I never thought it would happen, but the friendly camaraderie of the team doesn’t irk me anymore.Every day and every game, I feel more a part of their crazy little cult, and instead of it being cringe, I actually…kind of…like it.
We have a couple of beers, but not enough to get drunk.I’m settled in the guest room, unable to sleep, so I shoot a text to Phoebe.
Me: Can’t sleep without you in my arms.This time tomorrow, you’ll be my wife.
Phoebe: You won’t be sleeping then either.
She sends a GIF of Steve Harvey wiggling his eyebrows, and I bark out a laugh.
Me: So you’re saying I should sleep now?
Phoebe: Yes.And hydrate and consider stretching.
Me: I love you.
Phoebe: I love you too.See you in the morning.It’s past midnight.Happy wedding day.
Me: Happy wedding day.
I put my phone down and roll to my side, closing my eyes and hoping sleep overtakes me until it’s time to meet Phoebe at the chapel.
* * *
Finally.It’s time.It’s a mild day for late March, which probably means there will be a blizzard next week.I’d be okay with that now that I know the best way to spend time during one.If I knew that the first time Phoebe and I were snowed in together, I wouldn’t have been in any rush to get us out of there.
I’m at the front of the old chapel with Finn by my side.He joined me after walking Shelby down the aisle and settling her in the first pew.Andie is Phoebe’s maid of honor, since we didn’t want Shelby standing during the ceremony.Teagan’s Uncle Harry shakes my hand and tries to make small talk, but ends up chatting with Finn because I can’t concentrate on anything.I keep glancing back at the closed doors of the chapel, waiting for them to open so I can see Phoebe.My breath catches when they finally open, but it’s Andie who enters and walks down the short aisle, joining me and my brother at the front.Colby is sitting in the front row, on the bride’s side, next to Shelby.Not that there is a bride side or a groom side.My teammates, family, and friends fill both sides of the aisle, supporting us both.
The doors open again, and this time my breath stops completely.Phoebe is standing there with Jack, ready to walk down the aisle.To me.To become my wife.Forever.They start their way down, and I can’t wait.I take three strides to reach Phoebe, who’s stopped in surprise.Cupping her face in my hands, I gently—but thoroughly—kiss her.
Our guests chuckle, and Uncle Harry says, “You normally save that for the end.”
Phoebe giggles as we walk hand in hand back to the front of the chapel and take our places.I can feel my ears turning red, and I wonder if Logan can fix that when he edits our wedding pictures.
“We have two very pregnant wedding guests,” I say, “and we always get interrupted.I’m not taking any chances.”
“Fair enough,” Uncle Harry says.He wiggles his bushy gray brows.“Let’s get started, shall we?”
I hope no one ever asks me what vows I said or anything else from our wedding.I know I said stuff, and it must have been okay because Phoebe kept holding my hand and looking at me with such love in her eyes.I slide the basic silver band on her ring finger and then replace her engagement ring.I would have gladly purchased her diamonds or anything she wanted, but this is what she asked for.The ring fits perfectly against her floral ring, like they were meant to go together.I love the silver band she slides on my finger.
“You may kiss the bride.Again.”
And I do.
34
PHOEBE
Ollie zonedout during the service, I could see it.Hell, everyone could see it.But since all his focus was on me, I didn’t really mind.But the vows could have him promising to wear a sparkly Speedo and sing “Pink Pony Club” in Bigfoot form at center ice during the first intermission of every Devil Birds home game while Shifty squirted whipped cream from a fire hose on him, and he’d have agreed.Because it got us married and that’s all he cared about—being married to me.Not going to lie, being the sole focus of someone like Ollie is incredible.
He's so handsome in his black suit and tie.It’s a classic look, and it’s tailored perfectly.I’m so grateful Shelby had the perfect dress for me at her shop.The floor-length A-line ivory chiffon gown is beautiful with its tastefully beaded lace bodice.The short sleeves are the perfect length so I don’t feel self-conscious about my upper arms.They’re toned from all the mixing I do, but they’re still “fluffy” like the rest of me.I never thought a wedding dress could be comfortable to wear, but this one doesn’t have boning or a corset.The built-in bra is a thing of wonder, and I want this in all the T-shirts I wear.Dress engineering aside, I feel beautiful walking back up the short aisle to exit the church.
Some of Ollie’s teammates must have slipped out early because they’re in two lines facing each other and, at Burke’s command, they brandish their hockey sticks to form an arch for us to pass through.It’s reminiscent of military weddings where they form the arch with swords.It’s so sweet, and it’s got Ollie doing some rapid blinking behind his glasses.Stone and Brick Waller are the last in the line, and Bridget drops her stick like a gate to stop us.Stone leans forward to give me a sweet peck on the cheek and then a light swat with the blade of his hockey stick on my butt, which makes everyone laugh.Well, maybe not Ollie.But I think he’s more annoyed at the peck.Then Brick goes up on her tiptoes to give him a cheek kiss too, and he grins.It’s so sweet.
“You’re the last to arrive and the first to marry, King,” Trevor Carter says once we’re through the line.
“He won’t be the last though,” Mallory says from her spot under Liam’s arm.Her hand rests on his chest, and her beautiful diamond engagement ring sparkles in the sunlight.
I hug Shelby while Ollie hugs Finn.
