Page 276 of The Billion Heirs Boxed Set
My father has never been in the picture, and Sadie’s father is in prison after trying to kill her, so Brenda and Mom will be walking us down the makeshift aisle. Carly’s father, Rick Vance, will do the honors for her. Miles and Austin are acting as each other’s best men, while Chance—God love him—asked Grady to stand up for him. We women all asked our mothers to stand for us.
Mom fusses with the wreath of baby’s breath I’m wearing on my head. “It’s just not sitting quite right, Avery.”
“It doesn’t matter, Mom. I’d be just as happy’ if I were marrying Chance in a burlap sack.”
I chose a light peach sheath for today, with spaghetti straps and some unobtrusive beading on the bodice. Sadie and Carly both chose to wear ivory, but with my blond hair and fair skin, white hues wash me out. Sadie’s dress has a plunging neckline and flowing skirt that accentuates her curves, and Carly chose a sequined high-neck and bare shouldered number that works well for her petite figure.
“You two look fabulous,” Sadie gushes, holding onto her bouquet of white roses.
“You’re all so beautiful,” Brenda says, blinking back tears.
“I can’t believe this day is here.” Carly fans herself, practically shaking with excitement. “After everything… I never thought I could be this happy!”
“Stop it.” I smile. “You’re going to make me cry, and then Mom is going to want to redo my makeup.”
“Yes, for goodness’ sake, no tears.” Mom hands me my bouquet of roses and lilies that match my gown. “You’ve all come way too far to succumb to tears on this amazing day.”
Her involvement in splitting Chance and me apart is still a thing between us. I’m not sure if I’ll ever forgive her for it completely, but it proves that love conquers all. She’s a good woman who was in a bad spot. With a child almost the same age as I was at the time, I can understand her mother’s need to protect. But…
No. I have to look forward, just as Chance and I agreed. My mother loves me and I love her. We don’t look back.
Carly swallows, nodding. “I just can’t believe I’m this lucky. I found the man of my dreams, and now I have two new sisters as well. I love you both so much.”
“You’re going to do it, aren’t you?” Sadie sniffles. “Avery’s right. You’re going to make us all cry.”
“All of you stop it.” Brenda looks at her watch. “Linda is right. You’ll smudge your makeup. And it’s time, ladies. It’s time.”
We gather ourselves together and leave the master suite, where we’ve been getting ready, and walk through the massive house to the French doors leading outside.
A string quartet is playing Mozart, and I peek out at the ornate altar that our mothers put together. The officiant stands ready, and Miles, Austin, Chance, and Grady walk up and take their places.
They’re all wearing black pants and white button-downs, no ties. Grady is nearly as tall as Chance, and if possible, his hair is redder.
I close my eyes, holding back tears. I know I’ll be crying buckets once I’m saying my vows, but I have to at least get down the aisle.
Darla opens the French doors, where Rick stands to meet her. Together, they take Carly’s arms and lead her toward the altar. And Austin.
Brenda and Sadie are next.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Mom asks.
I link my arm through hers. “I’ve been ready for this moment for fifteen years, Mom.”
She gives me a sad smile, then nods. “It was meant to be.”
With that, I walk toward my new brothers, my son, and the love of my life.
Fifteen years fades away in an instant, and I’m with Chance at the spring, giving myself to him. That’s when I truly gave myself to him. When we made Grady.
Today is simply a formality.
Chance takes my arm from my mother, leans down and kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful, kitten.”
I don’t trust myself to reply without starting to bawl. I take my place, and I listen as first Austin and Carly, and then Miles and Sadie, recite their vows and exchange rings.
Then the officiant turns to Chance and me.
“Chance and Avery have also decided to write their own vows for today. Chance?”
