Page 158 of The One
“I wish he were here too,” I replied, kissing her on the cheek.
I then hugged Mrs. Taylor before I shook hands with Mr. Taylor, who said, “Welcome to the family, son.”
I knew he appreciated the conversation I’d had with him before Lainey and I moved to Iceland—when I’d asked for his blessing to marry his daughter. I’d called him several weeks ago to update him on the plan, letting him know the details of when our private jet would be taking off for Iceland so he and Mrs. Taylor could be on board.
“A family I’m thrilled to be a part of,” I told him.
I waited for my mom to release Lainey before I led her over to the Daltons. Dominick, Jenner, Jo, Ford, Hannah, Camden, and their significant others were here to offer their congrats. Although Jenner worked for the Spade and Cole Hotel brand, his siblings and cousins, all lawyers as well, were a group we now knew on a personal basis.
Once I finished introducing them to Lainey, we approached the Westons, the five siblings hanging out in a circle, opening as we neared.
“Congrats, brother,” Hart said, going in for a hug, slapping me on the back as we separated. “Couldn’t be happier for you.”
“Thanks for flying in early,” I replied.
“I can see why you love it here,” Hart responded. “I’m happy as hell we’re joining you on this journey.”
“I’ve sampled some of the food already.” I shook my head, showing him how pleased I was. “That’s one sick menu Walker put together for this restaurant.”
“Yes, it is,” Walker said, laughing. He shook my hand. “I’m glad you like it.”
Beck, Colson, and Eden all offered their congratulations as well.
Lainey and I headed over to Macon, clasping his hand, before moving on to Brady and Cooper, who was holding my niece Rayner.
“Look at that rock,” Macon said, lifting Lainey’s hand to admire the ring. “Never thought I’d see this day.” He laughed. “Like a pig in shit—that’s how fucking pleased I am that I get to witness this.”
I chuckled at him. “You fool.”
“From one asshole to another,” Brady said, knocking me on the chest with his fist—a man I hadn’t always gotten along with in the past, but we were finally in a good place—“there’s nothinglike finding a good woman to bring out the best side of you.” His hand stilled but stayed on me. “You deserve this.”
“Back at you.” I shifted over to Cooper and kissed Rayner on the cheek. “My baby girl,” I whispered.
“Proud of you, my man,” Cooper said. “Hopefully, now, your sister can stop obsessing over when you’re going to pop the question.”
I shook his shoulder, careful not to disrupt Rayner. “Now, she can obsess over our wedding.”
Lainey held out her hands to Cooper. “Gimme that baby.”
Cooper happily set Rayner in Lainey’s arms.
Lainey rested their faces together, kissing the top of her head. “I swear you’ve doubled in size since I last saw you.”
“She’s getting big,” Cooper agreed. “Which means it’s time for another one.”
“I heard that,” Rowan groaned from a few feet away.
By the time I turned toward her, I heard, “Uncle ’Ett,” screamed all the way across the room, my favorite pink-wearing, pigtailed girl running right for me.
I lifted her into my arms, kissing her cheek, and embraced Ridge and Rowan, saying, “I’m engaged. Is that wild or what?” While holding Daisy, I hugged each of them.
“It’s about damn time,” Rowan sighed.
“It’s been the perfect amount of time,” Ridge corrected her.
With Rayner in her arms, Lainey kissed my sister and brother.
“Uncle ’Ett, Daddy told me I get to be your flower girl.”
