26. Hana
My wedding wasn’t anything like I’d expected it to be. One, it was raining and about twenty degrees cooler than it had been the day before, thanks to a massive tropical depression that had turned inward, hitting Houston dead-on. Two, I was surrounded by a million different women and babies, all of whom were part of our wedding party, because Paxton and I couldn’t decide who to include or not. Thus, we’d asked all of our friends to stand with us.
At least I no longer became anxious in the rain. Nope. Houston’s thunderstorms had cured me of that. Fine, it was more Paxton’s cuddling during the storms that had dissipated my concerns. These days I looked forward to the weather because I knew what was coming, and that the storm would pass with me boneless and so well-pleasured I couldn’t help but remain relaxed.
Three, we were getting married at the arena, which hadn’t been our first choice. We’d had to switch over to it last night because our initial venue at the Johnson Space Center was surrounded by a six-inch pond. That’s why building on a swamp wasn’t always the best idea. But the arena could accommodate our short timeline and the entirety of the Wildcatters organization, so now it was perfect.
And, four, Paxton’s dad had begged to walk me down the aisle—on his knees, hands clasped, the whole nine.
That had been out of character for Sawyer, but he wasn’t the man he’d been even a few weeks ago. He’d gone to see Aiki in prison, and he’d said he planned to set up a monthly visitation schedule. He’d also said he wasn’t planning to contest Rosemary’s divorce.
All of that had showed Paxton and me that he finally understood he’d been wrong. He had a long way to go to regain our trust, and I wasn’t sure he could do it, but this situation had taught me to be thankful for the people in my life. That included my brother’s and soon-to-be-husband’s father.
Sawyer was currently tapping his foot and shifting in his suit. “They’re expecting all of you in three minutes,” he said.
“We’ll be ready. Plus, even if we’re a couple of minutes late, Pax knows I’m marrying him today,” I said, unperturbed by the chaos swirling around us.
“How are they going to corral all those kids?”
Bree ran by, laughing brightly as Brooks toddled after her. Those two were into everything. Felix would have been, too, but he was monitored by Ashley, who somehow managed to give the little boy all the freedom he needed while keeping him safe. Naomi and Adam had hit the jackpot with Ashley. I wanted someone just like him for our kids. I’d put him on notice to find me someone as special as he was, and he’d already compiled a list of would-be caretakers for us.
I loved that man almost as much as Paxton.
No, that wasn’t true. I didn’t love anyone as much as Paxton.
And we weren’t planning to have kids any time soon anyway. My leg was getting stronger, thanks to the new gym sessions I now shared with Paxton. He’d asked the Wildcatters trainer to develop an exercise regimen for me, and I followed it zealously. I loved that I didn’t always have to wear my brace anymore.
Like today. I would walk down the aisle to Paxton on my own two feet, without any support. Just like I’d hoped.
Plus, that gave Ida Jane and me more time to hang out. She and I had really clicked, and I considered her my closest friend, something that shocked us all—Ida Jane most of all. But since we were part of the only kid-free couples, it made sense that we’d spend a lot of time together. Ida Jane was on a campaign for Pax and me to get a dog like her giant bodyguard, Blade.
I hadn’t told her I’d picked out a little stray from the animal shelter that Paxton and I would collect after our three-day honeymoon. We’d take a longer one once the guys’ playoff run ended, hopefully with the Stanley Cup here in Houston.
But that was still a series away, and today was about Paxton and me.
“Fall in,” Naomi called out.
Somehow, the chaos dissipated in five seconds, and the bridal party lined up. Sawyer whistled in shock, and I smiled. These women, my friends, could handle pretty much anything, and so could I.
They’d taught me confidence in myself, and for that, I was immensely grateful. I’d never expected such a rich, full life, but Paxton’s move to Houston had created that. Perhaps I should be angry about how we’d gotten here, but I simply couldn’t be, not with this amazing life.
Paxton still harbored bitterness toward his father, specifically, and Aiki. I understood and didn’t push him. He’d come around and warm to them or he wouldn’t, and I’d support either choice.
Keelie straightened my veil and smiled at me, which turned to a wince as Brooks tugged her earring.
“Good thing you’re cute, you monster,” she cooed, whisking the toddler’s grabby hands away from my dress in the nick of time. “You ready?” she asked.
“Absolutely.”
“I do love a confident bride.” Naomi winked. “It’s the lingerie, isn’t it?”
“It helped.” I beamed back.
Sawyer muttered something under his breath but was wise enough to keep his thoughts to himself. I didn’t care if he was embarrassed or whatever. He’d made his choices with me, here, today, and with Paxton all those years before. This was our day, and Sawyer was lucky to be part of it.
Ida Jane handed me my bouquet of flowers—ones Paxton had picked for me. The guy was as sweet as pie, really. He’d spent hours researching to ensure the meanings of the blooms together were all about happiness and love. I brought the huge array of white carnations, red roses, ivy, and purple asters to my nose and inhaled the sweet scent.
God, I loved my man.
It was time to link ourselves together, because despite the odds against us, despite the pain we’d suffered to find our way back to each other, we were home.
I didn’t take Sawyer’s arm. That was part of the deal: I’d walk to Pax under my own power, giving myself to him freely, without reservation.
Sawyer was here to show we were willing to mend relationships, to offer second—even third—chances, but we weren’t na?ve enough to expect him to change. Nor did we think the situation between him and Paxton’s mother would be easy to navigate. While hurt feelings were still a struggle to overcome, we’d chosen to try to find some compromise.
