Page 54 of The Boyfriend Gamble

Jacob

Opalmadeitdownthe aisle. She didn’t drop any of the rose petals Josie had meticulously organized. Basically, the little girl sprinted to Angus, who waited for her.

Our friends and family cheered.

She appeared startled.

Stanley snagged her up and cooed, avoiding a potential meltdown.

Felix stood under the arch with our officiant, the inappropriately named Lolita.

Josette stood beside him, looking beautiful in her dress.

Wally stood on the other side, imploring me with his gaze to get a move on. Yeah, he was looking forward to the barbecue lunch we’d organized.

Mom linked her arm through mine. “Ready, darling?”

I met her gaze. “Yeah.” Then I looked over at my father. “Thanks for this.” Not just for their financial contribution. But for their flexibility and welcoming of Felix to our family—and not into the role everyone assumed he’d take. Yes, he’d be their son-in-law. Just married to a different child.

Dad slapped me on the back. “Yeah, well, let’s get on with this.”

Because he likely was thinking of a cold beer he could drink. The day’s heat was all-encompassing, and as soon as we’d finished with the photos, I suspected everyone would be shucking their jackets. Too bad we didn’t have a pool.

Huh. Something to consider in the future.

I walked with my parents down the wide aisle, keeping my gaze trained on Felix.

He grinned. No hesitation. No questioning. During all of our conversations over the last week, his certainty had been clear.

As we recited our vows, my hands shook. Not because of fear or trepidation, but because of uncontrollable happiness. We’d discussed starting our family in a couple of years. I wanted us settled first. Felix teaching, me continuing to build my business, a couple of dogs—

“I do.” Felix grinned.

After the officiant said something, I added, “I do.” Technically we should’ve had a rehearsal, but the woman had been flexible. Had spoken to both of us separately. Had taken our assurances we were, in fact, very much in love. Even if we’d barely been engaged a week.

She declared us to be married partners.

I stepped forward, wrapped my arm around Felix’s waist, and dipped him backward, sealing my lips to his. Hisohof surprised turned to a giggle as I kissed him senseless.

Applause reached us as we righted. I snagged Felix’s hand and held it aloft in theyeah, we just did that thinguniversal gesture. More applause followed as we made our way back down the aisle.

Josie and Wally followed us, with Stanley carrying Opal and Justin holding Angus’s hand as they trailed behind.

Chaos ensued. Somehow, the photographer got everyone wrangled into a group shot, then pulled different people aside. Parents. Siblings. Parents and Siblings. A few romantic poses as well as a few goofy ones. We were just like that.

Getting everyone out the door at the end of the night was easier than I imagined. Of course, Josie and Wally whispering in everyone’s ears how Felix and I couldn’t wait to go to bed caused a few laughs and winks.

Jesus.

Well, Wally would go back to work on Monday after driving Josie to the airport so she could fly to Romania.

Felix and I planned a honeymoon at home—everyone promising they’d give us the week. We’d stocked up on provisions and were ready to go.

We shut the door after giving our parents one final hug goodbye.

Felix leaned against the door and offered a shy smile. “Okay, so we survived.”

I ran my hand up and down his biceps, covered in the cotton button-down he continued to wear, although he’d rolled up the sleeves at some point. He also had grass stains from when he was down on the ground playing with Opal and Angus. I would’ve thought the boy too old for games, but he truly adored his sister and so had gotten on the ground.

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