Twenty-Five
Caleb
My sister is a miracle worker.
With a week to pull everything together, she’s managed to make her back yard everything Emma ever wanted.
At least, that’s what Emma says.
And I have no doubt she means it from the way her eyes lit up at the floral arch set up in Chloe’s garden.
I never thought this day would come—not just being with Emma, but that I’d be married. It never really held interest for me, but with Emma, I’ve never wanted anything so much.
She’s still hesitant, and I don’t blame her. One minute I’d backed off, and the next we’re getting married. But I’m in this for life, and I’m not going anywhere once the immediate threat from the church is dealt with.
I’m not sure what their end game is, but I’m sure a big part of it is control. He’s angry that Emma’s late husband walked away, and that he had assets he never told them about. They want the money and control of Emma and her children.
That will never happen.
I’ll fight for all of them.
“Nervous?” Hunter asks. While Sean’s my best man, Hunter’s also here for me.
“I feel like I’ve been waiting my whole life for today.”
He studies me for a moment. “I know that feeling.”
I smile. Hunter was in love with Chloe when they were teenagers—she just didn’t know. It’s bittersweet to see them together sometimes. She was so in love with Scott, but their happy ever after just wasn’t to be.
But I know that she’s safe and loved by Hunter. She couldn’t find a better man to give her heart to.
“I hope we’re as happy as you and Chloe.”
His face lights up. “I hope so too. Emma deserves that after everything she’s been through. And you look lighter somehow.”
Sean nudges my arm, breaking me out of my thoughts, and I look toward the house.
I catch my breath.
Emma’s never looked so beautiful.
She’s been so burdened with dealing with the house, and settling in, and her father’s threats. Today, she’s carefree, her blonde hair down in curls.
My heart skips a beat.
Our son walks by his mother’s side, her arm in his. Tall, and proud, and unmistakably my boy. In such a short time, my life has become so full.
It’s not just him.
Bailey, Kiera, and Jason walk behind them. The girls have beaming smiles. Jason’s eyes flick around—he’s the one we need to work on the most—but they’re all there in support of their mother.
I love them all.
My family walk toward me, and I couldn’t love them any more than I do.
The past weeks have brought us together.
Nothing will ever break us apart.
