I scoop Sutton into my arms and she squeals. “I can walk.”
“I’ll be your chariot,” I growl into her neck.
She cups my freshly shaved cheek. “Spoiling me already?”
“I’ll never quit.”
The overgrown weeds wisp against my black slacks as I stride ahead to the massive tent. Sutton and I wanted our celebration of love to take place in the spot we shared our first happy something. I can guarantee this day is earning a top spot on our list. From start to finish, our wedding will be surrounded by everything good.
I lower Sutton onto the plush throne reserved for her at the head table. She pushes out my matching chair and pats the seat. After placing a kiss on her forehead, I settle in beside my bride. The slow trickle of our family and friends soon filters in.
Sunset creates a natural wonder for our backdrop. A splash of blue and orange illuminate us as dinner is served. We feed each other fried chicken and lasagna, courtesy of Alice’s recipes. I swipe marinara sauce off Sutton’s bottom lip. She brushes crumbs off my tie. Glasses clink and we never disappoint, exchanging kisses that become more daring with each turn.
When the plates are cleared, Jace and Harlyn stand up beside us. He passes her the microphone. Ladies first. Sutton’s maid of honor smiles at us before turning to the small crowd.
“Hey, everyone. I’m Harlyn—Sutton’s bestie and college roomie. I met Sutton our first day of freshman year. We were wide-eyed and looking toward the future. Everything was an adventure and we took advantage. Well, mostly.” She winks at my bride. Sutton’s gaze visibly widens.
Her friend rolls on without hesitation. “She never told me, but there was something always holding her back. That turned out to be a certain someone. When Sutton introduced me to Grady this summer, I finally figured out why she never bothered dating. No one else would matter. You’ve all seen it, right? Impossible not to with these two. It took them a bit to reach this point, but they’re crazy meant to be. I’m honored and grateful to be witness to such a love. So, let’s raise our glasses for a toast. To the newlyweds.”
We all lift our champagne flutes. Sutton sniffs and wipes at her eyes, wrapping Harlyn in a tight hug. They exchange several unintelligible words. I smirk at their display, a familiar pang bumping off my ribs from missing out on those years. But there’s no room for regret, especially not in this space. Jace takes the microphone and clears his throat.
“It’s no secret I’ve always been protective of Sutton.” He earns a chorus of chuckles from all of us for that. “No one would ever be good enough for my little sister, right? It’s the big brother role. I could pretend to be shocked when Grady told me how he really felt for her. The biggest shock was how long it took for him to admit it. These two are setting the new standard for marital bliss. Sorry, mom and dad. You’ve been replaced,” he laughs. My parents each shake a finger at him.
“So, yeah. There was no use trying to keep them apart. Sutton and Grady are a magnetic force of their own. If I tried to step between them, I’d be shoved out of their axis. That didn’t stop me from attempting to be a roadblock. Temporary, of course. Not sure why. My best friend is the greatest man I’ve ever met. Here we are at their wedding and I couldn’t be happier. It’s a great joy to see two people find this kind of overwhelming bliss. And on that note, let’s drink!” Jace lifts a glass and we all cheers.
I clap him on the back and lean in. “Thanks, man. For everything.”
“Meant every word, Grady. Congrats. You two are perfect for each other. Always have been.”
“Stop being sappy.” I cover the lump in my throat with a laugh. “Girls love a tough guy.”
“Well,” he rocks on his heels, “lucky for me, there aren’t many available options swarming tonight. I can let my inner Prince Charming loose.”
And it’s true. Besides Harlyn, Molly and Lacie are the only women under forty. The first is still licking her wounds after the shit-storm with Lance. But I’m not sure what the latter’s excuse would be. Not sure Jace is all that interested either way.
The moment for our first dance as husband and wife comes next. I hold a hand out for my bride and escort her to the square of wood laid out in the center.Stand By Youby the Pretenders croons through the speakers set up in the corners.
Sutton rests her head on my shoulder as we sway. “Such a classic staple.”
I tuck her tighter against my chest. “Our love will never fade so it’s fitting.”
“Are you happy, husband?”
“Are you seriously questioning that, wife?”
She tips her chin up and graces me with a wide smile. “Nope, not in the slightest. I just enjoy riling you up. It’s sexy when you get all growly.”
I bend lower and rumble in her ear. She trembles in my hold. “You in this dress, Sutt? Good Lord. I can hardly contain myself. When you came down the aisle, I had to check my pulse and make sure this was real.”
Sutton pinches my arm. “Not dreaming.”
“You’re the most beautiful bride, baby. I can’t believe life gave me you. What did I do to deserve perfection?” I stroke a thumb down her cheek.
She nuzzles into my touch. “You’re biased.”
“I’m lucky in love, beautiful.” I give her a final twirl as the song comes to an end. With another low dip, my lips seal over hers.
“Maybe we can sneak off now,” she suggests. Her breathless tone gets me half-hard in a split second.
