Page 141 of The Way We Win

“You’ve woven yourself into my soul,” I quietly speak, almost as if I’m telling her a secret. “I live to collect your sighs. It’s finally time to come home, my love, my wife.”

When I lift my eyes, hers are wide with surprise. “It was you!” She steps forward, grasping the front of my coat. “You wrote the poems.”

Lifting my hand, I slide a tendril off her cheek. “I wrote them for you.”

“You may now kiss the bride.” The pastor leans in, grinning. “I figured I’d better say it before you did it without me.”

We both huff a laugh, and I lean down to seal my lips over hers. I pull her lips, giving her the briefest taste for propriety. Then we turn to face the crowd as we’re pronounced Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bradford.

The small group breaks into applause and cheers, and the music changes to the wedding march. Allie’s hand is in my arm, and Kimmie skips over to hold Austin’s hand as we lead the wedding party out.

Joy burns strong in my chest. It’s an emotion I’ve gotten to know well in these last nine months. When we pass the last row, I pull Allie to the side, looking down into her beautiful face.

“This is the best day of my life.” I slide my thumbs over her cheeks, smoothing the fresh tears away. “I don’t remember a time I’ve been this happy.”

“Oh, Jack.” She blinks up at me, reaching for my cheeks. “I’ve loved you for so long, I didn’t think I could love you more. I was wrong.”

I kiss her again, barely holding back from devouring her. When I lift my head, I see the heat in her eyes as well.

“One hour.” I lead her to the waiting limo.

Cooters& Shooters is closed for our wedding reception, but with all the people we know, it might as well be open.

Craig is playing his usual mix of songs, and everyone is dancing and drinking champagne. Clint arranged for a buffet-style catered lunch, but I’m not hungry.

Allie is in my arms, and all I want to do is take her away, strip that gown off her body, and cover her in kisses. Her hands are on my shoulders, and she gazes up at me in a way that makes me feel like the only man on Earth.

The song ends, and we drift over to where my siblings are gathered around Dylan and the baby. Rachel is at her shoulder, tracing her finger along his dark hairline.

“The doctor said you set a record for first-timers—thirty-five minutes!” Liv is wrapped in Garrett’s arms.

Dylan looks up from where she hasn’t stopped gazing at her tiny son. “I confess, I was sneaking hot peppers all day before the bachelorette.”

“She smoked him out.” Logan stands over both of them, gazing down like he won the Big Game all over again.

“I just can’t believe you named him afterTop Gun,” Garrett groans.

“I like it!” Raven pushes back. “Maverick Murphy sounds like a star!”

“A legendary wide receiver.” Logan lifts his chin, grinning proudly.

“A legendary golfer!” Dylancorrects him.

Austin and Edward walk up to where we’re standing, and I notice Kimmie following them. Her arms are crossed, and a pouty expression is on her face.

“You won the poetry contest by a long shot.” Edward frowns, looking up at me. “Why didn’t you claim them? It’s unexpected, like William Carlos Williams.”

“My brother, the poet.” Garrett stands, looping an arm around my shoulders. “Who knew?”

I shrug. “I just started playing around with words when I was alone, after I’d put Kimmie to bed.”

“That’s so sweet.” Dylan tilts her head, smiling up at me. “It’s a little sad, but I love it.”

“I love them so much.” Allie slides her hand into my arm.

I look into her pretty face. “They were dreams of you.”

“Damn, Jack.” Liv laughs, pushing my arm. “Who knew you were such a romantic?”

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