Page 56 of Highest Bid

She blinked back tears. Her mom and dad were turned in their seats, hand-in-hand, their rediscovered affection for one another making them all but glow with happiness. Her dad hadn’t been unfaithful or drunk a drop of alcohol since imagining his wife had left him, and her mother had recently quit dancing. Layla’s parents were now in the process of putting their house on the market, and planning to travel around Australia.

Colleen and Billy sat closer to the back in the rows of chairs, and Layla smiled briefly at the happy couple before her attention returned to her groom ahead.

Though she and Galan had decided against having a bridal party, Galan’s brothers, Aiden and Liam, stood either side of their brother in a show of support. The Black brothers mightn’t have parents, but they still had each other, and this wedding only solidified their united front.

The brothers stepped away only once Layla stilled before Galan.

He pressed a hand to his heart, his voice hoarse. “Beautiful.”

She winked. “You’re not half bad yourself.”

He lifted a dark brow, as if they were alone on the beach with the lone gull floating in the cloudless sky overhead. “Half bad? Looks like I’d better up my game.”

Layla snorted out an undignified laugh even as Galan clasped her hands. She barely noticed her bouquet drop to the sandy beach, or the words of the celebrant that washed over her.

All she knew for sure was her love for her husband...and that dreams really did come true for those willing to risk it all.

The End