Chapter 30

CHAPTER THIRTY

" M m." I stretched, reaching out for Jackson, but when I opened my eyes, the bed was empty.

It was Saturday, and I couldn't believe we'd already been in LA a week. Jasper had gone back to London to oversee operations there until I was ready to return. I'd told him it wasn't necessary, but he'd said he was happy to go.

Jackson and I were supposed to go out on Knox's yacht with everyone this afternoon. I wished Jasper would be here for it, but I was looking forward to seeing Jude and his girlfriend Chrissy and spending more time with my family.

Between meeting with the board, catching up on what I'd missed while we'd been sailing the Caribbean, and getting Jackson up to speed as our new chief of security, my days had been busy but full. My nights had been spent in bed with Jackson. And I loved waking up with him every morning. Getting ready for work together and knowing I'd get to see him at the end of the day.

He seemed to get along well with my brothers, even Graham. And he was loving his new role. I knew Jackson would miss his coworkers from Hudson, but he didn't seem to regret his decision, which was a relief.

Part of me had worried how we'd adapt to living and working together. And while I knew there might still be an adjustment period when we actually went back to London next week, I wasn't concerned. If anything, I was excited to share all my favorite places with him. To get to show him one of my favorite cities—or stay home doing nothing at all.

Jackson entered the room a moment later with a breakfast tray and a smile. He was shirtless, and his gray sweatpants hung low on his waist. It was distracting, to say the least. I scanned his chest, my eyes lingering on the sextant tattoo where my initials were hidden.

He smirked, setting the tray on the bed. "Hungry?"

"Definitely." I sat up, letting the sheet fall to my waist.

His eyes darkened, and my nipples hardened beneath his eager gaze.

"Thanks for bringing me breakfast in bed. I feel so spoiled."

He leaned in, capturing my lips for a lingering kiss. "Good."

I lifted the silver dome to reveal the plate, but the only thing on it was a small box covered in royal blue suede. "This doesn't look like breakfast," I joked. But then it hit me. Wait. Was it… Was he…

He'd talked about proposing nearly a week ago. And with everything that had happened since, I'd pushed the idea from my mind.

"It's not breakfast," he said, seeming nervous for the first time. "But hopefully it's something better." He took my hand in his. "I love you, Sloan. You've always seen me and loved me for who I am. You are my home. My everything. And I can't wait to spend our lives together. Marry me."

"Yes," I said without hesitation, wiping away a tear. "Yes, Jackson." I smiled.

He opened the box, and I gasped. My grandmother's engagement ring was nestled inside—a vintage Tiffany setting that I'd always loved for its simplicity and sentimentality. My grandparents had been partners in every sense of the word. Their love had endured the loss of their children. The challenges of starting and growing an international business. The raising of their grandchildren. And so much more.

"Where did you get that?" I whispered. I hadn't seen her ring in years.

His expression was solemn when he met my gaze. "Graham gave it to me."

My eyes bulged. "Graham…"

Jackson caressed the back of my hand with his thumb. "He'd been saving it for you. For when you found the right man."

I swiped away tears. I couldn't believe it. Jackson slid the ring on my finger, and it was a perfect fit.

"I was going to buy you an engagement ring…" He smiled down at my hand. "But I knew this would mean more to you."

"You're right. And thank you." I pushed the tray aside and wrapped my arms around him. "I love you so much, Jackson. You are my protector and my home. And I cannot wait to be your wife."

"How about tomorrow?"

"How about what tomorrow?" I asked, still admiring the ring and the man who'd given it to me.

"Let's get married—tomorrow."

"What?"

"Tomorrow," he said again, a third time now. My brain still couldn't seem to comprehend the word in this context.

"You can't be serious? What about…a dress? And a venue? And our families? And…" There were so many details, it could make my head spin. It was inconceivable to think that we could make everything happen in a day.

"Do you trust me?" he asked.

"Of course," I said instantly. This was crazy, but also…kind of awesome. Could we actually pull it off? "Even if we wanted to get married tomorrow, what about a marriage license?"

"You can get married same-day in California. It happened a few years ago with one of Hudson's celebrity clients and caused quite the stir. And we have the perfect venue." He spread his arm wide to encompass the room and the Huxley Grand LA. "With catering and flowers. And multiple spaces available for a last-minute intimate wedding. Jasper offered to come back to help coordinate everything."

"Wait. Jasper knows?" I asked, and he nodded. First, the ring from Graham, and now, Jasper's assistance. "So my brothers not only know of your plan and are okay with it, but are actively helping?"

He grinned.

