Page 106 of Keep Me

The four of us embrace in a group hug, but Jasmine doesn’t let it go on too long. “All right, let’s get this bride ready to go. Marcela, I need you to do her hair, and, Aurora, you need to do her makeup.”

“And what will you be doing?” I quirk a brow at her.

She holds up her phone and begins doing just that as we finish getting ready. “Take photos for memories and enjoy this moment.”

Once we’re done getting ready, nerves churn in my gut as we descend the stairs and make our way to the glass doors that will take us onto the patio deck. While everything is still very much casual, the change in outfit has me slightly on edge to see Ryker’s reaction to me in it.

In a good way.

The girls exit first, and from my position, I watch as Cameron’s eyes light up, then Elio’s, then Theo’s as Marcela is the last to go.

With a deep breath, I exit through the open door, the music and noise halting as everyone turns to stare at me. I’ve spoken at charity events and even parliament meetings, but I have never been as nervous as I currently am.

Until my eyes find Ryker’s and in an instant, it all goes away.

His lips part, his eyes roaming over every inch of me, and I swear I can see a sheen of sweat on his forehead.

I stop right in front of him and press my palm against his heart to find it racing. “Ryker? You okay?”

“Goddamn, baby,” he chokes out, placing his hand over mine. “You’re so beautiful.”

My cheeks lift at his words, my smile vibrant. “Thank you, as are you.”

Ryker changed as well, now sporting a black long-sleeved button-up, with the sleeves rolled up because he’s trying to kill me, I suppose, and black jeans.

“As much as I want to keep you to myself, we need to go make our rounds.” He puts his hand out, and I take it as we begin to make our way to our friends and family, as husband and wife.

Ryker and I are just finishing catching up with Noah and Cuddy when Aurora and Cameron walk up to us.

“Welcome to the family, officially!” Aurora squeals, pulling me into a hug.

“Thank you, sis.” I beam, happy I can finally utter those words since I only have brothers.

“I’m still upset you didn’t want to redo the whole wedding, but I’ll get over it eventually.” She chuckles while Cam looks down at her with heart eyes if I’ve ever seen them.

“How are things going with work?” Ryker asks Cam, pulling our quiet friend into the conversation.

He grins, his dimples showing. “Really good. My latest game is just about ready for the testing phase, so I’m quite excited about that.”

“And Team USA, superstar?” Ryker looks at his soon-to-be stepsister.

“It’s hard work, but I love every second of it. Only one more year to go until the Olympics. It’ll be in Paris, and you two have to come,” she exclaims.

“Of course we’ll be there,” I reassure her, ready to cheer her on anywhere in the world.

That’s what family does.

Jasmine and Elio walk up to our group, sharing their congratulations, but before they can say anything else, Theo enters the conversation. “All right, who wants to place a bet on the next couple to be engaged?” He claps Cameron on the shoulder, who shrugs him off.

“Well, we know it’s not you,” Elio retorts.

“Be nice.” Jasmine tries her best to sound serious, but her smile gives her away.

“You excited for senior year?” I ask Theo, taking the attention away from his love life.

“Hell yeah. Our team is looking stronger than ever, and I think we could finally win that championship.”

“Let’s hope so. The football team is the only athletic program that hasn’t won a title since the school’s conception,” Ryker responds.

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