Seth didn’t have the answer, but he exhaled, the weight he’d been carrying for weeks finally lifting.
At least for now.
Heavenly squeezed his hand, her smile soft and proud. “I’m happy for you. For us.”
“Thanks, angel.” He kissed her temple. “Me, too.”
Beck clapped him on the back, grinning. “Congratulations, man.”
Seth turned to Hudson, his throat tight. Their eyes met. God, staring at the kid really was like looking back in time.
A moment passed between them, a deep sense of connection that both soothed and scared the shit out of him. But he pulled his son into a firm, almost desperate hug. “Son.”
“Dad.” Hudson’s voice cracked, barely a whisper.
At the sound of his son’s obvious emotion, Seth nearly broke. He held on a moment longer, blinking hard, then pulled back with a smile.
It was done. And now, no one could take Hudson away.
The soft murmur of voices and the faint scent of lilies filled the church. Seth stood in the vestibule with his mother, watching her fidget with her bouquet. She looked beautiful in her ivory lace dress, her hair swept up in soft curls, and the delicate veil framing her face. She was glowing, radiant in a way he hadn’t seen in years.
“You look beautiful, Mom.” He sent her a soft smile.
Her eyes misted immediately. “Seth… Don’t make me cry before we even start down the aisle.”
He reached for her hand. “I’m happy for you. After everything you’ve been through, raising five boys alone, you deserve nothing but joy.”
She squeezed his hand, her voice trembling. “I never thought I’d get married again. I loved your father with all my heart, and after he died, I couldn’t imagine ever wanting to. But I met Carl and…” She trailed off, shaking her head with a small, disbelieving laugh. “He stole my heart.”
“He seems like a good man. Solid. Kind.” Then Seth sent his mother a teasing stare. “But if he ever hurts you, I promise no one will ever find his body.”
“Seth Michael Cooper!” She swatted his arm playfully. Then her expression turned tender. “I’m so grateful for you. You’ve always been my rock. Even as a boy, you stepped in to help raise your brothers. I don’t say it enough, but I’m so proud of you, of the man you’ve become.”
Seth’s throat tightened. He wanted to hold onto this moment, to freeze it before he turned her world upside down on Monday. Before he shattered her image of him.
But for now, he could give her this.
“I love you, Mom.”
“I love you, too.”
The organ music swelled, signaling their cue. Seth offered her his arm, and she took it, fingers trembling as she steadied herself with a deep breath.
“Ready?” he whispered.
“Yes,” she replied without hesitation.
Seth squeezed her hand before they stepped into the sanctuary.
The small crowd rose. As he and his mom began walking down the aisle, he felt a tiny tremor ripple through her. Her hand tightened on his arm. Her chin quivered.
“Breathe,” he whispered. “You got this.”
With a nod, she drew in a bracing breath and steadied herself, smile firmly in place.
Seth saw familiar faces occupying the pews, people he’d known for years. His mom’s friends from church, neighbors, and Dad’s former beat partner, Gene, had all come to see her tie the knot, wearing warm, nostalgic smiles.
Halfway down the aisle, Seth glanced to his left. Beck, Heavenly, and Hudson—who cleaned up nicely in his dark suit—stood. Next to his son, Connor and Jack stood beside Matt. Danny and Maggie, who held a wiggling Anna on her hip, rounded out the row.
