Page 101 of The Valentine's Bet

“How’s Amy?” I ask the two of them, missing the heck out of her. I haven’t seen her in two days per her request. It’s tradition or something. And it’s killing me.

“She’s excited,” Nick says, grinning.

“And hoping that you don’t throw up from the heights,” Weston adds, busting into a fit of laughter. “I know it’s bad, but I am kinda hoping you do.”

“Ha ha,” I say wryly. “I’ll be sure to wish the same for you at your wedding.”

“Hey now, your sister might not like that.”

I make a face. I’m still getting used to the fact he’s dating my sister. “I can’t believe this is it—Amy’s about to becomemy wife.”

“I’m so happy for you both.” Nick places his hand on my shoulder. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Nick and Eliza over the past year. Amy and I have even traveled to the tiny town of West Falls multiple times to visit them.

She takes her friendships very seriously.

And I love her for it.

“It’s time.” Dad pokes his head into the room. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Five minutes later, I’m standing at the altar waiting for my bride to show up. I watch nervously as the bridesmaids and groomsmen make their way to the front, but all I can think about is the woman Iknowis coming next.

My bride.

I never realized until now that I’ve been waiting my whole life for this moment.

And it feels so good.

Just as our song begins to play, filling the air with the soft piano introduction, I catch sight of Amy, her arm threaded through her father’s. My heart pounds as I take in the sight of her in a lacy long-sleeved mermaid gown. She looksstunning.

But then again, she always does.

The lump in my throat thickens as I smile at her, meeting her gaze. I can’t hold back my emotions as tears well up in my eyes.

I said I wasn’t going to cry.

But it doesn’t matter. I’m crying anyway as Amy walks down the aisle. She’s going to be my wife before this Valentine’s Day is over, and I can’t imagine spending this day any other way.

Though it is going to be hard to cover all these celebrations in one day.

Three special occasions.

Hopefully, we won’t have a baby born on this day.

Amy smiles as the preacher starts the process of her father handing her over, and I reach for her the very moment I’m allowed to.

“You look gorgeous, baby,” I tell her, fighting the urge not to kiss her red lips.

“You look handsome yourself,” she says to me, smiling. “I thought you weren’t going to cry.”

I wipe my eyes on the jacket of my tux. “Yeah, the joke’s on me.”

She giggles, shaking her head. “I hope it’s okay that we’re getting married instead of skydiving today.”

“We’re still a long way up in the air. I think it’ll be fine.” I chuckle.

The pastor gives us a look as he clears his throat. He makes it through a nice sermon about finding love and cherishing each other, but I can hardly hear him.

All I can do is stare at the beautiful woman in front of me.

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