Page 83 of The Sweet Spot

“He’s a good man, Brynn. And he loves you. I couldn’t ask for anything more for my baby. Now humor your old man, and let me give you just a few words of wisdom, okay?”

I nod, unable to form words.

“Never go to bed angry. I know everyone says that, but it’s cliché for a reason. Choose your battles. If it really matters, fight for it. If it doesn’t, don’t. Never be mean. Even when you’re mad at each other. And never use your love as a bargaining chip. It’s not a tool. It’s the greatest gift in the world. Remember that.”

He takes my face in his hands and gently presses his lips against the top of my head. “And don’t make the man come to every family function if he doesn’t feel like it. Most of the world didn’t grow up with as big of a family as you were blessed with, kid. It’s a little overwhelming for those of us who weren’t born into this chaos. Give him a pass every now and then.”

He wipes a tear from my cheek. “Don’t cry, baby. Your mother will kill me.”

“Thank you, Daddy. For everything.”

“I love you, Brynlee. Now, let’s go before one of your uncles decides to take the microphone away from the judge who’s waiting to marry you.” He links my arm through his. “You ready?”

I look at the first man I ever loved and suddenly understand why a father gives a daughter away. He’s giving me to the last man I’ll ever love.

“I’m ready.”

Deacon

“You nervous, brother?’ Rip asks from next to me at the end of the aisle.

“Not even a little,” I tell him as the music changes and Kenndy appears at the end of the aisle. She looks petrified, but my brave girl smiles at me and keeps her eyes focused only on me as she walks down the aisle. She kisses my cheek when she makes it to me.

“I did what you said, Dad. I never looked away,” she tells me, so damn proud of herself.

“I love you, Kennedy. Do you want to stand up here with me?” I ask, even though I know the answer.

“Not a chance,” she whispers and fist-bumps Rip. “I’m going to go sit with Grandma and Grandpa.”

By the time the music changes to an instrumental version of “Here Comes The Sun,” I’m ready to march down the aisle to Brynlee myself. But then Cade and she round the corner, and I get my first glance of my wife. My beautiful wife. Every single moment in my life has led me here, and I’d gladly go through it all again to get to spend my life with this woman.

She and Cade stop in front of me, and he lifts her veil and kisses her cheek before putting her hand in mine. “Take care of my baby girl, Deacon.”

“With my life, Cade.”

Brynn hands her sister her bouquet and places her other hand in mine. “Are you ready for our next chapter, Deacon?”

“Our next of many, Brynn.” I cup her face in my hand and press my lips to hers.

The judge clears his throat and everyone around us laughs. “We’re not quite there yet, Deacon.”

Brynn’s eyes sparkle like the Fourth of July.

“We’ve been there for a long time, haven’t we, baby?” I whisper, and she smiles the most beautiful smile.

“Our story started here,” she whispers.

Yeah. Our story started here.

EPILOGUE I

DEACON

Most people would never believe the way the chemistry in a team can be made or broken in a locker room. Games are won and lost in here every day.

My team has been on fire all postseason.

I couldn’t ask for more, but I’m about to.

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