Page 79 of Retaking the Shot
Coop nodded. “Yes, Hayden Foster and Kaylee Peters will be doing the honors.”
We’d asked them if they would act as our best man and maid of honor on the way to get our license. Of course, they’d both agreed immediately.
“Okay. Give me a few minutes to get everything set up in the chapel. It will be tight, but I think we can fit everyone in there.”
“The guys and I can stand up in the back if there’s room,” Butcher offered. “Just make sure there’s room for their family to sit.”
“Thanks, man.” Coop squeezed his shoulder.
As the chapel receptionist scurried off to make the necessary arrangements, Coop and I stood side by side. My heart pounded with excitement as we eagerly awaited our turn.
When we were given the go-ahead, our families found their seats, and I took a peek inside. The chapel was adorned with simple decorations: soft white drapes cascaded from the ceiling, and various flowers surrounded the altar.
Once it was time for us to enter, our guests rose from their seats, their eyes fixed on us as we walked down the aisle together. We held hands tightly, our fingers intertwined, as we took those first steps toward our forever.
“Friends and family,” the officiant began, her voice filling the small chapel. “We are gathered here today to witness the union of Emmett Cooper and Ford Mahoney.”
Coop squeezed my hand, and I glanced at him. He looked gorgeous in his black dress shirt and gray slacks. He always looked handsome, but as he stood holding my hand and looking at me with so much love in his eyes, he was absolutely stunning.
The officiant continued, speaking of love, commitment, and the journey awaiting us. As she spoke, I thought about how almost everything had been destroyed by secrets but somehow, we had found our way back to each other. And I would forever be grateful we had been given a second chance.
“It’s now time for the couple to exchange rings and vows.”
We’d given Hayden and Kaylee the ring we bought for Coop and the one he’d proposed to me with before the ceremony. Hearing their cue, they handed them over, then Coop and I turned back toward each other.
He took my hand gently and slid the ring onto my finger again.
“Ford,” he began, his voice cracking a little. “When you walked into my life, I was hiding who I was from everyone. But the more time we spent together, the more I began wondering if I could finally have everything I’d ever dreamed of. Of course, things are rarely easy, and we have faced our share of challenges along the way, but even through the hardships, you were never far from my mind.
“Now, I vow to love you, support your dreams, and stand beside you no matter what comes our way. You are the love of my life, and I am honored to call you my husband.”
Tears stung my eyes as I listened to Coop’s words and prepared to speak my own.
“Emmett,” I started, my voice trembling as I used his given name I’d rarely called him. “You have been with me during happy times and some of my most challenging ones. For so long, I wasn’t sure I would ever be able to trust someone to not hurt me, but your love has helped free me from the chains of my past. I know I can trust you with my love because you will protect it with everything you have.
“Today, I stand before you, promising to love you unconditionally, to be your comfort in the hard times, and to celebrate all of the good things with you. Together, we have created an unbreakable bond, and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”
After I finished speaking, the officiant beamed at us and said, “By the power vested in me by the State of Nevada, I now pronounce you husband and husband. You may kiss each other.”
Everyone cheered as Coop cupped my face in his hands and pressed his lips to mine.
“I love you,” he breathed as he pulled away.
“I love you too.”
We arrived backat the hotel after midnight, and the team was ready to party. Our parents and grandparents decided to call it a night after we promised to meet up for lunch the next day once Coop did a few interviews.
The rest of us headed down to the nightclub, where the team had already made arrangements to celebrate their win. We walked over to the roped-off VIP area, and Coop pulled me into a seat with him. His arm wrapped around my shoulders, and he pressed another earth-shattering kiss to my lips.
“Save that for when you get back to your room,” Butcher yelled over the thumping bass as he handed us each a champagne glass.
I gave him a questioning look, and he mouthed, “It’s cider.”
“Thanks.” I smiled.
“To Coop and Ford.” Kaylee held up her glass. “Two of my favorite people in the world who have found the love most of us can only hope for. I wish you both all the best.”
Hayden then raised his glass. “I’m so happy for the two of you and honored that you included me in your special day. Here’s to a lifetime of love and happiness.”
