Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55832 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
‘To Make You Feel My Love’ by Garth Brooks begins as she places her hand on mine and I lead her onto the dance floor. Just like every other slow song, our bodies fuse together as we slowly move to the music. Her eyes lift to mine and we stare at each other as the lyrics wrap around us. I couldn’t have picked a more perfect song and I want her to really pay attention because it’s everything I want to say to her.
I softly sing the words to her and she smiles at me. “Of course, you can sing too.”
I give her a wink as a grin. “Only for you, baby.”
Her eyes soften at my words, but I mean it. I’ve never sung for anyone before, but it’s different with her. She has to feel that. I don’t know how she couldn’t when it’s so clear to me.
We belong together.
I continue to sing to her as my hands move down her body, resting on her round ass. “To make you feel my love,” I whisper.
Our lips meet and we kiss as the song ends. I need to tell her, right now.
“Willow,” I softly say, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.
“Willow, I need your help,” Hartford says, grabbing her arm. “Sorry, Brock, but dress emergency.”
“I’ll be right back,” Willow says with a laugh.
I nod, reluctantly letting her go. She rushes off with Hartford and Anya to the bathroom while I smile watching her go.
“Damn, you’ve got it bad,” Paxton says, slapping my back.
“Yeah, I do.”
“Nothing better,” he says.
“I’m seeing that.”
“The DJ said it’s almost time for my toast,” Callum says, tossing back another shot.
I chuckle glancing over at him. “Are you nervous?”
He looks around at the large crowd and shrugs. “I’m talking about love, which I know nothing personally about. If I was talking about the brewery, it would be easier.”
“You know what love is. You just haven’t found it yet,” Paxton says.
“Because he’s too busy working to look for it,” I add.
“Shut up,” he hisses, causing me to laugh.
Hartford comes back and heads straight for Paxton. They share a kiss and the room cheers with excitement.
“It’s time for the best man to give his speech. Please head to your tables,” the DJ announces.
I look around for Willow, but she and Anya must still be in the bathroom. So I hesitantly walk toward our table alone.
Callum steps up to the microphone, a mixture of nerves and nostalgia visible on his face as he looks at the newlyweds. He takes a deep breath, trying to relax himself.
“Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Callum, Paxton’s older brother and best man.” There are cheers and he chuckles, shaking his head.
I notice Willow and Anya walk back into the room, but they stand by the door, not wanting to distract from Callum’s speech.
“Paxton, growing up with you has been an adventure I wouldn’t trade for anything. From building forts in the backyard to playing endless games of catch. From the days when you used to follow me around, trying to keep up with my every move, to becoming the amazing man and beer rep you are today. Growing up, Paxton was always the thoughtful one, the one who would go out of his way to help others, and that’s something I’ve always admired about him.”
He smiles at the crowd, and then continues, “And then there’s Hartford. You’ve been a part of our lives for so long that it’s hard to remember a time when you weren’t. From the first day of kindergarten, when you and Paxton became instant best friends, to all the school projects, summer vacations, and countless sleepovers, you’ve been like a sister to me. You’ve always been there for Paxton, through thick and thin, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be by his side.”
My eyes find Willow’s and I smile at her. I’m rewarded with her gorgeous smile in return. I nod toward Callum, silently telling her I’m impressed with his speech so far. It’s amazing to me that she understands, nodding her head.
“Seeing your friendship blossom into love has been a beautiful journey to witness. You two complement each other perfectly. Paxton, you bring a sense of adventure and spontaneity into Hartford’s life, while Hartford, you ground Paxton with your kindness and wisdom. You also put up with all the Atwood’s and that is a feat of strength in and of itself.”
Callum gets a big laugh from that and continues with a smile on his face. “Together, you’re an unstoppable team, and I’ve never seen either of you as happy as you are when you’re together. Paxton, I’m so proud of the man you’ve become. You’ve found someone who loves you for who you are, who understands you in ways only a lifelong friend can, and who will stand by your side through everything. Hartford, thank you for loving my brother, for being his confidante, his partner, and now, his wife. You’ve always been family, but today, it’s official.”