Paxton’s stolid countenance burst into the brightest smile as soon as he saw me headed toward him, and I knew we’d made the right choice. When I reached the front, I took Paxton’s large, calloused hand and squeezed. He smiled at me a little shyly, completely ignoring his father. Yeah, not your day, dude.
I beamed up at my husband-to-be. “I love you.”
His expression turned tender. “I love you, too, my beautiful wife-to-be.”
He made me feel special, powerful, beautiful. Something I’d never expected to feel again. But that’s what love was: the most powerful force on earth.
Sawyer took his seat next to Paxton’s mother. Devon waved at me, and I chuckled as I shook my head. That guy was growing on me.
I tried to pay attention to the officiant’s words, but I kept getting caught up in Paxton’s eyes, which promised to cherish me tonight and always. I shivered as I thought back to our bachelor and bachelorette parties two days before, for which the entire team and their CATS had rented out a local golf course and clubhouse. Keelie had put us all to shame in a short round of nine, and there’d been dinner, dancing, and fireworks. It was weird, a bit quirky, and so much fun. The best part was that I’d spent the evening with all of our friends and even got to hear Cruz sing.
He was as amazing as everyone had always gushed.
When it was time to recite our vows, I turned to face Paxton. “We are our family, and we will watch out for each other, put the other first. Always. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.” Paxton’s gaze held mine as he told me how he’d love, honor, and cherish me for the rest of my days.
I believed him, just as I believed in us.
We exchanged rings and our first wedded kiss, during which Paxton, being Pax, slipped me some sexy tongue. I wrapped my tongue around his and sucked harder, bringing his flavor into my mouth. We both moaned, and the officiant cleared his throat.
“It’s my honor to present Mr. and Mrs. Paxton Naese,” he said.
“Did he just reduce Hana to Pax’s wife?” Naomi blurted. “Man, you better get your eyes checked. She’s a preeminent aerospace engineer who’s going to save your ass from frying in a Houston street.”
“He meant Mr. and Mrs. Paxton and Hana Sato-Naese,” Adam soothed.
“That’s better,” Paxton murmured against my lips. “As long as you’re mine, Han, I don’t care about those details.”
“Damn straight,” Cormac said with a firm slap on Pax’s back. “Now, break it up and keep it PG for the babies.”
We all laughed as we headed together toward the buffet that had been set up in the large conference room next door by the awesome arena staff. Rain buffeted the windowpanes, and I smiled at my reflection, enjoying the bloom of color in my cheeks and the sparkle in my eyes.
After we’d eaten, Paxton leaned over and whispered, “Happy wedding. I paid off your student loans. And your medical bills.”
I smiled. “I knew it! How long have you been waiting to do that?”
He smiled. “A long time. I didn’t want to scare you off or make you feel manipulated.”
I laughed. “Nope. I’m glad things worked out this way. I’m thrilled to be here with you.”
He hugged me close, and I closed my eyes, realizing this was my dream—the one I’d given up on, the one I’d secretly yearned for. Paxton had made it all come true because he was brave enough, strong enough, to come find me again. We were surrounded by good friends and food, kept close by love and hope.
A little while later, on the makeshift dance floor, Paxton wrapped his arms around my waist and rocked me gently. “How’s the leg holding up?”
“Great,” I said.
“Soon you’ll be able to leg press more than me. Interested in a whirl around the ice?” he asked.
“With you? Sure.”
The DJ made an announcement, and Paxton led me out to the arena. I sat on the bench as I slid on white custom-made skates, which Paxton insisted on tying for me. Keelie handed me a white faux-fur wrap that covered my bare arms. Together, with most of the Wildcatters, we drifted sedately around the ice. I breathed in the faint tang through my nose and smiled.
“Thank you,” I said, tipping my head back against Paxton’s chest as he held me securely.
“Of course. What are you thanking me for?”
“Today. For asking me to marry you. For loving me. For not taking no for an answer when I was too scared to join you in Houston. For believing in me. For introducing me to the greatest group of women I could ever hope to know. For not laughing at my inability to skate. For making me feel beautiful despite my rather apparent flaws. For?—”
Paxton’s lips sealed over mine, and he kissed me with a slow thoroughness I couldn’t help but melt into. And as he kissed me, he navigated us expertly around the ice.
I broke the kiss with a laugh when I heard the thick, pulsing thump of Ginuwine’s well-known song.
“Now?” I asked.
“We have to perfect our performance for the fundraiser in August.”
“Well, then, let’s have it,” I said.
I skated to the boards and off the ice to settle in a front-row seat.
“It never gets old watching them dance,” Millie said with a lusty sigh. She bit her lip.
“Nope. Never,” Naomi said. “As one of the oldest married women here, I can tell you it just gets better and better—like great tequila.”
“True,” Paloma said.
“We’re a lucky bunch,” Keelie murmured.
“We chose well,” Ida Jane agreed. She offered us each a bottle of water and settled into the seat next to me. “I love your unconventional wedding.” She smiled. “This is way more fun than a traditional reception.”
“That’s because you get to ogle Maxim’s ass.” Millie winked.
“Definitely not complaining about that,” Ida Jane agreed.
“To our hot guys,” I said. “And fun weddings.” I raised my water bottle, and the other women tapped theirs to mine.
“Now show us your moves,” Naomi shouted.
We settled back and enjoyed the show.