I’m Dylan, thehusband.Cheyenne’s husband.
I take two flutes, handing one to Chey. “To us,” I say softly, repeating the toast we made that life-changing New Year’s Eve.
“To us,” she echoes, her eyes meeting mine over the rim of her glass.
My parents approach. Mom’s practically vibrating with excitement. She’s been waiting for this day, I realize, probably since the first time she saw Cheyenne and me together, long before I had the sense to see what was right in front of me.
“There they are,” my dad says, clapping me on the shoulder. “The newlyweds.”
Mom doesn’t bother with words. She simply wraps Cheyenne in a tight embrace, holding her for a long moment. When she pulls back, there are tears in her eyes. “Thank you for making our son so happy.” Her voice is thickwith emotion. “I’ve never seen him like this before. Like he’s finally found his place.”
I feel heat creep up my neck. “Mom...”
“It’s true,” Dad agrees. “You were always so restless, son. Like you were searching for something and didn’t know what. And then Cheyenne came along—well, she was always there, but you finally had the good sense to see her.”
“Best decision I ever made,” I say, wrapping my arm around Cheyenne’s waist.
Mom turns to me, cupping my face in her hands the way she used to when I was a kid. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become.”
The sincerity in her voice hits me hard. I’ve always been the golden boy in their eyes—the hockey star, the one who could charm his way out of trouble. But this feels different. Like they’re proud of me … as a person, not just for my accomplishments.
“Thanks, Mom,” I manage, my voice rougher than I’d like.
We’re saved from further emotional exchanges by the arrival of Blaze, who swoops in with his usual impeccable timing.
“Dude!” he exclaims, pulling me into a back-slapping hug. “You’re officially off the market. How does it feel to join the ranks of the happily married?”
“Better than I ever imagined,” I answer honestly.
Blaze’s expression softens for a second. “I knew you’d get here eventually.” He turns to Cheyenne. “Mrs. Williamston,you look absolutely breathtaking. If I weren’t already blissfully attached, I’d be jealous of this guy.”
Addy appears at his side, rolling her eyes fondly. “You’re insufferable,” she tells her husband before side-hugging Cheyenne. “But he’s right. You look beautiful, Chey.”
“Thank you.” Chey smiles, doing a little curtsy. “And look atthislittle handsome fella,” she says, eyeing Benny who’s sitting peacefully in the baby carrier on Addy’s chest. “He’s got a bowtie and everything!”
“Doesn’t he looksodapper?” Addy gushes, giving him a little squeeze.
Before long, we’re pulled into the whirlwind of the reception—greeting guests, accepting congratulations, laughing at stories being told at our expense—followed by dinner. Through it all, I keep Cheyenne close, my hand finding hers. Each touch, each glance reaffirms that this is real.
We made it.
The clinking of a glass cuts through the din of dinner conversation. I turn to see Kade standing, champagne flute in hand. The room gradually quiets as everyone realizes it’s time for toasts.
“For those who don’t know me,” Kade begins, his deep voice carrying easily across the barn, “I’m Dylan’s teammate and, apparently, the one responsible enough to be trusted with the best man speech.”
Laughter ripples through the crowd.
“I’ve known Dylan for years now,” he continues. “I watched him grow from a talented rookie with an ego the size of Georgia”—more laughter—“into the man standing before you today. He’s a leader on the ice, a friend you can count on, and now, a husband.”
Cheyenne’s hand squeezes mine under the table.
“But I’ve also had the privilege of watching another transformation.” Kade turns slightly to address Cheyenne directly. “I’ve seen how you’ve changed him, Cheyenne. How you challenge him, support him, make him laugh.” His gaze shifts back to me. “And I’ve seen how Dylan looks at you when you’re not watching. Like he can’t quite believe his luck.”
I swallow hard.
“To Dylan and Cheyenne.” He raises his glass. “May your love continue to bring out the best in each other. And may you always remember, even on the hard days, that you’ve found in each other what most people spend their lives searching for.”
“To Dylan and Cheyenne!” the crowd echoes, glasses raised.
