Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 33887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 33887 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 169(@200wpm)___ 136(@250wpm)___ 113(@300wpm)
When they broke, Tom lifted his hands and affectionately patted both their cheeks in a way he hadn’t touched Hale since he hit double digits. The nostalgic beauty of it in this moment wasn’t lost on him, and he made a point to open himself up to feel its fullness.
“Honored, Dad. I hope you know. But, what’s with the secrecy?” Matt asked.
“Cadence wanted a big thing,” Tom explained. “Mika and I wanted to stand in front of a judge and then have a long honeymoon and a dinner party after.” He grinned and continued, “Though, when we told Cadence that, she tried to hide it, but it was clear she was disappointed. We still didn’t want a big thing, but we wanted something special for Cadence, and in talking about it, we realized we wanted the same for us. Mika and Nora put their heads together and…”
He lifted his arms out to his sides in conclusion.
“It’s genius,” Hale told him. “And beautiful.”
“I had nothing to do with that part,” Tom replied. “I had a suit made in the textile Mika chose and paid for stuff. This is all Mika, Cadence, Nora and Dru.”
“Then it’s unsurprising it’s perfect,” Matt said.
Tom caught his son by the back of his neck and pulled him into another hug.
When they broke, Tom fished something out of his pants pocket and offered it to Matt.
“The ceremony is going to be short because we couldn’t fit everyone out here and chairs too,” Tom shared. “So no need for rehearsals. Just give me that when the pastor tells you to.”
It was Mika’s wedding band.
“Nora and Cadence are standing up for Mika,” Tom went on.
“Best reason to miss work on a Friday ever,” Matt said.
“Glad you think so,” Tom muttered.
“I do think so, Dad,” Matt stated firmly.
In an abrupt movement, Tom straightened his shoulders.
“She’s amazing,” Matt continued. “We all love her. She’s…” He paused, cleared his throat, but his voice was still thick when he finished, “She’s perfect for you.”
At that, Tom grabbed Matt’s head with both of his hands and pulled it so close, their foreheads collided.
Because…yeah.
This was huge.
All of Tom and Genny’s kids struggled with their divorce, but Matt struggled the most.
So, again.
Huge.
Tom kept his son close even as he let him go with one hand and yanked Hale into their knot.
“The first one was perfect too,” Tom said. “I know you two know that. But this one is special, because Mika has my heart, and I’m looking forward to spending the rest of my life with her, but also because both my boys are standing up with me.”
Fucking hell.
“Jesus, stop, or when they all get out here, and see the three of us blubbering like idiots, they’re gonna think someone is dying,” Hale joked.
They all laughed, but Tom’s hold on their necks got tighter.
“God blessed me with the two best sons on the planet,” he whispered.
Fuck.
Hale felt them hit his eyes. He looked to Matt and saw the same in his.
But at that point, Tom slapped them both forcefully on the shoulders, stepped back and ordered, “Suck it up, men. I told Jamie to give us ten minutes and then get the party started. It’s places time.”
With no need for more encouragement, Matt and Hale moved to the arch.
Tom moved to the door to the garden.
“Totally didn’t see this coming,” Matt said when they took their places.
“Same,” Hale agreed.
“Maybe Jamie and Nora will witness this and get their heads out of their asses,” Matt remarked.
“That might require an intervention,” Hale replied.
“I’d take another Friday off and fly commercial to be a part of that,” Matt quipped.
Hale shot him a grin.
Then, a couple of minutes later, they received their dad’s second gift of the day.
Being front and center to see, and hear, the shock, amazement and delight play across faces and tumble from mouths as the guests arrived.
Nora walked out first wearing a simple peach, to-the-knee dress that was elegant and sensationally her. She was carrying a small poof or orange flowers in her hand.
Cadence came next, and her flowers were peach.
Finally, Mika showed, radiant in a gauzy, floor-length cream gown that had a delicate lace, off-the-shoulder bodice and long, billowy sleeves that gathered at the wrists in a ruffle. Her skirt was wide and tiered and the graceful folds moved almost ethereally as, with a bright smile and carrying a dripping bouquet of cream and peach flowers, she walked over the flagstones through the path the crowd of her loved ones had parted for her…to Tom.
When she arrived at his side, and their eyes locked, the rest of them faded away, but Hale had no qualms at being reduced to a shadow in attendance.
That said, it wasn’t lost on him that the woman who had spent most of her life at Tom’s side, and bore his children, was standing ten feet away.