Page 145 of Wicked Love

“You wearing a man bun today?” Tru asks, grinning.

“You think it’s long enough for that?” I ask, running my hand through it. “My girl likes it down best, I think.”

“Then definitely go with that,” Sadie says.

“You can’t really go wrong,” Calista adds. She looks around. “There’s not any paparazzi around snapping pictures of today’s hair, is there?” she teases.

“God, I hope not,” I say.

In Rhodes’ hut, the party has already started. Rhodes adjusts my collar and Weston pretends to fluff my hair.

“Where’s Penn?” Henley asks.

“I haven’t seen him today,” Rhodes says. He frowns. “You know, he was acting weird last night, super evasive and shit.”

“Wonder what’s going on with him,” Weston says.

“I guess it’s a good thing we’re already married,” I say, chuckling. “He’ll show up, I’m sure.”

By the time the ceremony rolls around, I can’t believe how many people showed up for this. Coach Evans is even here, nodding at me with a small smile after I seat my mother and then turn to face the audience.

The guys stand next to me, Penn in his place just in the nick of time, and the girls walk down the aisle, each in a different color dress. I couldn’t tell you what the colors are…some kind of green and a pink and a light brown. I’m sure there are fancier names for all of it, but it’s lost on me.

I know Becca’s dress is pink and I start grinning in anticipation, knowing she’s coming out next. The swell of music quietens and a recording with Becca’s voice starts playing. My eyes widen in surprise as she says, “Hi, Daddy, I walk down to see you now. Happy wedding.”

Oh God. I shake my head and look around at the guys, my eyes blurring. Rhodes blows out through his mouth like he’s trying not to sob.

“I love you lots and I love Poppy lots,” Becca says. “She looks beautiful, like me. Bye!”

Everyone laughs and I wipe my face with the tissue Weston hands me.

Becca moves into place and grins at me as she drops flower petals by the handful on the sand. She lookssobeautiful.

“I love you so much,” I tell her when she reaches me. I kiss her cheek and she hugs me before going to sit down by my mom.

My heart is thudding out of my chest when Poppy appears.

She comes into view, walking toward me in a dress that’s elegant and sexy, hugging her body in a way that makes me swallow hard. Her hair is down, and it catches in the sunlight. I’ve never seen anyone so beautiful. I can’t wait to peel that dress off of her later, but for now, I just want to memorize every detail. She smiles at a few people, but then her eyes find mine and she walks toward me with purpose.

“I love you,” I whisper when she reaches me.

“I love you,” she whispers back.

Penn is in a nice suit, wearing a more official clerical collar just for fun.

“I’ve teased Bowie mercilessly about being the last man standing with me. Everyone’s getting married and now I’m the lone wolf,” he says, smiling at the crowd. “But when I met Poppy and saw her with Bowie, I knew she was worth going down for the count. The two of you have something special,” he says to us. “A love that will stand the test of time. And I’m justglad that I have the privilege of witnessing it, proud that I can give my stamp of approval…I mean, I got ordained for this,”—everyone laughs—“so I think it’s safe to say, I am behind you one hundred percent. And I’m not the only one. You’re surrounded today by so many people who love you. You’re both the kind of people who would do anything for anyone, and we want you to know that you’re not alone. We’ve got your back, and we will support you through whatever life brings.”

My throat tightens and I swallow hard, blinking back unshed tears.

“Bowie and Poppy have prepared vows,” Penn says, and I get a burst of pride over how official he sounds. He nods at us and I look at Poppy. Her hands are already in mine and I squeeze them.

“You look beautiful,” I tell her.

“Thank you,” she whispers. “So do you.” Her lips lift and the audience laughs.

“Before I met you, I never allowed myself to dream too large or hope too brightly. I built walls around my heart, convinced I had all I needed. Then you walked into my world, quietly and unexpectedly, yet with such a powerful impact. Becca knew you were right for me before I did.”

The audience laughs again.

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