Page 146 of Wedlocked

“No offense,” I called. “You look nice.”

She smiled and started walking again, a small bunch of flowers in her hands.

Next was Madison. Then Landry.

Shouldn’t they already be out here?Why did I need to watch them wandering around in the same dress? Whose wedding was this?

Suddenly, the music changed, and my heart skipped a couple beats. When it started back up, it was pounding against my ribs.

Everyone turned to look.

The door opened, and my whole life realigned.

The reason I did all this stupid waiting, put balloons everywhere, and let her forbid seeing me for the morning… It was this moment right here.

Jess stepped out, and, bros, I felt sorry for every other man on this planet. They missed out. They missed out big time. Butgoddamnwas I one lucky bastard.

She started forward. The skirt of her dress was ruffly and moved around in the breeze. The long white veil floated out behind her, and the dark curls lying against her chest swayed.

“That’s my wife!” I hollered and sped away from the makeshift altar and down the aisle to collect her.

Pretty sure some people laughed. I didn’t listen. I was too busy eating up every inch of my forever. She looked like an angel. Even her hair sparkled.

Her eyes never left mine, lips curling up into a smile.

Just as I reached for her, I was intercepted. A body dressed in a classic tux stepped between us, keeping me from what was mine.

“Don’t make me become a criminal and a husband on the same day,” I warned, trying to lunge around the block. “I’ll do it.”

A hand collided with my shoulder and pushed me back. “Back off.”

I glanced up. “P! I mean, A! What the hell are you doing, Matt?” How many names did he have now? How was I supposed to remember them with Jess standing there looking like that? “You trying to keep me from my wife?”

“She’s not your wife yet.”

“Brooo,” I threatened.

He pointed down the aisle. “You’re supposed to wait down there.”

“I’m tired of waiting,” I grumped. “Been waiting my whole life.”

“Five more minutes won’t kill you.”

“It might you.”

“Ben!” Jess gasped, popping her gorgeous head around him. “How dare you talk to your brother like that.”

“Why are you so pretty?” I asked, getting a little misty-eyed. “Come over here. Let me see you.”

She started forward, but Matt got between us. “I didn’t give her to you yet.”

I sputtered. “Excuse me?”

“I asked Matty to walk me down the aisle,” Jess explained.

“The groom doesn’t walk the bride down the aisle,” Matt confirmed. “That’s a brother’s job.”

I glanced between my brother and my girl, pursing my lips. “This some tradition?”