“Thanks.” I squeeze her hand as our eyes meet. She just found out she’s pregnant, but she and Jude don’t want to announce it until Jordan and I leave on our honeymoon. I told her I didn’t care, but she’s thoughtful that way.
“It’s time, ladies.” My mother comes into the room where we’re all getting dressed and motions them into the hallway. “The guys are lining up so you need to get in order. You look beautiful, Victoria. Congratulations, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, Mom.” I give her a quick hug, and then she’s gone.
And my father comes in.
He looks amazing in his tuxedo, and there’s a soft look on his face that I don’t see very often.
We’ve come a long way the last two years, both as father and daughter and in his relationship with Jordan. They get along now, go to baseball games in the summer, and golfing when Jordan has days off. They also spend a lot of time with Tanner.
“You look…stunning,” Dad says, clearing his throat.
“Thanks, Dad.”
“Are you ready?” he asks.
“I think so.” I pick up my bouquet.
“You’re sure this is what you want?”
I roll my eyes. “Daddy.”
He chuckles. “I’m kidding. You’ve never loved anyone else, and I can see how much he loves you.”
“I’m glad you finally understand that.”
“I just want you to be happy.”
“I’m very, very happy.”
“Then shall we do this?” He offers me his arm.
“Yes.” I take it, and we walk toward the hallway.
Jordan
My first sight of Victoria coming down the aisle takes my breath away.
I’ve always thought her beautiful, but today she’s ethereal. I can’t think of a more stunning woman anywhere.
And she’s all mine.
The last two years have been incredible, and I’m happier than I’ve ever been. We have the cutest, sweetest, smartest little boy, and are talking about having another baby after the wedding. Maybe we’ll make one on our honeymoon. Hockey is going well, we have family, friends, and a huge support group.
Life is pretty fucking magical.
Standing next to me, Milo has a big grin on his face as he watches Ivy, who’s Victoria’s maid of honor. Those two have been on again-off again for the last year or so, but weddings seem to bring out the romance in everyone.
Juliet and Chloe are both pregnant, though no one is supposed to know about Chloe yet.
Anders and Claudia, Johan and Sloane, and Slava and Zoe all just had babies in the last six months. Our extended family has gotten enormous, and we love it. The ladies hang out when us guys are busy with hockey, we all spend time together during the holidays and special occasions, and the best part is that Victoria and I are…happy. Truly, genuinely happy.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not grateful that we found our way back to each other. We argue and bicker sometimes, like any couple, but we never go to bed without making up and I don’t think we’ve ever raised our voices to each other in anger.
My relationship with her parents has done a complete one-eighty. Especially with her father. Now, when he needs something, he calls me directly. We spend a lot of time together both as a family and just the two of us, especially when it comes to golf and baseball. I think I’ve become something of a son to him since he only had girls.
And it feels good to have that bond.
