Page 131 of My Three Hometown Firefighters
Just before they reach the guys, Grayson stops, turning Hadley to look at him. He whispers something to her that I can’t hear, but whatever it is has her dragging in a strangled breath.
He gently wipes her tears away, kissing her on the forehead. With her hand in his, he turns to look at the guys.
“Take care of her,” he says. A tear slides down his own face.
“Always,” they all say in unison.
He pats each of them on the shoulder before taking his spot at their side.
The ceremony is far from traditional. They can’t all legally marry each other, but this is about their dedication to each other and the love they share.
The guys take their turns professing their love and making promises for their future. I’m pretty sure there isn’t a dry eye here right now.
“Why did I want to go last?” Hadley whines, wiping furiously at her tears when Brooks finishes his vows. “I’m never going to get through this.”
She takes several deep breaths.
“Okay. Okay. I got this.”
The guys all chuckle, which makes her glare at them. That only makes them laugh more.
She rings her hands in front of her. “I always hoped I’d be lucky enough to find one man who I loved with my wholeheart and soul. I hit the jackpot because I found three. You have always loved me for me and have never expected me to be anything else.”
She lets out a puff of air. “I didn’t know love could feel like this. Something so all-consuming that there isn’t a part of you untouched by it. You are a part of every breath I breathe, every crazy dream I think up.”
They all laugh quietly.
“Because you are a part ofmenow. I don’t ever want to think about a time without all of you at my side. I’m a better person because of you three, and I’m really living now because of you.”
I look up, finding Grayson staring right at me. He gives me a wink.
“I love you,” Hadley says.
“Come here, Evie Girl,” Brooks says, holding his hand out for her. She hands me her small bouquet of flowers before walking over to take his hand.
They all crouch down in the grass, so they’re at Evelyn’s height. With their hands clasped, they huddle close in a circle. Quiet words are shared between them, promises for their whole family.
Grayson steps forward, handing Austin a small box. Hadley secures the necklace around Evelyn’s neck. Tears are spilled all around their little circle.
What they have is truly beautiful, and every person here can feel it. Their love is infectious.
I stand off to the side of the dance floor, watching my best friend dance with Conrad. They stare into each other’s eyes as they sway to the music.
Jackson and Evelyn are sitting at one of the tables surrounding the makeshift dance floor. They have a pile of crayons and coloring books in front of them.
Cash and Nova, Austin’s senior dog, lounge under the table at the kids’ feet. Nova’s been watching everything from the sidelines all day. I don’t think Cash has any more energy after the amount of running he’s done between everyone.
A firm body steps in behind me, arms wrapping around my shoulders.
“Hey you,” I say, leaning back into Tucker. I tilt my head to the side, looking up at him.
“Hi,” he says, smiling down at me. He presses a quick kiss to my lips but pulls back quickly. “Come with me.”
“Where?”
“Just trust me.”
I look over, seeing Mia fast asleep in Maggie’s arms. My fingers lace through his as I follow him into the house. I want to ask where he’s taking me, but I just follow quietly. We make our way up the stairs and into the bathroom.
