Page 38 of Momcom Vacation

I didn’t realize how much I would love that idea.

How perfect this day will be because of it.

Out in the sand just past the arch adorned with flowers, Liam stands with a girl, their heads bowed together. My heart pangs at the sight. He’s practically grown up.

At the sound of voices, I turn from the window. Although my dad and brother arrived early this morning, Cortney’s parents’ chopper landed just a bit ago, and I haven’t seen them yet. He swears Evelyn isn’t upset, but I can’t help but brace myself in her presence anyway. Cortney’s family welcomed Liam, Willow, and me easily, like we’ve always been part of the Miller clan. Nowthat we’ve ruined her party, though, I can’t help but worry that she’s harboring resentment.

“Dylan.” Evelyn’s eyes twinkle as she smiles, the look settling my unease. “You are going to be gorgeous. Look at her, Craig.”

“She’s always beautiful, just like Taylor.” With that, he spins and wanders out of the kitchen. It didn’t take long for me to learn that he’s not one for emotions or drama.

“Thanks, Evelyn.”

“Mom,” she corrects. She’s been telling me to call her mom for months.

“Mom.” I swallow. My belly flutters with nerves. If I don’t clear the air, I worry it’ll only get worse. So I go for it. “Are you upset about the wedding?”

She’s waves me off with a puff of air. “Oh, darling, this is wonderful. My party will be the perfect way to celebrate with everyone we know. Since it’s technically a separate event, I don’t have to stress about Cortney’s opinions. Getting him to commit to anything has been a challenge.” She leans closer. “That man can’t make a decision to save his life. I have no idea how he runs a baseball team.”

I giggle. Cortney once told me effort depends on motivation. I’m not sure he was all that motivated to put on the wedding of his mother’s dreams.

“As long as the two of you are happy, then I’m happy. And this.” She tips her chin, gesturing to the beach out the window. “Looks like you.”

It does. “Like the universe made it happen.” I shrug.

“Actually, it was Beckett.”

Just his voice warms me. Settles me.

“Cortney,” his mother chides. “It’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.”

My almost-husband wraps one of his long arms around my waist and pulls me back against his chest. The warmth of hishand radiates through the satin to heat my skin. “If Dylan’s involved, then there’s no chance of bad luck.”

From most people, that might not mean a lot, but my soon-to-be husband is one of the most superstitious men in all of major league baseball. So the idea that I trump luck makes my heart swell.

“Come with me.” He clutches my hand and drags me to my bedroom. The second the door clicks shut behind us, he cups my cheek and brings his face close to mine. His breaths are coming quickly, and anxiety swirls in his blue eyes.

“Are you okay?” I ask. “Do you not want to do this?” He’s already dressed in a white button-down and khakis, but if this wedding isn’t what he wants, we’ll do something else.

“I want you to be my wife more than I can put into words.” His breath dances across my face as he rests his forehead against mine. “I need you at my side on the rough days. I need you to remind me everything is okay. I need you on happy days because your smile makes life worth living.” He swallows. “But is this the wedding you want, Firefly?”

This man. He’s always worried about me. “The only thing that matters to me is that you are the groom.”

His lips pull up in a small smile.

“We should have eloped when you suggested it,” I whisper.

He shakes his head. “No, I want your father to have the honor of walking you down the aisle, and I want our kids there. I can begrudgingly admit that the wedding Beckett planned is perfect.”

“Good.” I pop up on my toes and press my lips to his.

The tension eases out of his shoulders, and when I slip my tongue into his mouth and wrap my arms around his neck, he groans.

“Don’t tease me, Firefly.”

“Who says I’m teasing?” I guide him across the room, unbuttoning his shirt as we move.

When his legs hit the mattress, he sits, cupping my ass and bringing me with him. The warmth emanating from him burns through my thin robe, lighting up all my nerve endings.

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