A Death to Seek (Thornes & Roses 3)

“He is,” she tells me confidently. “If he wasn’t, he would never have gone through with this. One thing I’ve learned about Finn Thorne is that he never does something for the sake of it. Even if Bradford wants it. Mind you, all the brothers do what they want, following their own passions. They may love their father, but they’re also very stubborn.”

Interestingly enough, I believe her. I’ve seen that side of Finn, so I don’t know why I’m nervous about walking out there and confessing my love in front of our family. I nod and take another deep breath.

“The only difference between your relationship and mine with Damien is that you have Jarred. But that just means you have extra love to account for.” Her words are a salve to my worried soul.

Nodding, I say, “Thank you. I needed that.”

“That’s what family is for,” Nesrin informs me before she takes my hand. “Now let’s go and show those Thornes exactly what we’re made of before Finn has a panic attack and thinks you’re not coming.” A shiver of nervous excitement causes me to tremble before I grab my bouquet and make my way out of the room.

We decided on having the wedding at the manor. It’s been decorated in golden fairy lights that lead down the stairs, all the way to the garden. With every step along the white carpet that guides me to my future, there are large vases filled with white roses. Everything feels as if it’ been set out in a castle rather than a home. But this place is like a gothic palace, because no home I’ve ever seen looks like Thorne Manor does.

With every step, I pray silently that I don’t fall flat on my face. I’m used to wearing heels, but not when I’m shaking like a leaf in the breeze. The moment I reach the patio doors, my heart stutters in my chest. My ribs ache from the attack, and my lungs struggle to pull in air. When I glance up, I find Finn’s gaze on me. There’s a small, mischievous smile on his face as he stands alongside Jarred, Damien, and Cassian.

The four men are dressed in black tuxedos and crisp white shirts. Their bowties are black, matching their shoes. The guests rise as a song fills the space. It’s not the typical wedding march, and I smile when I realize what Finn chose for me to walk down the aisle to.

“Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation haunts my ears as I move toward the makeshift altar that’s been set up for the wedding. The moment I reach my two men, the tears I’ve been holding trickle down my cheek. I may only be marrying one of them, but they’re both mine. As I am theirs.

“You’re perfect,” Finn whispers in my ear when he leans in to press his lips to my cheek. The wetness of my emotions comes away on his mouth, and I’m tempted to kiss him, just to taste it. But he turns toward the minister who also married Damien and Nesrin.

“Today, we’re gathered here to witness the joining of not only two souls, but three,” he starts, which has me smiling over at Jarred. “It may not be conventional, but the love these three hearts have found is special.”

As the ceremony continues, we hold hands. All three of us. There’s a special moment when the minister stops and asks us to recite the vows we wrote. Finn looks at me as if I’ve just walked out of his dreams.

“I didn’t think we’d get here to be honest,” he says, causing the guests to laugh. “But I’m so glad we did. Nothing in life is easy, it’s messy, it’s painful, and it’s difficult,” he continues with the corner of his mouth tilting upward. “However, with you, with Jarred, it’s all worth it. I’ve never found love before. I’ve never wanted it. Somehow, I didn’t just find one soulmate, I found two. And I’m the luckiest bastard in the world.”

He slips the ring on my finger, and I turn to stand between both men. “Never in my life did I think that loving someone would be possible. I grew up sheltered from the normal, but also exposed to so much. And yet, when it came down to it, forever wasn’t just the straight and narrow path I thought it would be. It’s a twisted rollercoaster that has set my soul on fire. I love you both, more than I ever thought I could, and I want our forever to be a journey I’ll never forget.”

Nesrin steps up to hand me two rings as she takes my bouquet. Both matching silver bands were made just for Jarred and Finn. On the inside of each ring is a matching engraving of our tattoos: three hearts, one infinity sign.