And then: “You may kiss your bride.”
Cole cupped my face in both hands, kissed me as if we weren’t standing in front of fifty people. Deep. Thorough. A promise.
The crowd erupted.
Garbage barked. He’d made it through the entire ceremony without incident, which we considered a victory. His bow tie sat slightly askew, but he looked distinguished.
We walked back down the aisle together. Married.
Autumn Stone.
Hearing “Mr. and Mrs. Stone” made my heart skip.
Faith caught me in a hug during the cocktail hour. “You did it. You fought for what you wanted and you won.”
“We all won,” I whispered back.
She pulled back; her smile was genuine. “I’m so happy for you both, and a little jealous of your backyard wedding aesthetic. This is gorgeous.”
“You helped make it happen.”
Jess’s kids chased Garbage around the yard, their laughter mixing with the music from the string quartet Cole had hired. Jess’ daughter, now seven, had appointed herself Garbage’s trainer. He remained enthusiastically untrainable.
Decker clinked his glass. “Speech time!”
“Oh God,” I muttered.
Cole squeezed my hand. “Too late to run now.”
Eli stood first. “I’ve known Autumn for a long time. I’ve watched her survive approximately seventeen near-death experiences involving aggressive animals, and a whole lot more.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
“But I’ve never seen her like this. Happy. Settled. Like she finally found the place she belongs.” His voice thickened. “Cole, you better take care of her. Because if you don’t, I know where you sleep and I’m not above violence.”
“Noted,” Cole grinned.
“But I don’t think I need to worry. Because you look at her the way she deserves to be looked at, like she’s magic. And, Autumn?” Eli raised his glass. “You finally let yourself be loved. I’m so damn proud of you.”
I ugly-cried into my napkin.
Brynn went next, telling the story of dragging me to Storm Bar that first night, of forcing me backstage, of knowing that Cole was different.
“She fought it,” Brynn said. “Fought so hard. But love doesn’t care about your walls or your fear or your very logical reasons for staying safe. Love just… happens.”
She looked at Decker, who smiled back at her with so much affection it hurt to witness.
“To love that happens anyway,” Brynn said. “To fighting for it and choosing it every single day.”
Everyone clinked glasses.
They called all the single men to the dance floor for the garter toss. Cole slid his hand up my thigh under the table, his fingers teasing the lace.
“You know I have to take this off in front of everyone, right?”
His grin turned wicked. “I’m aware.”
“You’re enjoying this.”
