Chapter 24
TWENTY-FOUR
Brock
“You nervous?” I ask Paxton as we wait outside the chapel, the anticipation hanging in the air between us.
He turns to me, his grin wide and genuine. “No, I can’t wait to see my girl.”
“Me either,” I say, feeling a rush of excitement.
“You really like Willow, huh?” he asks, his tone teasing but curious.
I nod, shoving my hands into my pockets. “Yeah, I really do.”
I’m not lying when I say it. I really do like Willow.
Hell, I think I love her. I’ve never been in love before, but I see how my brothers react to their girlfriends and I do the same with her.
It’s crazy because this wasn’t supposed to go from a fake relationship to a real one, but that’s what I want. I just hope Willow feels the same.
“All right, the girls are coming. Paxton and Callum, go wait in the room off the side so you can enter from the door in the front of the chapel. Everyone else, wait for your girlfriends and escort them in,” my mom says, taking charge like always.
She’s dressed impeccably, her hair styled in soft curls, her eyes sparkling with pride and emotion.
“And if we don’t have a girlfriend?” Tripp asks, shaking his head with a wry smile.
“Then you’ll just have to escort yourself in,” she retorts, not missing a beat. We all chuckle, the tension easing a bit.
As Paxton and Callum head to their designated spot, I glance around, taking in the scene.
The chapel is beautifully decorated, with white roses and elegant drapery adorning the pews.
Soft music filters through the air, adding to the romantic atmosphere.
Guests are starting to take their seats, their excited chatter filling the space.
Mom puts her arm under Tripp’s and kisses his cheek. “You and your father will be escorting me.”
I hold back a laugh when Tripp looks at me with wide eyes. “Just think of everyone staring at you as you walk Mom and Dad down the aisle,” I say, moving quickly when he pulls away from our mom.
“Boys, knock it off,” she scolds, shaking her head.
Even as adults we both stop because she told us to. “Is it weird that we both still listen to her like we’re five?” Tripp asks.
“Yep, but it’s better than pissing her off.”
Before I can reply, I hear laughing coming down the hall and I know it’s the girls.
“Here they come,” my mom says, clapping her hands.
Anya is the first one to appear and Griffin’s face lights up when he sees her. “Damn, you look stunning,” he says, kissing her lips.
“Sweetheart, you look beautiful,” my mom says, watching her and Griffin.
I’m sure in her head she is already planning their wedding. I’ve heard her mention it more than once to Anya.
In the next second, all the girls appear. My eyes immediately find Willow’s and my breath catches in my throat. She looks like a vision of perfection, fucking breathtaking. My eyes trace her body, taking in every exquisite detail of her appearance.
Her dress clings to her figure in all the right places, the emerald green fabric shimmering softly. The intricate embroidery on the bodice adds a touch of regal elegance, making her look like royalty. But naughty royalty, because the low cut front shows off her perfect tits.
Her hair is a beautiful mess of curls that are pinned up, exposing her neck, almost teasing me with it.
I walk toward her and grab her hand, pulling her to me. My arms wrap around her and I place a kiss on her soft neck.
“Damn, Willow, you take my breath away,” I whisper, pressing a kiss to her full lips.
She takes a small step back and runs her hand down the lapel of my jacket. “You’re making it pretty hard to breathe yourself.”
“You all look beautiful. Now get into the chapel,” my mom says with a laugh.
I hold my arm out and Willow hooks hers in it. “Shall we?” I ask.
She nods with a beautiful smile and we follow behind Shepherd and Felicity. We find our seats at the front of the chapel and sit down. Her side is pressed against my body and when she tries to give us a little room, I grab her leg through her dress.
“Don’t move an inch,” I whisper.
She bites her bottom lip and nods, folding her hands on her lap. I wrap my arm around her, tracing my finger on her arm.
“Hartford looks gorgeous,” she says, glancing at me.
“I’m sure she does.”
I didn’t even notice Hartford. I didn’t notice anything or anyone besides Willow. There’s no doubt I’m falling in love with her. They say you just know and it’s true. I can’t say exactly when it happened, but seeing her outside this chapel, I knew.
The music begins and we all sit up a little straighter as Paxton and Callum walk out, standing in front. Paxton looks relaxed as Callum slaps his back.
“Paxton looks amazing,” Willow whispers.
“Yeah, all of us Atwood’s clean up pretty good.”
She peeks over at me and smiles. “You definitely do.”
