“Okay, let's do this,” she says after finishing up the touches.
My dad takes my hand and leads me out the door to the chapel. The chapel was Nix’s idea, to marry in the same one as his parents did. I loved the idea so much; I agreed instantly, a special part of them both with us on our day.
I love his dad. Since meeting in the hospital, he’s been coming back into town every other weekend and staying with us. Nix and Z love it, but I know Red loves it more. The boys have even had a few weekends out at the lake house. I know when Nix lost his mom things were tough between the two of them, but looking at them now, you would never know. You can tell how much Nix loves having his dad in town and has even hinted at wanting him to move back, to be closer to Z. I can’t blame him. Now that I have moved in with Nix and Z, my parents have been coming over more often. I’d love to say it’s because they miss me so much, but it’s all to do with Z. They’ve fallen in love with him just as much as I have. Their grandson, they tell everyone. Z loves them just as much as they do him, even choosing to go stay with them while Nix and I are away on our honeymoon.
“I just want you to know, Kadence, your mom and I couldn't be more proud of you,” my dad whispers, close to my ear. “Be happy. You deserve it.” He kisses my cheek.
“I am,” the truth rolls off my tongue. I have never been happier in my life.
We step over the threshold of the aisle, and I watch Holly, in her pale lavender floor-length dress, walk down the aisle. Sy’s eyes follow her as she walks slowly to the front. I don’t know how much longer she’s going to hide her feelings for him. We all see it, but for some reason they both live in their own delusional world, thinking we don’t. I worry about them when he finds out the truth, but until then I have to just be there for her.
The soft music ends when Holly reaches her spot, the sounds of an acoustic guitar now coming to life, filling the small chapel. Our family and friends come to their feet, but I only have eyes for Nix.
Standing in a white dress shirt, black pants and his cuts, he holds the hand of Z, both smiling over at me. It didn’t take much to convince him to wear a suit. He agreed, but the cuts stayed. Jesse, Brooks, Sy, and Beau also followed his lead, wearing matching attire. There isn’t much the boys wouldn’t do for me. I know they only do it for Nix—keeping me happy keeps him happy—but I like to think they love me enough to grant me one small wish, even if they do try to push me for a reaction. Having them standing there on our special day, on their best behavior, was my only wish.
After the bachelor and bachelorette party, I wouldn’t put it past them to try something. Canceling the male stripper Holly ordered for me, and replacing him with a female was the start of a very eventful night. Waking up to the messages that Nix was in jail the next day was the last thing I wanted to hear hung-over. Nix was more pissed at his shaved eyebrows and shaved balls than him ending up in jail. I was beyond mad, telling them all if they pulled any funny business at the wedding, there would be hell to pay. Nix made them promise no shit during the ceremony, but I know the party is a free-for-all. I'll be cleaning up the clubhouse for days. My new role as old lady is already a daunting task, but one I’ll take on with an open mind.
I quickly glance up, my eyes locking onto Nix’s. He’s watching me, taking every inch of me in. All my nerves and worries are gone by just one look. No words spoken, no smile given, the only encouragement I need is staring back at me with his emerald green eyes. I draw in an exhilarating breath; these men are my life, my family and my world.
I take my first step to them, knowing I’m walking toward my ultimate happiness, unwavering love and the most beautiful thing of all, my amazing family.