“Coop.” I laugh. “We have to get some sleep.”
“Good idea. Let me in.”
“What?”
“I’m outside your door. Open up and let me in.”
“I can’t do that. This was your idea.”
“Cooper!” I hear Ann’s voice. “Get to your room,” she scolds him.
“Mom, I’m a grown man.” He laughs at her.
“And I’m still your mother. Leave that girl alone. You’ll see her tomorrow.” There is some rustling, then her voice comes on the line. “Goodnight, Reese,” she says, and the line goes dead.
I chuckle as I close my eyes and try to tamp down my excitement to fall asleep. Tomorrow, I’m getting married.
To my best friend.
Chapter 25
Cooper
I’m standing in my parents’ suite, trying not to watch the clock. Not that I need to watch it. I’m counting down the minutes, the seconds until she walks out on the beach to me. To our forever. I’m sporting my firmly pressed khaki pants and white button-down with the sleeves rolled up to my elbows. That was a specific request that Tessa stressed. Something about forearms and veins. I didn’t ask, just did as I was told. I want this day to be exactly what Reese wants it to be.
“You nervous?” Nixon asks.
“Nope. Were you?”
“Not even a little. I knew Tess was the love of my life. The wedding was just a formality.”
“Pretty much.”
“I know I’ve given you a lot of shit about Reese, but I’m glad the two of you are finally on the same page. She’s good for you.”
“I couldn’t agree with you more. You can say I told you so. I deserve it.”
“Nah, not today. It’s your wedding day, but you can bet your ass I’ll be saying those four words to you a lot.” He grins.
“You boys ready to get this show on the road?” Dad asks.
“Yeah, where’s Garrett?”
“He’s with Reese, getting ready to walk her down the aisle.”
I smile. I can’t help it.
“Come on, Romeo.” Nixon laughs, placing his hand on my shoulder.
The three of us make our way out to the beach. It’s a private section that the resort allowed us to use as our own, just for the service. It’s blocked off, and I appreciate the privacy. That’s another perk of getting married here this week. The media didn’t have time to catch wind of it, and the day is ours. All ours. I know as soon as we get home, word is going to spread. In fact, I want it to. I already talked to Mary, and she’s going to release a public statement about me marrying the love of my life, my best friend in a private ceremony. It’s all penned and ready to be released. Soon, the entire world will know she’s my wife. All I can say to that is it’s about fucking time.
I stand at the arch that is covered in flowers. Nixon stands behind me. My mom and dad are sitting on one side of the aisle, while Eve sits on the other with an empty seat for Garrett. I stare at the small gathering of palm trees. I’m told that’s where she’s going to be coming from. I dig my toes in the sand, my bare feet feeling the warmth of the grains as I talk myself out of going after her.
With the backdrop of the ocean waves behind us, Tessa finally appears. Her dress is a light teal color. It’s short, just above her knees, and flowing. It’s sleeveless, and by the intake of breath from my boy behind me, she’s breathtaking. She’s beautiful, but she’s not my Reese. I watch as she only has eyes for her husband, tossing him a wink before taking her spot standing across from us.
My parents and Eve stand, and it’s showtime. My eyes are glued to the palms as she appears, with her arm looped through her father’s. It’s now my turn to lose my breath as it falters in my chest at the sight of her. Her hair is pulled back at the base of her neck, and there are loose strands blowing in the wind. Her dress… fuck me, that dress. It’s long and flowing from the waist down, reminding me of a ball gown. From the waist up, it’s lace and beads and sheer material that has me swaying on my feet. It’s fastened around her neck, and already I’m imagining taking it off her.
This time will be different.
This is our wedding.
She is my wife.
My wife.
I don’t take my eyes off her as Garrett leads her to where Tessa, Nixon, and I stand. She’s within reaching distance, but I know I can’t reach for her. Not yet. He has to give her to me. That’s how this works. She will forever, from this day forward, be mine.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today,” the officiant begins. He drones on until he reaches the question I’ve been waiting for. The one that will get her closer to me. The one that will make us two “I dos” away from her being my wife. “Who gives this woman to this man?” he asks.
Garrett stands tall. “Her mother and I do,” he says, and I pull my hand from my pocket and hold it out for her. With a kiss to her cheek, he places her hand in mine, and Reese steps in front of me.
“You,” I say, swallowing hard. “You take my breath away,” I say, literally finding it difficult to pull breath into my lungs. This day that I wanted and waited for for so long, I can’t believe it’s finally here.
I’m so focused on Reese that I don’t notice that Garrett is still standing with us. I turn to look at him, and tears swim in his eyes. “I’m not going to tell you to take care of her, I know that you will. I’m not going to tell you to love her forever, because I know that goes without saying. I would like to make it known that today, I’m not just giving her away.” He gives me a knowing look. “I’m placing her heart in the hands of a man who I know will love her almost as much as I do.” He winks. “I’ve watched you love my little girl since she was that, a little girl. I’m so proud of both of you and wish you nothing but love and happiness. Love each other. Take care of each other.” He swallows hard. “I’m gaining a son today. A man I’m proud to welcome into our family.”
I nod, biting on my lip to keep my emotions in check. Garrett steps forward and offers me his hand.
“Thank you, sir.” It seems fitting even though he’s been Garrett to me from day one. Today it’s a special day.
“Welcome to the family, son.” He pulls me into a one-armed hug. It’s quick but no less powerful before he pulls away and takes his seat next to his wife.
I take Reese’s hand in mine once again and give her all my attention. Tears are sliding over her cheeks, and she’s doing nothing to stop them. Reaching up, I wipe them with my thumbs. “I love you.”
She smiles through her tears. “I love you too.”
I get lost in her green eyes as the ceremony continues. I feel Nixon tapping my shoulder, and I pull out of my trance that is my bride, and look at him. He’s holding out her wedding band. I shrug and turn back to Reese, who is laughing, as is everyone else. That’s what she does to me. Consumes my world. We exchange rings and say our “I dos” and the moment I’ve been waiting for arrives.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife, you may—” I don’t wait for him to tell me. I slide my arms around her waist and pull her into me. I kiss her soft and slow, just what the moment asks for. Tonight, in our room, behind closed doors, that’s when I’ll kiss her like my life depends on it. That’s when I’ll take my time removing this sexy-as-hell dress from her body and worship her.