Page 49 of Treasured By 3

I blink in surprise. I’m used to being in the corner, not the spotlight. I shake hands anyway. Before we can order food of our own, it’s time to walk out. Mr. Volkov walks out with Vanya on his arm as the music softens. My parents go next, both looking back at me with huge smiles. The officiant follows, then Chase walks out.

A few people clap. Hunter walks out next. His pace is too fast, but no one points it out. I take my place at the end of the line. It’s the order we’ll marry her in, but it seems silly for Valerie to be running up and down the aisle. We had to make some changes to account for all the differences.

Danny and Gunner come down the aisle and I’m sure Gunner is cracking jokes to keep that smile on Danny’s face the whole time. Elaine walks down the aisle with Roman. She’s smiling and tearing up already. She takes a few breaths as she stands with Danny.

“You guys are not ready for your bride,” Gunner hisses at us with a knowing smile. “Even Sophia’s crying.”

“She’s pregnant, that doesn’t count,” Hunter says. “Her hormones are getting to her.”

“Sure, we’ll see,” Roman says with a smile.

Sophia and Lev walk down. Lev got the ‘best man’ position as a political move for Chase, but he looks good next to Sophia. Of course, Sophia keeps dabbing at her eyes. She smiles, but her emotions are getting to her.

She walks up and stands in front of Danny. They whisper, and I worry for a moment about Valerie. Is she having second thoughts? Is she upset her parents aren’t here? Has someone tried to take her from us again?

Nick carries Link out with the rings and then the music shifts again. There’s no going back as Valerie’s song plays.

I glance over at the audience and spot Tristan. My brow furrows. “Wasn’t Tristan walking her down the aisle?”

“No one can give Valerie away but Valerie,” Hunter murmurs with adoration.

He’s not wrong. Valerie’s always done as she pleased, even if we told her not to, even if it was life and death. Our wedding isn’t any different and it shouldn’t be. She deserves to be in control the way she wants to be.

I adjust, sure I will not handle this. Chase takes a slow breath, preparing himself. I nudge Hunter. “You wrote your vows, right?”

“Shit, they’re in our changing room,” he curses.

I pat his shoulder. “You know what you feel, Hunter. You’ll get it right.”

He nods, but then our eyes are focused on our bride as she appears. Gorgeous, alone, powerful and sexy. I don’t stand a chance of getting through this wedding without crying.

EIGHTEEN

Valerie

After another deep breath,I take my first step down the aisle. I hate everyone is standing and staring at me, but I push my shoulders back and walk down the aisle with my dress trailing behind me. The veil doesn’t cover my face. I didn’t want it to. I wanted to see my grooms.

Chase’s cheeks go pink, then his eyes water as he smiles. Hunter bites his fist, but I see the huge grin he’s trying to hide and the love in his eyes. Lief is staring, his lips parted, eyes all warm as his face turns red.

My own eyes water and I look up so I don’t cry, but a laugh escapes before I get to the altar. How can I stay calm when my men are looking at me like they’ve never seen anything more beautiful in their life?

I take a few breaths as I reach the front and pass my flowers to Sophia. She’s all out crying now. I touch her face and sniff. “If you cry, I’m going to cry.”

A few people laugh, but then I turn to see my men. Their matching gold ties, the purple orchids in their pockets, the suits themselves are all great, but their faces make my heart beat double time. They’re just so ... normal and I love it. I love they love me, that they can’t stop staring.

The officiant starts everything off, but makes it quick, quoting a poetry passage that we all agreed on. Then it gets to the part for the vows. We decided we’d all do our vows, then do everything else as a group.

God, I’m not ready. Who knows what’s going to come out of their mouths? I just know I’m going to end up crying because it’s them.

“Chase, you wrote your own vows, is that correct?” the officiant asks.

He nods and reaches in his suit. He fumbles from one pocket to the other before pulling out his piece of paper. Taking a slow breath, he shakes his head before looking at me again and taking my hand, pulling me a step closer.

“You are too far away, baby doll,” he whispers.

I laugh and squeeze his hand. “I know.”

He’s passed a microphone and rolls his eyes, but adjusts so he can read his vows and hold the mic, since letting go of me is not an option. “Valerie, I think the fact that we broke the rules two nights ago because none of us could sleep apart says plenty. You are a dream come true. I’ve never met anyone as supportive, open, compassionate, yet cut-throat as you. We’ve been through so much and each adventure, problem, and quiet moment at home has brought you deeper into my heart.”

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