“Are you ready to marry the woman of your dreams?” the planner asked Cooper.
“Been ready for years,” Cooper replied.
“Best man?” called the planner. “Where are you?”
Stryker walked over. “Let’s do this, brother.”
After the wedding planner placed Cooper between his mom and dad, Cooper offered his mom his arm and placed his hand on his dad’s shoulder.
Stryker and Emerson stepped in line behind them, followed by Jericho and Liv. Next up, Hawk and Addison, Prescott and Jacqueline, and Rebel and Brit, with Carrera and Slash finishing off the bridal party.
The wedding planner and her assistant opened the double doors in the back of the ballroom, and orchestral sounds floated from the room.
Cooper and his parents headed down the aisle.
“Hi,” someone murmured behind Carrera and Slash.
They turned to see Danielle, flanked by her mom and dad. The bride’s elegant white dress flowed behind her, her radiant smile lighting up her pretty face.
“You look beautiful,” Slash said.
Danielle beamed at them.
“Your man’s waiting,” Carrera said. “Let’s get you married.”
Slash slipped her hand around Carrera’s bicep, gave him a squeeze. “All man, all muscle, all mine.”
“Always,” he murmured.
Over two hundred guests craned to see as the wedding party made their way down the aisle.
He peered down at Slash. “I love you,” he murmured.
Her gaze found his. “I love hearing you tell me that.” She winked before refocusing her attention on the guests.
At the end of the aisle, he kissed her cheek before they separated.
The traditional processional music began, the guests stood, and Danielle began her journey toward her forever man. Carrera glanced over at Cooper. He was beaming, but it was the look of love in his eyes that stood out the most.
In addition to the heartfelt speeches that were given by a few friends and family members, the wedding celebrant talked about the importance of forgiveness and the healing power of laughter. When it was time for the bride and groom to recite their vows, the room became pin-drop quiet.
As Danielle recited hers, Carrera thought about a life with Slash. Would they stay in his home or buy one together? Would his grandmother continue to live with them? Would Slash even marry him? Would they have children?
He looked beyond Cooper and Danielle, his eyes resting on Slash. Her gaze had softened as she watched Cooper promising his bride that he would treasure her forever, that he would spend his life loving her and making her smile. Slash swiped away a tear before she looked in his direction.
He was waiting. If she would have him, he would do right by her… for the rest of their lives.
After the rings were exchanged, the newlyweds came together in a long, loving kiss.
Cooper faced the guests. “Yes!Finally!”
The room exploded in laughter.
With huge grins, bride and groom made their way down the aisle as husband and wife. Two by two the wedding party filed out behind them. As he and Slash came together, she clasped his hand. “That was beautiful. I loved their vows so much.”
“You’re a softie,” he murmured.
“Shh, don’t tell,” she replied. “You’ll ruin my badass rep.”
