“Thank you, brother. Carly and I want to thank you for the fake marriage set-up. You’re brilliant.”
A cool smile lifted Sinclair’s lips. “You had a problem and I fixed it. It’s what I do.”
“I should have known you were involved,” Crockett said with a smile.
Colton gripped Sinclair’s shoulder. “This one here is the real wizard behind the curtain.”
“As long as he’s not the Wicked Witch of the West,” Maverick said. “I’m—”
“We know, honey,” Carly interrupted. “She scares the living hell out of you.” While everyone laughed, she dropped a light kiss on his lips. “No worries, my love. I’ve got your back.”
“I know you do and I love that about you.”
A waiter appeared with a tray of flutes filled with champagne. After they’d each taken one, Maverick raised his glass.
“To the six,” he said.
“The Harvard six,” the guys replied in unison.
Gratitude washed over him as they toasted their friendship, and love filled his heart when he clinked glasses with his wife. Today, he was celebrating a relationship that began decades ago with a girl he’d cherished for most of his life.
Two hours later, the guests had eaten and Carly and Maverick rose from the head table.
“Can I have everyone’s attention?” Maverick shouted.
Gavin Aviato grabbed his camera and started filming. The chatter continued so Desiree, seated beside Carly, blew an air horn. Carly clutched Maverick’s arm.
“It’s okay,” he whispered. “Just Desiree.”
Conversations ceased and Desiree handed her brother a mic.
“You don’t need that,” a guest yelled.
“Can everyone hear me?” Maverick boomed. “How ‘bout in the back?”
“You have one level,” Gunner said on his way back from the bar. “Loud.”
The crowd cracked up.
“That’s the man who saved my life,” Maverick said. “Everyone, say hello to my man, Marshall Young.” After the applause died down, Maverick began. “Thank you all for joining us today. My wife—I love saying that—my beautiful wife, Carly, and I aren’t just celebrating our recent wedding, we’re starting a new venture together.”
Maverick and Carly exchanged smiles.
“Our foundation, ‘Helping Others to Thrive’, is in honor of my friend and SEAL teammate, Chief Enrique Rijado. Sadly, Enrique is no longer with us, but his wonderful family is here today. Please give a warm welcome to the Rijado family.” He paused for applause. When the backyard quieted, he continued.
“PTSD—post traumatic stress disorder—affects thousands every year. Carly and I want to provide former or retired military personnel with support as they heal. We want to make a positive difference in the lives of those who’ve served. Thank you to everyone who dropped an envelope into the basket.”
As the guests applauded, Sinclair picked up the mic and stood. A female guest whistled and a second shouted, “Woo-hoo!”
Maverick draped his arm over Sinclair. “This is my brother, Sin.”
“I’ll get sinful with him,” shouted the first woman.
Chuckling, Sinclair raised his glass. “Help me toast the bride and groom.” He turned his attention to the newlyweds. “Ash, Carly, you two were always meant to be together. Mark my words. Five loud children and three stinky mutts.” He flashed a smile. “Congratulations. I love you both.”
Everyone toasted.
“Ashton isn’t just my brother, he’s one of five men I trust with my life,” Sinclair continued. “Colton Mitus, Crockett Wilde, and Jagger Loving, please stand up.” He paused while the men stood. “Unfortunately, Dakota Luck couldn’t make it today. The five of us want you and Carly to make a real difference, so we’re each donating a million dollars to your foundation.”
