Page 122 of Finding Redemption

I stare at my baby brother, proud of the man he’s become and honored to stand by his side. As I raise my glass, I can’t help but gaze at Reese before looking to my brother and his new wife. “I think, as the brother, my toast is supposed to be epic. Obviously, with these two, epic is on tap. When we were little, our sister Sallie was our best friend. She was rough, tough and funny as hell. When she was taken from us, we were devastated, lost. If it hadn’t been for our friends, we never would’ve made it. Ava was one of them. From the time we were little, she’s been a part of our family.

“When Riley told me he loved her, I laughed. We were eight and twelve. What did we know about love? Over the years, he showed me what he knew about it. I watched as he loved her from afar. He traveled the world, running from it. Yet, every time I spoke to him, he asked about her.” Ava touches her eye with a tissue, wiping away a tear.

“I could never understand it. The deep pull he had for her, almost magnetic, was unimaginable until I saw it work. Riley’s love for Ava has already been a love of a lifetime. Understanding, supportive and all-consuming. And once Ava knew his love and felt it, she found her home.

“You see, these two have taught me love comes in the way you need it. Not the way you design it or want it to be. It comes to you pure and with no predilection. It ebbs and flows like the ocean before a storm, taking you on a wild ride. Teaching us all, love is possible for any damaged soul.

“Thank you for showing us what unconditional love looks like. I’m proud to call you my brother and to have a sister again. You remind us so much of Sallie, with a fighting spirit. Thank you for giving us Andi. She’s stolen our hearts and we’ll never be the same. And for my nephew, I can’t wait to love him. I love you.” I hold my glass up to two of the most important people in my life, honoring their love.

I turn to Reese, touching our glasses. “How about you take a spin on the floor with me?”

Her eyes blaze as she takes my hand. “Lead the way, sir.”

We walk toward the dance floor, my hands on her hips. “I see what you did there.”

“You did? Damn, good looks and brains. I’m a lucky girl.” She giggles.

I spin her around, pulling her to me. “No, I’m the lucky one.” I hold her close, swaying to the music. We’re in our world and no one else is allowed.

After our dance, I walk Reese around the room, introducing her to our family and friends. “May I introduce, Reese Morgan? Reese, this is Brannon and Torrie O’Hurley. Brannon is Andi’s dad. Of course, you know One and Lea Woods. Thayer and Hardy Turner, Thayer is One’s sister. And Chord Hamilton, One and Thayer’s brother.

And at this table, of course, you already know, Maisyn and Lachlan, Aksel and Emerson, Hawk and Willow and Lath and Ryver. They’re One and Lea’s children. Ford is Riley’s friend. I feel as though I should be running for office.” Several of our friends, laugh with me.

Lachlan stands, leaning in to kiss her. “It’s good to see ya, lass. I hope he’s been treatin’ you right.”

“He’s still an asshole but I got him.” Reese jokes. A few giggles sound at her term of endearment. I’m sure they’re enjoying her name calling.

“That you do. Let’s do dinner this week.” Lachlan shakes my hand before sitting back down.

“I think we met at the engagement party, although not formally.” Thayer reaches for her hand.

Reese hesitates before finally accepting it. “We did, although I had no idea who you were. It’s good to see you again.” Reese slides her arm around me.

“You, too. You are stunning. That dress is amazing,” Thayer adds. I know she’s trying to be nice, but I wish she wouldn’t.

“Thank you, Walker helped pick it out. He has great taste.” She smiles politely.

My stomach knots. Time to move along.

“Hey, everyone. It’s good to meet y’all. I’ve heard so much about you. Or most of you and it goes without saying, I’ll mess some of your names up before the night is over.” Reese smiles, her eyes flickering to Thayer.

“It’s good to see you all. I’m going to introduce her to a few more hundred people. If you’ll excuse us.” I bow my head, leading Reese away to the next group.

“There are so many people. I’d never keep them straight.” She shrugs.

“You’ll get used to it. How about another dance?” She nods, and I take her for another spin. I press her to me as we move across the floor.

“May I cut in?” Thayer and Hardy stand beside us. Reese’s eyes flash to mine, and my brows knit.

“I-uh…” I gape at them. “Hardy?”

“I’ve never been a man to pass on a chance to dance with a beautiful woman. Reese?” He holds his hand out to her, and she takes it reluctantly.

“You okay?” Her eyes locked on mine.

“I am as long as you are.” She winks, and they dance away.

My chest grows heavy, and I fight to breathe. “Thayer?” I hold my hand out for her.