Page 94 of Stick Work

“That’s right.” He pulls back just enough to look into my eyes, a smoldering intensity there. “Now, why don’t we head to our bed so I can show you how much?”

Epilogue

Elias

Summer:

* * *

I can’t believe we’re right back where we started.

We didn’t win the playoffs, but as I stand here, looking at the breathtaking, very pregnant woman beside me—stunning in her wedding dress—I know I’ve already won the greatest prize of all.

We could have gotten married anywhere, by anyone, but Taylor wanted to come back to the Hart Hotel in Vegas, with Rip officiating. This time, though, we actually know he’s licensed to do it, and our friends and family are all here to witness it. Santorini isn’t off the table, though—that’s where we’ll honeymoon. I can’t wait to show her the island. Hell, I can’t wait to show her the world.

We’ve made plans—hiring help for when she goes back to school, figuring things out as we go—but mostly, we’ve decided to take it one perfect, unpredictable day at a time.

“Now…you may kiss your bride,” Rip announces, and I pull Taylor into my arms. I push a stray lock of hair back, just wanting to take her in for a second before I press my lips to hers. When I do, the kiss is deep, lingering, full of everything I can’t put into words.

A loud voice breaks through the moment.

“Get a room!”

Okay, Grandma.

Laughter ripples through the crowd as Taylor and I turn to face the people we love. My heart feels impossibly full as I take in all the smiling faces, including the ones who flew across the country to celebrate this day with us.

But one face stands out. Roman.

He doesn’t look like a guy who just watched two good friends get married, the marriage officiated by his best friend. He looks... distracted. Off. The Roman I know would be chasing after the bridesmaids—especially Avery, who’s grown close to Taylor—but instead, he’s been quiet these past six months. That’s not like him at all.

Something tells me there’s a story there. And maybe—just maybe—it has something to do with that runaway bride from New Year’s Eve.

The fortune teller at Gina’s Halloween party had said something cryptic, saying he wouldn’t be the one to run, but she would. Odd, because Roman is always the first one to walk away. He doesn’t do relationships. But maybe she was right about something. Because he’s here, alone. No plus-one in sight.

I catch sight of Tuck, our team captain, and he’s seated beside Maria. When is that guy going to make his move? They’ve been dancing around each other forever. Then there’s Gunther. I’m pretty sure something happened between him and his best friend Paisley at that Halloween party. He’s been grinning ever since.

I turn back to Rip and shake his hand. “Thanks, buddy.”

He nods, grinning, and I still can’t believe this guy—the wild, reckless, serial heartbreaker—has been traded to the Bucks. Boston has no idea what’s coming. But one thing’s for sure... the local bunnies are thrilled about the trade.

With my arm wrapped around my bride, we walk down the aisle together, laughter and cheers filling the air as our friends and family toss flower petals at us. Hands reach out, pulling us in for hugs, their warmth and love wrapping around us. Honestly, I am the luckiest guy in the world.

Inside the reception hall, we make our way to the head table, and as soon as I sit, I catch Kalen grinning beside me. I brace myself—he’s been way too excited about his speech. I already know he’s going to embarrass me in the best, and worst, possible ways.

Taylor settles in beside Sahara, both of them glowing, and across the room, Grandma is in her element. Thanks to her endless "connections," she’s arranged a full-blown Elvis impersonator wedding station for anyone impulsive enough—or drunk enough—to take the plunge. With the way drinks are flowing, I have no doubt some people will be waking up with a surprise.

But me? I already know exactly how I’m waking up. Married to the woman of my dreams. And that’s all I’ve ever wanted. The old saying what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas doesn’t apply to us. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

We all settle in when dinner is served, and soon enough, speeches are made, the cake is cut, and the DJ cues up the music. Taylor and I spent forever picking out our first dance song, and in the end, we chose Unforgettable—the same song Grandma had at her wedding. When I glance at her, her eyes glisten with unshed tears. She’s given us so much. We owe her more than we could ever put into words.

We head to the dance floor, and I pull Taylor into my arms, pressing a kiss to her temple as we sway together. My heart is so full it aches, and when I see the shimmer of tears in her eyes, I gently wipe them away.

“This is the best night of my life,” she whispers.

“Me too.”

“I never want it to end.”

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