Page 41 of Five Goodbyes

He smacks my shoulder in friendship, and it makes me stumble, though I recover quickly. This man’s friendly gestures are sure to put some people in the ER. “You’re going to do great, Hunter. If I didn’t find you worthy of Jasmine, you’d be long gone by now,” he tells me, still wearing a friendly smile.

A shudder rushes through me, because there’s no doubt in my mind if I wasn’t worthy, the kind of gone I’d find myself in is so far below the earth even the worms can’t reach me. I’m more than grateful I’ve gotten the approval of Smoke and all of the special ops guys.

“Never forget you’re on the greatest adventure of your life. Cherish each and every twist and turn in the journey. Always support your wife, even if it seems an impossible task. That saying about a happy wife, happy life is true. Trust me. You can try to argue, but that will only lead to frustration . . . and you losing.” He laughs as he says this.

“I can’t even imagine denying Jasmine anything she wants,” I tell him.

He keeps on grinning. “Yeah, there’s nothing yet I haven’t wanted to give Amira. Some men say they fight a lot with their spouses. I just can’t imagine it,” he says.

James and Rick have stopped, and we quickly catch up to them. Our deep conversation ends, but I carry Smoke’s words with me as we join the others and our laughter starts up again. As I walk with my friends, my heart filled with anticipation of the journey ahead of me, I know that my old life is done with. There’s a new chapter I’m beginning, and I can’t wait to continue the story. It’s going to be the best of my life. This is only just beginning . . . and I hope it never comes to an end.

Chapter Fourteen

As the warm rays of the evening light filter through the stateroom windows of the majestic yacht, I find myself surrounded by my closest companions, the men who have stood by my side through many twists and turns over the years, as well as Jasmine’s brother, who’s in this room at my request.

All of us are dressed in the most dapper clothes I’ve ever seen, let alone worn. This is one of the many gifts the Andersons have showered me with over the last few months. I initially had a difficult time accepting these things, but Jasmine told me to suck it up because it isn’t going to stop. Each outfit alone is worth about every year of my government salary combined. It’s just as difficult for Rick and James to accept the gifts. None of us grew up, have lived in, or even know this world. I have to admit though, looking at each man now, it’s nothing but astounding what tailored clothes will do for a man’s confidence.

Rick Moss, my unwavering best friend, adjusts his impeccably tailored tuxedo with a warm smile. The deep navy fabric, crafted from the finest Super 180s wool sourced from Italy’s most renowned mills, drapes flawlessly on his shoulders. The silhouette of his suit is expertly structured, showcasing the craftsmanship of his chosen tailor, Tom Ford. Rick’s eyes twinkle with a sense of mischief as he adjusts his Bvlgari Octo Finissimo Tourbillon watch, a masterpiece of precision and elegance, the thinnest automatic timepiece ever created. Its sleek, minimalist design perfectly complements his ensemble, an exquisite blend of modernity and timeless style.

Isaiah Anderson, my soon-to-be brother-in-law, radiates confidence and style in his bespoke tuxedo, handcrafted by the legendary Savile Row tailor, Huntsman. The midnight blue hue of the velvet jacket, adorned with satin lapels, accentuates his athletic frame. The trousers, meticulously tailored to his measurements, fall gracefully, tapering toward his polished black patent leather shoes from Berluti.

Each step Isaiah takes exudes an air of refined elegance. His cufflinks, a testament to his impeccable taste, are studded with rare blue diamonds from the Cullinan Mine in South Africa, their brilliance captivating all who behold them. On his wrist, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, a limited edition timepiece with its iconic octagonal bezel, completes his ensemble with a touch of sophistication.

James Pattsin, my colleague and confidant, exudes charm and sophistication in his Tom Ford tuxedo, cut from a luxurious blend of cashmere and silk. The shawl collar, lined with satin, adds a touch of old world elegance to his ensemble. The jacket drapes impeccably over his frame, accentuating his physique. James’s watch, a limited edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, the same as Isaiah’s — though obtained without the other knowing, showcases the brand’s signature octagonal face and craftsmanship. Its flawless execution speaks volumes about his newly found discerning taste. His cufflinks, adorned with rare Tahitian black pearls and encased in white gold, are a conversation piece in their own right. Completing his look are a pair of bespoke Crockett & Jones shoes, meticulously handcrafted in Northampton, England, using the finest French calfskin. Each step he takes is an indication of his impeccable style and taste. A taste I never knew he had.