I stared at him in awe, and for the first time, I realized how serious he was. Jackson had not only figured out several of the biggest logistics to pulling off a quick wedding, but he'd gotten my family on board. Why was I even hesitating? I'd never wanted a big wedding, and the details didn't matter to me so long as my family would be there. But…

"What about Greer?" I couldn't get married without her by my side.

"I talked to Knox, and he offered to send the jet for her and Mom and the kids. All you have to do is say the word. Say yes."

My jaw dropped open. "What? When? When did you have time to do all this?"

"I may have made a few discreet inquiries the past few days."

"This is…" I blinked a few times, still in disbelief. "Crazy." Wasn't it?

He lifted a shoulder. "I didn't think you'd want a big wedding."

"You're right. I don't. I can do without most of the traditions like the garter toss and a bridal party in matching outfits. But what do you want?" This wasn't just about me; this was about us. And while it was one day in our lives, it was an important one.

Jackson pinned me to the bed, and I was momentarily distracted by the feeling of his bare skin on mine. "I want you to be my wife. I don't care when or how it happens, so long as we're together."

Oh god, I loved the sound of that. My wife. It had a nice ring to it, especially when he practically purred with pleasure.

"That's exactly how I feel." I smiled up at him. "Okay. Okay. I guess we're going to do this. I need to find a dress—and a glam squad."

"Already taken care of, thanks to Nate." He kissed me then pushed off the bed. "His stylist will be here in thirty. And Emerson said she'd send over her glam squad."

I was speechless.

Nate's stylist, Jay Crow, was in high demand. He styled Nate and Emerson, Kendall and Knox. I'd worked with him a few times, and he was talented. I couldn't wait to see what he'd come up with for a wedding dress, especially on such short notice. But I knew if anyone could work their magic, it was him.

"Jay will be here soon, as well as Kendall, Emerson, and Brooklyn." He grinned, clearly pleased with himself. "Emerson offered to FaceTime Greer and my mom so they could be part of choosing your dress if you wanted."

"You've really thought of everything, haven't you?" I asked, touched. Gah. This man was going to turn me into a puddle of goo if he kept it up.

"You know me." He kissed me deeply, thoroughly. "I have to think of all angles."

"Mm." I rocked my hips against him. "All angles, huh?"

He thrust against me, and I could feel how hard he was through his sweatpants. So when he moved to stand, I pouted. "Where are you going?"

"They'll be here in twenty-five minutes." He adjusted himself, and I tried to ignore the bulge in his pants.

"You were so sure I was going to say yes, huh?" I teased.

"Considering how enthusiastic you were when I mentioned marriage, I figured you'd say yes to marrying me. As to the quick wedding…" He lifted a shoulder.

I glanced at the clock on the nightstand. "Yikes!" I jumped up out of the bed. "I need to shower."

"I'll help." He flashed me a wicked grin.

"No." I pushed him toward the bedroom door instead. "I'll never be ready on time if you join me."

"Later, then?"

I shook my head. "It's the night before our wedding. You'll have to stay somewhere else."

He frowned. "Oh, so we're going to observe that tradition?"

"It's only one night. And…I don't know how you feel about it, but I'd like to give you a wedding ring."

"Of course I'm wearing a wedding ring." He looked offended.

"Okay, then." I bit back a smile, loving how serious he was about this. "Text me your ring size, and… Wait. What else do I need to take care of?" I asked, my mind still trying to catch up with everything.

He glanced down at his phone. "Jasper wants to know if you have any color palettes you love or hate?" he asked, following me to the bathroom. I started the shower, knowing I was short on time. Jackson got dressed while we quickly brainstormed our wedding.

By the time I'd finished, we'd sorted out most of the details. He wrapped a towel around me, then kissed me. "See you tomorrow, fiancée."

I laughed. "That's probably the only time you'll get to call me that. This is the shortest engagement ever."

"Good." He paused, grinning. "Because I can't wait to call you my wife." He gave me a quick peck, and then he was gone.

I sat there in shock for a minute before leaping into action. I called Greer while I got dressed. I think she screamed for a minute straight because she was so excited that we were officially going to be family. I should've never doubted her.

I was just finishing breakfast when there was a knock at the door. I peered through the peephole and smiled at the sight of Emerson, Brooklyn, and Kendall.

"Congratulations!" they said in unison as I opened the door.

"Thank you. Thank you. Come on in. Room service will be up shortly with some snacks and drinks, or feel free to order anything off the menu."

It wasn't long before Jay and his team arrived. The rest of the day passed in a rush of fittings and wedding band shopping and pampering at the spa and just so much fun with some of my favorite people.

Brooklyn went home after lunch. She'd muttered something about needing time to prepare for something, and I wondered what that was about.

