Page 78 of Curveball

Addison had been engaged to Noah before she found out he’d been cheating.

I reached out and set my hands on Dean’s shoulders. “Nothing. We’re just happy you’re our brother.” Then I pulled him into a hug.

“Thanks, man.” His dark eyes looked a little teary. “I’m really lucky I found her…and that she came with a couple of badass brothers.”

Weston lifted his beer. “I’ll cheers to that.”

Addison and Dean exchanged emotional, self-written vows at sunset, surrounded by their closest friends and family. I didn’t think there was a dry eye in attendance, and I was so damn happy for my little sister.

I tried to pay attention, I really did, but I was distracted by a certain blonde standing across the altar from me. Farrah’s sage dress flowed around her ankles in the spring breeze, the amber light catching her hair like it was made of gold. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

Never could.

She was my forever, and I couldn’t wait until it was our turn.

After the ceremony and what felt like an endless number of photos, we all funneled into the reception tent. It looked like something out of A Midsummer Night’s Dream—lush greenery draped everywhere, vibrant flowers spilling over the tables. Instead of round tables, they’d chosen one long family-style table that ran the length of the tent.

Ava sat beside me and leaned in, voice low. “I’m so happy to see you this happy, big bro. You deserve it.”

She pulled back and smiled.

“Thanks, Avs.” My eyes lifted to Farrah’s as she set a hand on my shoulder and slid into the seat on my other side. “It took a long time to get here,” I said, bringing my attention back to my sister. “But I’d do it all over again.”

After dinner, the dance floor turned into chaos in the best way. Everybody was several drinks past caring at this point.

When the DJ slowed the music down, I grabbed Addison. I hadn’t gotten a real chance to dance with my sister yet.

She looked radiant, and it had nothing to do with the dress, the hair, or the makeup. She glowed from the inside out. Dean fit her perfectly, and I knew he’d love her fiercely for the rest of his life. It was exactly what my little sister deserved and what I always hoped she’d find.

We swayed, and I spun her once, twice, before pulling her close.

“I’m proud of you, Adds,” I said quietly. “You’ve come so far. And it’s been pretty damn cool watching you live your dreams.”

Addison grinned up at me. “I could say the same about you, Walk.” Her gaze flicked toward Farrah, dancing with Grayson a few feet away. “So… when are you going to officially make her a James?”

I chuckled. “I should’ve six years ago.”

Addison narrowed her eyes. “Deflection at its finest.”

“Relax,” I said, and smiled. “I'm working on it.”

Later, I collapsed onto one of the plush lounge chairs near the dance floor. My suit jacket was gone, my tie undone, sleeves rolled up. Hadley was passed out in my lap.

The night was winding down, and only family remained.

I took a long pull from my beer and watched Farrah laughing with the girls on the dance floor while I stroked Hadley’s curls.

My parents approached and settled into the chairs on either side of me.

My mom smiled and nodded at Hadley. “She’s out cold, huh?”

I chuckled. “I don’t think her tiny legs were ready for how much dancing she did.”

My mom stood and held her arms out. “I’m headed back up to the house with Liz to help clean up a bit for Addison. Why don’t you let me take her? I’ll put her in a bed.”

I nodded and stood carefully, transferring Hadley into my mom’s arms like she was made of glass.

Liz walked over and kissed the top of Hadley’s head. “My sweet angel grandbaby,” she murmured, and followed Mom out.