Tyrell Rice, ever so affectionately known as Smoke, exudes an aura of power and refinement in his tailored tuxedo from Brioni, a testament to Italian craftsmanship at its finest. The black wool and mohair blend fabric enhances the sharp lines of his silhouette, accentuating his commanding presence. The jacket fits him like a second skin, meticulously tailored to his exact measurements. Smoke’s watch, a limited edition Patek Philippe Nautilus, adorned with a diamond-studded bezel, is a symbol of his discerning taste and uncompromising style.

The cost of that timepiece is obscene, but he makes it look like it was specifically made for him. Its intricate details and elegant design epitomize luxury and sophistication. His cufflinks, a rare creation from Graff Diamonds, feature exquisite emerald-cut diamonds set in platinum. The brilliance of these precious gems adds a touch of sparkle to his ensemble. The final touch to his ensemble is a pair of handmade Berluti shoes, meticulously crafted from the finest Venezia leather, each patina uniquely created by the hands of a master craftsman. Smoke commands attention, a symbol of refinement and strength. His outfit carries a price tag close to one point five million dollars.

With a grateful heart, I turn to address my friends, their splendor is evidence to the impeccable craftsmanship of the finest tailors in the world who have an amazing eye and shared appreciation for life’s finer things.

“Thank you all for being with me today,” I say, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. “Your presence means more to me than words can express.” I address each of them as they stand before me.

First, I look at Rick, a mischievous glint in my eyes as I admire his newfound style. “Rick, my friend, from our first days in the FBI to this momentous occasion, we’ve grown together in every sense. Your unwavering support and friendship have been invaluable to me. I couldn’t have asked for a better brother on this remarkable journey.”

“Who would’ve known that call all those years ago, telling you to be on the look out for this badass woman, would put us right here,” Rick says with a laugh.

“Not me, that’s for sure.” I say as we give each other a quick hug.

Isaiah stands tall and proud, a vision of refined elegance, smiling warmly, and the only one of us who can, and does, wear these type of clothes more than once in their life.

“Isaiah, I'm grateful you’ve accepted to be part of the groomsmen. Your support and friendship mean the world to me. Today, we celebrate not only Jasmine and me, but also the brotherhood you and I will share for the rest of our lives. Just keep yourself out of trouble . . . unless I’m there with you.” Both of us laugh as I give him a slap on the top of his arm.

James, the embodiment of sophistication, chuckles playfully. “Can you believe it, James?” I say with a laugh, appreciating the exquisite craftsmanship of his ensemble. “Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? I’m thankful for the laughter, the adventures, and the impeccable fashion choices that you’ve brought into my life.” Everyone joins in the laughter because we all know how ridiculous all of this is.

Smoke, his gaze unwavering, clasps my arm with a firm grip. “Hunter,” he says, his voice carrying a mix of pride and joy, “I've seen firsthand the love and dedication you have for Jasmine. Today, I pass the torch to you, knowing that you’ll protect her with the same unwavering commitment. You’ve earned my respect, and I stand with you, always.”

“Smoke, my brother,” I say, my voice filled with sincerity, “your dedication to Jasmine has been a source of inspiration from the moment I met you. Today, I stand ready to embrace the responsibility of that torch, knowing that your support and brotherhood will always be there.”

“Okay boys,” I say as I fill my lungs with a deep breath and then exhale quickly, “let’s go do this!”

As we leave the stateroom, we ascend to the top deck of the massive yacht, the epitome of luxury and extravagance is seen everywhere. I thought I understood what Jasmine meant when she said her grandpa would make this wedding one that would rival all weddings for eternity, but I didn’t know what that meant until I stepped aboard this castle on the water.

The grandeur of the vessel overwhelms me, a floating palace, is adorned with twinkling lights and extravagant decorations. The sea breeze carries with it an air of anticipation and excitement, mingling with the laughter and chatter of elegantly dressed guests.

The yacht, a vision of opulence and romance, serves as the backdrop for our celebration. Adorned with cascading flowers and soft, romantic lighting, it embodies a dreamlike ambiance. The air is perfumed with the delicate fragrance of roses and lilies, their scent mingling with the sea air. Every detail, meticulously planned and executed, contributes to the magic of the moment.

As my groomsmen and I take our spots and stand in anticipation, the deck is transformed into a scene of delicate beauty. Soft hues of pastel fill the air, reflecting off the gently rippling ocean. The flickering candlelight casts dancing shadows, creating an intimate and romantic atmosphere. The grandness of the yacht is heightened by the lush floral arrangements, cascading in shades of ivory and blush, accentuating the nature and surroundings. It’s the most beautiful man made scene I’ve ever witnessed.

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