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Wilder clasped Avery’s hands tighter. “I promise to stand by your side for the rest of my days. Supporting you in hard times. Laughing with you during the good times. Loving you through it all.”
“Now, all gathered here have witnessed the joining of two families, made one.” A cheer came from one of their family members. Avery was almost certain it was Vaughn. He chuckled and shook his head, never losing sight of the man he loved.
“Wilder, you may now kiss your mate.”
“I thought you’d never ask,” Wilder murmured before pulling Avery closer.
Nearing birth, Avery was massive, and it was getting harder for Wilder to get close enough to kiss him while they stood up, but somehow, they always managed. Wilder kissed like his life depended on it, driving all the air from Avery’s lungs before he let go.
“May I now present to you, Avery and Wilder Jaymes.”
A bevy of cheers came from the intimate crowd. Avery turned to grin stupidly at his family, blood and found, as well as his new family member, Vaughn. The house was nearing completion, but luckily, the backyard had been one of the early segments Wilder had restored. It made for a gorgeous setting for their mating ceremony. All the roses were in full bloom, their scent filling the space with their sweet aroma. Yellow jasmine hung over them in the pergola woven within a massive wisteria plant that surprisingly, still had a few late summer lavender and purple blooms. He couldn’t wait to see what it looked like in the spring, when the whole thing would be a riot of blossoms.
Behind their small party and under an open tent were two long trestle tables set end to end and covered with crystal and china, with mammoth vases filled with roses they’d cut from their garden. Fairy lights hung from the top, ready to sparkle as the late afternoon proceeded into evening. Fireflies came out as dusk settled, twirling around the lanterns hanging from the trees overhead.
Dinner was catered by Pierce, who was in attendance beside Brett, of all people. Brett had assured Avery it was just “someone to come with,” but he saw the pair trying not to look at one another. And failing miserably. Another point of interest was Vaughn—and where his stare kept appearing to land. Avery wasn’t sure if he should be nervous or not, but was leaning toward the former, especially when Lake’s attention flipped in Vaughn’s direction a few too many times, too.
He pushed it from his mind, focusing on the man beside him, the man he loved, heart and soul. When Wilder’s gaze kept drifting, Avery brought it back with a gentle pull at the chin. “Ignore the empty chairs.”
Wilder’s parents had been invited, yet hadn’t come. Not that they’d been surprised. Wynter Jaymes had likely never forgiven Avery for what he said, nor Wilder for supporting him. Even so, he saw it broke his alpha’s heart not to have his parents in attendance.
“I knew they wouldn’t come…”
“Yet a little piece of you hoped they would.” Avery smiled wanly. “I know what that feels like, a little. I wish my parents could be here today.”
“It’s different when yourscan’tbe and mine can.” He brushed a hand through Avery’s hair. “I wish yours could be here, too. I’d love to meet the men who raised such an amazing son.”
Avery smiled, the sting of tears coming. He forced them back for the millionth time that day. “They would’ve loved you.”
“Why wouldn’t they? I’m very loveable.” Wilder grinned mischievously.
Avery returned the expression.“Yes.You very much are.”
Servers came out of the kitchen in a row, arms laden with appetizer plates. Pierce had outdone himself with the menu, which Avery very much appreciated. They soon dug in, filling their bellies, plate after plate of delicious food. By the end, they served the small cakes with little sugared roses atop them, following the simple floral theme.
Toasts were given. Dancing commenced. Cheers were had all around.
Suddenly, a pain struck Avery, and water spilled over the small wooden dance floor. Everyone froze, eyeing him.
“Aaaaaahhhh…..gods…” Avery reached for Wilder. “The baby… the baby’s coming.”
“Shit,” Wilder cried. Panic filled his features. “The baby. The baby’s coming.Fuck,what’re we supposed to do?”
They’d reviewed the plan numerous time.“Get me to a car,”Avery spat, doubling over in pain. “The bag… the bag’s in the hallway by the frontdooooooooooooooooooooooor. Oh fuck…”
“I’ll get the bag,” Lake cried.
“I’ll get the car,” Rohan offered.
Gray was suddenly on Avery’s other side. “Come on, Ave. Let’s get you moving.”
Wilder and Gray helped lead him through the backyard, around the house, and into the back of the waiting car, pausing multiple times as contractions hit.
“These are coming too fast,” Gray mentioned as they helped him into the backseat.
“Too fast?” Wilder said.
“How long have you been feeling pains?” Gray asked Avery.
