Page 92 of Resilient Rhythms
I shake my head, even though she can’t see me. “Nah, this is more important.” And it is. That’s the wildest thing. For years, law school and being a lawyer were the most important things in my life. That goal was the driving motivation behind every decision I made. Then, after I accepted the truth of what happened with Bran, graduating law school became a personal challenge. I wouldn’t let him win.
But now, everything is different. Bran is behind bars. I’m happily married to the love of my life and we’re starting a family. What could be more important than the people I love and their happiness?
It’s been a massive perspective shift and yet, I’m much happier because of it.
“See you soon, Kenny!”
I blow her a kiss. “Have fun, A.”
I end the call and close my laptop.
Then, I head upstairs to get ready for my lunch date and doctor’s appointment with Maverick.
TWENTY-FIVE
MAV
My beauty did it.Of course she did. I never had a doubt, but hearing the excitement in her voice, her confidence, hit me right in my feels.
“Mckenna!” I call out when I enter our home. I can’t wait to see her, to kiss her, to congratulate her on being the most amazing human I know.
“Hi!” She enters the foyer.
I hold out the bouquet of peonies. “Hi.”
She grins. “You bought me flowers!”
“Congratulations!” I close the space between us and pull her into a hug. A kiss. “I’m so damn proud of you. You did it!”
“We did it.” She wraps her arms around my neck and pushes up onto her toes to kiss me back. The swell of her belly cuts into my stomach and I love the feel of it.
I’ve been nervous and excited for today’s appointment, but now, with Mckenna’s news as the cherry on top, I know today is going to be one of the best days of my life.
I take the bouquet from her hand, dropping it on the console table. Then, I wrap her in my arms, kiss her deeply, and drop to my knees in front of her.
“What-what are you doing?” She beams down at me.
Reaching into my pocket, I pluck out the strip of ribbon with a diamond eternity band tied to the end of it.
“Mckenna Tate, I love you so much. I am so proud of you, beauty, for every challenge you meet head-on, for every obstacle you’ve overcome this year, and for all the love and grace you show the people you care about. I’m honored to be your husband.” I take her hand and slip the ring onto her ring finger, stacking it on top of her wedding band and engagement ring.
The ribbon flutters in the space between us but I ignore it. I was nervous I’d lose the damn ring if it wasn’t tied to something.
“Marry me again, Mckenna. Let’s say our own vows, me and you, before we bring our baby into the world.”
Mckenna blinks back tears. Her gaze doesn’t waver from my face as she kneels before me, cupping my cheeks in her hands.
“I love you, Mav. I’m honored and grateful to be your wife. I can’t wait to see what life brings us and to live through every up and down with you by my side. I’d love to renew our vows.” She laughs. “Although we kind of just did.”
I snort before kissing her deeply.
“We get to see our baby today,” I murmur.
“I know. I can’t wait.”
I help Mckenna to her feet. “Let me get scissors to cut the ribbon off.”
She chuckles, but holds out her hand, admiring the ring. “It’s gorgeous, Mav. You didn’t have to?—”
