Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 79597 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 398(@200wpm)___ 318(@250wpm)___ 265(@300wpm)
“But others haven’t. I like the idea of starting off my married life with a new name. I won’t have to deal with it, nor will Hannah. Or our kids.”
“Something you want to tell us?” Brett said with a smirk.
I laughed and winked at him. “I’m working on it.”
“You’ve been busy,” Stefano remarked. “Buying rings, planning a party, deciding on a name change. All on your own, all under the radar.” He clapped my shoulder. “Our boy has grown up.”
Brett leaned his head back with a pretend sob. “He doesn’t need us anymore.”
Everyone laughed, even Charly, and I met Hannah’s eyes. I linked our fingers together and kissed her hand. “I’ll always need you guys. But now I have someone who needs me. I like that.”
Hannah leaned forward and kissed me.
“We need each other.”
Brett lifted his glass. “To Hannah and Chase. A new name, a new life.”
I lifted my glass, smiling widely.
I liked the sound of that.
Very much.
EPILOGUE
Chase
The sun streamed through the stained-glass windows of the church, the colors bright and shimmering on the pews filling with people. Outside, the November wind blew cold, but inside, it was warm and filled with light.
Our friends, colleagues, and family were all there to celebrate Hannah and me getting married. We had done nothing traditional. A church wedding with no pastor. Instead, Brett took the course to become ordained.
The groom taking the bride’s name was another anomaly. Our friends had been surprised when I’d explained I was taking Hannah’s name but, as usual, supportive. They understood the stigma attached to the name in this town, even though I was doing my best to erase it. I only hoped by the time my kids were around, the name would be just a memory and they would be judged on their own merits. I hoped to be one day as well. It felt right taking Hannah’s name.
The bride’s mother was her maid of honor. My best man—a woman. We didn’t want a huge wedding, and when Hannah said she really only wanted her mom with her, I knew who my choice to stand beside me had to be. The person who had shown me more love, forgiveness, and support than I ever expected to receive. My sister, mother, and friend all rolled into one. Beside me, Charly sparkled as bright as the sun, excited and happy. She wore a rich green dress that suited her coloring. She looked beautiful. Cherry wore a deep blue gown, and I had a feeling Dom wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off her. His hands either, once he got close enough to her.
Charly met my eyes. “Nervous?” she whispered.
“Not anymore,” I answered honestly. “Now I know Hannah’s here, I’m good. I’m ready to marry her.”
Charly laughed. “As if she’d change her mind.”
I had to laugh with her. “You ready to do this?” I asked.
“I am. I hope I don’t trip.”
I squeezed her hand. “You’ll be fine.”
Even our service was different. I wasn’t going to be waiting for Hannah at the front. We would meet at the back, Cherry and Charly walking ahead of us. We would walk down the aisle together. The same way we would face the world from now on.
“Thanks for doing this, Charly.”
“Of course.”
“And thank you for everything. Your forgiveness. Your trust. For always being there.” I smiled as her eyes got bright. “For loving me.”
“Holy moly. I need to look good in the pictures. Stop with the sweet stuff.” She swatted my arm then leaned up and kissed my cheek. “I love you, Chase Donner—Gallagher—whatever name you want to go by,” she whispered. “You were meant to be part of us. I’m as lucky to have you as you are to have us. We’re family. I am honored to stand beside you today.”
The room suddenly got a little misty.
The door opened, and Brett walked in, looking anxious. “We’re ready to start.” He glanced at Charly. “You have the rings?”
“Of course I do,” she scoffed. “Right here.” She patted her side. “Pockets. I love pockets.”
“You okay, Brett?” I asked. “You look a little nervous. I’m the one getting married.”
He wiped at his forehead. “I don’t want to mess this up. You should have gotten Stefano to be your officiant. He’s used to crowds with his family.”
I chuckled. “You’re my guy.”
He squared his shoulders. “And I’m proud to do it. I won’t let you down.”
I shook his hand. “I know.”
He grinned and reached over to hug me. “Be happy, Chase. You deserve it.”
I returned his grin. “I know.”
It was the first time I really believed that.
The music began, and Charly opened the door, standing in front of me. On the opposite side of the small church, framed by the door, was Cherry. Her hair was piled on her head, and she looked happy and every inch the proud mother. She smiled and nodded, and she and Charly began to walk, meeting in the middle and turning to slowly begin to head to the front of the church. I stopped in the door, getting my first glimpse of my bride. The sunlight behind Hannah highlighted the red in her hair as she waited for her turn to begin. The pretty ivory-colored dress clung to her torso and exploded in a froth of lace that hit the floor. Her hair was up, and I saw glints of pearls and sparkles woven into the red-gold of her tresses. A few tendrils hung around her face. She was spectacularly beautiful. And soon, she would be my wife.