Feels Like Love by Jenna Hartley

Chapter Thirty

Four months later

Asher scoffed from beside me, glass of wine in one hand, phone in the other. “Did you see this?”

“See what?” I asked.

Tristan, Asher, and Liam were hanging out with me in one of the private rooms at Fall River Estates. It was my wedding day, and I couldn’t wait to marry Wren. River was with his mom and the other women since he was walking her down the aisle with Mr. Beaudin.

“Here,” Asher said, handing me his phone where The Vine website was displayed. “My mom sent it to me.”

I skimmed the latest post, shaking my head all the while. “Wow. Looks like V’s got her sights set on you, Asher. You too, Liam.”

“What the fuck?” Liam took the phone from my hand.

“What did you do to piss her off, Asher?” I asked.

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “No fucking clue. Though maybe I should be thanking V for announcing my intentions.”

“That’s your takeaway?”

Asher rolled his eyes. “Yeah. Okay. Maybe I could be a little nicer to the women I take home, but at least I’m honest. They know I’m not looking for anything serious.”

I shook my head. Would he ever learn?

I didn’t ask Liam about Penny, though I knew he was disappointed she wasn’t coming. Perhaps what he’d said was true; she was busy with work. Or maybe Wren was right—Penny wasn’t ready to attend a wedding so soon after being left at the altar. Though I didn’t buy it. I saw the way they looked at each other, especially Liam.

“Couldn’t you track them down? Figure out who’s behind The Vine?” Liam asked Tristan.

Tristan continued to stare out at the vineyards, his back to us. “Who cares?”

My chest tightened at the reminder of what he’d lost. What we’d all lost when Tessa died.

Since her sudden death, Tristan hadn’t seemed to care about much of anything. I’d felt bad even asking him to attend the wedding. I didn’t want to rub my happiness in his face. And seeing him suffering reminded me just how devastated I would be if anything ever happened to Wren.

I joined him at the window and clapped my hand over his shoulder. A large floral arch had been set up in front of the rows and rows of grapes. Chairs were lined up with an aisle in the center. Guests mingled on the grounds. Juliana and the team at Fall River Estates had done an amazing job. It was romantic and beautiful, just like my Wren deserved.

Liam lifted his glass, and Tristan and Asher followed suit. “To Bennett and Wren. Don’t fuck this up.”

“You’re such a romantic.” I rolled my eyes and gulped down some wine. I knew I had Liam’s support, just as I knew he was happy I was marrying his sister. I just hoped his best man’s speech would be better than that.

There was a knock at the door, and Juliana had Tristan and Asher line up outside. Liam patted me on the back. “You were always like a brother to me. I’m glad you’re part of the family.”

I smiled, bolstered by his reassurance. “Me too.”

I followed him up to the front of the aisle. The string quartet played a peaceful tune of hope, while a gentle breeze blew through the vineyards. I smiled at my parents in the first row, as well as Wren’s mom.

The song changed and then another, and the guests started whispering to each other. Wren should’ve been here by now. Sweat prickled at the back of my neck.

“Where is she?” I mouthed to Juliana.

She joined me and whispered, “She’s just running a few minutes late.”

I frowned, glancing out at the group of people gathered. Waiting. Watching for any sign of trouble. I smiled out at them and was careful to keep my voice low when I asked, “What do you mean, she’s running late?”

“She’s just…a little nervous, perhaps. Everyone gets wedding-day jitters. Doc Allen is with her now.”

Wedding-day jitters didn’t sound like Wren. And Doc Allen? “Where is she?”

“I’m not sure that’s—”

When I marched down the aisle, Juliana jogged to catch up. “Where is she?” I asked again, once we were inside and away from the guests. I needed to see her. To know she was okay.

“She just needs a minute, and then she’ll be out.”

I stopped walking and narrowed my eyes at her. What wasn’t she telling me?

“Wren?” I called. “Wren?”

River ran out from a side room, wide-eyed. “Mom looks like she’s going to barf.”

“What?” The room spun, and I placed my hand to the wall to support myself.

He led me over to the room where she was lying on a couch, awake but flushed. I couldn’t even take in her wedding dress, I was so focused on her face. Harper’s dad, Doc Allen, was attending to her. He talked to Wren in hushed tones, and I waited until he was done to join her. I knelt at her side, taking her hand in mine.

“What happened? Are you okay?”

“Bennett!” she gasped. “You’re not supposed to see me before the wedding.”

