Rose handed Lacy her flowers and then looked back at me. “I’m so happy I could scream. Instead, I’ll allow Hunter to take me to my seat.”
“Carl?” I asked.
“He woke up feeling like a hundred bucks. I swear, since he retired he’s gotten a second wind. He’s already sitting down, chatting with Ron.”
I nodded and smiled. “Good, I’m glad he’s feeling so much better. I’m sure that makes Aiden happy as well.”
Rose nodded and then kissed me on the cheek. “I’ll see you soon, sweetheart.”
Before I knew it, everyone was rushing around, and my mother and Rose were whisked away by Hunter. Soon it was just me, Lacy, and our dad.
“You’re sure you’re not pregnant?” my father asked as the music started to play.
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, and you have other things to worry about.”
He lifted a brow. “Such as?”
“Me and Lacy tripping down the steps.”
Lacy tossed me a dirty look over her shoulder as she went to take her first step down. “Thanks, that wasn’t even a concern of mine until this very moment.”
“Hold the railing, darling!” Daddy whisper-shouted.
The next few minutes went by in a blur. Lacy and I safely made it down the steps, and straight ahead of me, through the large living room and the double French doors that led out to the sunroom, stood Aiden and Hunter. I almost started to cry when I saw Ben in Aiden’s arms. The plan had been for my mother to hold him, but I wasn’t the least bit surprised to see him with Aiden. Lord, how that made my heart feel as if it would burst. How in the world had I lucked out with this man?
“He has Ben,” I said, feeling myself struggle to take a breath.
My father squeezed my hand. “In through the nose, out through the mouth,” he said softly. “He’s a good man, Willamina. And he’s going to love that little boy like he was his own. Anyone can see that.”
All I could do was nod and grin like a silly, happy fool. Finally, my dreams were coming true.
I was marrying Aiden Michael O’Hara.
Aiden
The moment Willa appeared at the bottom of the steps, I felt my knees weaken. I suddenly couldn’t breathe, and all I could do was stare at the most beautiful woman I’d ever laid eyes on. How in the hell had I been able to win her love? I vowed right then and there I would never, ever take it for granted, and I would be the best damn husband and father there ever was. She and our children deserved nothing less.
“Take a breath, Aiden, or you’re going to fall, and my first duty will be to save my nephew and let you face-plant,” Hunter whispered from beside me.
I drew in a breath and then said, “She’s beautiful.”
“That she is. Don’t fuck this up,” Hunter warned.
I slowly shook my head and replied, “I have no intention of doing that—and watch your language around Ben.”
Ben was watching his mother slowly walk toward us. He was clearly as taken by her as I was because he was perfectly still, his eyes pinned on her every move.
“Your mommy looks beautiful, doesn’t she, Ben?” I asked, bouncing him in my arms.
He swung his little head to look at me and smiled. “Mama.”
I returned the gesture. “Yes, big boy. It’s your mama.”
Focusing back on Willa, I watched as she pulled her eyes away from me and looked at the guests sitting in the large sunroom, slowly making her way forward. I wanted to shout, Run! Hurry! Just get to us! But I drew in a deep breath and let it out. Patience, Aiden. You’ve waited this long, a few more moments won’t hurt you.
I let my own gaze sweep over everyone. All eyes were on my stunning bride. Brighton’s parents were there, of course. Greer sat on the other side of them with her folks, Karen and Lance, flanking her. In front of them was Arabella and her parents, James and Sharon. Other folks from around Boggy Creek filled the seats as well. Kyle, Adam, and Bishop all sat in a row together, with Jack at Kyle’s feet.
Millie Parks, who owned the candy store, was there, as well as Annie James and other business owners and friends from town. Mitch Hathaway was also sitting behind Brighton’s folks. Mitch and I had become pretty good friends. It helped that we were both ex-SEALS, as well as partners in our new venture to bring attention to PTSD and TBI. Our bond was more than just the brotherhood. We, unfortunately, shared another common thing—war.
Sitting behind my mother and grandfather were Betty, Tim, and Carol from the business. They all wore wide grins on their faces as they watched Willa walk by. Hell, damn near the whole town of Boggy Creek was here.