozer drool."

Charlotte looks up at Emma. "Is Uncle Cole really going to drool?"

Emma giggles, touching her daughter's cheek. "No, honey."

The seven-year-old frowns, ready to launch another question, but Mom's call to head downstairs distracts her. As everyone files out, I pause by the window, one hand pressed to my stomach. Soon, baby. Soon we'll tell your daddy.

A choked gasp makes me turn.

"Ladybug," Dad's voice breaks as he crosses the room. "Lord heavens. You look sensational, honey." He opens his arms and I step into them, fighting tears.

"Thanks."

"Oh, I should say thank you for being the light in your mother's and my life." His words make my hormones surge again.

"Dad, don't make me ruin my makeup." Again .

He kisses my forehead. "Fine. In that case, let's go before your future husband thinks you're reenacting Runaway Bride ."

I slip my arm through his, grateful for his steady support as another wave of dizziness hits. As we head for the door, he pauses.

"You're glowing, sweetheart. Just like your mother did when..." His voice trails off as his eyes widen with realization.

I press a finger to my lips, and his face splits into a radiant smile. "Your secret's safe with me, Ladybug." He pats my hand. "Cole's a lucky man - in more ways than he knows."

Together we step into the hallway, my heart racing with anticipation. In a few minutes, I'll walk down the aisle to marry the love of my life. And soon, I'll tell him about the precious gift already growing inside me.

Ready or not, Bulldozer. Your world's about to change again.

* * *

Cole

“You know you don't have the superpower to open the door with your relentless stare, don't you?" Brian jokes from my right side.

Nick taps my shoulder. "You have it, don't you?"

"Have what?" I can't tear my eyes from the entrance.

"Racing pulse, sweaty palms, that nauseating sensation in the pit of your stomach," my best friend explains.

I scratch my beard while wiping my other palm on my pants. How the fuck does he know?

Nick chuckles. "Relax, it's normal. Exactly what I felt waiting for my angel."

I tug at my collar. Christ, when did it get so hot in here?

"Don't sweat it, Bulldozer. If she runs, I'll go after her."

"Our Fox friend is joking," Nick adds. "Alisha will appear. We're thrilled you found your dream woman."

"Oh, I know he's joking." I smirk at Brian. "He's just envious since we found our matches while he still struggles to find a woman who can put up with his shit."

Brian curses colorfully while Nick laughs. But I fall silent as music fills the air and the doors open. My heart nearly stops as Charlotte enters, followed by Samantha.

My gorgeous daughter catches my eye and beams. Gratitude floods me as I silently thank Jessica for raising such a wonderful young woman.

Being Sam's father is life's greatest gift.

Those first weeks were rough, but now our bond is unbreakable.

Our shared love of piano brought us even closer - just like the connection I had with my own father.

Having music back in my life changed everything.

Sometimes I swear I feel Dad standing beside us when Sam plays, watching over his granddaughter.

The Walker gift lives on in her talented hands.

My gaze shifts to Mom sitting beside Jeremy, both wearing matching proud smiles as they watch the girls approach.

When they take their seats, the bridesmaids enter.

I notice how Brian's eyes blaze with desire when they land on Amanda.

Her cheeks flush as she glances between him and Steven.

It wasn't my idea to invite the rooster, but since he's Alisha's old neighbor and he and Amanda are in early dating stages, I agreed.

Maybe seeing them together will finally wake up my stubborn friend.

Emma's face lights up at the sight of Nick. Their bond is something else - he's still the fierce entrepreneur, but Emma, Charlotte and little Liam come first. Always. And he's never been happier.

The girls take their places across from us. My heart pounds as I wait for Alex. The doors open, and my breath freezes in my lungs.

"Holy fuck. Is she real?" My best men laugh at my awe-struck reaction, but I barely hear them.

Her beauty is otherworldly as she glides toward me on her father's arm.

The wedding dress hugs every curve like it was made for her, warm honey-colored hair flowing in waves around her face.

Our eyes meet and she flashes that dazzling smile that could bring armies to their knees.

She's an angel straight from paradise, but when my gaze lands on her mouth, my smile widens.

She's wearing my favorite ruby red lipstick - the same shade from the night we met at Six-Pack.

Those luscious lips remind me not to be fooled by her angelic image.

Underneath that silk lives a fiery, passionate woman, and in moments she'll be my wife.

My heart thunders as she finally reaches me. She hugs her father, who seems to hold her a moment longer than usual, before placing her hand in mine.

"You're stunning."

Alex's face glows - there's something different about her today, something that makes her even more radiant than usual. Her gaze drifts over my black tuxedo. "Very handsome."

As the ceremony begins, I struggle to focus. My eyes keep wandering over my bride's form, wondering if she's wearing anything under that dress. Thank God the minister's voice breaks through my inappropriate thoughts: "Could the one holding the rings come forward?"

Samantha approaches with a shy grin, hands the box to the minister, and returns to her seat. "Cole and Alisha, you've both prepared your vows. Cole, please share yours with Alisha."

I take both her hands in mine, and as our eyes connect, the words flow straight from my heart.