Page 20 of Four Money (Ever and Always 1)

The officiant shook his head. “I’ve seen some crazy things before, but I admit, that’s a new one. Why don’t we do the ceremony first and then you can sort out your papers afterward to make it official?”

“Perfect.” Ford grinned. “I can’t wait another moment to make Kari our wife.”

Brady and Josh each put a hand on his shoulders and congratulated him. It didn’t matter what was written for the records. They were equals in their relationship with Kari, their friendship, and even their law firm.

As they approached the front of the chapel, Owen and Lorenzo flanked Trent much like Brady and Josh did to Ford. Holly knew it was only because they were his friends and the witnesses for their ceremony, but she would have been lying if it didn’t make her wonder, for just a few moments, what it would be like to be loved by one man, or by three like Kari and Andi.

Holly couldn’t say she paid much attention to their actual wedding ceremony, which only lasted about five minutes. But she would remember every detail of Trent’s face during that time. His eyes were locked with hers, filled with sadness, hope, excitement, and sympathy. You can learn a lot from staring at someone that long, and as the seconds passed, she was sure she could see straight to his soul.

Surprisingly, it didn’t look that different than her own.

He had ambitions. He had problems. And he was doing his best to thrive despite them. She vowed then and there to do the same.

Holly was doing this for her mom. But maybe she also needed to do it for herself.

“Who has the rings?” Elvis asked.

“We don’t have—” Holly shook her head but stopped explaining when Trent cut her off.

“I do.” He fished in his pocket and pulled two plain gold bands—one about twice as thick as the other—from inside. He held out his hand, with them touching in his palm. Simple, classic, and so damn sweet that Holly felt her eyes prickle. “I know this can’t be what you had in mind for your wedding day, but I hope you’ll take this as a promise from me that I plan to make the most of our time together.”

“Awww.” Andi fanned her face from her post in the front row.

He slipped the ring onto her finger, twisting it a smidge to seat it fully.

The weight of the symbol felt new and didn’t freak her out in the least. How could it when he was being such a gentleman about the whole situation? She plucked the heavier ring from his hand and held it out as she said, “It’s really you I have to thank for asking me to marry you and changing my life, and my family’s life for the better. You literally saved us. Thank you. For whatever time we have together, I will be the best damn wife you could have hoped for.”

Holly winked at him as she put the ring on his finger, liking the way it looked against his tanned skin.

“Damn, they’re making us look bad,” Josh bitched as Kari knuckled a tear from the corner of her eye. “Brady, you’re the one good at this shit. Say something romantic and profound.”

“I don’t have the words to say everything I feel, so I have to hope that you already know.” Brady looked not only at Kari, but at Ford and Josh as well. “The best I can do is to say I love you and I love what we share. As long as I’m alive, none of you will be alone.”

“Oh. That was perfect.” Andi leaned against Cooper, rested her head on Reed’s shoulder and clasped Simon’s hand. Holly couldn’t even be jealous because she was looking at Trent, who was still holding her gaze. At least until he glanced at his roommates, both of whom were grinning.

Elvis cleared his throat, then said, “I declare you…married.”

When he didn’t finish soon enough, Josh said, “Now we get to kiss, right?”

“Go for it.” The man nodded.

Holly was beaming as Trent swooped in and picked up where they’d left off before the ceremony. It had only been a few minutes, but she’d missed the feel of him so close, his heat seeping into her as he swept his lips over hers.

“Come on, let’s go back and celebrate properly. It can be both our engagement party and our first wedding reception.” Ford waved toward the limo, which was still waiting out front. With one last nip on her lower lip, Trent started to join them.

Holly slowed down, dragging Trent with her since their hands were still linked.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Would you mind if we didn’t go back?” She had wanted to leave hours ago and spend some quality time with him. Everything that had happened since hadn’t changed that desire. Even if they just sat quietly and processed everything that had gone on, she’d be more up for that than loud music, booze, and dancing.

Their friends, including Owen and Lorenzo, were already piling into the car. A cork flew out the open sunroof as they popped some champagne. A chorus of cheers radiated from the limo.

Trent looked from the car to her and smiled. “I’m so glad you said that. Hang on, I’ll let them know.”

He jogged over to the limo, then leaned inside. After a few seconds, Andi poked her head out the door and said, “Congratulations! Good night! Call me tomorrow and tell me everything!”

Holly waved and met Trent halfway. He looped his arm around her as the gang rolled away from the curb, leaving them in the glow of Vegas’s neon lights. “Ready to go home?”

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