Page 212 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

Fox’s smile softened. “I figured.”

“You knew?”

“I’ve been in communication with Free and Tech about improving the Hart Locator,” Fox said. “Free mentioned Meridian and the guys wanted to tag along to the wedding.”

God stared at him. “And you said yes?”

Fox shrugged. “I said why not.”

Bull sipped his beer. “At least they’re well-dressed.”

About an hour later, the ranch’s event coordinator, a woman named Bethany, walked across the field clapping her hands loudly.

“All right, everyone. It’s time! Take your seats.”

The crowd moved toward the ceremony area, a broad stretch of lawn facing the timber arch. Flowers climbed the posts, blue and white blossoms woven into greenery, with lanterns placed along the aisle. The sky had gone darker now, sunset fading into violet, the first stars beginning to show.

God stood with the guys beside the altar, lined up with Gen.

Genesis wore a black tux with a white shirt and white bow tie, looking handsome, and very panicked.

God clamped him on his shoulder and held it there. “You all right?”

Gen swallowed. “No.”

“Perfectly normal,” Day murmured around God.

Gen let out a shaky laugh. “I feel like I’m about to pass out, Cash.”

“Don’t,” Tech said from Curtis’s side of the aisle. “Because any time he talks about you guys’ wedding, it’ll start with, ‘remember when Genny saw me walking down the aisle and fainted like a soap opera widow?’”

Gen pressed his lips together. “He would say that.”

On Curtis’s side lined up behind Tech were Free, Furi, Vickie, and three of Curtis’s closest friends.

The music shifted and every head turned.

Across the pasture path, two massive Clydesdales marched forward, pulling a white carriage decorated with flowers and ribbons. The sight elicited a collective sound from the guests, something between awe and laughter.

The carriage rolled toward the aisle, the horses powerful and stunning beneath polished harnesses. Two ranch hands guided them to the end of the flower-lined path where Ruxs and Green waited for their son.

Curtis climbed down and for a second, the whole ranch seemed to hold its breath.

He wore a black tux matching Gen’s, crisp white shirt, and a white silk bow tied perfectly by Tech.

His blond curls were styled back enough to show his face, and his eyes were bright, already wet, his smile so wide it nearly broke God open.

He was gorgeous. Grown. Radiant with happiness.

Curtis kissed his fathers on their cheeks, before his attention moved down the aisle to Gen.

His smile trembled, and Gen’s last inkling of composure didn’t stand a chance. God pressed his lips tight as his brother’s eyes filled. Curtis walked slowly, every step carrying years with it. Bad decisions. Grief. Gunfire. Court dates. Healing. Growing. Family gatherings. Laughter. All of it.

When he reached the altar, Ruxs handed him over to Gen.

Gen took both of Curtis’s hands and kissed the backs of them before they turned to face the officiant.

The ceremony was short. The local pastor with kind eyes and a voice steady enough to carry across the lawn, spoke about covenant, loyalty, and choosing one another, not only in joy but in every storm.