Page 25 of Fall to Me
My pulse thumps in my throat. I inhale slowly. Fake it ‘til you make it, right?
I nod against his chest as the lie easily escapes my mouth. “I really do. I wouldn’t have married him if I didn’t love him.”
Dad’s hum is barely audible over the sound of the helicopter blades cutting through the air above us. The rotors pulse in the distance, growing louder and louder as the aircraft draws closer to the landing pad nestled behind the venue.
One by one, the guys round the corner, adjusting their cufflinks, straightening lapels, and laughing. Cal leads the guys, all of them looking handsome in their black tuxes. Especially Tucker. He looks like a little man with his hair styled like Cal’s and sunglasses resting on his nose.
The group passes us, but Cal stops and gives my dad a friendly pat on the back. “You riding with us?”
He nods and then pulls back just enough to look me in the eyes. “Alright then. It’s time. I’ll see you out there.”
“Be nice to Carter, Dad.”
“We’ll see.”
He kisses the top of my head, then bounds down the stairs, following behind Cal.
I just lied straight to my daddy’s face, and as I stand at the top of the stairs watching him leave, I wonder to myself how the lie rolled off my tongue so easily.
Ten
River
My God. This place is incredible. When Aspen told me she and Cal were getting married in the Valley of Fire, I didn’t know what to expect. I had no idea how gorgeous this place truly was. And now, standing here looking at the giant rock formations and red sandstone cliffs, stretching toward the sky, glowing burnt orange, blood red, and copper beneath the golden hour sun, I’m in complete and total awe. They didn’t pick a scenic area to get married; they chose a cathedral carved by God himself.
Aspen stands in front of Cal in a fitted, blush lace wedding gown that gives off a very boho vibe. She’s breathtaking. A section of her hair is done in a loose braid and pinned back, leaving the rest of her beautiful, black waves to cascade down her back.
The ceremony hasn’t even really kicked off yet, and I’m already dabbing under my eyes with a tissue. I’ve never wanted anything more than to see her so happy.
Cal takes Aspen’s hands in his, their fingers locking together as they stand in front of Cal’s dad, who is officiating their wedding. The way Cal looks at her is as if no one else in the world even exists makes me wonder what it would be like to have someone look at me that way.
“Aspen. I think I knew I was yours the moment you flipped me off.”
Everyone laughs. I remember that day. He pissed her off good.
“You’ve been my firecracker from the very beginning. Loud and impossible to ignore. You were the only person who had the power to make me stop running. From my past. From those who care about me. And most importantly from you . . .” He pauses, wiping the tears from his eyes before blowing out a deep breath. “You didn’t just walk into my life, you crashed through it. Without you, nothing this life has to offer would mean a damn thing. You’ll always be my peace, Angel.”
Aspen wipes beneath her eyes with a folded tissue as he continues, “I promise to love you, to stand by your side, and to always remind you that you will never have to do this life alone. I’m yours. In this life and the next.”
He turns toward Tucker, who’s standing beside him.
“And Tuck,” Cal adds, his voice softening. “I know I wasn’t there at the start of your life, but I promise, I’ll be there until the end of mine. You’ll always be my son. I promise to protect you, to show up for every win and every heartbreak, to listen when you speak and even when you don’t. I promise to love your mom the way she deserves, so you’ll always know what that’s supposed to look like. And above all else . . . I promise to be your dad in every way that counts.”
He squats down and gives Tucker a hug. “I love you, Tuck.”
“I love you too, Dad,” Tucker whispers.
And that’s when the dam breaks and my tears spill over. I fan my face with my hand, trying to gain a little composure. Seeing this man take my nephew as his own is overwhelming.
Tucker pats Cal on the back and when they break apart, they fist bump—their signature move. Cal turns back to Aspen, wiping beneath his eyes.
“Damn you, Callan Miles.” Aspen laughs as he takes the tissue from her hand and dabs her tears.
She pauses, letting out a few breaths while trying to collect herself. Once she’s composed, she places her hand back in his. Cal’s dad gives her a nod.
“I think I loved you before I even liked you.”
That garners another round of chuckles.
