Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
“I’d really love a picture with all my handsome sons,” our mother says.
We know better than to protest for something she asks for, clearly since I’m in a fake relationship, so we gather around her. My father snaps the picture and we take turns giving her a hug.
“We’ve raised amazing kids, Carol,” I hear my father say, kissing my mom’s cheek.
Callum opens the mini fridge and pulls out a large bottle of whiskey that clearly doesn’t belong in there. “Got this last night. One last shot with your brothers before we get you to the chapel.”
“Hell yes,” Paxton says, looking around for glasses.
Shepherd brings out the little cups that are in the bathroom that are used for rinsing your mouth. “These will work.”
Callum pours us all a shot, my parents declining.
“I have the honor of giving a speech later, so I’m just going to say congratulations little brother,” Callum says, holding up his cup.
Shepherd steps next to Callum and grins. “I’m so happy for you Pax. I wish you and Hartford all the best this life has to give and when you guys get pregnant, give me a call for the three in the morning feeding. Congratulations, brother.”
I hold my cup up, standing next to Shepherd. “Well, I didn’t realize I should work on a speech or something, so I’ll just wing it. I’ve always looked up to you, Shep, and Callum. I would tell everyone how cool my big brothers were. We all tease each other a lot but being here in Vegas has made me realize I still look up to you guys and I’ve learned from you guys that love comes at you when you least expect it from someone you definitely didn’t expect. I’m so happy for you and Hartford. Congratulations, big brother.”
Tripp stands up and holds his cup up in the air. “When you find the one you want to spend forever with you don’t fight it. You lean into it and let it take you where it may. Falling in love with someone is easy, what’s hard is accepting the fact that they could love you back. You and Hartford make it all look so easy and that’s something that inspires me every day.”
We all stare at Tripp, stunned. I thought he would say something ridiculous like always, but that was far from ridiculous. It was beautiful and touching.
It made me feel like he was talking to me about Willow.
“Damn, Tripp, that was beautifully said,” Callum says.
“Yeah, where’d that come from?” I ask.
“He’s always been well-spoken,” my mother adds with a look of pride gleaming in her eyes.
“Thanks, guys. I’m lucky as hell to have you all. Now, let's do these shots so I can hand my balls over to Hartford,” Paxton says, tossing back his shot.
We all follow suit and I look around. I wasn’t excited for this wedding when I sat down on the plane, but now I am.
I’m excited for my brother and I’m excited for me.
Paxton is marrying the love of his life in Vegas and I’m pretty sure I found the love of my life in Vegas.
“Let’s go!” Paxton shouts.
“Let’s get you married,” Callum says, wrapping his arm around Paxton's shoulder.
We all walk out of the room and my pulse races. I’m about to see my girl and I can’t fucking wait.
Chapter 23
Willow
“Everything is falling apart,” Hartford exclaims, her voice tinged with panic. “I can’t believe this.” Her eyes glisten, looking like they could spill tears at any moment.
Anya, moving with determined urgency, rushes around the hotel room, searching every nook and cranny for Hartford’s veil. “It’s here… somewhere. I’m sure of it,” she reassures, her voice laced with a mixture of confidence and anxiety.
The room is a whirlwind of bridal chaos: open suitcases, scattered makeup, and dresses draped over chairs. Anya flips through hangers in the closet, checks under the bed, and even peers into the bathroom, her mind racing through all the possible places the veil could be hiding. Hartford sits on the edge of the bed, wringing her hands, her heart pounding in her chest.
“I swear, I saw it just a minute ago,” Felicity mutters, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sifts through the pile of clothes on the armchair.
Hartford takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the anxiety is palpable. The clock is ticking, and every second feels like an eternity. “What if we can’t find it?” she whispers, her voice barely audible.
I meet Hartford’s worried gaze. “We will find it,” I say firmly, a determined smile spreading across my face. “We promise.”
Just then, Anya lets out a triumphant shout. “Found it!” She holds up the delicate veil, waving it in the air like a victory flag.
Hartford’s face lights up with relief and gratitude, the tension melting away. “Oh my God, Anya, you’re a lifesaver!” She leaps up and hugs her friend tightly, her earlier panic forgotten.