Page 40 of Fixing Up My Love Life

Ellen, trails behind her in a white tulle dress and sparkly sandals, scooping up fallen flower petals like she’s been assigned an important mission.

Aubrey strides past us in a blush halter dress and heels like she owns the entire coastline. “Make sure the DJ’s done with sound check—we can’t have mic feedback during the vows.” She stops long enough to smile sweetly at a guest, then spins off toward the vendor tents again.

Jace watches her go, jaw tightening for a beat. Atfirst I think he’s admiring her—until I see the guy storming up behind her.

Some dude in a wrinkled button-down and bad attitude is hissing something into her ear. Aubrey doesn’t flinch, just tilts her head and gives a clipped nod, eyes still scanning the reception setup like she’s got no time for his drama.

Jace’s whole posture shifts. Not aggressive, just . . . alert. Protective. Like if that guy so much as raises his voice, Jace will step in without thinking twice.

“Boyfriend?” I murmur.

He gives the slightest nod. “Unfortunately.”

The guy finally stalks off, and Aubrey blows out a slow breath before pasting on a tight smile for the next group of guests.

Hazel ushers the last few guests into their seats and gives a thumbs-up to someone near the arch. A hush rolls over the beach. A moment later the music changes, and Ellen takes her cue and begins her march down the aisle, delicately tossing flower petals with exaggerated concentration.

Then Anabelle appears. Her dress shimmers slightly in the sunlight, elegant and soft without being over the top. Everyone rises as she walks, arm in arm with her father, her smile soft and a little wobbly. Lucas stands at the altar, visibly swallowing the lumpin his throat. Jace leans toward him and says something too quiet for me to hear, but whatever it is makes Lucas laugh through the tears.

The vows are short and sweet. A few heartfelt promises, a kiss, and someone in the crowd starts clapping way too early and shouts “GOAL!” when their lips meet.

Everyone laughs. Lucas is known for being a famous goalie, so the shout makes sense—even if it's completely mistimed.

Then just like that, it’s over. They’re husband and wife, walking back up the aisle to cheers and music.

Somewhere behind the crowd, a camera flash goes off. Then another. I spot a couple of guys in polo shirts with bulky lenses lurking just beyond the dunes. Great—paparazzi. I guess that’s what you get when a sports star and a girl-next-door sweetheart tie the knot.

Caroline races up to me, breathless. “Dad! That’s Chase Remington from the band Remington Sound! And Owen Hadley is literally standing by the lemonade table like he’s not a famous actor or anything.”

She fans herself dramatically, then snaps a not-so-subtle selfie with them in the background. “Do you think this wedding’s going viral?”

I grin. “If it does, try not to end up in a meme.”

The guests rise from their chairs and begin making their way back toward the house for the reception. Hazel pulls Anabelle aside for a quick makeup touch-up, and someone mentions the bridesmaid Lauren is already upstairs waiting with the curling iron for her reception touch up. I don't get why she needs her hair fixed, since it looks fine to me, but it must be a girl thing.

Not long after, music swells through the house, and the front doors open at the top of the staircase. An announcer’s voice carries through the entry hall: “Now presenting, Mr. and Mrs. Lucas Hensley!”

Everyone claps and cheers as Lucas and Anabelle descend the grand staircase, glowing like a scene out of a movie.

Inside, the reception is warm and inviting. Tables are set with beachy centerpieces—candles, shells, soft greenery—and the string lights cast a golden glow across the walls.

As the crowd filters in, Aubrey is near the dessert table, finally taking a breath. Hazel walks up beside her, both of them watching Anabelle twirl in her gown as the photographer snaps a few candid shots.

“Lauren did an amazing job on her hair,” Aubrey says, brushing her own curls back with a sigh. “She looks like she stepped out of a magazine.”

Hazel nods, smiling. “She really did. Everything turned out beautiful.”

I drift toward them, grabbing Hazel’s attention as I step beside her. Her smile blooms into something soft and private just for me. I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her in close, dipping down to whisper, “You know, I think you’ve officially ruined me for anything less than this.”

She tilts her head toward mine. “What do you mean?”

I press a kiss just beneath her ear. “This. You. This house. The kids dancing like maniacs, the smell of lemon cake in the air, and you in that dress. I didn’t know I could want something this much—not again. But I do. And I want it with you.”

She’s blinking fast now, her fingers curling around my hand. “Jack . . .”

“I want to build a life with you, Hazel. And I want to give you the kind of love that never makes you question whether you're enough. Because you are. You always were.”

Her voice catches. “I never thought my heart could feel this whole again.”

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