Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Seth’s throat bobbed as he swallowed hard.
“I promise to love you both with my whole heart,” Heavenly said, her voice slightly cracking. “To be the loving, caring wife you need, a loving, nurturing mother to our children, and the woman who will stand beside you and support you throughout our lives. To choose you—to choose us—every day for the rest of my life. You are my family. My home. My forever.”
Seth’s jaw tightened for a moment before he found his voice. “Angel, I was dead inside when you found me. Walking through life but not living. I was afraid to feel, afraid to love, afraid to hope for anything more than the next empty day. Then you crashed into my world and demanded I wake up. You refused to let me hide in grief and fear. You pushed me, challenged me, loved me even when I didn’t deserve it.”
Heavenly’s breath hitched on a sob.
“I know I wasn’t easy to love,” Seth admitted, his eyes glistening. “But you never gave up on me. Never stopped believing that I could be more than my past. And because of you—and Beck—I learned to live again. To hope again. To believe in tomorrows instead of drowning in yesterdays.”
When he lifted her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles, she nearly crumpled against him.
“I promise to spend the rest of my life making you happy,” Seth vowed. “To be the man you can trust to protect your heart. The father our babies deserve—present, protective, and unafraid to love unconditionally. And to be a husband and partner who is totally committed to you and Beck. You saved me, Heavenly. And I will spend every day of my life treasuring that gift.”
Seth reached over to the pedestal beside Abel’s photo and retrieved the three rings resting there.
Beck and Seth each took one side of Heavenly’s ring, their fingers overlapping as they slid it onto her finger together, settling it perfectly against her engagement ring. The symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone—one ring, two men, binding her to both of them.
“With this ring, we choose you, Heavenly Hope Young,” they murmured together, their stares full of devotion that nearly made her cry again.
Seth handed her the other two bands.
Heavenly trembled as she took Seth’s ring first—a platinum band with Celtic knot work—and slid it onto his finger, her eyes locked on his. “With this ring, I choose you, Seth Michael Cooper.”
Then she lifted Beck’s ring—dark tungsten with a subtle brushed finish. As she slipped it onto his finger, she repeated, “With this ring, I choose you, Kenneth Edward Beckman.”
Beck’s thumb immediately went to the unfamiliar weight on his finger, his smile wide and full of joy.
Soft sobs and sniffles echoed through the crowd as Beck and Seth crushed her between them, holding her tightly. Heavenly closed her eyes and breathed them in, her heart soaring to the stars.
Suddenly, Liam’s Irish accent rang out, his voice carrying warmth and joy. “Well then, lads, I think it’s time to—kiss your bride!”
Beck and Seth didn’t need to be told twice.
As laughter, applause, and celebratory shouts echoed across the patio and into the twilight sky, Beck captured her mouth, kissing her with a thoroughness that made her dizzy. Then he cupped her face and turned her to Seth, who claimed her with a spine-bending kiss overflowing with passion and promise.
When they finally broke apart, Heavenly looked out at the faces of their family and friends. Everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering, celebrating this unconventional union that had been forged in fire and tempered by love.
Grace was wiping tears from her cheeks, her smile radiant. Carl had his arm around her, looking equally moved. The twins were whistling and tossing fist pumps into the air, while Hudson smiled softly as if he finally believed he belonged.
“Let the party begin!” Hammer announced, and everyone surged toward the trio to offer their congratulations.
Minutes later, the reception was in full swing. Laughter and music from the outside speakers filled the air as the sun began its descent toward the horizon.
The trio moved through the small crowd, accepting hugs and well-wishes. Heavenly’s heart was so full she thought it might burst.
“Hey, Seth,” Hammer called, stepping from the house and hurrying toward them with a package in his hands. “When I went inside to use the john, the doorbell rang. So I answered it. A delivery guy handed me this. It’s addressed to you.”
“Thanks, man.” Seth smiled.
“Hope it’s something good,” Hammer said, shoving the package in Seth’s hand before jogging back inside the house.
“Who’s it from?” Heavenly asked, peering over Seth’s shoulder.
“Tony.” Seth grinned, tearing it open before pulling out a bottle of champagne.
“Oh, there’s a note,” Heavenly said, pointing to the bottom of the box.
Seth plucked it up and began reading. “Hey, partner. Hope you have a wonderful wedding. Give my regards to your angel. Best of luck. Detective Second Grade, Tony Marconi. Well, I’ll be damned, he’s been promoted.”