“Wren,” I growled, trying to calm my temper. “At the moment, I’m more worried about you than the wedding.”

“I just got a little overheated. I’m fine.” She sat up slowly. She didn’t look fine. She looked pale. Like she was going to be sick.

“Here,” Harper said, handing her some crackers and water. Wren drank the water slowly but didn’t touch the crackers. What the hell was going on?

“Can you give us a minute?” I said to the room. I didn’t think Wren was having second thoughts about us, but if she was, I wanted to know.

River hesitated until Wren hugged him and said, “I’m okay, Riv. Promise. Can you go with Harper for a minute?”

He nodded and then joined everyone else in the hallway. The door finally closed, and we were alone.

“What’s going on?” I rubbed my thumb across her hand. “Are you having second thoughts about us?”

“What?” Her eyes widened. “No. I’m sorry if you were worried.”

“Then what?” I asked. “Please just tell me because I’m freaking the fuck out here.”

“I’m pregnant,” she blurted.

I searched her eyes, her watery smile, scanning her body, her stomach, searching for clues. “What?”

She nodded. “You’re going to be a dad.”

I dropped down onto the floor, the room spinning. “I’m going to be a dad?” I repeated. But the longer I sat there, the more it sank in. The happier I was. The bigger my smile. “I’m going to be a dad!”

I leaped up and kissed her. “Best fucking news ever.”

She laughed, though I didn’t like how pale she was. “Though maybe not the best timing.”

“Are you okay? Do you need anything?” I wanted to brush her hair away from her face, but I didn’t want to screw up her hair or makeup. I knew how much she’d been looking forward to this day, and I wanted it to be perfect for her.

“I need you to get out of here.” She glared at me, but it came with a smile.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Do you want me to walk you down the aisle?”

“No.” She laughed and stood. “That’s River and my dad’s job. Now, go.” She shooed me toward the door. “And don’t tell anybody.”

“Okay. Okay. So bossy.” I paused at the threshold, taking her in. “Fuck, you’re beautiful. I can’t wait to marry you.”

Her smile was warm, some of her color returning. “Ditto.”

“All good?” Juliana asked, glancing between us.

I couldn’t take my eyes off Wren. When I saw her, I saw my past, my present, and my future. I saw a home filled with laughter and love. A lifetime of baking and kissing. Of raising children and chasing dogs. Of stolen kisses and whispered I love yous.

Fuck her makeup. Fuck the wedding. I stepped toward her and cupped her cheeks gently, as if I were holding a bird.

“I love you.” I pressed my lips to hers in a chaste kiss, and she giggled. “So fucking much.”

“Okay,” Juliana said. “You need to get back out there. The guests are getting antsy…”

“Right.” I stepped back and followed her outside. I could feel everyone’s eyes on me. Questioning. But I smiled a big smile and puffed out my chest. Who cared? I was going to be a dad to another kid.

We’d already met with Audrey, the local attorney, to start the process for me to adopt River. And Wren was carrying my child. I was one lucky bastard.

The song changed. The doors opened. And out walked my bride. My beautiful Wren.

The guests stood, watching as she floated down the aisle toward me. I’d been so preoccupied earlier, I hadn’t gotten to take a good look at her. But I did now. And boy was she something.

Her dress was cream, the material so similar to her skin tone that it gave the illusion she was only covered in a thin overlay of flowers. The train was bold yet elegant as it fluttered behind her. The front dipped low, and I did a double take at her cleavage.

Instead of a veil, she wore a crown of flowers. She looked so happy as she smiled down at River when he said something to her. He was on one side of her, her dad on the other. And when she finally came to stand before me, I was speechless. Breathless.

Mr. Beaudin sat down next to his wife, River took his place next to Liam, and the officiant began his speech. We’d opted to recite vows instead of writing our own. Preferring to keep those private words to ourselves.

By the time I slid her ring onto her finger, we were both crying. I mouthed, “I love you,” and she mouthed it back. I glanced at her stomach and our child growing there, and we shared a secret smile.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the officiant said.

I turned to Wren and pulled her into my arms, one palm splayed on her back as I cupped her face with the other. Her blue eyes sparkled at me, and I lost myself in them. For a moment, it was just the two of us. I captured her lips with mine, sealing our union with a kiss.

It wasn’t until I heard the whoops and cheers that I realized how heated our kiss had become. I couldn’t seem to help myself when it came to this woman. She smiled at me, and I smiled at her, so fucking happy.

