Page 87 of How to Play the Player

He pulls me to him, his kiss tender yet passionate, sealing our promise to each other.

Epilogue

Six Months Later

Nathan

The soft late afternoon breeze carries the scent of flowers across the immaculately decorated gazebo at Solana Vineyard. I adjust my tie for the tenth time, taking in the moment before the ceremony begins. As Jonathan’s brother and groomsman, I want everything to be perfect for his big day.

“You look fine,” Jonathan assures me, standing beside me in his impeccable tuxedo. My brother has never looked more confident or happier than today, about to marry the woman he loves.

“Just want everything to be perfect for you,” I reply, dropping my hands to my sides.

Jonathan smiles. “It already is. Look around you.”

I do as he suggests, taking in the vision that Lyla, Marco, and his team have transformed into reality. The vineyard gazebo stands adorned with seasonal wildflowers in soft creams andpurples, accented with trailing vines and grape leaves woven through the structure. Beyond the assembled rows of white chairs, the rolling hills stretch toward the horizon, painted in the golden light. The air charges with anticipation and joy.

The officiant takes his place at the front, looking poised and dignified as the guests take their seats. My eyes find Quinn in the far back beside Lyla, a tablet in hand. She looks radiant in a soft burgundy dress that makes her eyes seem even brighter. She catches me looking and gives me that private smile that still makes my heart race after these past six months together. I think of the engagement ring I gave her six months ago, and I’m filled with gratitude all over again that she said yes to spending her life with me.

The string quartet begins playing, signaling the start of the ceremony. Jonathan and Jake, his best man, walk to the front and take their positions. My brother somehow maintains his composure despite the anticipation clearly written on his face. I follow shortly after with the other groomsmen, escorting Mia, before taking my position beside Jake.

The music shifts to a processional tune, and the bridesmaids begin making their entrance one by one. Kami follows a moment later, looking elegant in her lavender dress as maid of honor. From her seat, Quinn exchanges a quick smile with Lyla, who’s standing discreetly to the side overseeing the ceremony as wedding planner.

After all the bridesmaids are in position, everyone rises to their feet as the music begins.

The music swells, soft and hauntingly beautiful, as Kiera steps forward. The hush in the room feels almost reverent.

The bride is a vision in white that draws gasps from the assembled guests. Her dress is simple elegance, hugging her now-recovered post-baby figure before flowing out gently at her hips. Her dark hair is swept up, tiny wildflowers woven throughthe intricate style, and a delicate veil frames her face. But it’s her smile—that radiant, joyful smile directed solely at my brother—that touches everyone watching.

She walks with her father, his proud expression unmistakable as he escorts her down the aisle. When they reach the front, I watch my brother’s face transform with such pure love that I have to swallow the unexpected lump in my throat.

“Take care of my little girl,” Kiera’s father says, placing her hand in Jonathan’s.

“With everything I am,” my brother promises.

From my position, I catch Quinn’s eye again. She’s watching the exchange with misty eyes, her hand resting lightly over her heart. When she notices me looking, she mouthsI love youacross the space between us. The simple gesture fills me with warmth.

The ceremony flows beautifully, from the officiant’s words about love and commitment to the personalized vows Jonathan and Kiera exchange. They’ve written their own, and there’s hardly a dry eye in the audience as they promise to support each other, to cherish their family, to face whatever challenges life brings together.

When they’re finally pronounced husband and wife, Jonathan pulls Kiera into a kiss that seals their promises, and everyone erupts in cheers and applause.

As they walk back up the aisle together, petals shower down from strategically placed baskets above, a surprise Marco had arranged at the last minute. Jake follows with Kami on his arm as best man and maid of honor, then the rest of us groomsmen and bridesmaids in pairs. I spot Lyla giving discreet signals to the staff, ensuring everything runs perfectly.

Once free of official duties, I make my way to Quinn in the crowd, threading through well-wishers to reach her side.

“Beautiful ceremony,” she says as I reach her, her eyes still shining with happy tears.

“Almost as beautiful as you,” I reply, taking her hand and bringing it to my lips.

She blushes, the color highlighting her cheekbones. Damn, seeing her like this makes me fall in love with her all over again. “Charmer.”

Then again, it’s like that every time I see her.

I intertwine our fingers, feeling the engagement ring I gave her cool against my palm. The diamond catches the afternoon sunlight. “Only with you, future Mrs. Knight.”

Quinn

The reception is in full swing, the converted wine barn at Solana transformed into a magical space filled with twinkling lights and laughter. Hanging lanterns cast a warm glow over the tables, while candlelight flickers from centerpieces crafted from grapevine wreaths, seasonal blooms, and trailing ivy. The entire space smells of flowers, fresh-baked bread, and happiness.

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