Ryan chuckles beside me. After a few more minutes, I hand her off to Eli.
"Fatherhood looks good on you," I taunt.
Cami pipes in. "Right? So sexy!"
I go over to her and notice how tired she looks. "So on a scale from one to ten, how painful was it?"
"Right now, I’d say a four, but ask me tomorrow. The meds they gave me worked pretty great," she says with a smile. “The aftercare, that’s a different story.”
“So you’re saying adoption is the way to go?” I chuckle, already nervous about the stages of pregnancy and giving birth.
“Don’t worry, the pain could be a ten and still worth it in the end,” Cami says.
“I have no doubt.” I smile, gazing over at Eli and Laney.
"I'm so happy you came." Cami takes my hand and squeezes.
"I wouldn't miss this moment for the world.” I squeeze hers back.
Ryan notices how exhausted Cami is and immediately switches into doctor mode. "You need to get plenty of rest and walk around a little when you’re able to so—"
I cut in when Cami’s eyes start to roll. "—and we'll let you get some sleep and visit you tomorrow. I'm going to drag him out of here before he starts ordering you around." I give her a wink. "Eli can handle this."
"That's right," he tells Ryan with a pat on the back.
"If you need anything at all, call us," Ryan offers. "My shift starts at five, and I'll be here within minutes. I mean it, anything at all.”
"Thanks, man," Eli says with a grin I don't think has faded since we entered.
We say our goodbyes and walk back to the Range Rover.
“Laney is already so loved. She has the best parents in the world. Cami’s gonna be an incredible mom," I say as I buckle in. “I mean, she already is. And Eli. Oh my God, that kid won the parent lottery.”
Ryan squeezes my thigh. "That's going to be us one day.”
"It will, and I know our kids are going to get the very best of us. They'll be smart and generous like you."
"And talented and beautiful like you," he finishes.
As he turns on to the street, I daydream about our future and can't wait to start our forever.
Only three months until we say I Do.EpilogueRyanTHREE MONTHS LATERMy face hurts from smiling so damn much. The ceremony seemed to pass by in a blink, and the only thing I remember is being able to finally kiss my wife. Though the chapel was full of people, at that moment, it was only Kendall and me in the room. My heart overflows with love to everyone who's made this day special for us.
After we finish taking photos, the wedding party enters the reception hall. Before we make our grand entrance as husband and wife, I move closer to Kendall. She smiles up at me with bright eyes. I brush my thumb across her cheek. "You're finally mine, Kendall St. James."
"I've been yours. Always," she reminds me.
I take the opportunity to kiss her. She lets out a light moan as the doors open, and Stephanie tells us we can now enter.
"I can't wait until we leave," I say with a wink as we walk forward.
"Same," she replies as we're escorted inside. Our guests applaud and scream as we make our way to the middle of the dance floor. As soon as the notes to “Consider Me” by Allen Stone play, I pull Kendall close, and we sway to the beat of the music. I can't stop staring at this gorgeous woman who I'm going to spend the rest of my life with. When I spin her around and dip her, the moment grows more magical. The lights dim, and the dance floor casts a soft glow. I place my forehead against hers.
"I love you so much," I whisper. "You've made me the happiest man in the world."
"Love you more.” She smirks.
The music fades out, and then I hand Kendall off to her father just as my mom walks up. I pull her into my arms and smile. A tear spills down her cheek, but I can tell she's happy.
"Now both of my kids are married with families of their own."
I chuckle. "Don't worry, when we have kids, we'll let you babysit as much as you want."
"Good! I'm so happy for you and Kendall. I can tell how much she means to you and the vows you wrote to one another...I wish I would've had a warning. I cried through the entire ceremony." She grins, and I spin her around. When I do, I catch a glimpse of Kendall, and she immediately meets my gaze. I shoot her a wink, and she gives me a smirk.
The song ends, and as soon as it does, Cami and Eli force Kendall and me to eat. It's some fancy chicken Florentine dish, and I didn't realize how hungry I was until I cleared my plate. I feel like a ping pong ball being bounced around everywhere. Just as we're done eating and start making our rounds again, Piper walks up to us giddy as can be, and we exchange hugs.