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When they bring her back to me, it’s torture as I endure sharing her with Claire and the rest of the wedding party—which is Nick and Mathis. She laughs the whole time until Nick asks for a picture of them alone.
The whole group pauses as he brings out a bottle of the finest champagne and toasts her.
“To my one and only Lizbeth, the one who brought me through the toughest time in my life. The young sweetheart who turned into my rock of strength, then gave me the peace I always needed. We’ve been through hell together and still survived by each other’s side. You are now not only my best friend, but my sister. I love you.”
There isn’t a dry eye as the photographer snaps away. Bizzy falls into Nicky chest, her whole body shaking. Even I get choked up at witnessing the moment.
I’m transformed back to almost eleven years ago when she bounced into the room, bringing a smile to his face.
The image hits me hard as I feel a hand on my arm and glance over to see Rory with Tom, tears still in their eyes.
“She loves you so much,” Rory whispers through her emotions. “Take care of her.”
“Until the day I die, Rory, Tom.”
“I trust you,” Tom chokes out and walks away, trying to gain his composure.
His faith in me sparks something new. I stand up straighter as understanding washes through me. He trusts me with the most precious thing in his life.
I already cherish her, but this is so much more.
We get through the rest of the shots, until it’s finally time to go to our reception. Bizzy nuzzles up to my side, holding me close and waiting for the next step.
I recognize my mistake the minute we walk through the door. I should have followed through and taken Bizzy away, because the instant we’re announced at the reception, she’s hijacked.
Since we decided on a destination wedding, our guest list is slim, but a few of her friends from the hospital were able to come. She readily shows off her ring set, while the women surround her with congratulations. Claire’s by her side, smiling widely. Her eyes meet mine and send a message of appreciation. She’s been my little spy, making sure today was everything Bizzy wished for, no matter the price. Including assisting me with finding a wedding band that would be work appropriate and still send the message I wanted.
I look at my watch and set a time limit. She can have five minutes. Then she’s at my side again.
“I can’t believe you did it.” Nick hands me a scotch. “Better yet, I can’t believe she went through with it.”
“At this point, she feels sorry for him. That has to be it.” Mathis joins us.
“You do both realize I’m an excellent negotiator, right? She really never had a chance. I’d have worn her down eventually.”
I watch Bizzy gesture to our nanny to bring Brayden to her. She takes him into her arms and nuzzles him close, kissing all over his face. He giggles in delight, fisting her hair into his mouth.
A lump forms in my throat watching them together. This happens often.
Since that day in the hospital, Bizzy can’t get enough of Brayden. She dotes on him with all the love she has to give, and he adores her equally as much.
At almost six months, we forget he was a preemie. He’s grown and progressed as if he came at full term, and we’ve never had any issues. His head is full of dark hair, and he inherited my eyes. Bizzy says he’s a spitting image, and I have to agree.
“Happy for you, Shaw. I know we give you a hard time, but in all honesty, thank you for making her happy.” Nick grows serious, not taking his eyes off Bizzy. “She may be your wife, but she’s still the most important woman in my life besides Mom. I couldn’t have asked for more for her.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to mention his speech to Bizzy, but I rethink it. That was between him and her, no one else, not even me.
“Goes without saying, I feel the same,” Mathis agrees.
The lump in my throat returns as I soak in their words. There are so many things I want to say, but the only thing I can mutter is, “Thanks.” It’s no lie I’m a pussy whipped fool, so professing my all-consuming love and devotion to her would only give them more ammunition to abuse me.
A few guests stop by to congratulate me, and when I glance across the room again, Bizzy’s crowd has grown. It’s apparent Brayden is enjoying every bit of the attention from the ladies, but stays close to Bizzy, still gripping her hair.
He’s definitely like his dad.
“What the hell?” Nick growls as we watch Darren Jackson approach Bizzy.
He pulls them both into an embrace, kissing her on the temple, then looks at me and winks. Next to her side is Joe, doing the same. Once I see Perry making his way, I take off, knowing exactly what these idiots are doing. Nick laughs behind me as I make a beeline to my wife, sliding behind her and wrapping my arms around her waist. There’s a roar of laughter from the group, the loudest from the three fools intentionally riling me up.