Greer arrived late afternoon, and the moment I flung open the door, she threw her arms around me. "You're going to be my sister for real."

We laughed and cried, and I was so happy. "Jackson thinks I'm marrying him, but we both know I'm actually doing this to legally be your sister."

"I knew it!" She wiped away a tear and then stood aside.

Belinda stepped forward, taking my hands in hers. "Oh, Sloan. I'm so very happy. I always suspected there was something between the two of you. Whenever you two are in a room, there's this…energy. Electricity."

I smiled and hugged her. "Thank you for coming."

"Are you kidding? We wouldn't miss it, especially not after Jackson told us we'd get to fly in the private jet," Belinda joked.

I laughed, giving her another hug before turning to Greer. "Where are the kids?"

"Hanging out with their new cousin at her Hollywood mansion. They're with Brooklyn and Nate."

"Nice," I said.

"And…we need to get ready," she said, after a quick glance at her phone.

"For what?"

She grinned, pushing me toward the bedroom. "We're going out for your last night as a single ladyyyy."

"Uh-oh. Should I be scared?" I was joking. Sort of.

"Nah." She grinned, but it was full of mischief.

The rest of the day was a whirlwind of champagne and presents and friends and so much fun. We went out on Knox's yacht for my combined bridal shower and bachelorette party. Kendall, Emerson, Greer, and Belinda had spoiled me, and I'd never felt more surrounded by love and support.

Kendall's present was a gorgeous navy silk robe with "Bride" embroidered on it in white. Emerson had given me some incredible lingerie, which had prompted a comment from Greer that she didn't want to think about the fact that her brother was the groom. Belinda's quip had been that maybe Greer's kids would finally get some cousins. Everyone laughed.

I loved the tote bag with "Honeymoon Vibes" on it from Greer. She'd filled it with fun snacks and all sorts of things. And I was touched by Belinda's gift. A silver plate that had belonged to Jackson's grandmother with "Shaw" engraved into it.

I didn't ask Greer about Logan; I was too afraid to. And she didn't mention him. But she seemed to be enjoying herself.

Before I realized it, it was time to go to bed. Belinda and the kids were staying at Nate's, and Greer was at the suite with me. I kept pausing when I'd catch sight of myself in the mirror. It wasn't just the engagement ring that was different. It was me. I was so happy. So full of joy.

My phone chimed with an incoming text.

Jackson: Sweet dreams, fiancée. Can't wait to see you tomorrow.

Me: Me either. I love you.

Jackson: I love you, hayati.

I flopped back on the bed with a huge smile. I had no idea what to expect for the venue, the flowers, anything, but I didn't care. I was marrying Jackson, and I was practically giddy. Just the idea of walking down the aisle to him was a dream come true. The rest of it, the details, didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was him.

I knocked on Greer's door early the next morning. "I hope that's coffee," she called.

I laughed and flung open the door before running and diving onto her bed. "I'm getting married today!"

She rolled onto her back. "Not at all excited, are you?"

"Not at all," I deadpanned. And then we burst out laughing.

We ordered room service, and Greer checked in with her mom and the kids. I was looking forward to having the day alone with my best friend to get ready for my wedding.

Shortly after breakfast, there was a knock at the door. I hopped up and went to answer it, finding Knox.

"Hey." I smiled, leaning against the doorframe. "What are you doing here?"

"Came to deliver your dress." He held up a large garment bag. "May I come in?"

"Sure." I stepped aside for him to enter. "Thanks."

He greeted Greer before she went to shower. He hung the garment bag then leaned his hip against the kitchen counter. "So…how are you feeling?"

"I'm good. Actually, better than good. I didn't think this day would ever come, and now I'm marrying the love of my life." My cheeks ached from smiling. "Thanks for bringing the dress."

"You're welcome. It's my gift to you on your wedding day. Your dress, shoes, veil, everything. It's your ‘something new.'"

I held a hand to my chest. "Knox, that's…" I fanned my face to hold back my tears. "I'm going to cry. Thank you." I hugged him.

"I'm glad you and Jackson found your way back to each other. He's a good man."

I nodded. "The best."

"Also…I don't know what your plans were for the wedding night?—"

"Ew. I'm not talking about that with you." And I didn't ever want to think about the fact that Graham had seen compromising photos of Jackson and me. I shuddered. I'd done what had to be done for Graham to find and destroy those photos.

"Yeah. We don't ever need to discuss that." He chuckled. "I meant, where you planned to stay, but I know how much you and Jackson love being on the water. So, I wanted to invite you both to enjoy my yacht for your honeymoon."

