Page 141 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“What?” Sable says. “We can’t crash their wedding.”

“Yes, you can!” Pepper exclaims. “We started our lives together. It’s only right that we start our marriages together! Right, Clay? Would you mind?”

“Not at all, baby.”

Pepper squeals and hugs Sable.

“Mom’s going to kill us,” Sable says.

“That’s okay. Our mom is going to kill Clay, too,” Seth says. “We’ll send pictures.”

I turn to the brother who has always had my back and clap a hand on his shoulder, “Spoken like a true best man. What do you say, bro?”

“You just want an accomplice,” Seth jokes, and everyone laughs.

I draw Pepper into my arms. “Ready to go ring shopping, baby?”

Her smile lights up the whole damn afternoon. “I’m ready for anything with you.”

“That’s my girl,” I say, and lower my lips to my love, my life, my future wife.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Clay

As the sun sets off the coast of Silver Island, I take a drink, listening to my brothers’ banter on the patio of the Steele family winery, unable to take my eyes off my gorgeous wife in a floral mermaid dress that hugs her curves. I know she has no panties on under that dress. The little temptress tossed that golden nugget out as we were on our way to the ceremony. She’s dancing with Victory and Sutton, who looks beautiful in her wedding gown, and a handful of other women. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place as Flynn and Sutton exchanged vows. As perfect as their ceremony was and as elegant as this reception is, with twinkling lights and dozens of flowers, I wouldn’t change a thing about ours.

My mind drifts back to that whirlwind day three and a half months ago.

We picked out a gorgeous three-carat engagement ring with a princess-cut center diamond, haloed and flanked by round diamonds, and a matching wedding band, bought a veil at the chapel, and were married by an Elvis impersonator. I’ll never forget the love in Pepper’s eyes when she said I do, or the completeness I felt as I vowed my love to her. Our parents were sad to miss the wedding, but we sent pictures, and I bought the house I’d rented in Charlottesville and surprised Pepper with it after we got back to Virginia. We moved in two months ago and threw a small ceremony in the backyard for our families and close friends to attend. We’re enjoying filling the walls with pictures of family and all of our favorite places.

Tiffany was not thrilled with me for retiring, but she was happy for me personally, which I appreciated. She said she knew when I delayed signing the extension that my heart had found a new direction. It took some time to get used to not living on a practice schedule, and there were lots of loose ends to wrap up. But I don’t have a single regret. I’m enjoying working out with Ben and his friends, and Fielding Futures is up and running and taking applications for the first grants, which are rolling out next month. Pepper couldn’t be more pleased with how well Clare has fit into their office, and MS Enterprises came through with funding for her hands-free mouse alternative device. Although she didn’t want to use my notoriety to promote her business, I surprised her by pulling a few strings with Johnson & Johnson and was able to get her a meeting with them. She pitched the migraine device, and they just signed off on a contract to fund the project.

Seth lifts his glass, drawing my attention as he says, “Here’s to another Braden man off the market. Congratulations, Flynn. We’re all happy for you.”

“Less competition for us,” Noah says as we tap glasses.

We all drink. One of the benefits of retirement is getting to spend more time with family. I’m looking forward to running the summer football camp at the Real DEAL for Noah next month and hanging out with him. Pepper is going to take a couple of days off and we’re going to meet my relatives there, and in a few weeks we’ll be in Oak Falls for their Summer Festival. We’re also looking forward to taking a honeymoon to Greece in August, when one of Pepper’s contracts winds down.

“You guys don’t know what you’re missing out on. Marriage is the best. Right, Flynn?” I cock a grin. “Oh, wait. You just got married. You can’t answer that yet.”

“Jackass,” Flynn teases. “You’re so competitive, you had to be the first one to the altar.”

“Clay was afraid Pepper would realize she was too good for him and run to me,” Noah says.

“Stop thinking about my wife. You’re too thickheaded for her,” I say with a laugh.

“I’m thick, but not in the head.” Noah smirks. “You guys can have that holy matrimony stuff, anyway. I like being the flavor of the month for various sexy ladies.”

“Jesus, Noah.” Seth shakes his head.

“Give me a break. Like you don’t?” Noah scoffs.

Seth takes a drink without responding, but his grin answers for him.

“If it takes Seth three years to choose a plane, can you imagine him trying to choose a wife?” I laugh.

Ignoring my comment, Seth gazes out at the vineyard. “I like this island, Flynn. Maybe I’ll give T a trip here as a bonus.”