I pull back from him and place my palms on his cheeks, swiping my thumbs across his to dry them. “You already do, beautiful boyfriend.” I shriek. “I mean fiancé.” I turn to the crowd and yell, “Fiancé,” as I point to him with one hand and hold my other newly ringed hand up to the masses, wiggling my fingers.
Ashley yells, “Cheers to Ever and Julian.”
My mom and Allie are hugging and crying. Ryan and Olivia are in a group hug with Baby Jack. Our friends are crowded around the bar, holding up shots in salute. Auz is holding a shot in each hand, standing next to Callie and her bulging baby belly, offering to take her shot as tribute. She in turn holds her glass of iced water up with a crooked smile, massaging her bump.
My heart is so full, more tears swim to my eyes and blur the scene before me.How’d I get so lucky?
Chapter 32
Julian
Six Months Later
Everly is gorgeous on a regular day. Everly on her wedding day is radiant. She walks toward me, her feather-light dress flowing behind her in the warm breeze giving ethereal grace. I hold my breath as she steps to me and takes my hand. It’s a simple ceremony, just us. No groomsmen or bridesmaids. No father walking her down the aisle. No parents for either of us, but her mom is on FaceTime with Via watching. That Ever isn’t bothered by that in the least is just one of the reasons I love her.
Before the newly ordained Ashley speaks, I scan the small crowd gathered on the sand, at our friends who have become family. Then I swing my gaze to the setting sun and finally back to her.Her.The glowing sphere sets her gray eyes on fire, luminous and shining with unshed tears. I blink several times to keep mine at bay and will myself to get through my vows without losing it. I wonder for the millionth timewhen I became such a marshmallow. But if that’s the tradeoff for this life,my life, then marshmallow it is.
“Everly,” I start, then exhale through puffed cheeks to the soft chuckles of the crowd. “I never thought or even dreamed this day would come for me. But it’s here. You’re here. And now I can’t imagine living a day without you. Thank you for loving me, for showing me what it means to love and be loved—really loved. Today, I vow to love, honor and cherish you every day for the rest of my life, for better or worse, no matter what.”
One tear slides down her cheek, shimmering in the sinking light. Brushing it with my thumb, I smile and keep blinking, hoping to waylay mine. She takes a deep shaky breath. “Julian, from the first day, I was drawn to you. You awakened something in me I didn’t know was missing. Thank you for showing me what it feels like to be chosen, seen and protected. Today, I vow to love, honor and cherish you every day for the rest of my life, for better or worse, no matter what.”
Ashley clears his throat and instructs, “Julian, repeat after me. I, Jayce Julian McKay, take you, Everly Tate Davis, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward until death parts us.”
“I . . .” My voice comes out hoarse. I clear my throat and try again. “I, Jayce Julian McKay, take you, Everly Tate Davis, to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward until death parts us.” One tear sneaks from the corner of my eye and races down the side of my face.
“Now, Everly.” Ashley chokes up and coughs to cover it up. “This is rough, guys.”
The small crowd chuckles again, and a few sniffles can be heard.
I keep my eyes on her. She’s solid, no tears, just the purest smile, full dimples winking at me.
Ashley begins again. “Ever, repeat after me. I, Everly Tate Davis, take you, Jayce Julian McKay, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward until death parts us.”
Her voice is soft, shy, angelic. “I, Everly Tate Davis, take you, Jayce Julian McKay, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward until death parts us.”
“Julian, place the ring on Everly’s finger.”
My hand trembles as I slide the band onto her third finger.
“Now, Everly, place the ring on Julian’s finger.” She’s steady. Ashley is not. Through gruff emotion, he proclaims, “By the power vested in me by the state of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Julian, you may kiss your bride.”
Cradling her face in my hands, I pull her lips to mine. Before I kiss her, I whisper, “I love you, my sweet wife, so much.” I press my lips into hers and linger, breathing her in.
Cheers and applause erupt behind us, and I can’t help the smile that breaks the contact. Even over the din I hear her whisper and I watch her lips move.
“I love you, husband.”
Chapter 33
Everly
Five weeks later
“Tell me what’s bugging you.” His arms snake around me as he drops his chin on my shoulder and meets my eyes in the mirror.
I shrug because I don’t have an answer. But somethingisbugging me—maybe literally. I’ve been feeling off since we got back from our honeymoon. Achy, sluggish, foggy brained. Maybe I caught some airplane cooties. “Maybe I’m coming down with something.” He presses his lips to my temple, and I shoo him. “Maybe you shouldn’t do that in case I’m contagious.”
He doesn’tshooand instead grips me tighter, trailing kisses along my ear and neck. “I’d catch germs from you anytime, baby.” He turns me in his arms and kisses me sweetly.
