That’s when I knew our venue had already won both their hearts.
I nudge Ashton’s knee with mine. “It’s gonna be a perfect day.”
He glances at me, a flicker of apprehension in his eyes. “Yeah,” he says quietly. “I hope so.”
“You’re not alone, Ash,” I remind him gently. “We’ve got you.”
He bites the inside of his cheek. “You’re sure you can step away from Black Cat today? I told you, you don’t have to. I can handle it—”
“Hey,” I cut him off, shaking my head. “For the hundredth time, it’s fine. My crew’s got the brewery covered for one day.” I soften, nudging him again. “And yeah, I know youcanhandle this on your own. But you don’t have to, baby. I’ve got your back. And so does the entire Tremblay army.”
That earns a real smile. “All four of ’em,” he says, his voice softened with relief. “Even Liv’s coming to town for it.”
All his siblings are grown up now, free to make their own choices. To show up for each other without hesitation. To step out from under the shadow of their parents and into something brighter.
Their own kind of family, built on love and acceptance.
I rest a hand on Ashton’s warm thigh. “Luke’s probably just coming for the free food and because he’s friends with Mason,” I tease.
Ashton huffs a laugh. “That’s true.”
“But still,” I say, softer now. “They’re also showing up foryou.”
He goes quiet for a second, looking down at his coffee. “Yeah. They are.”
“You’ve got nothing to worry about.” I bump his shoulder with mine. “It’s gonna be a good day.”
He takes another sip, eyes drifting closed for a moment, like he’s holding on to that thought.
“Yeah,” he finally says, lighter this time. “A really good day.”
The barn has transformed into something out of a fairy tale. Twinkling string lights wrap around the beams overhead, casting everything in a warm, golden haze. The long tables have been pushed back, leaving space for a makeshift dance floor that’s already packed with Mason and Hunter’s family and friends.
Music hums through the space, low and steady, blending with the sound of voices and clinking glasses.
I lean against one of the support posts for a moment, just taking it all in.
Luke is dancing around with zero coordination, dragging a very drunk, very giddy Mason along with him. Mason’s laughing so hard he can barely keep up, his crisp black suit already a little rumpled, his floral tie loosened at the collar. His honey-brown curls brush just below his ears, a few loose ringlets falling across his freckled face.
Across from them, Hunter watches with a soft, glowing smile. His floral suit is perfectly tailored, clinging to every curve of his body. His dark hair is slicked back neatly, a delicate yellow flower tucked behind his ear. Behind his round glasses, his eyes shine with quiet, lovesick adoration as he watches his newly wedded husband, his gap-toothed grin warm and unwavering.
They both look… incredible.
My chest tightens a little.
This is exactly what we wanted to give them.
My gaze drifts past the chaos of the dance floor and lands on Ashton. Being as tall as he is, he’s hard to miss in a crowd—but it’s not just that. It’shim. It’s always him.
He’s standing off to the side, teeth gnawing into his lower lip. Arms crossed loosely, posture a little stiff, eyes scanning the room like he’s still mentally checking off boxes.
I grab a drink from the table and make my way over to him, weaving through the crowd until I’m at his side.
“Hey,” I say, nudging his hip gently.
“Hey.”
I hold out the can. “Drink.”
