On the groom’s side, Carl’s kids, Blake and Cat, were near the front. What Seth presumed were Carl’s friends and co-workers smiled just behind them.
As Seth and his mom approached the front of the church, his gaze locked with Heavenly’s. She watched him, her blue eyes soft and shining. For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them. His chest tightened with a swell of emotion so powerful it nearly staggered him.
Beside her, Beck sent him a ghost of a smile and a barely perceptible nod, silently conveying the same sentiment.
Soon, this will be us.
He wanted that—more than life itself. He wanted to stand at the altar beside Beck as Heavenly glided toward them in white. He wanted her between them as they each spoke vows from the heart. He wanted the certainty, the permanence, the forever love they’d built together.
And he wanted to make it official in every way he could.
At the front of the church, Father Heasley stood, hands folded, watching Seth and his mom approach with a calm, steady smile. At the altar, Carl waited, wearing his crisp, dark tux, gaze fixed on his bride as if she was the only person in his whole world.
When they reached Carl, he stepped forward, hand outstretched. Seth lifted his mom’s hand from his arm and placed her fingers in the palm of the man who would soon vow to love, honor, and cherish her.
“Be happy, Mom,” he whispered softly in her ear.
She nodded, tears spilling, as she gazed up at Carl with complete devotion and joy.
Seth stepped back and turned, then eased into the pew beside Heavenly. He leaned in, skimming a glance over each of his brothers’ faces, at the love and pride etched there.
Father Heasley began the ceremony, his warm voice filling the sanctuary with familiar words about love, commitment, God’s blessings, and second chances. Mom and Carl stood facing each other, hands clasped, eyes brimming with love and hope for their future.
Seth watched his mother. She’d held their family together after his father’s death, shouldered responsibility without complaint. She’d been the rock everyone leaned on. Now, standing there with Carl, she looked lighter.
Because, starting today, she would no longer be alone.
They spoke vows, the quiet weight of their promises solemn but clear. His mom’s voice cracked through tears, but didn’t break. Carl’s voice was strong and sure, his love for her unmistakable in every word.
Then they exchanged rings, looking into each other’s eyes with certainty as the bands slipped into place.
When Father Heasley finally pronounced them husband and wife, the church erupted in cheers and applause as Carl pulled his new wife into a tender, lingering kiss.
As he watched them, relief and reassurance settled with a warm glow in Seth’s chest.
Finally, his mom was happy. Settled. Safe.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Father Heasley announced with a broad smile, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Carl Mahoney.”
As the newlyweds turned, the applause grew louder. Both grinning wildly, they clasped hands and began walking back down the aisle together.
With his heart overflowing, Seth grinned and clapped as the couple passed. Then he glanced at Heavenly and Beck.
Very soon. We’ve waited long enough.
With Heavenly on his arm and Beck at his side, Seth entered the hotel’s sophisticated ballroom, smile firmly in place. Hudson followed, gaze swiveling as he took in the floral centerpieces and linen-draped tables under warm amber lights. The low hum of music and conversation already filled the room, and along the back wall sat an elegant tiered cake topped with delicate sugar flowers and swirled icing. Guests grabbed drinks from the bar, seemingly all smiles as the small band set up behind a glossy wooden dance floor.
“This is beautiful,” Heavenly murmured.
Seth nodded. “If there’s one thing my mom is good at, it’s throwing a party.”
“She looks really happy,” Beck commented.
“She is.” Despite everything else going on in Seth’s life, that fact gave him solace.
Unfortunately, in less than forty-eight hours, he was going to ruin that.
But tonight was all hers.
