Page 113 of My Greatest Joy

THREE MONTHS LATER

As I waitat the altar next to my best friend, I look over at my beautiful wife standing on the other side and smile at her swollen belly with pride. Getting to be a part of Finn and Oakley’s wedding party has been super special, and walking down with my wife made it even better.

Her being nine months along has made their wedding interesting. After celebrating our nuptials and getting a new puppy, we spent the rest of it getting the nursery ready and helping our friends plan their fall-themed orchard wedding. It’s been the best year of my life, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of it brings.

At the sound of “Canon in D” playing, everyone stands, and we watch Oakley make her way down the aisle. I put my hand on Finn’s shoulder, giving him an encouraging squeeze since he hasn’t turned around yet.

“She looks stunning,” I whisper.

He taps my hand back with the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on his face.

When Finn turns around and sees his bride, he immediately chokes up. Oakley’s a ball of emotions, fighting back tears as she wipes under her eyes. These two couldn’t be more perfect for each other.

The officiant begins the ceremony, and by the end, there isn’t a dry eye in the audience. Their vows were sweet and personal. There’s nothing better than seeing my best friend get his happily ever after.

“My feet are killing me,” Fallon whispers as we wait for the photographer to finish. We did a million group shots, and now they’re taking separate family ones.

“Take off your shoes,” I tell her.

“I can’t reach.” She pouts. “Can you help me?”

Chuckling, I kneel and motion for her to lift her foot. “Jesus. These things need a passcode or something to untie?”

“Don’t look at me. Oakley picked out these hand-sewn laced up the ankle killer traps.”

I manage to get one off, then reach for her other.

“Oh shit,” Fallon blurts out, leaning on my shoulder.

“What’s wrong?” I panic, standing and holding her shoulders.

“The contractions are getting stronger.” She squeezes her eyes and blows out a long breath.

“You’re in labor?”

“I thought it was Braxton Hicks, but they’ve been consistent for the past couple hours.”

“Baby, we have to get you to the hospital,” I urge.

“No, no, I’m fine. Contractions can last a long time, and I don’t wanna ruin—” She groans, leaning against me.

“Yeah, we’re going. Right now.”

“What’s the matter?” Tiernan, Oakley’s sister, comes over.

“I’m taking her to the hospital. She’s in labor.”

“Give me your keys, and I’ll get your truck,” Tiernan says.

I dig into my pocket and hand them over. “It’s parked on the east side.”

“Be right back.”

“Just breathe, my love. You’ve got this.”

Since we’re in the orchard, there’s nowhere to sit.

Finn and Oakley return with the photographer and notice Fallon’s distress.

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