Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81867 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 409(@200wpm)___ 327(@250wpm)___ 273(@300wpm)
When she smiled at me, those green eyes sparkling, I about swallowed my tongue. I did manage to get out, “You’re beautiful” as she came toe to toe with me.
She was demure, almost shy. “You clean up well yourself.”
Now my eyes laser onto her like a hawk as she stands with Ava and Danica, engaging in chitchat before the wedding starts. Every once in a while, her gaze cuts to me, but she quickly averts as I’m sure she’s feeling the intensity of it. Christ, all I can think about is getting her home and peeling her out of that concoction to let our bodies break this weird tension between us.
“I’m surprised that woman hasn’t gone up in smoke the way you’re looking at her.” I turn to find Brienne at my left. She’s dressed in a red strapless gown, the only jewelry visible her massive engagement ring winking under the twinkling lights strung above us.
The Phipps Conservatory certainly transforms into an enchanting wedding venue. Sophie and Baden are exchanging their vows under the grandeur of the glass-domed Tropical Forest Conservatory. Rows of chairs draped in black and white silk line the pathway, leading to a magnificent arch draped in a cascade of white and lavender flowers, creating a vision of ethereal beauty against the lush backdrop of exotic tropical plants.
I don’t respond to her observation because I can’t deny it. “You look lovely tonight,” I observe. “Where’s your other half?”
Brienne waves a hand. “Socializing. He’s become such a people person lately, don’t you think?”
“I think love does funny things to people,” I remark.
“And you’re just dying to fall back in love with her again, aren’t you?”
I turn to look at her, expecting to see a slight smirk on her lips. Brienne has become a good friend since I joined the Titans. Instead, there’s not a trace of whimsy on her face. She knows the potential for what I could have with Juniper is very serious.
“I’m not sure I ever left,” I admit softly, my gaze going back to Juniper. “I fucked up long ago and now I want it back.”
Brienne’s hand comes to my shoulder. “I’d bet on you to win, Callum.”
I start to reply that I hope she’s right, but ushers circulate to urge people into their chairs. I’m sitting on the groom’s side along with all the Titans, but we file in three rows back behind Baden’s family, all in from Montreal. Juniper joins me on my left and we’re flanked by Cannon and Ava on one side and Brienne and Drake on the other. Ownership, management, coaching.
Sophie is a vision in an elegantly classic bridal gown replete with layers of lace and ornate embroidery, a flowing skirt and long train. Her blond locks hang loose and wild and rather than a veil or tiara, she wears lavender sprigs pinned into her curls. Baden is wearing a classic black tux with a pale purple rose, but it’s the look of pure awe on his face as he recites his vows that will stick in my memory of tonight.
“Sophie, from the moment fate thrust us together, I knew you were someone extraordinary. You were facing the unthinkable, yet your spirit refused to be extinguished. When I stepped in that night, I didn’t just find someone to protect, I found the missing piece of my soul. My life changed forever, not just in the taking of my career, but in the giving of your love. You’ve taught me that while I may no longer play the game, I have found something far greater—us. Today, I vow to be your partner in all things, not just as a protector, but as your confidant, your supporter, your unwavering ally. I promise to cherish the bond that adversity has woven between us, to always see the strength in our scars, and to love you more fiercely with each passing day. Sophie, you are my triumph over tragedy, my joy, and from this day forward, my wife.”
A small sound catches my attention and I turn to see Juniper dabbing at the corner of her eye with a tissue. Another sniffle and past her, Ava does the same.
I turn to the right, glance at Brienne. Her eyes are misty too.
Smiling, I face front again to find Sophie dry-eyed but wearing an expression of the fiercest love as she holds Baden’s hands.
When it’s her turn, she does the unthinkable and leans in to give Baden a light kiss—pre-empting the proclamation by the minister that it’s now time to kiss the bride.
Everyone laughs and Sophie’s smile stays on her lips. “Baden, standing here with you is a testament not just to love, but to the resilience of the human spirit. When I was lost in the darkest night, feeling the world slipping from my grasp, you emerged as a beacon of hope. You risked everything for me, a stranger, and in your eyes, I found an unexpected sanctuary. Your courage left you battered, your dreams altered, but never once did you falter in your determination. It’s that spirit that makes me proud to stand here with you tonight. As your wife, I promise to honor the sacrifice you made. I will walk beside you, as you have walked back to me, every step of the way. I vow to build with you, to dream with you, to overcome any adversity, and to find joy in the quietest moments. Our bond, forged in trials, will be our armor against the world. I choose you, Baden, in this life and any that may follow. Wherever our journey leads, it leads with us together.”