Page 170 of The Flirty Vet

"We're so glad you invited us," Gus says with a huge grin.

We've decided we want to be in each other's lives on our own terms. It feels weird to both of us to call each other father and son, so we're just going to take each day as it comes. The four of us have a WhatsApp group, and they've extended us an open invitation to France, where they've relocated to.

We take a few more steps before getting flanked by Dunlop, Robbie, Travis, and Luca. We all exchange hugs and backslaps.

"Guys, we are seriously dehydrated," I complain.

We move over to the bar, grab drinks, and spend a few minutes catching up with the fellas.

"I told you this would happen," Robbie says with a self-satisfied smirk. "I should've bet some money."

"Why, are you strapped for cash, babe?" Dunlop teases.

I roll my eyes. "Yeah. It must be tough slipping down a place on the Richest Aussies under Thirty list."

"It's the worst," Dunlop says seriously. "The literal worst."

Silence.

And then all of us burst out laughing.

Col's talking to Luca and Robbie, so I hang back with Travis and Dunlop. "Hey, thanks again for hooking us up with a sick honeymoon."

"Don't mention it," Dunlop says, patting me on the back.

"It's nothing," Trav adds.

It's not nothing.

Once we're done here, Col and I will be boarding Dunlop's private jet and heading to the Whitsundays, which is basically paradise on earth, where Travis has kindly hired out a luxury yacht for us at a secluded marina. The place is run by two guys, Leo and Rove, and we can make all the noise we want. Because, yes, I asked. Because, yes, I cannot wait to hear my husband scream my name as I pound into him.

Okay, I need to change the topic so I don't get boned up talking to my friends.

Mrs. Mangle calls us over to eat. Col is off and racing faster than the backwards camel races we have out here for Pride.

After dinner, we have the customary speeches. Hig's is so heartfelt and moving it makes even the manliest farmer shed a tear. Gran manages to drop at least half a dozen f-bombs into hers. Brant is super eloquent and fights back tears as he talks about his lifelong friendship with Col. And Katrina's is short, sweet, and to the point.

"Everyone here wishes you a lifetime of happiness. Col, if you break Wilby's heart, we will chase you out of town, and Wilby, if you stuff things up, we'll chase you out of town. Now let's have some fun!"

It's time for our first dance. But before we step out onto the dance floor, I say, "I've got a gift for you."

I asked Katrina for it earlier. She'd been carrying it in her purse for me. I hand Col the gold-wrapped rectangle.

"Um, I don't think buying a gift for the person you're marrying is a thing," he says.

I grin. "It's not from me, but it is from someone you like very much."

Col frowns as he rips the gift open. "Oh my god." He takes a step back and almost drops the book. "This hasn't even been released yet."

"Benji wanted you to have an advance copy." I move closer. "Is there an inscription?"

Col's still blown away, looking at the cover––which admittedly is gorgeous––like it's priceless gold or something.

"Um, let me see." He flicks the book open, then breaks out in an enormous smile. "It's three words."

"Wilby's the best?"

Col laughs. "Not quite. Benji wrote,I knew it."