Chapter 26
Chapter twenty-six
Cam
The courthouse looks exactly the way it always has—square, unassuming, the kind of building people pass every day without thinking about what happens inside it.
I’ve driven past it more times than I can count, never once imagining I’d be standing here on a weekday morning with my hands shoved into my pockets, waiting for my life to tilt in a direction I didn’t see coming.
Knox stands beside me, arms crossed, his presence calm and familiar. He doesn’t say anything, and I’m grateful for that. There’s a time for talk, and this isn’t it.
My attention shifts as Brynn’s SUV pulls into the parking lot. She pulls into the spot next to Knox’s truck, and for a second nothing happens. Then the doors open and I see Kinsey, Brynn, and finally…Kate.
Her dress is simple, not what people usually imagine when they hear the word wedding. There’s no lace or veil or dramatic sweep of fabric, instead, it’s pale blue, off the shoulder, stopping just below the knee. It’s wistful, sexy in an unassuming way and entirely her.
The sight of her sucks the air from my chest.
Brynn stops her by the car and adjusts something in her hair, I can see her talking to her and Kate smiles and nods.
Her expression doesn’t portray any fear, she simply looks like someone who has thought this through from every angle and still chosen to walk forward.
Her hair is pulled back loosely, a few strands brushing her cheek, and when she lifts her gaze and finds mine.
I don’t realize I’ve started moving until I’m already halfway toward her.
I stop a few feet away, close enough that I can see the faint tension grow in her shoulders, the way she presses her lips together like she’s steadying herself.
“You okay?” I ask quietly.
She nods, then hesitates, then nods again. “I think so.”
It’s honest. I appreciate that.
I let the moment breathe. Then I say, “This choice is still yours. If you have any doubts, we can hold off; we don’t have to rush.”
Her gaze flicks up to mine, searching. “I know.”
There’s relief in her voice, but also resolve. She isn’t wavering. She’s choosing this.
Behind her, Brynn’s eyes flick between us, soft and watchful. Kinsey leans against the door, arms folded, her expression sharp but not unkind—protective in the way only someone who loves hard can be.
Kate glances back at them, then at me. Her breath deepens.
“Okay,” she says. “I’m ready.”
I nod, stepping closer and offering my hand and she takes it. Her fingers are warm, her grip steady. That simple contact settles something in my chest I didn’t realize had been restless.
We walk toward the building together. The door opens with a muted creak, and the quiet inside greets us—muted voices, the low hum of air conditioning, the faint echo of footsteps. It smells faintly of cleaner and old paper. Not exactly romantic…but that’s not what we’re here for.
At the counter, the clerk smiles as she looks up.
After I confirm our appointment, her smile grows and I know we can’t turn back now.
Word will spread like wildfire around what we’re about to do.
Papers slide across the surface. Pens are offered.
The process is efficient, almost clinical, and if I didn’t have a more firm resolve, it would feel… sterile.
Kate’s hand stays in mine as we sign. I feel the way her thumb moves absently against my knuckle, grounding herself. When it’s my turn, I sign carefully, the pen heavier than it should be.
We’re led into a small room. There’s a desk, a flag, a couple of chairs. Brynn and Knox take their places behind us, quiet and present. Kinsey leans against the wall, arms folded, eyes sharp but warm.
The clerk clears her throat and begins the formalities.
I listen, but only halfway. My focus keeps drifting back to Kate—the curve of her shoulder, the way she inhales before answering, the calm determination in her eyes.
When it’s time for the rings, I reach into my jacket and take them out. Simple gold bands.
Kate lifts her hand, and for a moment I see the smallest tremor in her fingers. I slide the ring onto her finger slowly, my thumb brushing her skin in a way that’s almost reverent.
She swallows, her throat working as she looks up at me.
Then it’s her turn. She takes my hand with quiet certainty and slips the ring into place. It’s snug, warm from her touch.
The clerk’s voice cuts in again. “By the authority vested in me by the state, I now pronounce you legally married.”
For a heartbeat, the world feels suspended—like everything else has gone quiet to make room for this one moment. Then I lift my hand to her cheek, giving her time to pull away if she wants to, but she doesn’t.
Our foreheads touch first, a shared breath passing between us. When I kiss her, it’s gentle and grounding, meant to reassure rather than claim. When we part, her eyes are bright, her expression soft and slightly stunned.
“Okay,” she whispers.
I smile, squeezing her hand. “Just okay? Do we need to try that kiss again, Katie?”
Her cheeks turn a warm pink and she swats my arm. Finally, I see her smile return. “Later.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” I wink at her before turning toward our friends.
Brynn exhales softly, the sound somewhere between a laugh and a sniffle. Knox clears his throat, the faintest grin tugging at his mouth. Kinsey lets out a low whistle and mutters something under her breath that makes Kate huff a laugh.
Brynn steps toward us, hugging Kate, then me. “Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Wells.”