Page 845 of End Game

Griffin’s brother and sister, Luke and Ellie, are in the front row. Ellie already has a tissue pressed under one eye. Luke has an arm stretched along the back of her chair, smiling at Griffin in a way that makes it obvious he knows exactly how hard-won this moment is.

Cami’s mom is crying openly now.

Clay absolutely is too, even though he’ll deny it later.

And Dex?

Dex is done.

There are tears rolling straight down his face, and he doesn’t even bother pretending otherwise.

I glance at Ronan. His jaw is tight, eyes wet behind his glasses.

Then I look at Griffin.

Fuck.

I’ve known this man for years. I’ve seen him scared, angry, burned out, protective. I’ve seen him after bad calls, family fights, and nights where the worst thing he could imagine happened anyway. I’ve seen him love Cami in a thousand practical ways.

I’ve never seen his face like this.

Like every wall inside him has simply fallen down.

Cami reaches the front.

Her father kisses her cheek.

Then, instead of handing her off like some kind of transfer of ownership, he hugs Griffin too.

It’s awkward.

Unexpected.

Real.

When he sits down, Clay steps forward long enough to straighten one tiny piece of Cami’s dress. She whispers something to him. He laughs.

Then he takes his place beside Dex.

The ceremony starts.

I don’t remember all of it afterward.

I remember pieces.

Griffin rubbing his thumb over Cami’s knuckles.

Cami occasionally looking down like she can’t quite believe she’s standing here.

Dex’s shoulders shaking once when the officiant talks about choosing one another over and over.

Ronan taking off his glasses briefly and pressing two fingers to the bridge of his nose.

Nobody in this room pretending Griffin and Cami’s first wedding didn’t count.

That part matters.

They were married then.