Page 65 of King

Drake climbs the steps to hug his fiancée before addressing everyone. “I’m incredibly proud of Brienne and I think you will all agree, there’s nothing she cannot accomplish.”

More rousing cheers and a few wolf whistles.

Brienne gazes at Drake with adoration, her warm smile lighting up the room. He leans in and gives her a kiss before turning to us. “And that’s not the only surprise we have tonight.” An excited buzz ripples through the crowd because Drake looks like he’s about to pop with more news. “We were originally planning a summer wedding, as you all know, but with the new FI team, our schedules won’t allow it. So we decided to go ahead and get married, and that’s the real reason for tonight’s get-together.”

There’s another moment of shocked silence that almost seems awkward, then the room explodes in a wave of celebration.

Brienne holds up her hands for silence and when she has all our attention again, she says, “If everyone can make their way to the grand ballroom, you’ll find we are setting up for a shotgun wedding. It will start in about thirty minutes.”

Drake and Brienne disappear up the stairs. Willa and I exchange grins before joining the crowd heading toward the ballroom. The night has taken an unexpected turn and I have tomarvel at how Brienne and Drake are pivoting to accommodate more of their dreams.

As we enter the large room with a black-and-white tiled floor, I’m astonished to see the room is now filled with neatly arranged rows of chairs facing a magnificent lattice arch adorned with vibrant flowers. While Brienne made her very brief announcement, an army of people was setting this up behind the scenes.

Staff members scurry around, adding even more floral arrangements to enhance the already stunning display. The air is thick with the sweet fragrance of blooms and excited chatter among the guests. We mingle, talking about the new race team. Some players pull out their phones and google the British Formula team while others talk about the sport with some knowledge.

We’re given a five-minute warning by a minister in a navy blue suit to take our seats and then Drake is walking down the aisle, followed by his three boys. They’re all wearing matching tuxedos and the boys wave at the guests as they troop by.

When they’re settled under the arch to the left of the minister, soft music fills the room, setting the perfect ambiance for the occasion. All eyes turn to see Kiera, Drake’s sister and Brienne’s maid of honor, as she makes her way down the aisle in a gorgeous sapphire blue gown. Obviously, she was in on this secret and I glance over at Bain to see a knowing smile on his face as he watches her with the eyes of a lovesick puppy.

Finally, Brienne makes her grand entrance in a breathtaking wedding dress, escorted by Callum Derringer. The gown is a work of art that drapes gracefully over her figure. I don’t know much about wedding fashion, but it’s truly stunning. Covered in tiny, sparkling beads that shine as she moves, it’s both sophisticated and sexy. The top part bares her shoulders and hugs her frame but the skirt is full and layered, flowinggracefully with each step she takes. A long train trails behind her, not too over the top, but just enough to make her look like a queen. Her veil is thin and airy, held in place by a small but dripping-with-diamonds tiara, and it drapes down her back, completing the picture of wealth and elegance.

As she walks toward Drake, my attention focuses on him and I can’t help but smile at the utter love and devotion I see there. While all other eyes are on Brienne, I watch Drake and the myriad of emotions swirling within his gaze. My hand reflexively squeezes Willa’s and I risk a glance over at her. She watches it all with interest, a light smile on her face, and I wonder what she’s thinking. Is she swept away in the romanticism of it all or is there a part that’s too jaded to appreciate it?

Callum Derringer, dressed in a sharp black suit, stands tall and proud next to Brienne, guiding her with a firm yet gentle hand down the aisle. She glides forward with poise and grace, her eyes locked on Drake’s handsome face. He stands at the altar, his long hair pulled back in his trademark queue and his blue eyes sparkling as they roam all over his soon-to-be wife. When Brienne reaches him and the boys, Callum hands her over with a smile before stepping back to watch.

The minister eases forward, his warm voice filling the room. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Brienne Norcross and Drake McGinn,” he begins. “Their love is a testament to the strength of connection, understanding and unwavering support. Today, they stand before us to declare their love and commitment to each other.”

Drake takes Brienne’s delicate hands in his own, never breaking eye contact. The minister nods, signaling for him to begin his vows.

“Brienne,” Drake starts confidently but with a hint of emotion in his voice. “From the moment I met you, you were a thorn in my side.” Everyone laughs because it’s commonknowledge that their first—and their second—meeting did not go well at all and Drake was an ass to her. I make a note to tell Willa that story. “But I know I was equally a pain in your ass, and then somehow, you became my everything. With you, my world changed forever. You are my partner, my confidante, my best friend. You have shown me what true love is and have given me the greatest gift—your heart. I promise to stand by your side through all of life’s challenges and triumphs. To love you fiercely, support you endlessly and cherish every moment we share. I am so blessed to call you my wife.”

Glancing around, I see many guests dabbing their eyes and even Brienne has a slick sheen in hers. She squeezes Drake’s hands, gathering her composure to speak her vows.

“Drake,” she begins, with a strong sense of determination. “You have brought so much joy and love into my life. You are my rock, my safe haven, my greatest adventure. With you, I have found a love that is steadfast and true. I promise to love you with all my heart, call you on your bullshit when it rears its ugly head, support you in all your dreams, and stand by your side through every challenge we face. You are my soulmate, and I am honored to be your wife. Together, we will create a life filled with love, laughter and endless possibilities.”

Then Brienne releases Drake’s hands and turns toward his sons. She squats in her dress and opens her arms to them. Without hesitation, they walk into her embrace. She kisses each one on the cheek through her sheer veil and leans back. “And I promise that I will love you boys with my entire heart. There is nothing I won’t do for you, no villain I won’t protect you from, and I’ll always be the one who gives you candy behind your dad’s back.”

The boys giggle as the crowd laughs.

When Brienne straightens, the minister smiles warmly at the couple. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Drake, you may kiss your bride.”

Drake lifts Brienne’s veil with tenderness and leans in to kiss her. Their lips meet in a sweet yet lingering embrace, symbolizing the everlasting love between them. The room erupts with jubilant shouts and clapping, everyone celebrating the newlyweds.

What follows is the party to end all parties and it’s a good thing we don’t have a game tomorrow. We’re directed to the backyard where a massive white tent has been set up. It’s heated inside, the ceiling hung with thousands of small twinkling lights that create a dreamlike aura. A band has set up on a small stage adorned with fairy lights, there’s more hot food than could ever be consumed, even by a professional hockey team, and a long table showcases an extravagant wedding cake flanked by rows of sparkling crystal champagne flutes. An open bar on the opposite end is ready for business.

My hand instinctively finds Willa’s as we make our way into the tent. She looks at me with shining eyes and exclaims, “That was so impulsive and beautiful! I can’t believe they just announced their FI team news and then casually tied the knot.”

Shaking my head, I can’t help but be amused. “I don’t think there’s anything casual about it but still… giving up the big wedding celebration had to have been a tough decision.”

“Wouldn’t have been a tough decision for me,” Willa says as we accept champagne flutes from a waiter.

“What do you mean?” I ask, watching as she takes a delicate sip. I find myself sidetracked by those lips.

She shrugs, looking around with interest at the massive flower arrangements, beautifully set tables and parquet dance floor. “It’s just… the big wedding is sort of a wayward fallacy. It’s supposed to represent that you put all this time, effort andmoney into making a big deal out of a union that statistics say probably won’t last. So why bother?”

I cock an eyebrow. “I didn’t know you were quitethatjaded.”

She looks at me and blinks in surprise. “I don’t think I’m jaded.”

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