As we get on the freeway and head out of town, I reach over and entwine our fingers together, Mocha somehow already asleep, like he usually is.
“You know something?” I ask, and she shakes her head. “I think that this has been one of the best summers of my life,” I admit, bringing her hand up to my lips and pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
“Without a doubt, it’s been the best of mine,” she whispers. I give her hand a gentle squeeze as I rest our entwined hands on the center console.
“You ready for this?” I ask, merging onto I-70.
“As ready as I can be. I am excited to see Kaden. It’s been a long time since I’ve watched him play. I don’t really know the sport; I know that he’s good,” she says, and I nod.
The season hasn’t officially started yet, but Kaden told us that we could come and watch one of their scrimmage games while we were in town, and he was more than happy to host us while we were there.
“I love you, you know that, right?” I ask.
“I do know that, and I love you, too.”
“Good, because I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of saying it.” She looks over at me with a smile on her face before she pulls out her phone.
“Smile.”
She holds up the phone, trying to get all three of us in frame. This time, I do smile, because for once, I actually have something worth smiling for.
EPILOGUE
BECKETT ~ EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER…
I’ve never been more nervous for anything in my life. I stand in front of all of our closest friends and family. This has probably been the craziest two years of my entire life. So many things that I never even thought would happen have.
As I look out over the crowd, I know that it’s all worth it. That there’s no way that I would change anything about this moment, or about my life in general, because if I did, it would have never led me to her.
My beautiful Sloane, who should be walking down the aisle any minute now.
We’re getting married today. April 19th, exactly two years ago, she took my life and completely flipped it upside down in the best way possible.
The crowd stands, and my heart stutters in my chest when I see her standing at the end of the aisle. I’ve never seen anyone look as beautiful as she does. The white gown, her hair falling down her back in loose waves, her eyes shine with tears. Kadenstands on her left, Mocha on her right, as they walk her down the aisle.
Briar, Monica, Chanel, and Lottie sit in the front row next to Mason, because Sloane didn’t want groomsmen or bridesmaids. She wanted it to just be us, and I am totally ok with that.
When she gets to the altar, Kaden kisses her cheek and takes Mocha’s leash before offering me her hand so she can step up and stand in front of me.
I take her hands in mine and stare at her. I don’t hear the officiant, or the applause, or anything that is said, as I just stare at her. She reaches her hand out and brushes a tear away. I hadn’t even realized that I was crying.
“Do you, Sloane Isabelle Derwin-Monroe, take Beckett James Hayes, to be your lawful wedded husband, to love and to hold, in sickness and in health?” the priest asks.
“I do.” She whispers.
“And do you, Beckett James Hayes, take Sloane Isabelle Derwin-Monroe to be your lawful wedded wife, to love and hold, in sickness and in health?”
“I do.”
“Then by the power invested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.”
I don’t need permission anymore as I pull her into my arms, cupping her cheeks and pressing our lips together.
She clutches my suit jacket as our lips move softly together; the noise of the cheers gets drowned out as I kiss her.
She pulls away first, and it’s probably a good thing because I’m not sure I would have.
“Mr. And Mrs. Beckett Derwin-Hayes.”
