“Mama’s good, too,” Cam muttered, wiping his eye.
“We should get them to collaborate on an album,” Nash said.
Carter elbowed them both.“Mama’s not done.Talk business later.”
Laughter filled my voice as I continued, “We’ve both lived rich lives, and our experiences have shaped us.I embrace the wisdom that age has brought us—the lessons learned, the laughter shared, and the quiet moments that speak volumes.I promise to honor our past and celebrate our future.
“More than anything, no matter what life brings—whether it’s the golden sunsets or the stormy nights—I vow to be there.I’ll hold your hand through every single night we share, knowing that our love is timeless.”
“Those vows were as stunning as you two are,” the officiant said.
My girls were dabbing their eyes and sniffling, making puppy dog faces, which meant Steve and I had done good.We’d offered our love for them to see—for them to bask in and find safety when they were feeling low.
Steve must have felt the same way because as the officiant pronounced us married and that he could kiss me, Steve opened his arms to the kids.I did the same, and he and I ended up kissing in the middle of a whooping group hug.
It was the most perfect moment of my life.
Steve
I kissed Jasmine as the kids surrounded us, arms all a tangle, cheers ringing in our ears.
“Everyone should be this lucky,” I said against Jasmine’s lips.
“Agreed.But most will never know what they’re missing.”
I kissed her again as the kids peeled away.This time, I embraced her, holding her strong, lithe form to mine.I broke the kiss, mindful of the little ones, and trailed my lips to her ear.“I love you Jasmine Grace.”
“And I love you, Steve Lincoln.More than you’ll ever know.”
“Let’s eat,” Carter said.“I’m starving!”
“I want pie!”Cash bellowed.
“After you eat some veggies, son,” Jenna said.
The toddler shoved out his lip.But he was like his daddy and enjoyed pretty much anything set on his plate, so I wasn’t too worried about the outcome of that potential standoff.
Aya wrapped a drowsing Levi to her chest so the baby could nurse while Kate and Rye ushered their three toward the long wooden table draped in gauzy white fabrics.The same tiny pink rosebuds and baby’s breath dotted the space, interspersed with votive candles.
“You kids really pulled out the stops,” I said.
“This was all Nash,” Aya said, raising her head once she’d found out Levi had latched on.She cupped the back of his head through the cloth while she gazed around the fairy-like, romantic space.
“Nash really has a knack for weddings.”
“I’ll say,” Kate said.“If I’d known was this good, I’d have had him do mine.”
“He was a little busy then,” Aya noted.
Kate sighed.“When aren’t we busy these days?”
“Well, I, for one, want that to change,” Carter said.“Actually, Regan and I have been talking.We think we need to spend more time with family—making it our priority, which is why we’d like to institute a holiday round robin.”
“What’s that?”Cam asked, intrigued.He settled Jenna in her seat and then went to work on fitting his squirmy son in the highchair next to hers.As soon as she placed a strawberry and a piece of cheese on the tray, Cash grabbed it and let his dad buckle him in.Nash took Aya's elbow and helped her up the slight incline to the table while Rye picked up Lyric and Regan slid into a chair next to Ike.Everyone looked at Carter for details.
“I booked a chalet for us for six days in December.I want you all to clear your schedules then and for Thanksgiving.”
“What do you have planned for Thanksgiving?”Cam asked, eyebrows raised.
