you have any last-minute advice for me?” he inquires.
“My only advice is to never let her go. You’re not as much of a dick when you’re with her.”
“Fuck you.”
“Anytime.”
The door opens, and Mrs. Coleman pops her head inside. “I just wanted to see my boy before we have to take our seats.”
Damon’s grin grows. “I’ll meet you down there, Fred.”
Before I can slip out of the room, I receive an unexpected sly smile from the woman who birthed the love of my life. “We’ll talk later, Freddie.”
I suppress a smile and close the door behind me. Outside, rows of white chairs with cream bows tied around them line the lawn. A crisp white aisle splits the two, and there are flowers everywhere. Guests mill around, talking and sipping from their champagne flutes, and I head for the alter. River and Baz are keeping back, and I don’t blame them. Over two hundred guests have flown in for the wedding of the year.
“Alice won’t be happy if you’ve lost the groom,” River quips.
“Shut up, I haven’t lost him. He’s talking with his mom.”
“Did you tell her you’ve been banging her daughter?” Baz asks.
“Haven’t you got some coke to snort?” I snap back.
This isn’t like him. He’s the funny one, but never in a malicious way.
“It’d be the perfect time to tell the folks you’re together. They’ll be too busy fussing over their only son getting married to want to kill you.”
Kill me? They’ve always said River, Baz, and I were the sons they didn’t need to birth. Surely they wouldn’t think I’d be a terrible match for their daughter?
“Don’t listen to him, Fred. The Coleman’s love you, and they respect their children’s choices.”
I can barely muster a smile of appreciation when Damon struts down the aisle with his mom. He kisses her on the cheek before she takes a seat in the front row, and heads over to us.
“You good?” River asks.
“More than, brother.”
The preacher from town joins us, instructing us on where to stand. River, being closest to Damon, stands beside him, and I take the next spot, with Baz taking the last.
Soft music from the harp plays through the air, telling us the show is ready to begin. Lacey’s daughters walk up the aisle in their pretty pink dresses, scattering rose petals. Next up is Jamiee, and the feeling in my legs disappears with one look at her.
I knew she was going to blow me away, but I didn’t count on losing my damn mind. Her dress clings to her as she takes each step, her hair loosely curled and flowing down her back. Her smile… Fuck, her radiant smile is knocking me on my ass.
Clutching her bouquet of flowers, she takes her place, and everyone rises for Alice. All on her own, she appears and walks toward Damon. Leaning back slightly, I look over to Jamiee, who’s staring right at me.
I hear the guests remarking on how beautiful Alice looks, but I only have eyes for my girl.
When the music fades to silence, the preacher calls for everyone’s attention, and begins the ceremony.
Jamiee’s hair shimmers in the sunlight, and her smile grows just by looking at me. I’m feeling on top of the fucking world, and I’m not the one getting married today.
I don’t hear a word of the vows, and I snap out of my Jamiee haze when everyone stands and cheers.
Damon and Alice walk hand in hand down the aisle, and Jamiee starts to follow when River makes to move to walk with her. Shoving him to the side, none too gently, I take his place and hold my arm out for her. When she slides hers through mine, I whisper, “You’re killing me here, sweet thing.”
“You’re not looking so bad yourself, Mr. Tucker.”
“I’m reconsidering not telling your dad about us. I’m gonna struggle to keep my hands off you today.”
“It’s Damon and Alice’s day,” she whispers back. “Behave, and you can have me all to yourself tonight.”
Fucking hell. My dick is literally throbbing in my slacks at the thought.
We come to the end of the aisle where we’re meant to part ways and walk around to the large oak tree for photos, but I can’t for the life of me let go of her. Slipping my arm from hers, I grab her hand and lead her into the house unnoticed while everyone’s too busy trying to get a glimpse of the bride and groom.
“Freddie! Where are we going?” she squeals.
“If I can’t be alone with