Page 88 of Worthy

″How did I get so lucky—to get this second chance?” he mumbles against my forehead.

″Uncle Rick,” I say automatically.

″Did you seriously just mention your Uncle?” Cade groans. “Your dick is touching mine, you can’t say another man’s name, especially your uncle’s.”

″Well, you asked,” I snort.

″That was rhetorical, Solo,” he chuckles. “Although, I do appreciate your ability to make me laugh in bed.” He wraps his arms around me and hugs me tight.

″I’m glad to be back in your bed.” I sigh into his neck. “I was so sure I’d lost you forever.”

″You never lost me, Maddox. Even when you weren’t here, I still belonged to you.” He tucks his finger under my jaw and pulls my lips to his for a soft kiss. “From the moment I blocked your car in, I’ve belonged to you, and I always will.”

Reaching up to kiss his cheek and whisper in his ear, I say, “I guess I’m no longerSoloanymore, huh? You’ll have to find a new nickname.”

Epilogue

Maddox got the job with the county. No surprise really, because he’s brilliant, and just as he predicted it does include some work on energy resources. That eases some of the guilt that sometimes crops up about everything he sacrificed to be with me, but since he lights up like the sun when he talks about work, I know he doesn’t think he’s sacrificed anything.

Plus, alternative energy is becoming a popular business, and sometimes his family’s investment firm gets approached to back these new technologies. They always ask for his input, which keeps him on the cutting edge of what’s going on. It’s even brought him closer to his own family despite the physical distance between them.

Watching Madd go after his dreams here in Katah Vista has inspired me to focus on what I love, too. And that–unfortunately–isn’t construction. Not managing it anyway.

After trying to get involved in the operations of the company, I confirmed what I’d always suspected, I’m not really a desk guy. A long talk with my dad later, we came up with a future plan that doesn’t involve me doing the paperwork. When he’s ready to retire we’ll either outsource things like payroll and accounting or bring in an office manager.

This way, I can concentrate on building–the part I enjoy–and not be forced to do the parts I despise. It also gives me the freedom to continue welding. Thank fuck.

Especially since Rick wasn’t just fishing for confirmation of my feelings for Maddox when he was talking to me about my work. He commissioned a piece for above the fireplace, and he recommended me to several friends and clients looking for unique pieces. Now, I have a little side hustle making metal art. I’ve been able to experiment in the studio, and it brings in enough extra cash that I was able to buy Maddox the perfect ring.

Deacon worries this is happening too fast, first moving Maddox in with me and then getting engaged a few months later, but the month I spent without him was the worst in my life, and I wasn’t going to go through that again. I know now that keeping my feelings to myself can have dire consequences, and I’m not going to make the same mistake twice.

Now, in just a few short minutes, he’ll be my husband.

And I cannot fucking wait.

There are still days when I wonder what I did to deserve him. I’ve stopped admitting that to him, because he thinks I’m putting myself down, but I’m not. Not anymore.

I remember what he said about all the good things he sees in me, and when I stopped beating myself up for wanting to have fun, I realized he was right. As a neighbor, as a friend, as his future husband, I do have good qualities. I’m honest and responsible. I’m supportive. And I definitely care deeply about the people around me. He helped me understand that.

So, when I wonder what I did to deserve him, it’s not about putting myself down or questioning what he sees in me, it’s about the fact I got lucky enough to find the person who helped me see those thingsin myself, too. Maddox is the person who makes me whole. I know how special he is, and I’m grateful for him every day.

I follow the minister to the arbor at the rim of the scenic overlook with the Katah Vista mountains as a backdrop. I offered to get married wherever Maddox wanted, thinking he’d pick his oceanside hometown, but he said he wanted the ceremony in the spot where we’re going to build our life together, so he could see it every day.

My man’s a fucking romantic under that sexy masculine body.

The guys follow me to the front of the crowd, first Deacon as my best man, followed by Beckett and Finn. When the music starts, Madd’s hometown friend Jason walks down the aisle first, then his sister followed by Ally, and my palms grow sweaty knowing it won’t be long before I see my man.

Once Maddox starts down the aisle with his dad, I forget how to breathe.

He’s fucking stunning. He’s wearing a gray suit the exact color of his eyes, with a white shirt open at the collar, showing off a hint of beautiful skin. Tan skin that looks like it’s been kissed by the sun.

It’s my wedding day, sue me for being poetic and shit.

His shoulder length waves are fluttering in the breeze, making it impossible to hide that gorgeous chiseled jaw of his, and the full lips fighting to tick up into a dazzling smile. It’s part coy, part excitement, and a promise of mischief to come later.

God, I love this man.

Maddox and his father reach the arbor, and his dad shakes my hand and gives me a hug before placing Madd’s hand in mine. I’m vaguely aware of both our mothers smiling through their tears as I link our fingers together, and because I’m so overwhelmed, I do the only thing that’s ever come naturally when it comes to Maddox. I kiss the fuck out of him, feeling him smile against my lips.

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