20. BECKETT
BECKETT
Today is a big day in the Morgan household—our firstborn brother, Zane Isaac Morgan, is marrying the love of his life and mother of their unborn baby, Ava Noa Ramirez.
The ranch is alive with controlled chaos as crates of flowers are scattered along the veranda, tables being arranged and rearranged for maximum effect.
Caterers in their black and white formal attire balance trays of champagne and food, the wedding party running around helping with last-minute details, while Daisy insists on “helping” by handing out ribbons, leaving streaks of glitter in her wake.
In the middle of all this wedding-day hustle, my mind drifts back to the food drive. That day was a mess in the best way—everyone working together, laughter and scolding bouncing off the walls, and somehow it all coming together.
But what really hit me, made my chest tighten in a way I never expected, was seeing my family step up for me.
When the Atwoods showed up and started with their pointed remarks, trying to drag the past back into the light, it would have been easy to crumble.
But Zane, Jace, Ella, and Dad didn’t flinch.
They didn’t let the old stories define me.
They stood beside me, protecting me without a word of hesitation.
And Quinn—my wonderful, fierce warrior. She stood by my side against her own family, and if that isn’t loyalty, then I don’t know what is.
She was everywhere at once, steady and sure, guiding volunteers, calming tensions, and never letting her family’s hateful words faze her.
Watching her handle everything, seeing the care she gave to me and my family, I felt something I hadn’t dared feel before.
Something deep, pulling at me in ways I wasn’t ready to name.
That was the moment I realized I was falling for her. Not slowly, not cautiously. Hard and fast, every laugh, glance, and small act of thoughtfulness driving it home. She wasn’t just helping me redeem myself—she was becoming an indispensable part of my world, and my heart.
I spot her across the yard, helping a couple of servers straighten trays, and I can’t help but grin.
She looks effortless, confident, and impossibly graceful.
I make my way over, weaving between guests and decorations, when I notice Landon and Louis trailing close behind.
They’re here for the wedding too. I invited them after they stood with me against their parents and older brother.
Landon is a true friend, and Louis is following in his footsteps.
“Beck,” Landon calls out as I reach them, a teasing edge to his voice. “Finally decided to show up and do more than just look handsome, huh?”
I smirk, shrugging. “Hey, I’m multitasking. I can’t just sit around while Quinn’s saving the entire event.”
Louis chuckles, shaking his head. “Fair enough. But you better not steal her thunder.”
Quinn looks up at the commotion, her eyes narrowing just slightly as she takes in our little group. “Steal my thunder?” she teases, walking closer. “Excuse me, Mr. Multitasker, you’re supposed to be helping with decorations, not flirting with my brothers.”
I raise my hands, mock innocence plastered on my face. “Hey, it’s all above board. I’m socializing, networking even.”
Landon snorts. “Networking, huh? Sure, that’s what they’ll put on the invite: Beck Morgan, expert decorator and networker.”
Quinn laughs, shaking her head at us, but there’s a softness in her gaze that makes my chest tighten. “You better be paying attention, Beck. These tables won’t decorate themselves.”
I lean closer, lowering my voice so only she can hear. “I’m paying attention—mostly to you, though.”
Her eyes flash with mock indignation, but there’s a glimmer of amusement too. “You’re hopeless,” she whispers, just loud enough for me.
Louis rolls his eyes, but Landon smirks knowingly. “Ah, that’s the look. Beck’s officially doomed. We might as well start planning a second wedding.”
I glance at them, then back at Quinn, the weight of my feelings pressing hard. They’ve seen it too—how much she’s become a part of my life, my world.
And Quinn? She just keeps smiling, unaware of the storm of certainty building inside me.
I excuse myself just to put some distance between us and find something to distract my mind.
I’m hauling another box of decorations, dodging a flustered Ella who’s barking instructions, when a well-dressed assistant brushes past, whispering something urgent about the VIP guests.
My stomach tightens. Ava’s wedding isn’t just a family affair—it’s a mix of ranch simplicity and celebrity polish, with a few high-profile friends and media quietly present.
Dad’s voice cuts through the racket, calm and steady: “Beck, make sure those chairs are level. Ella’s OCD will notice.”
“I heard that,” my sister yells back, making the two of us glance at each other and chuckle.
“Got it, Pops,” I mutter, straightening the chairs with exaggerated precision, smirking at Zane when he passes with Ava at his side, his arm wrapped around her, holding the whole world together. My chest tightens, a familiar pang that I quickly shove aside.
Jace is juggling the kids, keeping Daisy from toppling a centerpiece, while Ella corrals vendors like a general commanding her troops. Even in the madness, there’s laughter, teasing, jokes—the kind of warmth that can’t be faked.
I pause for a second, wiping sweat from my brow, and watch Quinn from across the yard. I can’t stop the way my chest tightens again. Every little thing she does for everyone—it’s like she’s weaving herself into the very fabric of this family.
It hits me, harder than it should: I’m falling, fast, and there’s no hiding it anymore.
I step behind a row of potted palms, the noise of the wedding buzzing around me but somehow muted here. My chest feels tight, like I’m holding a storm in my ribcage. I need perspective. Someone to tell me I’m not completely losing my mind.
