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“What are you doing?”
“Going with you.”
“Why?”
“Because looking the way you do and knowing Cooper and Nate, I’m going to be at your side.”
“You’re crazy, you know that?”
“Yeah, crazy for you. One thing I’ve learned this weekend is that you have tested my limits. I thought Declan was a pussy-whipped, overprotective, idiot, but I’m beginning to see where he’s coming from.”
I don’t argue, instead smile at him warmly, squeezing his hand. “I’m beginning to love the overprotective idiot act.”
He huffs and turns away, but not before I see him grin.
As soon as I hear the minister say, “Declan, you may kiss your bride,” tears flow freely down my face. I smile and clap with the rest of the crowd.
This was the most awe-inspiring, sentimental, beautiful wedding I’ve ever attended. The tears started as soon as Raven walked down the beach on James’s arm. Declan was visibly shaken at her beauty. When he said his vows, I was not alone, as sniffles could be heard all around. After hearing how torn up he was last summer, and now his heart-wrenching confession of love would make even the coldest heart melt.
Then hearing Raven’s words of love and devotion made me glance at Robbie. He was stoic, not moving, but when his eyes met mine, he held my stare. I could still hear her words, but I could feel him. We only broke our gaze when the minster started speaking again. I glanced around to see if anyone else caught the intense connection flowing between us, but no one seemed to notice.
I follow the crowd to the outside gazebo where the guests are gathered, while the wedding party finishes their pictures. To my surprise, Robbie comes up behind me and wraps his arms around my waist, pointing to the beach where Raven and the rest of the Collins family are huddled and lifting a lantern to the air. Waterworks start flowing again, but this time, I’m thinking about my dad and the importance of family. Robbie questions me, but I assure him it’s just the beauty of it all.
His parents join us, and James makes me promise him at least one dance before he and Jenna go off to mingle.
Robbie nuzzles my neck from behind as we watch the sun start to fade.
“This was the most wonderful event of my life. Thank you so much for inviting me,” I say softly and link my fingers through his.
“It’s me who should thank you. I’m standing here with my arms around the most beautiful girl in the world. I’m a lucky bastard.”
“Robbie, it’s common knowledge the bride is the most beautiful.”
“I disagree. I’m aware of my sister’s beauty. But you, you’re radiant. Absolutely radiant.”
I turn into him and see a change in his expression. He opens his mouth to say something, but Tripp comes over, handing us both another drink. We talk for a while and then eat once the buffet is open, Robbie never leaving my side. When we see Finn’s parents, both of them eye me in wonder.
My knees wobble when Mrs. Black hugs me and whispers, “He finally found someone.”
I surprise myself when I whisper back, “I really hope so.”
She nods and runs off to Jenna, where they both glance at me with huge smiles. I don’t have time to think about it because Declan and Raven are finishing their first dance.
After the obligatory functions are done, the party breaks loose. Robbie stays somber, somewhat quiet, but keeps looking at me affectionately. When Nate asks me to dance, Robbie glares at him but nods, and I laugh.
It’s not only Nate. I dance with all of Sayge, sans Declan who hasn’t left Raven side. I meet the guys from Ryan’s Knight and dance with them, too. Tripp, Max, and Finn take turns spinning me around the dance floor, until James steps in when Tony Bennett’s voice fills the speakers.
He holds my waist loosely and places my hand in his, pulling it to his chest. “You look exceptional tonight. Jenna can’t stop raving about your dress.”
“Thank you,” I say sincerely.
“Have you had a nice weekend?”
“The best of my life. I’ve never been to anything this full of love and friendship before.” I realize my mistake when he grimaces, but then pastes a smile back on.
“Hopefully, it’ll be the first of many.”
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”
