Comeback (The Holland Brothers Book 3)

“You look beautiful.” Olivia stares at me with glassy eyes.

“Thank you.” I rest a hand at my waist and take a deep breath. “Is it time?”

My best friend nods. “If you’re ready.”

“I’ve been ready since the second he asked me to marry him,” I admit.

It’s my wedding day!

We decided to do it at my parents’ house. A small, intimate ceremony and reception in the backyard with only our closest friends and family, but it’s turned out to be more people than we planned. Between Archer’s brothers and their partners and all his teammates, it was nearly impossible to keep the guest list small. Even his dad is in attendance.

“I’m so happy for you.” London hugs me. “And for me. We’re going to be sisters!”

We both laugh. She and Brogan haven’t tied the knot yet. They’re eloping later this summer, and Archer and I are going with them to be their witnesses, but I already think of her as my sister.

“You look like a princess!” Greer says, drawing my attention down to her.

“So do you.” I adjust the tiara on her head. It seemed only fitting that my flower girl get to pick out her own accessories.

She beams up at me.

“Time to go, baby.” Olivia leads her daughter to the door, London trailing behind them.

My mom steps up to me. She’s been crying at every mention of the wedding since Archer and I got to town earlier this week. But now her eyes are dry.

“I’m so proud of you, honey. You’re glowing, which tells me you picked the right man.” She hugs me gently and I breathe her in, throat tightening with emotion. I think she passed on her crying to me.

“Thanks, Mom,” I manage to get out the words, but my voice is tight.

We head out of my childhood bedroom and through the house. Everyone else is already outside. White chairs are set up facing a floral archway. Music filters in from the open sliding doors.

Brogan’s waiting for me just inside. His smile stretches across his face.

“Can I hug you or am I going to mess something up?” he asks, stepping closer but looking uncertain.

“I don’t care.” I reach for him, wrapping my arms around his neck and squeezing him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”

“Of course.” He chuckles lightly as he pulls back. “Where else would I be?”

“No, I mean, I’m glad you’re here. In my life. It makes this day so perfect.”

“Plus, I introduced you to the groom.” He winks.

“Yeah, thanks for that.”

“You’re welcome.” He glances back. “He’s pretty excited.”

“Me too.”

“All right. See you up there, little sister.”

His words hit me in the chest. When I was a kid dreaming about this day, I never imagined I’d have a brother.

Mom gives me one last hug and then Brogan walks her outside and up to the front row.

When the music starts up, Olivia goes out first. Then London. Then Greer. She gets the appropriate amount of “ooohs” and “awws” when she twirls around as she throws the rose petals. Archer gives her a fist bump when she gets to the front, and Greer goes to stand in front of her mom. My dad holds his arm out for me. “Ready, pumpkin?”

“Ready.”

We step into the doorway. Archer stands at the altar waiting for me. Brogan and Flynn are standing with him, but it’s hard to look anywhere but at my soon-to-be husband.

His smile widens as we take each other in for the first time. And when the music changes, I watch the surprise play out on his face. It only seemed appropriate to walk down the aisle to rock music, and the smile on his face was totally worth it.

When I reach the front, Dad kisses my cheek and shakes Archer’s hand.

Archer steps forward and kisses me.

Someone clears their throat and when we pull back, Brogan steps up closer to Archer.

“I think you’re supposed to wait for that part,” he says and signs.

Archer wears a sheepish grin as he steps back. We went with traditional vows and a simple ceremony. His gaze is locked on my mouth even though I sign as I speak. When he speaks his vows, his voice wavers and I almost cry again.

Then it’s finally time to kiss again. This time, no amount of throat clearing could stop us. Archer kisses me like no one is watching. Sorry, Mom and Dad.

When we finally come up for air, all the guests are on their feet. I can hear Slade’s booming voice over everyone else. And my mom is definitely crying again.

Archer squeezes my hand in his. When I look over at him, he lifts his left hand. The one adorned with a shiny new wedding band.

Wife, he signs the word, and I think it’s my favorite one yet.

Husband.