Page 105 of The One for Forever

And then the music swells and Quinn appears. She steps out through the patio doors in layers of ivory silk, like a goddess come to life. An image straight out of my dreams.

She holds Cliff’s arm, and they walk down the aisle toward me. We’ve kept things simple. No other wedding party members except the three of us. But really, I consider everyone here with us today to be part of the ceremony. They’re lending their support and love as we start this next step of our lives together.

Even Quinn’s parents. They were surprised to find out she planned to marry the man who used to be their next-door neighbor. The father of her friend. But they’ve been polite about it, not outwardly showing any disapproval. Because they’ve rarely had a strong opinion on anything Quinn does. This is one moment that I don’t mind their indifference as parents. I wouldn’t want any damper on her smile today.

But it speaks volumes that she asked Cliff to walk her down the aisle.

Quinn reaches me, her lips trembling. “Hi,” she whispers.

“Hey, gorgeous.” My voice is thick with all I’m feeling.

“Love you, Quinn. Take care of the old man.” Cliff gives her a kiss on the cheek and then opens his arms to give me a hug.“Take care of her, Dad. Love you.” Then he stands beside me to act as my best man.

I reach for Quinn’s hand, and together we face the officiant. Electricity zings between us where we touch. A reminder of the promises we’ve already made. And the promises we’re making now in front of all the people we care about. Friends old and new.

But when we kiss, everyone else disappears, and it’s just us. My girl and me. My wife.

This moment adds to all the good memories that have come before, and I can honestly say I have never been this happy.

And it’s only getting better from here.

We keptour ceremony short and sweet. By the time the sun is completely down, we’re hugging and kissing our friends and family, and the band is starting up under the rental tent. Even though we decided on the beach house as the venue, I still wanted to make this a swanky party. If only because Rex looks so dang good when he’s dressed to the nines.

I briefly considered pink tulle for my dress, just like prom night ten years ago. But that would’ve been a lot of effort for a silly inside joke between Rex and me. And more importantly, I’m not eighteen anymore. I’m not that sad girl pining after a man she can never have.

I got my man. And today is about celebrating the love we have right now. We’re soulmates. It just took us both a while to become the people, inside and out, that we are today.

I did go with white and yellow roses for my bouquet, though. As a reference to the first night Rex and I spent in bed together. That sexy massage he gave me was hot, and I wouldn’t mind a repeat.

As we greet our guests, I notice two faces I hadn’t expected to be here. “Aiden,” I say, rushing over to give him a hug. “You made it!”

“We weren’t sure with the restaurant and our other responsibilities in Hartley. But it worked out.” My former roommate is here with his girlfriend, Jessi. Aiden looks good in his suit, even though I suspect he’d be far more comfortable in jeans and no shirt.

Jessi leans closer to me. “He pulled a bunch of strings to make sure we could be here. My brother and his wife are covering for us at the tavern.”

“Tell them thanks for me.” I hug her. Jessi’s a tall brunette with a pretty, kind face. I’ve only met her once before, the last time she and Aiden came to West Oaks to move his belongings permanently to Colorado. But she’s a sweetheart and a perfect match for my grumpy ex-roommate.

Danny and Lark come up behind us. “It’s a Pink House reunion,” Danny says, snagging Cliff by the jacket and dragging him and Lia over too.

“Missed you all,” I say.

Aiden gives me a look. “You sure about that?”

“Well, I miss your cooking, Aiden. And Danny’s sunny personality.”

“What do you miss about me?” Cliff asks.

The rest of us stare at him, saying nothing. He flips us off. “You’re all assholes. Bride included.”

We crack up. I hook my best friend around the neck, pulling him down to kiss his cheek. “I barely have time to miss you because I see you all the time. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

“Thanks, Stepmom,” he quips.

“I’m okay with that title now. I’m ready to own it.”

Lark pulls me aside because we haven’t had a hug yet. “Congrats, Mrs. Easton. I’m so happy for you. Also, I called it.”

“You just had to say it.”

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