Page 75 of Eternal Pieces

“We all thought you’d be glad to not have to do it yourself on top of everything else.”

Blowing out a breath, I shake my head in disbelief. “I am beyond glad. Beyond grateful. Sarah, this might be the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me.”

Before she can say anything else, I wrap my arms around her.

“You don’t need to thank me. What are best friends for, right?”

She looks me over and gets an excited twinkle in her eye. “Let’s get you ready for the big day!”

Once Sarah has finished my makeup and hair, and I’m in my dress, she drives us to the cabin. Everything feels so much calmer this time around. Even though this has been suddenly sprung on me, I prefer it. I’m surprisingly not nervous at all.

My makeup is simpler than last time, just the way I like it, and Sarah’s managed to almost perfectly replicate my hair. I had faith in her beauty skills anyway, and this way feels far more personal than a stranger doing it for me.

The one thing I’m outstandingly amazed by is my dress. Unlike last time, it fits perfectly. When I asked her how shemanaged to get the size right, she told me that it was all thanks to Max. I’ll have to get the information out of him later, but I have a feeling he measured me while I was sleeping. These days, once I fall asleep, I’m completely out of it, and the only thing that wakes me is the babies’ cries. So I’m sure he found a way to get my measurements in the night.

I step out of the car, and Sarah guides me around the side of the cabin. A dark purple carpet has been laid out on the ground, a trail of purple and white petals sprinkled on top. We follow it around to the back, where it keeps going all the way to the start of the woods. From there, Sarah leads me through the trees until we come to a small grove sheltered by the thick canopy above.

I’m left breathless as I look around me.

Fairy lights weave around the tree trunks, and glowing glass jars hang from the branches. More lights dangle between the trees, and a whole variety of flowers are nestled in cute little baskets all around. It’s like a fairy’s den. I’m in awe of it all, but it’s not what’s stolen my breath.

Waiting for me on the other side are Max and Maddox. They’re wearing matching black suits. Maddox has opted for a black shirt rather than white, like his brother.

I’m taken back to the day we first met. We hadn’t even spoken to each other, but something in our hearts connected, and we became each other’s destinies.

“Hey, baby,” Maddox greets me as I near them, his cocky grin is huge as he eyes me up and down. “You look stunning.”

“I can’t believe you did all of this.”

“Our beautiful bride deserves everything she’s ever dreamed of,” Max says endearingly.

Reginald stands off to the side with Tobias in his arms, playing with the flowers in his buttonhole. Olive and Evie are fast asleep in the stroller next to him. It’s decorated with moreflowers. All three of them are dressed in the cutest little white rompers embroidered with lilac flowers.

“They’re gorgeous,” I sigh, getting a closer look and taking Tobias from him. “Hi, baby, don’t you look pretty today.” He gurgles back at me, his chubby arms reaching for my hair.

Sarah comes to my side and holds her arms out for him. “Come give Aunty Sar Bear some cuddles so your mama can have some time with your daddies.”

“Thank you,” I say softly as I pass him over to her.

Tobias grabs the flower crown off her head and giggles. She hugs me with one arm and kisses my cheek. “I love you, Violet. I’m so glad we’re friends now.”

“Me too.”

Reginald goes to stand behind his sons.He’s officiating our ceremony?

“Go on.” Sarah nudges me forward. I take the first step, and a song from my favorite movie starts playing.Young and BeautifulfromThe Great Gatsby.

I can’t help but feel a little shy as I approach Max and Maddox. Their eyes are glued to me. But with each step, my confidence grows.

“Did you finally decide who it’s going to be?” I ask when I reach their sides.

They share a quiet look. A secret I’m not privy to is exchanged between them.

“Mad is who you’ll legally be married to, but you get to have the ceremony with both of us.” Max wipes his thumb across my cheek, catching my tears. I’m glad Sarah used waterproof mascara on me, otherwise, I’d be a mess.

I don’t need to ask Max if he’s sure; the look in his eyes tells me everything. He’s settled on this. I’m proud of him for putting his brother first. They’ve both been through a lot these past few years, Max more so. But I know he’s been carrying a lot of guiltfor the way he’s treated us both, and we understand why he’s acted the way he has. It doesn’t justify his anger, but the way he’s making it up to both of us is more than enough for me.

My eyes meet Maddox’s. He holds out his hand for me. They both do. I take them and it feels like home.

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