I placed my hand on his. "Knox, thank you. That's so perfect."

He opened his mouth as if to speak, but we were interrupted by someone else knocking on the door. "Must be the glam squad," I said.

It wasn't the glam squad. It was Graham, and he wasn't alone. "Graham. Jasper, hey." What was going on? And had my brothers planned this?

Jasper pulled something out from behind his back, and I gaped at the gorgeous bouquet of blue and white flowers. Roses and eucalyptus leaves, hydrangeas, thistles, and delphiniums. It was stunning.

"Jasper, that is…perfect." I accepted it from him, setting it on the kitchen counter. "I love it."

"Good. It's your something blue—both the flowers and the scarf wrapped around it, which was Mom's."

"Mm. I should've known." I ran my fingers over the material. I recognized the vintage Hermès pattern that was no longer available. "Thank you." I hugged him. "It's so thoughtful and beautiful."

He preened.

"And your engagement ring from me is your something old," Graham said.

I held up my hand to admire it. "Thank you. I had no idea you'd been saving it for me."

"Gran always meant for you to have it. And I think she and Pops would've approved of Jackson." He squeezed my arm. "I'm glad you found someone who will be a worthy partner."

I wiped away a tear. "Thank you, Graham." I hugged him.

"Where's Nate?" Jasper asked.

As if on cue, I heard another knock at the door. I laughed. This was getting ridiculous. "Right. That must be him."

I opened the door and welcomed Nate into the suite. "These are for you to borrow for your wedding, if you'd like to wear them with your dress. I had Emerson's help since she knew what your dress looked like."

He opened the velvet box to reveal the most gorgeous diamond necklace and matching earrings. "They are stunning." The diamonds just sparkled.

"Good choice," Graham said.

Jasper cleared his throat. "I came to give you the bouquet. But also to offer to walk you down the aisle."

"I'm her eldest brother," Graham said. "That's my job."

"I'm the eldest of the five of us," Knox protested. "She should choose me."

I tried not to laugh at them as they argued over who would get to walk me down the aisle. It was typical, but incredibly touching.

"But I'm her favorite." Nate grinned, winking at me. "So I should do it."

"She said I was her number one brother," Graham interrupted. "I have it in writing." He pulled out his phone. And I did laugh then.

"Okay. Okay," I said, ready to end this discussion before it got even more out of hand. "I appreciate the offer." I looked at each of them. "I do. And I'm so touched by all your gifts and support."

"But mine was the best, right?" Jasper asked. "I'm the one planning your wedding."

"You are. And I'm so very grateful, but…" I took a deep breath. Marrying Jackson was my decision, and I wanted to walk down the aisle alone. I wanted to give myself to him. Even so… "I couldn't possibly choose one, or even two, of you," I said, cutting off that line of conversation before it could start.

"Oh, that's a good idea," Jasper said. "Graham and I could walk you down the aisle."

"Why not Knox and me?" Nate asked, his brow furrowed.

I held up my hand. "Guys. I love that you're supportive, but this is something I'm going to do on my own."

"Wow. It's a party out here," Greer said, joining us.

"It sure is." I bulged my eyes out, silently begging her to save me.

She shook her head, and we shared a look as if to say, "Brothers."

Part of me still couldn't believe it was my wedding day. Not even after my brothers' show of love and support. Nor when the glam squad showed up and started doing Greer's and my hair and makeup. It still hadn't quite sunk in until my dress was on and the bouquet was in my hands. I stared at my reflection in the mirror, and I looked like a bride.

As we rode the elevator down to the floor where the wedding would take place, all I could think was, Oh my god, this is really happening.

I stood outside the doors to the room where our friends and family were waiting, listening to the beautiful music being played by a string quartet. The song shifted and the doors swung open, and the only person I saw was Jackson. He was standing beneath a floral arch, his hands clasped before him. He looked so handsome in his dress whites, his back straight and proud.

The candles, the flowers, it was all so beautiful. I smiled at Jackson, filled with appreciation. I took a step toward him, proceeding down the aisle. He placed his hand over his heart, as overcome by the enormity of this moment as I was.

He looked so stoic, but I knew him well enough to know that he was trying to hold it all in. My heart felt as if it might burst. This was all I'd ever wanted. Jackson wiped away a tear, and I smiled, trying not to cry myself.

I couldn't believe Jackson was going to be my husband. That after all these years, after everything we'd been through, we'd made it here. Our journey hadn't always been smooth sailing, but a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.? 1

I liked to think that our past—our heartbreak, our challenges—had made us stronger and more resilient. They'd help shape us into the individuals we were today. Strong enough to weather any storm together.