Page 163 of How to Prevent a Fumble

“Hey,” my brother says, squeezing my hand one more time. “You guys are already hitched. Just enjoy the day, okay?”

I look up at him, his eyes instantly warming me up. “Yeah, for sure.”

With the planner’s signal, I take a deep breath, and we walk through the doors.

Hundreds of people turn to look at me as I walk down the aisle, my dress billowing out behind me as I smile at them. When Owen nudges me, I finally look forward.

Leo stands in front of a wall of blue hydrangeas in his best black suit, the most breathtaking smile on his face as his eyes glimmer with tears.

The girls stand to the left, decked out in the most beautiful blue dresses, while the men stand behind Leo. Cooper moves to look around Emmett at Leo, but gets elbowed in the stomach, and I chuckle.

Zara waits for me at the end, and when I reach her, she takes my bouquet with a smile, nodding at me as if to sayeverything is okay. I’m proud of you.And I know she is. Out of anyone, her opinion means the most to me. Having her next to me on my day has meant more than anything. Well, she was also the only person with us at the courthouse, and that meant a lot too.

Owen takes his spot next to Leo and gives me a thumbs up.

Stepping up a stair, I find Leo looking at me with so much affection, I lose my nerve. Tears fall from his eyes as he mouths“I love you.”

“I love you too,” I mouth back.

Our officiant clears his throat quietly. “Welcome, loved ones…”

EPILOGUE

LEO

Two years later

“Leo Warner came back from injury over two years ago to win his second Super Bowl,” the newscaster says as I help arrange breakfast on the kitchen island.

“Do you need any help?” Elara asks, her head popping into view.

“Nope, I got it all taken care of,” I tell her with a smile.

“Steamers ready?” she asks, eyeing me suspiciously.

“Of course.” I point across the room to the mugs of steaming milk and peppermint creamer.

“Thank god,” she says with a smile, instantly grabbing one.

I sit in my stool, waiting for Briar to make her way out of her room. “So what’s on the schedule today?”

Elara takes a piece of bacon off the plate, biting it and thinking. “Well mom and I are going to help Aunt Isla look at wedding dresses, so that’s exciting.”

My best friend had finally gotten his shit together and asked my sister to marry him, and I couldn’t be more excited.

It took a lot to completely repair my relationship withhim, but it was work that I gladly put in. After a year of regular therapy, I knew I wasn’t completelyfixed,but I knew what I had to do to make things right. I continued to go, and it’s been a lifesaver for me.

“You excited?” I ask her.

Elara nods vigorously, her hair bouncing as she does. “She’s going to be the most beautiful, I just know it. I’m so excited.”

The wedding is still about a year away, but I can’t wait for it, either.

The sound of nails on my hardwood floor has me turning, watching as Champ makes her way over to me, her mom following close behind.

Smiling, I stand, taking Briar in my arms. “Sleep okay?” I ask.

She rolls her eyes. “You were snoring especially loud last night,” she complains, but she smiles after a moment, kissing me. “But I slept fine. What’s all this for?” she eyes the spread.

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