“You decided to marry four of them and didn’t specify an order. Would that really make it any easier?”
I peek around to the bar where Massimo, Gunner, and Nick are toasting each other. I’m so happy to see them glowing the way they are. Gunner and Nick hug and show each other their bands – each of my men have different ones – and then I put my band in Dad’s hand.
He nods to me, kisses my cheek, and has the makeup artist check my face again. Waterproof makeup my ass. It’s not love-proof which means I’m fucked. Absolutely and totally fucked. It might have lasted through one wedding, but I’m two in and only halfway there.
“Round three.”
“Want to make a bet on who it is?”
I feel something like a calm spread over me and meet Dad’s eyes as my procession walks down the aisle. “It’s Holden.”
“You sound sure.”
Honestly, I don’t know why I am, but somehow I know. And it pulls a huge smile and sure steps from me. Nervous or not, I know Holden is the calm and quiet force I need.
HOLDEN
Gunner and Nick stand with me at the altar with Massimo. Massimo has been beaming and nudging the guys nonstop like it’s one big secret they’re all in on. Danny is trying to keep her son at bay, offering him a pacifier, but before Valerie comes down the aisle, I see Massimo kiss Danny’s cheek and take Gio.
The change in scenery fixes his whimpering. I adjust my sleeves, then hear the music change. I glance at Gunner and Nick. I swear, neither of them has recovered from seeing Sophie. Nick takes an unsteady breath and Gunner forcibly turns my head so I look down the aisle.
I almost don’t recognize Sophie. I never imagined her in a dress that would cascade like that, adding so much volume to her legs. The plunging neckline nearly makes it to her middle, but it doesn’t hide the curves of her breast.
She’s gorgeous, fairytale worthy, and sparkling. The sun catches her face when she looks up at me and her eyes have never been so vibrant, and I’ve never noticed how her skin sparkles in the light, the way her lips soften as she smiles, it’s not possible that I’m lucky enough to be engaged to this woman.
Anyone who would have called her a kid while planning the wedding is eating their words now. She’s a vision. Mature, beautiful, stunning. She’s been down the aisle three times now and still, no one makes a sound as she and her dad walk.
Miles huffs as he puts her wedding band in my hand and then puts her hand on mine. “I’m just about cried out,” Her dad whispers.
“I love you, Daddy.” She kisses his cheek and he arches an eyebrow at me.
“Thank you, Miles.”
He nods once, then sits with his wife as I guide Sophie up the stairs. Her toes peek out and I notice she’s barefoot. I grin at her and squeeze her hand. I didn’t want to do anything but our vows because to me, that’s all that matters. What we have to say to each other. I hold both her hands and give her another once over.
“Hi.” She mouths.
I wink at her and a huge smile lights her face. She couldn’t look more like an angel even with wings and a halo. Sophie turns to the officiant who doesn’t have his book open. He just has his hands clasped together in front of him.
“For those who don’t know, Sophia has allowed her husbands to set up what I say. In this case, Holden has asked that I say nothing at all. That I do not put any words of my own on their relationship. Let’s face it – enough people have. Holden, you may begin.”
Sophie’s eyes slowly move from the officiant’s to me, an obvious question there. I take a slow breath.
“No one should marry us but one of us,” I say, then look over my shoulder. Sophie follows my gaze and Gunner steps up, nodding to the officiant. I shrug at her. “So I made him do some work.”
“Holden is one of my oldest and truest friends. He’s a man who knows the value of action over words and the power that comes with self-awareness. But his lack of conversation doesn’t affect the love I’ve seen between these two.”
Sophie bites her bottom lip, trying to stop it from quivering as she looks up at the sky. I smile slowly. Gunner continues. “Sophie, my wife, is a truly amazing person. She’s capable of more than even she realizes at times, but she supports everyone around her and brings out the best in those that take even a moment to listen to her, a moment to get to know her.”
I nod to her and she squeezes my hand tighter.
“I, myself – and Nick –“ Gunner motions to Nick who agrees with one firm head movement. “Have had the pleasure of seeing them support each other, build each other up, and become more confident and stronger versions of themselves. Holden is much more outspoken and has a pride and swagger I haven’t seen since we were in the military, maybe not even then. And Sophie, she’s become even more understanding, patient, and aware of how her emotions affect others – to ask for what she needs without fear.”
Sophie’s eyes keep flicking between the three of us and I smile. I never wanted to give her just myself. That’s not what this is about to me. It’s aboutallof us coming together. Gunner nods to me. “Take it away, Hold. Sweep her off her feet.”
She turns to face me and shakes her head ever so slightly, tears budding in her eyes. I rub my thumbs over her soft hands and take a slow breath. “I didn’t write a single thing.”
Her mouth falls open.