Page 72 of Coming Home Country
I clapped a hand on his shoulder, speaking directly to him versus those gathered. “You never let me give up on my dreams, even when they felt completely out of reach.” My gaze lifted over his head to peek at Bex before returning my attention to Mac. “Because you’d been in my shoes once, convinced it was impossible, but now here you are, with everything you ever wanted. And I couldn’t be happier for you, for Aspen, and for the future you’re about to embark upon together.”
Grabbing my champagne flute, I raised it toward those seated around us. “To Aspen and Mac. May you have a lifetime of happiness together.”
“To Aspen and Mac,” came the chorus from the rest of the guests.
Mac stood, wrapping me up in a bear hug and slapping me on the back a few times for good measure.
“Great speech, man,” he whispered in my ear, voice thick with emotion.
When he pulled back, I moved around his chair to kiss Aspen on the cheek and pull her into a hug.
My ass had just hit the seat when the announcement came that it was Bex’s turn to speak as the maid of honor.
I leaned one elbow on the table for a better view of her around the happy couple sitting between us.
Before she could utter a single word, Bex’s eyes grew glassy as she looked down at her best friend. Blowing out a breath, she fanned her face, blinking furiously to keep the tears at bay.
“Sorry.” The single word came out whispered, and Aspen grabbed her hand in a show of silent support.
Black lashes fluttered as she closed her eyes briefly before reopening them.
“As little girls, we dreamed about this day. But I think it’s safe to say that the reality is better than what we could have ever imagined for you, Aspen. And I’m not only talking about the wedding.
“The moment I met Mac, I knew he was the perfect man for you. He brings laughter to your life, but more than that, he’s become your biggest supporter. He champions your ambitions and celebrates your successes.”
The first tear broke free, carving a path down her cheek. “As of today, Mac takes over my spot as number one in your life.” Aspen opened her mouth to protest, but Bex cut her off before she could. “I’ll still always be there for you, but he’s the one who will stand shoulder to shoulder with you every day from here until forever. You’re going to share moments and memories that are sacred, meant for the two of you alone, and that’s how it should be. And I don’t have to worry because I know nobody can love you more than he does.”
Bex’s voice broke as she toasted, “To my best friend and the man she’s found to be her best friend for life.”
Aspen was off her feet in a flash, both women sobbing in each other’s arms.
Mac leaned over to me, letting them have their moment before standing. “I think she wins.”
Smiling at the woman I loved, I replied, “I’ll happily let her win for the rest of my life if she lets me.”
He hummed. “You got more tricks up your sleeve tonight?”
“Guess you’ll have to wait and see.”
“Hate to break it to you, bud, but I won’t be able to see anything beyond my wife for the foreseeable future.”
I bumped shoulders with him. “We’ll have to grab coffee when you resurface from the honeymoon, then.”
Mac stood. “Good luck. You know I’m rooting for you.”
If not for his constant support and borderline meddling, I wouldn’t be on the verge of claiming Bex the way I should have all those years ago.
Once we took that final step, it was game over. She would be mine forever like she always should have been.
Chapter 20
Tucker
“Spinme,Tucker!”Aubreecried, her tiny feet standing atop mine as we danced on the polished wood surface set up on the lawn.
Crouching, I grabbed her beneath the armpits and obliged her request, spinning in place so fast that her little legs swung out, narrowly missing a couple swaying together as if the up-tempo song were a slow one instead.
The little girl’s pure joy was infectious, her squeals causing laughter to roll up from my chest.
