Page 147 of Redemption

Sloan pulled away, her cheeks tinged with pink. She threaded her hand through my arm, and I placed my other hand on top of hers. Greer handed her the bouquet, wiping away tears with a tissue. Everyone was smiling and clapping, and even Graham gave me a nod of approval on our way out.

While everyone else filed out, I pulled Sloan into my arms and kissed her deeply. “Fuck, hayati. You look so damn beautiful.”

“Mm.” Her eyes were liquid heat as she surveyed me. “You clean up nice, sailor.”

I twirled her around so I could admire her. She was stunning. She was mine.

“Are you happy?” I asked her later, while dinner was being served. Everyone was seated at a single table, and I was so happy we’d decided to have an intimate wedding.

Everything from the candles to the flower arrangements were like something out of a magazine. It was luxurious, and I was pleased that everyone seemed so at ease. My mom was talking with Knox and Nate. Even Graham seemed to be enjoying himself. At least, as much as Graham seemed capable of enjoying anything.

Sloan smiled at me. “Incandescently.”

“Indecently?” I teased, giving her thigh a squeeze through the layers of her dress. For not the first time, I wondered what—if anything—she had on beneath her gown. I couldn’t wait to find out.

“Perhaps that too.” She placed her hand on my cheek and kissed me.

Someone tapped me on my shoulder, and I glanced over to see Brooklyn standing beside me. “What’s up?”

“Now that you married Auntie Sloan, can I call you Uncle Jackson?”

I grinned. “You can call me whatever you want.”

“How lucky am I?” she asked Sloan. “I got a mom and an uncle this year.”

I laughed and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m going to teach you all the important things.”

“Like what?” she asked. “Ooh.” Her eyes widened. “Will you teach me how to punch someone?”

“Absolutely.” I smiled. “But your aunt Sloan can you teach you that.”

“Yes!” She fist-pumped the air, and Sloan and I laughed.

Someone tapped their glass, and I expected it to be one of Sloan’s brothers, not Greer. Brooklyn returned to her seat, and I shot a worried glance at Sloan. “Uh-oh.”

She patted my thigh. “It’ll be fine.”

Greer cleared her throat, glancing at her phone. “They say that a marriage doesn’t just unite two people but two families. I guess you could say that I’m gaining a sister, but I’ve always considered Sloan my sister, so today merely cements that relationship.” Everyone laughed.

She turned to us, meeting our eyes. “The two of you have been through a lot, and you deserve all the happiness in the world. I’m so glad you’ve found that in each other. And I wish you a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure.” She raised her glass. “To Jackson and Sloan.”

Everyone echoed, “To Jackson and Sloan,” and then drank.

Nate made a speech next, and I was touched by how accepting he’d been of my relationship with Sloan. My impulsive plan to marry so quickly.

After the speeches, Brooklyn surprised us by stepping up to the microphone. Her guitar was slung over her shoulder, and she smiled nervously at the guests.

“Did you know about this?” I asked Sloan.

She shook her head. “Not a clue.”

Brooklyn started playing, and when she sang the lyrics, her voice was pure and beautiful. The song was about love and walking through fire for someone. About adoring them. It was incredible.

Everyone gave her a standing ovation when she’d finished. Her cheeks were pink, and her smile was proud.

After dinner, I stood and offered Sloan my hand. “Can I have this dance?”

She smiled and placed her hand in mine, allowing me to lead her to the dance floor. As we swayed to the music, surrounded by the people we loved, I knew that it had all been worth it. And the fact that we’d endured so much only made this moment that much sweeter.