I clutch my bouquet tightly, the soft petals brushing my fingertips as I glance toward the sky, thinking of my mom. A lump forms in my throat, and tears prick my eyes.
Kenzie notices first, her face softening. “What’s wrong, Ally?” she asks, her voice low but full of concern.
I blink rapidly, trying to keep the tears at bay. “I just...I wish my mom could be here. She would’ve loved this. She would’ve loved them,” I manage to say, my voice trembling.
Jinx steps closer, wrapping her arm around me. “Oh, Ally,” she says gently. “She’s here with you. There’s no way she’d miss this, not for anything.”
Kenzie nods, hugging me tightly. “She’s so proud of you. I know it.”
Their words settle into my heart like a warm balm, and I manage a smile through the tears. “Thank you,” I whisper, wiping my eyes carefully so I don’t smudge my makeup.
They stay close as we approach the grand doors, ready to step into the most beautiful moment of my life.
The grand double doors open, and my breath catches. The venue is stunning. Billowing white fabric drapes elegantly over an arch at the end of the aisle, accented with soft champagne and gold details.
Rows of chairs are lined with delicate floral arrangements, their sweet fragrance wafting through the air. The ocean sparkles in the distance, the soft sound of waves creating a tranquil backdrop.
My father steps out from the side, his eyes moist as he offers his arm. “Ready, sweetheart?” he asks softly.
I nod, slipping my arm through his. Kenzie and Jinx go first, each stepping gracefully down the aisle as the music swells, Jinx pushing the babies ahead of her as they walk.
The soft melody of violins fills the air, mingling with the murmurs of the small number of seated guests, mostly members of the team who were able to get away to share this with us.
As my father and I take our first steps, I glance up at him. His chin trembles slightly, and I feel tears threatening again. “You okay, Dad?” I whisper.
He gives me a tight smile, his voice thick. “I’m just so proud of you.”
I follow his gaze to the front, where my three men wait. Brooks stands tall in a sleek black tuxedo with a champagne tie, Nick and Tyler flanking him.
My heart races as Brooks smiles at me, his eyes full of love, and I feel myself drawn forward by his presence.
As we near the end of the aisle, I squeeze my dad’s arm and murmur, “Are you really okay with how everything turned out?”
He looks down at me, his smile warm and steady. “Ally, I’m so proud of you. Of all of you. This isn’t exactly conventional, but you’ve built something real, something beautiful. That’s all a father could ask for.”
His words anchor me, and when I reach Brooks, I place my hands in his, feeling their familiar warmth and strength. His eyes lock onto mine, but I can’t help my gaze flicking to Nick and Tyler beside him, both watching me with tender smiles.
Brooks speaks his vows first, his deep voice steady despite the emotion in his eyes. “Ally, I promise to take care of you forever, to cherish you, to support you, and to stand beside you no matter what. You’re my heart, my partner, and my everything.”
Tears spill from my eyes as I say my vows in return. “Brooks, I promise the same. To love you, to care for you, and to always believe in us.” My gaze shifts to Nick and Tyler briefly as I add, “And all who come with us.”
The twins step forward as groomsmen, offering their own vows. “As Brooks is basically our brother,” Nick says, “you’re closer than family to us now, Ally. Forever.” Tyler nods in agreement, his eyes glistening.
Brooks kisses me tenderly, and I hug the twins, kissing each on the cheek.
The reception is a joyful blur of laughter, toasts, and shared moments. Glasses clink as everyone offers congratulations, the champagne flowing freely.
The dinner is exquisite, with perfectly cooked seafood and tender filet mignon, followed by a decadent, multi-tiered wedding cake that looks almost too beautiful to cut.
As the evening winds down, the crowd begins to disperse, heading to their rooms or out to explore the resort. Tyler sidles up to me, his grin mischievous, his voice low so only I can hear. “Have you ever had sex on the beach?”
I can’t help but giggle, my cheeks flushing. “No. Why?”
His smile widens. “Because I think tonight might be the perfect time.”
I glance toward the others, who are engrossed in conversation, and lean closer. “Yes,” I whisper, my heart racing with excitement.
His eyes sparkle with delight as he grabs my hand, leading me toward the shoreline. I glance back, looking for Jinx who still has our children in tow.