Page 137 of Fractured Frets

She giggled and cute lines formed across the bridge of her nose. “You don’t want to think about that for a while?”

“Nope.”

“You sure?”

I snaked my hand around her waist. “Mads, I have never been so certain about anything. I’m sorry for hurting you and disappointing my friends. I will spend the rest of my days making it up to you.”

She ran her hands up my arms and placed them on my shoulders. “Let’s start with taking it one day at a time.”

“I want a lifetime of one days with you.”

“Me too.” She grazed her teeth over her bottom lip and gave me a sheepish look. “I have one small last request.”

“Anything.”

“Would you be open to getting married again?” She combed her fingers through my hair. “I loved marrying you in Vegas. It was one of the best, wildest nights of my life. But I’d like to have a celebration, like we talked about in Italy. I’ve learned how important and integral our friendship circle is. They’re a huge part of our lives and have played a massive role in our relationship, starting it, saving it, and standing by us. I want to thank them for that. I don’t want anything big or fancy—just something cozy and intimate in front of a few family members and friends. To let everyone know how much we love each other and them.”

I touched my lips to hers, then rested my forehead against her brow. “I’ve never regretted marrying you in Vegas either, but I’d remarry you every day for the rest of my life if you wanted to do that. I fucking love you. So much it hurts.”

She cupped my face and whispered, “No more hurting. Let’s just be happy.”

“Now that sounds like a plan.”

Chapter 38

SLIP

On a cool mid-November evening, in front of forty friends and family members, I stood beside Flint, Cole, and Lewis in our black button-down shirts and yellow Versace suits. We looked like we were about to hit some after-party rather than my wedding, take two.

Getting hitched in Las Vegas had been for Maddy and me. This time was for family and friends. Everhide, Kara, and Lexi had flown in from New York. Maddy’s castmates had come from Vancouver. Relatives and buddies had driven across town.

A small ceremony, away from the public eye, was perfect.

But butterflies somersaulted through my belly. Maddy and I were already married, so why was I nervous? Was I desperate for a drink? Always, but no. Anxious in front of an audience? Nope. Was I just eager to get this over and done with? Hell, yes!

“You ready, man?” Flint, my best man, gave me a hug and slapped my chest. We may have had our ups and downs, but we’d known each other since we were nine. We’d stood by each other through every high and low. No amount of grief, depression, drugs, women, or alcohol could destroy our friendship. If anything, each blow made it stronger. Our partners were best friends. I would always be honored to share the stage, write, and play music with him. He was my brother from another mother. So were Cole and Lewis. These people are my family.

I didn’t have one best man for today . . . I had three.

“Absolutely.” I elbowed Flint in the ribs and chuckled. “I was nine months ago, but I’m ready to get married again.”

As I straightened my jacket, I scanned the gathering before me. Maddy and the girls had worked their magic with an event planner, turning my garden into a wedding paradise. Fairy lights were wrapped around every inch of the huge Balinese hut at the far end of the pool, and long strands twinkled across the yard from above. Guests sat in rows of chairs that were draped in white covers and yellow bows across the lawn. Bamboo lanterns and gas heaters flickered around the edge of the garden. Large flower arrangements of sunflowers, eucalyptus leaves, and blood-red roses sat on round tables, filling the air with their sweet scent.

With a nod from the event planner, music drifted through the outdoor speakers. Sutton, Tia, and Ava walked down the makeshift aisle in long, floaty black dresses, carrying small bouquets of sunflowers. Maddy followed behind them in the gorgeous, long, white glittery dress she’d worn at our wedding in Las Vegas.

I placed my hand over my chest to steady my pounding heart. She was the most beautiful woman I’d ever seen. And she was mine.

Maddy could’ve asked for the most outlandish, over-the-top wedding in some fancy venue, decked out with elaborate decorations and expensive flowers that would’ve been the talk of the town, and I would’ve given it to her. She could’ve spent thousands of dollars on a gown...but she didn’t want to. The only thing I’d splurged on were the diamond and pearl earrings she wore. They were symbolic of us. Pearls took time to nurture and grow—so would we. Diamonds formed under pressure; we’d survived a fuck load of that, and we were still here, getting stronger and stronger.

Oh...and I’d bought her a McLaren Spider. In yellow. Her favorite color. For use in Vancouver.

But this—a simple garden celebration, with those closest and dearest to us—was all we needed for our small family wedding.

Taking Maddy’s hands in mine, I faced her. Her big brown eyes met mine, and my chest swelled. How had I gotten so lucky?

After the officiant welcomed everyone and said his piece, it was time for our vows...for the second time around.

“Maddy, the moment I met you, I found my future. You were the one who put the fractured pieces of my heart and soul back together. You’re my rock who keeps me grounded, my light to help me shine, my love who owns my heart. Most of all, you have been my reason to get and stay better, and have been my strength through the roughest of times. Whatever challenges lie ahead, we’ll face them together. I promise to spend every day trying to be the man you deserve. I will always treat you right. Be honest. Be devoted and love you for the rest of my days.” My strumming heart beat just for her. “Forever.”

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