Page 82 of Her Magnificent Mistake
“I’m his best friend,” growled Bull, as Gabby grabbed Marcia’s hand and swung it back and forth as she declared, “And I have known you since we were children!”
Laughing, Hawk threw his arm around Marcia’s shoulders. “Regretting agreeing to this, love?”
“Never.” When Rupert and Allie joined their little group, she winked at Hawk. “However, Iamthinking that an elopement sounds lovely.”
“Ye wouldnae dare,” gasped Rupert, leaning perhaps a little unnecessarily on Allie’s shoulders. “And deprive Flick the chance to plan yer wedding? Da would never forgive ye if he didnae get to glare fiercely at Hawk—I mean, walk ye down the aisle.”
This time it was Marcia’s cheeks that pinked, but with pleasure.
Hawk threw his other arm around Allie, who was already connected to Rupert. Bull closed their circle by linking arms with Gabby and cheerfully wrapping his younger brother in a headlock.
As Rupert struggled, Hawk began to laugh, and Marcia joined in.
Soon, they were all laughing, and that was when he knew the truth.
With Allie here at Tostinham and Marcia as his wife, and Bull and his friends at his side, he’d finally found a family and done what he’d never thought was possible.
He’d found a home.
EPILOGUE
Hawk had never been quite comfortable in social situations. He was awkward and clumsy and spoke before he thought. Assuming he thought at all.
However, he was learning that the way to be much, much more comfortable was to only attend social events where his friends and new family were guests…and to do so with his wife at his side.
Wife.Just the word made him grin.
“What are you thinking about?” Marcia murmured.
He tipped his smile down to her. “Ye, my love. Did I tell ye how lovely ye look today in yer wedding gown?”
He loved the way she tried to hide her grin behind a thoughtful frown, ending up with a cute sort of grimace. “A few times, but not nearly enough. I suppose I ought to tellyouhow handsome you look in your grandfather’s plaid?”
“I have knobbly knees, but ye are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he murmured as he bent down to brush a kiss over her lips. “A magnificent bride.”
She hummed and pressed up in her fancy slippers to kiss him back, the world fading away from them as they got lost in?—
“Good God,” Bull called out good-naturedly, suddenly appearing in front of them. “Ye’re supposed to be receiving yer guests, not eating each other’s faces.”
Not even the ribbing could diminish Hawk’s enjoyment of his wedding day. He tucked Marcia into his side and tried for a scowl. “Consider yerself received.” He jerked his head. “Now move along for the next person.”
Bull made a show of glancing about. “Huh, look at that, Iamthe only person.”
“Because it is not a receiving line, big brother,” Marcia pointed out dryly.
His expression slid from teasing to rare, unabashed affection. “I’m happy for ye, Marsh,” Bull said, voice thick as he held open his arms.
Hawk’s bride smiled and allowed her brother to hug her. “Thank you. Thank you for your support.”
“I am glad the pair of ye figured out what ye needed to figure out.” Without releasing his sister, Bull turned to Hawk and stuck out his hand. “Eventually. And I’m beyond delighted to welcome ye to the family, brother.”
Brother.
Hawk’s eyes felt a little watery as he accepted the firm shake, but a burst of laughter escaped him as Bull pulled him into an embrace, and the three of them stood there hugging and laughing.
“Good God,” came a new laughing voice. “Get a room, ye three.”
“Hunter! Gabby!” Marcia exclaimed, detangling herself to hug the newcomers. “Hawk, this is Gabby’s twin, Hunter Lindsay.”
