Page 150 of Comeback

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.