Page 81 of Deadly Forever

Twenty-Three

Peter stoodnext to Sophie in the country club’s lobby the next afternoon. The wedding was officially here, and even though he knew Grady would love and cherish his daughter forever, he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of nostalgia.

“What are you thinking?” Sophie asked.

Peter raised her to be strong and sure of herself, but if he didn’t know better, he would think she was nervous. “I’m thinking that the best thing I ever did in this world was adopt you.”

Sophie pressed her lips together and smoothed her simple dress. Ally was at the front of the line. She insisted on being the first bride through the door. Sophie was fine with that. Ally wanted to be the center of attention, but Sophie never did. She just wanted to marry Grady and officially join their hearts together.

“What are you thinking?” Peter prodded.

“That I wouldn’t be here without you,” Sophie replied, swallowing the lump in her throat. “You saved me. You made it so Grady could finish saving me. I don’t know if I’ve ever explained how much I love you, but you’re so important to me. I can never thank you enough for everything you’ve done.”

Peter, who was never one to cry, was surprised to find a lone tear rolling down his cheek. “You saved me, my Sophie. You made me a better man. You made me want to be a better man. I am the one in your debt.”

“You made all of this possible,” Sophie said. “You kept us safe so many times I lost count.”

“I merely helped,” Peter said. “I will always be here to help.”

“And I will always be here to love you.”

“ARE YOU nervous?” Jeff Pritchard stood next to his sister and marveled at how beautiful she looked in her wedding gown. At the worst times in their lives, he often dreamed she would get a happy ending. He didn’t think it was a legitimate possibility, though. Finn Hardy changed that for Emma. He also helped Jeff when he didn’t need to do it. Jeff found himself consumed with gratitude when he thought about the Hardy family. He also felt awed by their loyalty and giving natures.

“I’m not nervous,” Emma replied, surprised to find she actually meant it. “This is my dream come true.”

“You know you’re Finn’s dream come true, too, right?”

Emma smiled and nodded. “It took me a long time to realize that I was worth anything, but Finn makes me believe I’m worth everything. I lucked out to get him for a husband, and I got really lucky to get you for a brother, too.”

Jeff’s cheeks colored. “I’m not sure what kind of brother I’ve been. I’ve done my best.”

“You did more than your best,” Emma corrected, squeezing his hand. “You went above and beyond. You’re the only person who has always believed in me.”

Jeff returned the squeeze. “I will always believe in you, Emma. It’s impossible not to.”

“ARE YOU ready for this?” Louis Hardy didn’t bother hiding his tears as he stood next to Ally. She bounced from one foot to the other, excitement positively rolling off her in waves. “Are you ready to leave me?”

Ally snorted. “I’m not leaving you. I’m simply adding Jake to the family.”

“He’s a good man,” Louis intoned. “He’s got a strong heart. He can love you the way you deserve to be loved.”

“I know that,” Ally said, beaming. “I’ve felt it since the first time we kissed. He might not have realized it then, but I did. I knew he was my future.

“Everything happens for a reason, Dad,” she continued. “I ran into Mandy that day after not seeing her for so long and sent her to James. Grady ran into Jake when trying to help Mandy. Jake joined the family because he bonded with my brothers. It was destiny.”

Louis chuckled. Ally was always something of a dreamer. He loved that about her. “Are you ready to embrace your destiny?”

Ally’s beautiful face split with the loveliest smile Louis had ever seen and she linked her arm with his. “I’ve been ready for this for a long time.”

“Then let’s do it, shall we?”

AS FAR as weddings go, nothing was grander than the Hardy triple wedding. Three couples stood before the minister, their families, and each other and pledge eternal fidelity and love. No one watching thought for a second that anyone would break his or her vows. It was impossible, after all. Soul mates never truly lose one another … and the Hardys would settle for nothing less than finding their true soul mates.

After the ceremony and photographs, everyone settled in for dinner. The wedding party sat at the front of the room, but as soon as the music started everyone broke off to dance. The couples enjoyed the party for a long time, even as the sun started drifting toward the horizon and the brides and grooms had to excuse themselves to change clothes before departing on their honeymoons. That’s when James led Mandy outside.

“It’s beautiful,” Mandy said, linking her fingers with his as they walked near the lake’s sandy shoreline. “The sun will be setting soon.”

“It will,” James confirmed, glancing over his shoulder. “The limos are here to take everyone else to their honeymoons. Did you say your goodbyes?”