The Elvis impersonator steps out and stands up front by Paxton. They exchange a few words and I fight a laugh. I know they said Elvis was marrying them, but hearing it and seeing it are two completely different things.
“Think he just ate a peanut butter and banana sandwich?” Tripp asks, leaning over our parents. Elvis Presley apparently loved the sandwich combo, and Tripp thinks it’s just so funny that the impersonator might love them too.
I chuckle, running my hand down my mouth when Shepherd turns to look at me.
He’s trying to fight a laugh too, and I have to look away from him before we both lose it completely.
The door at the back of the chapel opens, and the music switches to a beautiful violin rendition.
We all stand up, the sound of rustling fabric filling the room.
Willow reaches over, grabbing my hand, and my heart slams into my chest. Her touch is reassuring, grounding me in the moment.
As Hartford begins her walk down the aisle toward Paxton, the entire chapel seems to hold its breath.
She looks radiant, her dress flowing gracefully around her as she moves.
The intricate lace and beading catch the light, making her seem almost ethereal.
My eyes start to get watery, and I silently curse the imaginary dust in the room.
I squeeze Willow’s hand, and she turns to look at me, her eyes also swimming with tears.
Her gaze is soft and full of understanding, and I lean forward to kiss her softly.
Her lips are warm and tender, a comforting presence amidst the overwhelming emotions.
She gives me a soft smile before turning her focus back to Hartford.
The moment is perfect, and I feel a swell of love and contentment.
Just as the emotions start to get the best of me, a bubble of laughter rises in my chest. I tighten my lips, trying to keep it as quiet as possible, but a small chuckle escapes.
Willow snaps her head toward me and I shrug. “Sorry, but did you realize the song playing is ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ by Elvis Presley and Elvis is marrying them?”
She fights off a giggle and shakes her head. “You’re terrible,” she whispers.
Hartford makes it to Paxton and his smile says it all. It’s a magical moment.
“You may all be seated,” Elvis instructs. “We are gathered here today to join together Paxton Atwood and Hartford Jamison in holy a hunk a hunk a matrimony.”
I burst out laughing, along with a few other people.
“Sorry,” I say when Paxton looks at me.
“Brock,” Willow scolds.
“Seriously? You didn’t find that funny?”
“Shh,” she whispers.
“The bride and groom have decided to write their own vows,” Elvis says.
Hartford smiles, taking a deep breath as she begins, "I remember the first time we met.
You were the boy who shared his pink crayon with me on that first day of kindergarten.
We were just kids, but from that moment, you became my best friend, my confidant, and my partner in crime.
We've laughed together, cried together, and created a lifetime of memories long before today.
You've seen me at my best and at my worst, and through it all, you've loved me unconditionally.
Today, I promise to love you just as fiercely.
I vow to be your rock, your safe haven, and your biggest cheerleader.
I promise to share in your dreams and support you in your endeavors.
I will stand by your side through every challenge and celebrate every triumph.
You are my best friend, my heart, and now, my husband.
I love you more than words can ever express, and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you. "
Paxton’s eyes glisten with emotion as he takes her hands and says his vows.
"From the moment I gave you my crayon, I knew you were someone special.
We grew up together, navigated the ups and downs of life, and through it all, you remained my constant, my best friend.
You've always been my rock, my source of joy, and my inspiration.
I cherish every memory we've made and every moment we've shared.
Today, I stand before you, ready to make new memories and share new moments as your husband.
I vow to love you with all my heart, to be there for you through thick and thin, to support you in everything you do, and to always make you laugh, even on the toughest days.
You are my best friend, my soulmate, and my everything.
I love you more than words can say, and I am so grateful to spend forever with you. "
As they finish their vows, there isn't a dry eye in the room. The love and deep connection between Paxton and Hartford is palpable, a beautiful testament to their journey from best friends to lifelong partners.
Willow looks at me and I reach over, catching a tear before it races down her cheek. “Even when you cry, you’re beautiful.”
She smiles at me, squeezing my hand. “You too.”
“Now, by the power invested in me by the state of Nevada and the Elvis Impersonators, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Paxton nearly attacks Hartford, kissing her with a hunger that I am beginning to know all too well.
“That was beautiful,” Willow says, as we all stand and clap.
“Way to go Pax,” I shout.
“It’s party time,” Tripp says.
It is definitely time to celebrate and I’m doing it with the most gorgeous girl.