And then, with a nod from the officiant, I asked River to come stand with us. I hadn’t told Wren about this, but I’d prepared a special set of vows just for him.

“River,” I said, trying to steady my breathing. “I’m not just marrying your mom today, I’m tying myself to you. The three of us are a family, and I promise to be there for you no matter what. I promise to guide you and respect you. I promise to love you unconditionally because you are my son.” I felt those words to the depths of my core.

I pulled a box from my pocket and opened it to reveal a silver necklace I’d had made just for him. It was shaped like a dog tag with the words “Today I tell your mom ‘I do,’ and I promise you forever too” stamped on it. He was crying as I fastened it on him, Wren too. I picked River up, and the three of us hugged.

He leaned back to look at me. “Can I call you Dad now?”

I laughed through my tears. “You can call me whatever you want.”

He threw his arms around my neck. “I love you, Dad.”

“I love you too, buddy.” I gave him a squeeze.

“I’m pleased to introduce the Nash family,” the officiant said.

Everyone clapped and cheered, and I carried River down the aisle, my other arm wrapped around Wren.

“You feeling okay?” I asked Wren once we were alone. River had run off with my mom and hers.

“Much better now.” She smiled.

“Good,” I said, grabbing her a glass of water. “Do you think we should leave early?”

I’d asked because of how pale she’d been earlier. But her wicked grin told me she was thinking of sex.

I gaped at her. “Is that on the table tonight?” Considering how she’d been feeling earlier, I’d figured it wasn’t an option.

“Um, yes. Are you kidding? It’s our wedding night.”

“I just don’t want you to overdo it,” I said, caressing the skin of her arm, the flower details on her sleeve telling a story of craftsmanship beneath my hand.

“I’ll tell you if it’s too much. I promise.”

I smiled, reminded of a night that seemed so long ago. At the time, I was still her coach, secretly pining after her while she dated other men. Now, she was all mine.

I pulled her to me, my hands on her hips. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look?”

She smoothed her hands down the lapels of my suit. “You might have. Not that I mind hearing it again.”

“You.” I kissed her cheek. “Look.” Her neck. “Fucking.” The dip between her breasts. “Amazing.” I breathed her in, my lips poised above her heart.

I knelt to the ground, placing my hands on her stomach. Kissing her there. Imagining our child growing inside. “I love you so much.”

She sniffled. “I love you, Bennett.”

I stood, brushing my lips against hers. She pulled me closer, my erection begging to break free from my pants.

“Touch me,” she panted, sliding my hands up to her breasts. When I squeezed, I was rewarded with a moan.

“Baby.” I claimed her lips, feeling centered once more. She was my universe, and I wanted to get lost in her.

A knock at the door had us pulling away grudgingly.

“Guys,” Juliana said, interrupting us. “It’s time for the first dance.”

We pulled back, sharing a guilty smile, Wren’s cheeks reddening. I laughed and led her out into the room where the reception was being held. The decorations were beautiful, as was the view. And I couldn’t wait to taste the pastries—Asher had made a tower of éclairs in a special flavor combination he’d developed just for us. I already planned to snag a few for our wedding night.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter and dancing. Love and joy. And then it was time for the speeches. Harper gave a speech, and then it was Liam’s turn.

He grabbed the microphone, taking his place next to me. “For many years, I’ve played the role of the overprotective brother. Watching out for Wren. Scaring away guys.” The audience laughed. “Trying to keep her safe.”

He smiled at Wren, then continued. “And for many years, Bennett was by my side. Assuming the responsibility as well. I always thought it was because he viewed himself as her brother. I never would’ve imagined it was because he was in love with her.”

I braced myself, and Wren—perhaps sensing my concern—gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.

“Apparently, my threats weren’t enough to deter him. Nothing and no one could keep these two apart. I know that now. And I see just how happy they are together. How much they belong together. I love you both, and I’m proud to be your brother.”

I glanced toward the ceiling, trying to hold back tears and failing. I was so fucking happy. Liam clapped his hand on my shoulder, and I smiled at him.

Who would’ve guessed that I’d be married to the love of my life, my best friend’s sister? And that my friendship with Liam wouldn’t be ruined, as I’d feared. But it was actually better than ever.

If loving Wren had taught me anything, it was that love was acceptance. Love was unconditional. Love was forever.