I grab Zane’s arm when he passes, dragging him aside before the ceremony starts. “Hey, can we talk?” My voice is low and vulnerable, but I don’t care.
He raises an eyebrow, already sensing the weight in my tone. “Sure, what’s up?”
Jace wanders over, following my gaze to where Quinn is arranging the last of the floral centerpieces. “Oh, this is serious,” he mutters, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Zane leans against the railing beside me, arms crossed, an easy grin plastered on his face. Jace sidles up too, hands shoved in his pockets, watching me—both curious and amused.
I draw a deep breath, trying to get the words out without sounding foolish.
“I can’t stop thinking about her,” I admit, voice low, more to myself than to them.
“Everything she does, the way she’s been—it’s like she’s part of me already.
And the more I notice, the harder it hits.
I’m falling, and I don’t even know if I should say anything right now. ”
Zane studies me, expression unreadable for a heartbeat.
Then he claps a hand on my shoulder. “Finally. About time, man. You’re falling for her because she’s amazing, good for you, and makes you better without even trying.
That’s obvious. And you? You’re not the kind to hide how you feel when it matters.
Trust me, Quinn’s not going anywhere. She’s strong, smart, and she’s seen more of you than anyone else.
That’s rare, man. Don’t waste it or overthink it. Tell her.”
Jace grins, nodding. “We’ve been watching you guys since the bachelor party.
The chemistry is so obvious to the point where you had to get fake engaged.
Even I can see it, and I don’t usually read into that crap.
She’s got you wrapped around her finger, whether you like it or not.
Don’t overthink it. Just pick your moment. ”
I run a hand over my face, trying to calm the jittering nerves in my stomach. “But today? The ceremony, everyone watching, all the VIPs—I don’t want to make a fool of myself.”
I swallow, my eyes drifting back to Quinn. She’s laughing with Ella now, entirely unaware of the storm brewing in my chest.
Zane laughs softly, shaking his head. “Beck, it’s not about today being perfect. It’s about being honest. If you care, she’ll know. That’s all that matters.”
Jace nods, smirking but serious beneath it. “You’re in it, man. No backing out. Take a breath, then go get her. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”
I swallow hard, letting their words sink in. My chest feels a little lighter, my mind a little clearer. They’re right. This isn’t the time to second-guess myself. If I want her, if I want this, I have to take the step.
And I will.
The ceremony begins with a hush settling over the small, sunlit garden. Rows of chairs are filled with family, close friends, and a scattering of VIP guests who have come to witness Ava and Zane’s celebration.
A soft breeze carries the scent of fresh flowers, and I can hear Daisy whispering excitedly to Ella beside me, her little voice a steady reminder that joy is infectious.
My eyes find Zane as he waits at the altar, shoulders squared, the smallest flicker of nerves betraying him.
When Ava steps forward, radiant and impossibly composed in her gown, the gasp of admiration from everyone around me makes something inside tighten—pride, love, longing.
They exchange vows with ease, sincerity shining in every word, every glance.
Zane’s voice is steady, but I see the tremor in his hands as he reaches for hers.
Ava laughs softly at his small mistakes, corrects them gently, and my chest clenches because the way they move together, support each other—it’s exactly what I want for myself.
I glance toward Quinn, who’s helping one of the photographers with her equipment.
Her hair catches the light, her smile effortless, and for a moment I forget to breathe.
She radiates calm control, grace, and warmth—everything I’ve been so drawn to.
Every little thing she does reminds me why I’m falling faster than I ever imagined.
As Zane and Ava exchange rings, I feel a pang of longing. Honesty. Trust. Partnership. Passion. Laughter. The kind of love that sees you, supports you, and pushes you to be better without asking. All the things I want with Quinn.
By the time they share their first kiss as husband and wife, I’m trembling slightly—not from nerves for the couple but from the realization that I can’t hide what I feel anymore. My heart is theirs for the moment, yes, but a part of it aches to be shared with Quinn too.
I lean back, taking it all in—the family, the love, the unity—and silently vow that I won’t wait any longer to tell her how much she means to me.
As the applause dies down and the couple shares a few quiet words with their guests, I slip out of my seat, letting my gaze find Quinn.
She’s helping tidy up, smoothing a crease in Daisy’s dress, laughing softly at something Ella says.
The small, unguarded moments make my chest ache with something I can no longer ignore.
I take a deep breath, feeling the nerves coil and twist, but also a clarity I haven’t had before. I can’t wait any longer, can’t let this feeling linger another second without acting on it.
I need to tell her.
The question isn’t if—it’s how.
I glance around, looking for a private moment, just her and me, away from the bustling wedding. A quiet corner behind the veranda, maybe the small patio near the garden shed. Somewhere that isn’t the middle of a crowd, but close enough that the energy of the day still hums around us.
I straighten my shoulders, running a hand through my hair. Timing matters, but waiting for perfection? That’s a lie I won’t tell myself. I’ll take the risk, say what I feel, and let whatever comes, come.
My heart hammers, but there’s no fear—only the certainty that this is what I want. Her. Not someday. Not maybe. Right now.
I step forward, weaving through the remaining guests, scanning for her, rehearsing the words in my head: Quinn… I have to tell you something. I can’t hold it in any longer…
And with that, I know the moment is coming.