We weren’t doing overly formal, but we weren’t doing wild valley heathen either.
After all, this wasn’t a small affair.
Not only was I getting married but I also accounted for half of the fifty guests who would witness our vows. People I’d met through shared tragedy, online commenters who’d turned into friends from my SOM channel, and strays of the world who believed they had no one, only to realize they had each other.
Our house was open to anyone who needed to stay. Be it for a night, a week, or a month. We didn’t turn anyone away. Welcoming domestic abuse cases, foster kids who never found safe housing, and men and women like me who’d been bought and sold at the whims of bastards.
Running my hands through my hair, I looked at the dog who’d helped put me back together again and sighed. “Ready?”
Fang barked and headed for the door.
I followed him.
* * * * *
“Didn’t fancy having a haircut for your own wedding, huh?” Joshua elbowed me as we stood at the top of the aisle. Our friends had already arrived, taking their seats, their voices hushed and waiting.
We’d chosen to do this in our garden, right outside the main house.
When we’d first bought this place—my popularity online with an outdoor survival channel ensuring I could match Gem’s down payment and pay back all my debts to her—the size and build reminded me of Fables. Now though, it looked nothing like it. The bricks had been whitewashed. The dead ivy had been ripped away. And the windows were open to fresh air and warm sunshine.
A priest stood to the side of Josh and me, his eyes kind and wise, even if his body did remind me a little of Storymaker. A flash of awareness shot through me, Fang nuzzled my hand, and I settled back into the present.
Any second now, Gem would appear.
I had no intention of missing a moment.
I looked at my almost brother-in-law. Over the past year, we’d grown close. I’d gotten used to his sense of humor, and he’d been fundamental in teaching me how to let down my guard around men.
We’d gone out for meals together; we’d drunk and watched TV together. It helped that he looked like Gem, so my mind stayed fairly calm, but I wouldn’t lie and say he hadn’t been a huge help in reclaiming my life.
And I liked having a friend.
Someone I hadn’t had to hold in the dark, wipe away their tears, and commit murder to keep them safe.
“Your sister likes my long hair.” I smirked. “It gives her something to hold on to when I—”
“Ah gross, man.” Josh gagged. “As far as I’m concerned, you guys just hold hands.”
I caught sight of Katie in the front row. Gem had forgone bridesmaids, but she still wore a cute pink dress, her hair up and attention locked firmly on Josh. “Just like you and Katie only hold hands?” I laughed under my breath. “I saw you guys on our last double date. You totally forgot you were still in the parking lot and not in your bedroom.”
“Yeah, well.” Josh sighed, his jokey exterior faltering as he looked at Gem’s manic best friend, who I had no doubt would become the sister that she’d hinted at back at the gala last year. “What can I say? She’s strong. Her grip from climbing is...” He shrugged. “Let’s just say it feels better than mine.”
“Say no more. I know all about that climber’s strength.”
We shared a look then froze as everyone stood and looked behind them.
Gem appeared.
Fang immediately took off, running down the grassy aisle, straight to her side. Her mother, Maggie, looped her arm around Gem’s, walking beside her in place of the father she’d lost so many years ago.
My heartbeat exploded.
Fuck, she was stunning in an off-white dress with silver lace over her shoulders and chest, fanning out into a heavy gown that kissed the ground as she walked toward me.
Fang moved with them, his gray and white fur matching Gem perfectly.
I swayed on the spot as the lingering effects of my concussion made my head pound. Blood rushed through my body, not knowing if it wanted to go to my heart or between my legs. I groaned beneath my breath as love poured through me.
Love and gratefulness.
Happiness and connection.
I wanted to run up the aisle and grab her. I never wanted to let her go.
“Ah, you’re so screwed.” Josh snickered as Gem slowed, kissing her mom on her cheek before walking the final distance to me. “You are the epitome of whipped, my friend.”
I elbowed him back as Gem came to stand before me. “Happily whipped, brother.” I grinned. “Totally, eternally whipped.”
Gem scowled at both of us, her eyes shadowed with makeup, her hair loose and long down her back. “What are you two muttering about?”