Page 103 of Thanking Her Brother's Best Friends

"Nah," I replied. "We should be thanking you, again and again, Selene. You complete us."

34

SELENE

Three Months Later

To the east, the vast expanse of the sea stretched out, its azure waves gently crashing against the shoreline. The water glistened like liquid sapphire.

A crisp, cool breeze whispered through the air, carrying with it the scent of salt and the faint aroma of distant coffee shops.

The leaves, vibrant in their seasonal transformation, adorned the trees in a riot of fiery reds, burnt oranges, and golden yellows. Thanksgiving was almost here, and I had so much to be grateful for.

Towering glass and steel structures mirrored the brilliance of the morning sun, reflecting the ever-changing palette of the sky.

Boats and ships gracefully navigated the harbor, their sails billowing against the backdrop of the open sea. Elegant masts and white sails dotted the horizon.

I was getting married.

Aiden and I had applied and had been approved for a marriage license through the City Clerk's office, so this was more of a coming together of everyone close to us.

I chose to have the wedding in the penthouse itself, near the balcony overlooking every part of Boston that I loved best.

The aesthetic I had envisioned included soft pastel tones with delicate drapes cascading from the ceilings. Twinkling fairy lights and flickering candles added a touch of magic and a whole lot of warmth.

After Ben walked me to the altar, Niall leaned in and whispered, "Hey, beautiful."

I smiled. "Hey."

There was no jealousy, conflict, or tension between the boys and me.

We knew the marriage was an aesthetic formality, and so far as we were concerned, I had a team of lovers, husbands, partners, and best friends.

Damn, I felt lucky.

Chloe stood by me through everything, like the rock she always was.

"I'm so proud of you," she whispered as she fixed my train. "My warrior girl."

"I love you," I murmured back. "Thanks for being the best, best friend to me, Chlo."

"Hey, in a few years, I'll be on your back, urging you to take Turner's deal and tour the world. But for now, I think you're complete, Mama."

She was right. One day, I would be ready for that too. And Turner had promised to wait.

It wasn't going to be anytime soon because right now, I felt like the snuggliest homebody.

But one day.

Soft strains of music played in the background as Aiden reached out to take my hand. He was handsome as always, but in the warmest of ways today.

"You look breathtaking, Selene," he said. "Thanks for making an honest man out of me."

"Ha-ha at that." I grinned. "But it was sweet."

"Hey, if I can't be corny today, then what good is all this?" He flourished his hands dramatically.

Our vows were simple. I knew I was marrying my idea of a home.

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