Page 59 of Broken Chains

"Stunning," Oliver interrupted from the doorway. I hadn't even heard him open it.

Lily screamed. "You can't be in here, it's bad luck to see your bride before the wedding!"

Oliver laughed. "Lily, we're riding over together," he told her.

She pouted and shooed him out anyway. "Get downstairs and at least give her the benefit of a dramatic reveal."

He laughed again, shaking his head, but obeyed.

Oliver

Chapter 20

I had gotten a glimpse of Peyton upstairs and knew she looked gorgeous, but it still didn't prepare me for the moment she walked down the stairs in what Lily called her “dramatic reveal.” She took my breath away, and I felt like the luckiest bastard on the planet.

Kenneth walked behind her wearing his best suit, which we'd got for him for Tim’s graduation, and he was carrying Eve. She looked like a fairy princess in her pale pink dress, and a cute flower headband that she was desperately trying to remove.

"Tim, you ready?" Kenneth yelled back up the stairs.

Tim surprised us when he walked out of the kitchen with a sandwich in his mouth. "I've been ready," he said after swallowing his bite.

"Okay, well, let's do this," I said, feeling ridiculously nervous for no good reason.

"Hold up," Lily said. My brothers and I all stopped and turned towards her. She approached us one at a time adjusting ties, straightening jackets, and brushing crumbs off where needed. She inspected each of us closely. Then she smiled and nodded. "Perfect. Take lots of pictures."

I glanced towards Peyton and could see the guilt written all over her face. I was afraid of this.

"Are you sure you don't want to come along?" Peyton asked Lily.

She smiled and shook her head. "Thomas is tied up in meetings all day and I really think you're right in just having the six of you. This is your family, now go make it legal. We'll have a full family celebration later," she promised.

Peyton gave her a quick side hug so as not to mess up her dress or hair, and then we were out of the door and into the van, heading for the courthouse.

Much to my relief, Brady was there waiting for us. He handed me a ticket.

"Already signed you in. You'll have to fill out the marriage certificate, though it can be done after the ceremony," he said. Turning to Peyton, he grinned. "You look beautiful, Pey," he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek.

"Thank you. Now calm him down, will you? You'd think he expects me to say no or something, with as nervous as he is."

I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her flush to my chest, so her back was pressing against me. She giggled as she cradled Eve while we waited. The physical contact instantly calmed my nerves.

"It’s not like she can run, bro," Brady reminded him.

"Yeah, she's already stuck with you," Kenneth added.

"I know. It just feels important," I said.

"That's because we're protecting Eve. It is important," Peyton reminded me and Eve tried to launch herself over Peyton's shoulder to get to me. I didn't hesitate to let go of my mate and swoop up the other love of my life.

The clerk came in to get us and we were led to a small room. A man was standing at the podium waiting for us. I passed the baby to Kenneth and offered Peyton my arm. She beamed up at me as I guided her to take our positions. The ceremony was quick and simple. We were soon declared Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Smith. Peyton cried as I kissed her.

As we left the courthouse, I offered to treat everyone to lunch, but they all declined.

“Today is all about you and Peyton, bro,” Brady said. He reached for Eve. “Say bye to Mommy and Daddy.” He took her hand and gave a wave. “The boys and I are staying at dad’s tonight and Lily arranged for this little lady to have a sleepover with Opal. Congratulations and enjoy your night off.”

“Um, I have to work tonight,” Peyton reminded them.

“Oh, almost forgot,” Tim said as he pulled a card from his suit pocket and handed it to her.

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