The sky is cloudless, the breeze just enough to keep everyone comfortable. The chairs are filled with all the people we love, our family, our friends, people who’ve seen us at our best and our absolute worst. My mom and dad sit front row beside Eva’s parents, all of them already dabbing at their eyes even though the ceremony hasn’t even started.
Noah gives me a nod from the side, Austin beside him with Ethan sitting on his lap, and Violet next to them. Josy flashes me a thumbs up, and Payton and Ashton are sipping something strong and pretending they’re not emotional.
This is my life. These are my people. And today, everything feels surreal.
The past year has been nonstop chaos in the best way. The McNeal project took off, and Noah and I have poured every spare minute into making it something we’re damn proud of. All the late nights and long meetings were worth it, especially since we get to work with people who feel like family.
And Eva… God, Eva has been a force of nature. Watching her build her skincare line from scratch—every formula, every bottle, every late-night brainstorm on our living room floor—I’ve never been prouder of anyone. She’s launching in a few months, and I already know she’s going to crush it.
And today, I get to marry her.
The music changes, and the entire world stops spinning.
I turn my head toward the aisle, and there she is. Walking toward me like the ocean parts just for her.
Her dress clings to her curves at the top and flows effortlessly at the bottom, dancing with the breeze. Her hair is half up in soft, beachy waves, topped with a delicate crown of tiny white flowers. She looks like a dream, likeevery prayer I didn’t even know I whispered finally came true.
Tears sting my eyes, and I don’t even care. I’m not blinking. I don’t want to miss a second.
When she reaches me, I can’t help myself. I lean in and kiss her fast, because if I don’t, I’ll combust.
“You’re not supposed to do that yet,” she whispers against my lips.
“Couldn’t wait,” I whisper back.
The pastor starts speaking, but I don’t hear a damn word. All I can see is her. All I can feel is this uncontainable happiness in my chest, like my heart’s grown too big for my body.
I slip the ring onto her finger. She slides mine on with a grin that makes me want to kiss her all over again.
And, finally, I get to pull her into my arms and kiss her the way I’ve been dreaming of for months.
Mrs. Báez.
My wife.
My whole life.
The music pulses through the room like a second heartbeat, and my shirt is stuck to my back from dancing. Eva’s just as sweaty and barefoot, her hair sticking to her skin, her cheeks flushed from joy, laughter, and whatever insane amount of cardio we’ve just done. And God, she’s never looked more beautiful.
We’ve been dancing for hours, literally hours. Every step she’s taken tonight has been filled with the moveswe’ve practiced over the last year. And she nailed it.My girl.Even McNeal got on the dance floor for a bit, and I swear Austin nearly pulled something trying to keep up with Violet. Everyone we love is here, and for a small wedding, this reception feels huge, like something out of a movie.
The hotel ballroom is glowing, soft amber lights hanging over every table, fresh flowers blooming like they were picked this morning. The ocean just outside gives the air a touch of salt. It’s perfect. Every piece of it. Just like her.
Eva tugs my hand and laughs, breathless. “Drink. I need something to drink.”
“I got you, mi amor.” I kiss her forehead and jog over to the bar.
A minute later, I’m back with two glasses of champagne, dripping sweat and grinning like a fool. I slide onto the seat beside her and lean in close, brushing my lips against the shell of her ear so she can hear me over the bass-heavy music.
“Here you go, mi amor.”
She takes the glass, smiling like she’s keeping a secret, and places it back down on the table.
“I have a wedding surprise for you,” she says, eyes dancing.
I raise my eyebrows and waggle them like a cartoon villain. “You want it now? I can find a quiet place to ravage you.”
She snorts and smacks my arm. “No, perv. Something better.”
