Page 75 of A New Era

I blink back tears and take a deep breath. “Your father would be choked for words, that I know for sure.”

It’s bittersweet thinking about my father and how he would’ve been on my special day. I doubt he would ever approve of Leo and his lifestyle. I’m certain that if he were still alive, I’d be getting married today without any family here.

Cas steps in through the back door and Mom kisses me on the cheek. “It looks like that’s my cue.”

She nods politely to Cas on her way out and he steps farther into the kitchen.

“Harper and JJ married on the fly, and I didn’t get the chance to walk her down the aisle. I know your dad isn’t here anymore, so it’d be an honour if you’d allow me to walk with you.”

I gasp. “Really?”

“Don’t look so surprised. It was you who brought my son back from a place not many come back from. Because of you, Leo will have a fulfilled life. You’ll always be a part of my family.”

It reiterates I have a purpose and always have done. Leo is my purpose. Rayna too.

“I’d love for you to walk me up the aisle.”

“You look beautiful, by the way,” he says, holding his arm out for me.

“I don’t think I’ll get fed up hearing that today.” I laugh, taking his arm.

“And so you shouldn’t.”

Outside, the sun is warm and my heart thrums inside my chest. My feet wobble in my heels and I’m thankful to be holding onto Cas for support. In no time at all I’m going to be Mrs. Holly Jackson and it can’t come soon enough.

Chapter Twenty

Leo

“Check again,” I order Jay and Luca.

“Brother, you huff your breath on me again, and I will punch you in the fuckin’ face, wedding day or not,” Luca grumbles.

Jay slaps me on the shoulder and assures me, “You’re fine, stop being a pussy.”

I breathe into my cupped hand and shove another piece of gum into my mouth. Holly never asks for much, but she did ask not to kiss a tequila mouth on her wedding day.

“Last chance to run, Leo, it’s now or never,” JP hollers from where he sits halfway back in the rows of chairs.

“You think I’m mad enough to let a woman like mine go?” I holler back.

“Maybesheshould run,” Ashton hollers and I roll my neck.

“Then you fuckers will have to sit here till I chase her and bring her back. Now shut the fuck up.”

Laughter ripples through the fuckers and quietens when the music begins. Rayna walks up the aisle, scattering rose petals and my heart swells. I’m not biased because I’m her father, she truly is the most beautiful girl in the world. Not fazed by everyone staring at her, she beams her stunning smile at everyone and then runs to me when she notices me standing at the altar.

Scooping her up into my arms, I kiss her cheek. “Hey, pretty girl.” The music changes and I slide her down to her feet and nudge her toward my mom on the front row. Mom presses a kiss to the top of her head and Rayna’s smile grows. Holly’s mom watches on and I relax when she smiles. Holly was worried she might not even show up but I’m glad for her sake that she did.

Holly and Dad appear at the end of the aisle. Though I’ve already seen her in her dress, her hair is done up pretty and all the nerves she’s had in the run-up to today are clearly not on her beautiful face. It’s like seeing her in it for the first time.

“One day your luck is gonna run out, brother. She’s beautiful,” JJ murmurs at my side.

I don’t give a shit who’s looking at me, my smile turns into a full-blown grin at the sight of the woman I’m about to marry. Dad once told me there’ll only be a few times in life when decisions you make truly feel right. Today is one of those decisions I’ve made that feels right.

“Fuck luck,” I mumble.

This shit is destiny like my mom always bangs on about. I was meant to be her husband and fuck me if I’m not going to keep her for the rest of my life. Every vow I’m about to make is going to be fulfilled with everything I have and more. I will spend the rest of my life making it my mission that she never feels pain again.

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