SUTTON

ONE YEAR BEFORE EPILOGUE

An endless array of voices spilled out over the backyard. Kids played in the pool, letting out what resembled battle cries, my son leading the charge.

“I’m going higher this time, little dude,” Kye called, flipping his sunglasses onto the top of his head.

“Gonna touch the sky,” Luca said in challenge.

Kye grinned, swinging the pool ring back and forth. “One…two…three!”

“Aaaaayyyyeeee!” Luca shouted as he ran, launching himself into the air in a way that made my stomach lurch. My little daredevil. He caught the ring easily and formed his body into a cannonball, creating a splash that drenched Keely and Daniel.

“Dude!” Daniel called as Luca popped up. “That was fire!”

Fire? I swore they were eight going on eighteen.

Familiar, strong arms came around me, bringing the scent of mint and sage. “Having a mini heart attack?” Cope asked, amusement lacing his words.

“Just my daily dose of a dozen or so, but if I tell him to be careful, he’ll only go higher.”

Cope chuckled, the sound husky against my ear. “He’s my son, through and through.”

Hearing him say, “my son,” never got old. The paperwork had gone through a month ago, but Cope had started referring to Luca as his the moment Luca started calling him Dad. It made me a little emotional every single time.

I leaned back against Cope’s chest, relishing his strength. “Let’s just hope he doesn’t try to pull his ninja moves down the aisle in two weeks.”

Cope smiled against my temple. “Just remember, it was Kye and Arden who got him hooked on that particular hobby.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m getting my revenge on them both. Kye has to wear a suit for the wedding. And I’m making Arden come to the country bar for my bachelorette.”

“Didn’t know you could be so cold.”

I laughed. “I’ve got a vengeance streak that could give Fallon a run for her money.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, my wife.”

Warmth spread through me at those words, too. “Two weeks, buddy.”

“Nope,” Cope said easily. “You’ve been mine from the moment I saw you doing battle with that tire in the parking lot. Just like I’ve been yours.”

I turned in his arms, my eyes misting over. “Copeland Colson, how dare you make me cry at our welcome home barbecue? I spent a good thirty minutes on this eye shadow.”

He pressed a kiss just beneath my eye. “And it looks stunning. Can’t wait to mess it up tonight.”

I pulled back so I could take in his face. “I don’t want to let a single second of these next two weeks pass without taking it in. Feeling it.”

Cope’s expression softened. “Not going to miss a moment.” He brushed the hair back from my face. “Are you ready to talk to Walter?”

I pulled my lip between my teeth, worrying the edge. I needed to. I’d put it off every weekend we came home to Sparrow Falls. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to ask him. I did.

Cope lifted a hand and gently dislodged my lip. “Warrior. What’s going through that beautiful mind of yours?”

“I’m scared.”

His gentle expression only grew more tender. “Talk me through it.”

This was one of the infinite reasons I was marrying this man. He would always talk through a problem or big feelings with me for as long as I needed. “I’m scared,” I finally admitted.

Cope pulled me closer. “He’s gonna be over the moon, baby. There’s no other response.”

Walter had become the best force for good in my and Luca’s life since he came to work at The Mix Up. So, when it was time for me to decide who would walk me down the aisle, there was only one person I wanted to ask. Him.

“What if he thinks it’s weird?”

“Never gonna happen.”

“I can ask him tomorrow at the bakery.” One more day.

“Warrior—”

A whistle split the air, cutting Cope off. “Coming through with important bridesmaid business,” Lolli called, Walter following behind her, shaking his head.

“She is taking this bridesmaid role a little too seriously,” Cope muttered.

I choked on a laugh. “I need all my important people up there with me.”

“Lookie what came in!” Lolli did a shimmy shake and held up a tie-dyed pink shirt that read, Same Dick Forever.

“Lolli!” I shrieked, grabbing the shirt from her. “I’m not wearing that.”

She frowned. “Why not? Having second thoughts? One penis for the rest of your life is kind of a hard truth.”

“Lolli,” Cope warned.

“I’ll show you one dick forever,” Walter growled.

“Oh, Jesus,” Trace muttered as he walked past. “I don’t wanna know.”

“You definitely don’t,” Cope called.

“Okay, I have a second option.” Lolli unfurled a second shirt that read, Will Flash for Shots.

“I am demoting you,” Cope snarled.

“Oh, fine, you party pooper. This one.”

The third shirt was a winner. It had a pink bumble bee and read Bride to Bee.

My eyes filled with tears. “Lolli,” I croaked.

“Oh shoot, shoot, shoot. She’s crying. Why’s she crying? Because of the same-penis thing?” Lolli asked in a panicked voice.

Walter chuckled. “Because she loves it. And because you know her so well.”

My gaze cut to the older man as my tears fell. “Will you walk me down the aisle?”

Walter’s eyes went wide. “Me?”

I nodded, nerves churning.

Walter’s eyes glistened. “Would be an honor,” he croaked. “Walking you down the aisle.”

I flew at him, and he pulled me into a tight hug. “Love you like you’re one of my own.”

“Love you, too.”

“Oh schnikes, now I’m crying,” Lolli said, fanning at her eyes.

Cope just grinned. “Told you.”

I released Walter and went to my husband. “I love you.”

“You know what those words do to me, Warrior.”

“Save it for later.”

“That’s a promise.”

One he made very good on.