Page 66 of Just Another Chance

Over the months, my siblings have all grown closer and it’s starting to get hard remembering the time when we were all estranged. And that’s a good thing. I’ve discovered we’re a powerful group when we’re together and it feels good to have the kind of unwavering, loyal support that a true family can give you.

“You ready for this?” Nash asks and claps me on the back.

“More than ready,” I say.

“You look like you’re going to hurl,” Crew comments with a mischievous grin.

“I didn’t say I wasn’t nervous,” I admit. “And a little terrified.”

“There’s nothing to be scared about,” Sawyer says evenly. “You’ve already defeated the evil stepfather; the mafia enforcer and you know the entire truth and have your girl back. Today should be a walk in the park. A piece of cake, bro.”

I suppose he’s right, but I’m still sweating bullets and tug on my tie. Nash swats my hand away and straightens it.

“You got this, bro,” he says.

I nod even though my stomach is rolling with fluttering nerves. “Were you this nervous when you married Charlie?” I ask him.

His mouth edges up. “I was sweating so badly; I had a stick of deodorant in my pocket.”

“He also did a shot with me before walking up the aisle,” Sawyer adds and, with a wicked grin, he pulls out a small bottle of whiskey and twists the cap off. He takes a swig and when he passes it to me, I hesitate. “C’mon, it’ll help take the edge off. If Mr. Uptight and Pretentious did it, so can you.”

Nash lifts his middle finger, flipping Sawyer off, but he’s grinning.

“Congrats and bottoms up,” Sawyer says.

Without thinking too hard about it, I take a swig and then pass it to Nash. The burn feels good, and Sawyer is right– it settles my anxiety a bit. I know everything is going to be perfect, but I wish this part was over, the rings were on our fingers, and we were dancing at the reception.

Nash hands me a breath mint and pops one himself. After Crew downs the rest of the whiskey, I turn to face my brothers and a streak of gratitude and love fills my heart.

“It’s been a while,” I murmur, and we all look at each other. None of us can probably remember the last time we were together and didn’t get into an argument. Things between us are changing, healing, and I am thrilled. “Thank you for being here. It means the world to me.”

We all nod then slap each other's backs.

“See you out there,” Sawyer says.

I glance down at my watch.It’s time.As though reading my mind, Nash motions for us to head into the main room where the ceremony will take place. Addie and I looked at all of the top wedding venues in New York– from The Plaza to the Rainbow Room to the Museum of Natural History– but none of them felt right. They all felt too big, too grandiose for us, and since it’s winter, we wanted something warm and cozy.

We ended up choosing a fabulous boutique hotel in the heart of Manhattan called Trend. The entire upper floor is at our disposal and offers a 360-degree view of the city. As I step into the main room, the sweet smell of flowers hits my nose. Of course, Heather did the flowers, and they look stunning– all arrangements of white flowers and accented in complimentary greens. Of course, with a heavy emphasis on daisies, Addie’s favorite.

Nash, Crew and I walk up the aisle, passing the seated guests, and my heart kicks up a notch. We wanted to keep it small and only invited close friends and family. I step in front of an archway woven with daisies and my brothers move to my right, lining up beside me. The marriage officiant smiles at me.

“Are you ready?” he asks in a low voice.

I hope I don’t look as nervous as I feel. “More than you know,” I respond.

“Then let’s get started.” He nods to someone off on the side and suddenly the strain of music fills the air.

Turning my attention to the center aisle, I see Addie’s bridesmaids start forward, one at a time. Kayla leads the girls, followed by Heather, and then Sierra who carries Owen on her hip. They have a small basket of white rose petals and she’s encouraging him to toss them as they walk. Owen digs right in and has a blast throwing the flower petals all over the place. Guests chuckle as they’re sprinkled with the velvet petals.

Sierra hands Owen off to Charlie who sits in the front row and is in charge of keeping Owen occupied for the next 15 minutes. She has a few toys waiting to entertain him and I hope he’s good. After Kayla, Heather and Sierra are in position, I look back down the aisle and my heart thunders in my chest when I see Addie appear, arm tucked in the crook of Sawyer’s arm. Since both of our parents are gone, I asked Sawyer if he would walk her down the aisle. And I swear to God, my stoic, military brother got emotional.

“It would be my honor,” he’d said, a little choked up.

The music changes and the Wedding March begins as they start up the aisle. And, holy hell, Addie has never looked so damn beautiful. My throat tightens as she approaches me. She wears a simple white gown of smooth satin, and she carries a bouquet of daisies. She absolutely glows and looks like some kind of ethereal angel, floating toward me.

When they reach us up front, Sawyer gives me a crooked smile and hands Addie over. I nod my thanks, take her hand in mine and guide her over to the officiant. “You look stunning,” I whisper, threading my fingers through hers.

“So do you,” she says with a glorious smile.

---