“Hi, husband.”
Then I kissed her.
It wasn’t the wild, desperate kiss from the kitchen or the heated passion from last night. It was soft and deep and perfect, and when her arms wrapped around my neck, pulling me closer, I felt like every decision I’d ever made in my life had led me here.
To this moment.
To her.
Applause erupted around us. Someone let out a loud whistle that echoed off the chapel walls.
When we finally broke apart, both of us were crying and smiling and completely wrecked in the best possible way.
“We did it,” Harlow breathed, her forehead pressed against mine.
“We did it.” I kissed her again, quick and joyful. “You’re stuck with me now.”
“Good thing I like you then.”
“Just like me?”
“Love. I love you.” She pulled back slightly, her smile radiant. “I really, really love you, Owen Taylor.”
“I love you, too, Harlow Taylor.”
Her eyes widened slightly, like she hadn’t fully processed that her name had changed. “Harlow Taylor,” she repeated, testing it out. “That’s... that’s me now.”
“That’s you.”
“Forever?”
“Forever.”
Elvis cleared his throat again. “Alright, newlyweds, if you’re done being disgustingly adorable, we’ve got some paperwork to sign.”
We turned to find our friends and family watching us with varying expressions—Syn was grinning like she’d won something, Kaia was crying almost as hard as we were, Jax looked torn between happiness and the overwhelming urge tothreaten me again, and Trystan was still holding a sleeping Kailyn, looking amused by the whole spectacle.
“Congratulations,” Kaia said, pulling Harlow into a fierce hug. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you.” Harlow’s voice was muffled against Kaia’s shoulder. “Thank you for being here. Thank you for the dress. Thank you for everything.”
“Always.” Kaia pulled back, wiping at her own tears. “You’re my sister. Where else would I be? But,” Kaia dragged out the word. “You are going to have to call Dad and Liz.”
Harlow scowled. “They’re…”
“I called them,” I interrupted. “They tried to get here. They just made it to the States about an hour ago. They’re going to plan a big party when we get home.”
Harlow’s face lit up.
Syn appeared out of nowhere, practically tackling Harlow with such enthusiasm that they both stumbled. “You’re married. To Owen. This is insane and perfect, and I can’t believe you almost did this without us.”
“I know. I’m sorry.” Harlow said.
“Don’t be sorry,” Syn smiled. “Just promise me I get to plan the reception.”
“Deal.”
Jax approached me, his expression unreadable. For a second, I wasn’t sure if he was going to hug me or punch me.
