Page 105 of Wish You Would

Holden wipes at his eyes like he has been all night.

“I love it.” He catches my gaze before leaning into my mouth. He kisses me soft and long, sending a shiver up my spine.

“Really, you do?” I ask when we break the kiss.

“I do. He looks like a Hayes.”

“He looks like you.” I run my fingertip over his tiny nose.

Hayes is asleep, his perfect face tranquil. Barely eight hours old and he’s already got me wrapped around his finger.

“You should sleep, baby. You know today is going to be non-stop visitors, you’re going to need to get some rest while you can.”

I know he is right. Holden had texted everyone we know about Hayes’ birth 20 minutes after he had arrived. I should close my eyes. Holden would take good care of him. He always will.

It doesn’t matter, though, because just as my eyes are fluttering closed, there is a knock on the door and Daisy and Tucker peek their heads in.

Family.

Hayes’ family.

This little boy is going to be so loved.

Holden’s family shows up soon after, his mom’s eyes full of unshed tears for her first grand baby as she peers over Hayes sleeping in his Daddy’s arms.

We’re all a mess of smiles and happy tears.

My life is beautiful.

And it’s only just begun.

HOLDEN’S EPILOGUE

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

Holden

Hayes stuffs a fistful of pureed sweet potato in his mouth then squeals in delight.

“Tastes good, doesn’t it, bud?” I ask, grinning as I watch my little man sitting in his highchair.

“Da Da,” he says, offering me the spoon he refuses to use because he’d rather use his hands.

So far, at eight months old, Hayes is happy, sweet and bright, mischievous and curious. My handsome boy is the cutest thing in the world, even when he’s covered in sweet potato. He has my chestnut hair and his mom’s bright green eyes and easygoing personality.

When he’s done, I wash his face and hands with a washcloth while he squirms. “We need to get you cleaned up before Mommy murders me. You’re going to a wedding. You need to look your best.”

“Little dude eats like his dad,” Tucker laughs from where he’s sitting on the couch next to Jake. “Like an animal.”

I just shake my head at him. Nothing can ruin my day today.

In less than an hour, I’m marrying Briar. The ceremony is taking place at a manor just outside of Reed Point, on a terrace overlooking the ocean, then we’re having the reception in one of their ballrooms. Tucker is my best man. Jake, Grayson, and my brother are my groomsmen. They’re all here with me in the groom’s suite while Briar and her bridesmaids get ready in a room down the hall.

So far, with the exception of me failing miserably to get Hayes down for his nap, the day has gone smoothly. He’s been distracted by all of the people and the energy in the room. My little man is as excited as me. I’m finally marrying my favorite person on the planet.

My dad walks over to Hayes and picks him up from the highchair. He holds my son in his arms and gives him a kiss on his chubby cheek while I fetch his suit. Over the past eight months, the two of them have created quite the friendship. A bond. My parents and Barb see Hayes often, even taking him for sleepovers so I can have his mom all to myself.

“Time to get dressed, Hayes-y-haze. You’re going to look so handsome.” I bought him a miniature version of my dove gray suit so he can match his daddy. Once he’s dressed, I snap a photo of him for Briar. I’ve already sent her over a dozen today. Yes, I’m that guy—thankfully, my fiancée thinks it’s cute.

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