Always You (Adair Family 3)

I laughed along with the guests, relaxing now that Mac’s speech was over.

“Well, what can I say about my big brother?” He clamped a hand on Lachlan’s shoulder as he looked at Robyn. “I guess it’s too late to tell you to run, Robyn. Run, run as fast as you can.”

More chuckles as Lachlan mock glowered at our brother.

“I’m kidding. Lachlan will be a wonderful husband.” Thane nodded. “Now. But it’s a good thing Robyn didn’t come along in his twenties because … well, she would’ve been underage, so …” He threw the guests an exaggerated grimace, and they laughed.

“You really want to go there?” Lachlan asked, pointing at Regan.

Most of the guests couldn’t hear but could guess what he said and laughed louder.

Thane chuckled, raising his hands to nod. “Fair enough.”

It was amazing to hear him joke about their age difference. It wasn’t that long ago when he’d had a big problem with it.

“What I mean to say,” Thane continued, “is that Lachlan was a different man in his twenties. Someone I’m not sure Robyn would’ve found all that tolerable. Though if I remember correctly, she didn’t really find you tolerable for the first few months of your acquaintance.”

The crowd oohed as Robyn nodded, and Lachlan rolled his eyes.

“It raises one’s suspicions,” Thane mused, eyeing Robyn with a smirk before he whispered into the mic, “If you’re here under duress, Robyn, just wink.” Thane gave an exaggerated wink. “We’ll rescue you.”

More laughter as Lachlan somehow concurrently grinned and glared at our brother.

The whole spectacle filled me with joy.

This was the Thane of my childhood. He and Lachlan had always been the serious brothers, but they also had a dry, often mischievous humor. Somewhere along the line, Thane had lost it. Until now. Until Regan.

“No?” Thane asked Robyn again, drawing out the moment.

Robyn laughed, shaking her head.

“Okay.” Thane pretended to be unconvinced and shot the guests a wide-eyed look that made them titter harder. My brother, the secret comedian. Then he grinned and turned back to the happy couple. “All joking aside, I couldn’t be happier for you both. While Mac worried who on earth could ever be worthy of Robyn, I worried that no woman could match my big brother for spirit, for his sense of loyalty, family, and gregarious thirst for life. And then Robyn Galbraith Penhaligon walked into our lives, and I knew, despite their not so congenial start, that they were each other’s match.

“You have been the best brother anyone could ask for.” Thane gripped Lachlan’s shoulder, and they shared an emotional smile. “And I am so goddamn delighted you found Robyn …” His grin was wicked now. “For you and for me, because Robyn brought …” He looked down at Regan. “Well, Robyn brought bounty into all our lives, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

Thane seemed to have to force himself to break his stare with Regan, clearing his throat, lifting his champagne. “You’ve faced the worst life can throw at you and come out stronger together, an inspiration to us all, and a lesson in what love should be. To Robyn and Lachlan!”

By the time Lachlan stood to make his speech, I wasn’t sure my heart could take it.

“The actor is going to surprise you all by making this short and sweet,” Lachlan said into the mic. “First, thank you to Mac and Thane for your kind words. Though, brother, we could have done without the insinuation I’m forcing my wife to be here.”

Everyone laughed.

“My wife,” Lachlan murmured, staring down at Robyn adoringly. “Fuck, that feels fantastic to say.”

He received some awws for that.

“First, thank you all for being with us today. It means a great deal.” He gestured with his glass to all the room. “Second, Robyn and I decided we wanted to speak traditional vows at the ceremony, but on reflection, I have to say just this one thing. I’ve been a blessed man,” Lachlan continued, holding Robyn’s gaze. “I’ve traveled the world, I’ve experienced extraordinary moments, done things only a small percentage of people ever get to do. I have good friends, a family I love more than life.”

My heart squeezed.

“And I’ve known loss. Significant loss. While that might not count as a blessing, it provided the lessons only loss can teach you … that what matters in life are the people you surround yourself with. The people you love are what make it all worthwhile. When you walked into my life, Robyn, you knocked me off my feet. You are everything. You’re the most courageous person I have ever met, and you astound me every damn day.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I watched Robyn fight back her own.

“Your magnificence awes me,” Lachlan admitted hoarsely, “and I promise you this, Braveheart—not a day of our lives will pass when I forget it. Know that even during the weeks that are difficult, the days that challenge us, know that I will love you through every minute, every hour until my very last second in this universe.”

My tears flowed freely now.