Page 107 of Under the Radar

“Of course I do,” she scoffed. “Right here.” She patted her side. “Pockets. I love pockets.”

“You okay, Brett?” I asked. “You look a little nervous. I’m the one getting married.”

He wiped at his forehead. “I don’t want to mess this up. You should have gotten Stefano to be your officiant. He’s used to crowds with his family.”

I chuckled. “You’re my guy.”

He squared his shoulders. “And I’m proud to do it. I won’t let you down.”

I shook his hand. “I know.”

He grinned and reached over to hug me. “Be happy, Chase. You deserve it.”

I returned his grin. “I know.”

It was the first time I really believed that.

* * *

The music began, and Charly opened the door, standing in front of me. On the opposite side of the small church, framed by the door, was Cherry. Her hair was piled on her head, and she looked happy and every inch the proud mother. She smiled and nodded, and she and Charly began to walk, meeting in the middle and turning to slowly begin to head to the front of the church. I stopped in the door, getting my first glimpse of my bride. The sunlight behind Hannah highlighted the red in her hair as she waited for her turn to begin. The pretty ivory-colored dress clung to her torso and exploded in a froth of lace that hit the floor. Her hair was up, and I saw glints of pearls and sparkles woven into the red-gold of her tresses. A few tendrils hung around her face. She was spectacularly beautiful. And soon, she would be my wife.

She carried a bouquet of lilies, matching the one pinned to my lapel. Tears stung my eyes as we walked toward each other, stopping as we met at the aisle we would walk down together.

“You look so handsome,” she whispered.

I tugged on my white cuffs, straightening my shoulders. I had never worn a tux before, but I was glad she liked it.

“You take my breath away.”

She smiled, the color highlighting her cheeks at my words. The light caught the diamonds in her ears I had sent her.

“You got my gift.”

“I love them.” She paused. “I love you.”

I bent my arm, offering it to her. “Then, shall we get married?”

She slid her hand into the crook of my elbow. “Yes.”

* * *

I swayed with Hannah in my arms, breathing her in.

My wife.

Mine now. Always.

The ceremony had been brief but heartfelt. We both got emotional during our vows. Charly wept openly, making Maxx stand to hand her a handkerchief. Once he did, Vivvy decided she needed to join her mother. Theo came to get her, and they ended up sitting together behind Charly since that was as far as Theo could convince Vivvy to go. The way they sat and held hands in the front pew made everyone smile, and we carried on with the ceremony.

Kelly made the pictures fun. I found it easy to smile every second. I was surrounded by people who loved me. Something I never thought I would experience. I had a family I had been given instead of born into. It made them all that much more precious to me. I now had a beautiful wife whom I adored beyond measure to share my life with.

Hannah sighed, and I pressed a kiss to her head. “Okay, Mrs. Gallagher?” I teased. “Are you tired? You want to escape?”

She laughed, tilting her head up. “No, I’m having fun. But I am tired.”

“You’ve been tired all week. Too many wedding plans.”

She pursed her lips. “That too.”