Bree ran by, laughing brightly as Brooks toddled after her. Those two were into everything. Felix would have been, too, but he was monitored by Ashley, who somehow managed to give the little boy all the freedom he needed while keeping him safe. Naomi and Adam had hit the jackpot with Ashley. I wanted someone just like him for our kids. I’d put him on notice to find me someone as special as he was, and he’d already compiled a list of would-be caretakers for us.
I loved that man almost as much as Paxton.
No, that wasn’t true. I didn’t love anyone as much as Paxton.
And we weren’t planning to have kids any time soon anyway. My leg was getting stronger, thanks to the new gym sessions I now shared with Paxton. He’d asked the Wildcatters trainer to develop an exercise regimen for me, and I followed it zealously. I loved that I didn’t always have to wear my brace anymore.
Like today. I would walk down the aisle to Paxton on my own two feet, without any support. Just like I’d hoped.
Plus, that gave Ida Jane and me more time to hang out. She and I had really clicked, and I considered her my closest friend, something that shocked us all—Ida Jane most of all. But since we were part of the only kid-free couples, it made sense that we’d spend a lot of time together. Ida Jane was on a campaign for Pax and me to get a dog like her giant bodyguard, Blade.
I hadn’t told her I’d picked out a little stray from the animal shelter that Paxton and I would collect after our three-day honeymoon. We’d take a longer one once the guys’ playoff run ended, hopefully with the Stanley Cup here in Houston.
But that was still a series away, and today was about Paxton and me.
“Fall in,” Naomi called out.
Somehow, the chaos dissipated in five seconds, and the bridal party lined up. Sawyer whistled in shock, and I smiled. These women, my friends, could handle pretty much anything, and so could I.
They’d taught me confidence in myself, and for that, I was immensely grateful. I’d never expected such a rich, full life, but Paxton’s move to Houston had created that. Perhaps I should be angry about how we’d gotten here, but I simply couldn’t be, not with this amazing life.
Paxton still harbored bitterness toward his father, specifically, and Aiki. I understood and didn’t push him. He’d come around and warm to them or he wouldn’t, and I’d support either choice.
Keelie straightened my veil and smiled at me, which turned to a wince as Brooks tugged her earring.
“Good thing you’re cute, you monster,” she cooed, whisking the toddler’s grabby hands away from my dress in the nick of time. “You ready?” she asked.
“Absolutely.”
“I do love a confident bride.” Naomi winked. “It’s the lingerie, isn’t it?”
“It helped.” I beamed back.
Sawyer muttered something under his breath but was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself. I didn’t care if he was embarrassed or whatever. He’d made his choices with me, here, today, and with Paxton all those years before. This was our day, and Sawyer was lucky to be part of it.
Ida Jane handed me my bouquet of flowers—ones Paxton had picked for me. The guy was as sweet as pie, really. He’d spent hours researching to ensure the meanings of the blooms together were all about happiness and love. I brought the huge array of white carnations, red roses, ivy, and purple asters to my nose and inhaled the sweet scent.
God, I loved my man.
It was time to link ourselves together, because despite the odds against us, despite the pain we’d suffered to find our way back to each other, we were home.
I didn’t take Sawyer’s arm. That was part of the deal: I’d walk to Pax under my own power, giving myself to him freely, without reservation.
Sawyer was here to show we were willing to mend relationships, to offer second—even third—chances, but we weren’t naïve enough to expect him to change. Nor did we think the situation between him and Paxton’s mother would be easy to navigate. While hurt feelings were still a struggle to overcome, we’d chosen to try to find some compromise.
Paxton’s stolid countenance burst into the brightest smile as soon as he saw me headed toward him, and I knew we’d made the right choice. When I reached the front, I took Paxton’s large, calloused hand and squeezed. He smiled at me a little shyly, completely ignoring his father.Yeah, not your day, dude.
I beamed up at my husband-to-be. “I love you.”
His expression turned tender. “I love you, too, my beautiful wife-to-be.”
He made me feel special, powerful, beautiful. Something I’d never expected to feel again. But that’s what love was: the most powerful force on earth.
Sawyer took his seat next to Paxton’s mother. Devon waved at me, and I chuckled as I shook my head. That guy was growing on me.
I tried to pay attention to the officiant’s words, but I kept getting caught up in Paxton’s eyes, which promised to cherish me tonight and always. I shivered as I thought back to our bachelor and bachelorette parties two days before, for which the entire team and their CATS had rented out a local golf course and clubhouse. Keelie had put us all to shame in a short round of nine, and there’d been dinner, dancing, and fireworks. It was weird, a bit quirky, and so much fun. The best part was that I’d spent the evening with all of our friends and even got to hear Cruz sing.
He was as amazing as everyone had always gushed.
