Page 155 of Their Greatest Strength

“I fear this is all my influence. I take responsibility for his humility. Or lack thereof,” I tease.

“How am I going to handle the two of you?” Blakely asks, flicking her eyes between me and Nate. She runs a hand down my chest before ruffling his hair.

I smooth the hair she has sticking up, and Nate flashes me a grateful grin.

“That’s a question I hope you ask yourself forever,” I murmur.

She kisses the curve of my jaw. “Well, I’d consider that a given. I am married to you, after all.”

It’s more than enough confirmation. And a promise.

“Still don’t know how I managed that.”

“By being yourself, Jamie. I never stood a chance.”

Yeah, well, neither did I.

EPILOGUE

JAMIE

SIX MONTHS LATER

The first timeI married Blakely, I knew the wedding wasn’t for us. It was for the Pythons, Graham, and the news outlets stalking the edges of the building.

This time, it’s for me as much as it is her.

We chose everything together, the way we should have the first time. Avery supplied and arranged the flowers, the groomsmen’s suits were chosen on a day out with all of my cousins, and the bridesmaids, along with my ma, took a trip to Ottawa to shop for their dresses at a boutique Braxton recommended.

I spent hours with Blakely tasting cake flavours and touring venues. We planned the playlist song by song and begged and convinced Noah to perform a song at the reception. He was the one who convinced Brody Steele, Braxton’s sister’s fiancé and one of the biggest names in country music, to sing our first-dance song.

It was an exhaustive experience, but I wouldn’t change a thing if it meant that I could give her the best and last wedding she’ll ever have.

Standing at the altar as every important person in Blakely’s and my life walks toward me, I know that this is right. This life,this love, and the future I’ve always wanted for myself are aligned.

Oliver, Nova, and Avery are first, their family of soon-to-be four leading the pack down the aisle toward where I wait for my wife. My brother was here the first time, but not like this. His full support has come through, and with every day that passes, all three of them fall a little bit more for Blakely.

He releases his girls with quick kisses on their cheeks and shifts to stand beside me, a hand squeezing mine. I sniff past the emotion already swelling inside of me, and he blinks his away at the same time.

Dad catches my eye from the first row before he nods, keeping his grip on Mom’s hand unbreakable. Everything he spoke to me before I was here the first time still stands.

My wife and I have been floating these past few months, but there have still been times where I’ve had to think back to his advice a time or two. Loving a woman as headstrong as Blakely doesn’t come without some learning, and loving a man like me has pushed her in the same ways. But what we have together is and will always be worth every challenge.

Maddox and Braxton are next, and as expected, my cousin keeps a hand on her swelling belly like the proud dad he has always been. He was the first to find his happy ending, and when they had Liam, I knew he was always meant to be a father. Watching him have a second child, a girl this time, is incredible.

Adalyn and Cooper walk down the aisle like I’d expect they would a runway. The woman who’s seen the most incredible year of her life with not only the birth of their baby girl but also walking in one of the biggest fashion shows in the entire world clutches onto her husband with a beaming smile and a wiggle of her fingers in my direction.

Noah and Tinsley are a sight to see. They’ve always been that way, yet somehow, it’s like they grow closer and more attached by the day. Instead of linking arms like every other couple before them, Noah has his wrapped around her waist while she gripshis front, leaning into him like she knows he could carry both of their weight if he needed to.

Their love story has so much still to be written. I feel that in my gut.

When the youngest members of my life come out with their arms reluctantly linked and fake enjoyment straining their features, everything feels complete. Amelia and Easton will have their story to tell soon, and I feel lucky that I’ll be able to witness it one day.

Finally, the music changes, and I turn my full focus to the end of the aisle. I’m nearly crawling out of my skin in anticipation of seeing her. My wife from the moment she stumbled into my house that night.

The full rows of guests stand. My eyes burn before she’s even turned the corner. I sniff and straighten my shoulders, my fingers sweaty where they’re clasped in front of me.

Nate appears first, grinning wide and bright as I catch his eyes and huff a wet laugh. He tips his chin in a soft nod, and it’s the only approval I need.

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