The Wedding

Caleb’s POV

I hold Eve’s hair back as she throws up in the bathroom, my other hand rubbing gentle circles on her back. Concern knots my stomach as I watch her shoulders heave.

“You sure you’ll be able to make it to the wedding?” I ask, worry creeping into my voice. “Ethan and Natalie would understand.”

She throws up again, her body tensing with the effort. When she finally speaks, her voice is weak and raspy. “I’ll be fine,” she says, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

I glance at my watch. “It’s nearing one. We’re already running late.”

Eve flushes the toilet and stands on shaky legs to reach the sink. I watch as she rinses her mouth and splashes water on her face.

“We really need to go to a doctor for whatever stomach bug you’ve got,” I say, handing her a towel.

“I’ll go tomorrow. Let’s just focus on the wedding today,” she replies, her dark eyes meeting mine in the mirror. “What time is it?”

“I just told you—It’s almost one.”

She sighs, her face still pale. “We’re already running late. Give me twenty minutes, and I’ll be ready,” she says with determination, straightening her shoulders.

I’m about to lean in and kiss her, but she covers my mouth with her hand, making a disgusted face. “I just got done throwing up,” she grimaces, then points to the door. “Out.”

I smile and press a quick kiss to her cheek instead, which she allows with an eye roll. She slams the bathroom door in my face, and I wait outside, listening to her move about. The shower starts running, followed by the sounds of drawers opening and closing.

I call through the door, “It’s okay if we’re late. I’ll tell everyone it was because of me.”

“My hero,” she replies with that perfect blend of sarcasm and affection that only Eve can manage. “But I’ve got this one.”

Ten minutes later, the bathroom door opens, and my train of thought completely derails. Eve steps out wearing a lovely blue dress that seems designed specifically to make me forget how to breathe. The fabric clings to her curves before flowing elegantly around her legs, and for a moment, all I can do is stare.

“What?” she asks, noticing my stunned expression. She’s still struggling with her hair, but even half-done, she’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

I clear my throat, trying to remember how words work. “Nothing. You just… You look incredible.”

A hint of a smile plays at her lips. “I still have to do something with my hair,” she says, though I can tell she’s pleased by my reaction. “I can’t leave it like this.”

“You can leave it down,” I suggest, my eyes appreciating how the silky dark waves frame her face. “I like it that way.”

She bats my hands away when I touch her hair. “It may be fall, but it’s still hot under that sun. I’m not having sweaty hair at the wedding.” She turns back toward the bathroom. “Five minutes. Go start the car.”

I head downstairs and bring the car to the front of the building. When I look up, I see Eve walking down the steps, and my breath catches.

Her hair is swept up in a classy twist, revealing the graceful line of her neck. She’s applied light makeup that brings out her features perfectly. The transformation from the pale, sick woman in the bathroom to this vision of confidence is striking. Diamond earrings catch the sunlight, sending prisms of light dancing across her olive skin.

When she slides into the passenger seat, I let out a wolf whistle. A blush spreads across her cheeks.

“Those aren’t the earrings I got you,” I observe, pulling away from the curb.

She grins, touching one diamond stud. “These are the ones I got myself.” She points toward her wrist. “I’m wearing the bracelet you got me.”

I glance at the platinum chain, pleased she chose to wear my gift. “It suits you,” I say, taking her hand and pressing a quick kiss to her palm.

“You’re such a sap, Wilder,” she mutters, but her fingers tighten around mine.

“Only for you, Lopez.”

As we head toward Ethan and Natalie’s wedding, I can’t help stealing glances at the woman beside me. Our trip through Asia was more fun than either of us expected. Getting to know each other outside of the stress of the office was something we both needed. Eve’s never going to be one of those women who gushes and sweet talks. She’s blunt and ruthless and mine, and that’s the only way I want her.

I glance at her bare finger and wonder how soon will be too soon. She loves me, but it’s not even been a year. The last thing I need to do is spook her. Her mother has been dropping hints, though, and her sister accidentally dropped a bridal magazine in my lap last time I went for Sunday dinner. But I know Eve is content with what we have. It’s up to me to slowly nudge her to what we might become.

We pull up to Ethan’s Westchester estate, a sprawling colonial property on the edge of New York he bought last year as an ‘investment.’ The six-acre grounds have been transformed into a wedding wonderland with white flowers and gauzy fabric draped from the centuries-old oak trees. Through the wrought-iron gates, I can see caterers bustling around the stone pavilion where the reception will be held later.

“Your brother doesn’t do anything halfway, does he?”

“Ethan’s middle name is Extravagant,” I reply, handing my keys to the valet.

Before Eve can respond, my sister Megan swoops in like a fashion-forward hurricane, grabbing her arm.

“There you are, Eve! Mom’s been looking for you,” she says, giving me a quick peck on the cheek before turning back to Eve. “That dress is gorgeous on you. You and Caleb match so nicely in his groomsman navy. Anyway, she wants your help with Natalie’s veil crisis in the bridal suite.”

Eve throws me a helpless look as she’s whisked away by Megan. I laugh and call after them, “Don’t worry, I’ll find you later!”

“You’d better,” Eve calls back.

I turn toward the main garden and spot a familiar group—my brother Nick standing with Dad and Jake, Jake holding a squirming two-month-old Amelia, a small stuffed animal that suspiciously looks like a panda bear tucked under his arm, while Nick bounces a bundle in his arms. My eyes widen when I realize what I’m seeing.

“Is that my nephew?” I hurry over, grinning from ear to ear. “Let me see him!”

Nick looks both proud and slightly nervous as he turns so I can see little Damien’s face. At eight months old, he’s already got Nick’s dark hair and alert eyes.

“How did you manage this?” I ask, gently touching Damien’s chubby hand. “I thought Elisha was still refusing to let any of us see him.”

Nick’s expression hardens, his jaw tightening slightly. “She’s hungover and sleeping it off. Her mother was out with friends, so I figured it was time Damien met his family.” I raise my eyebrows but say nothing. This is the first time Nick has directly gone against Elisha’s efforts to keep Damien from the family. It’s a big step.

“Well, I’m glad you brought him,” I say instead, reaching out. “Can I hold him?”

Nick carefully transfers Damien to my arms. The weight of him is still surprising—this solid, little person who’s been kept from us for so long.

Jake grins at me over Amelia’s head. “Practicing for your own, Caleb?”

I roll my eyes, but can’t help the quick glance toward the house where Eve disappeared. “Shut up.”

I’m saved from further teasing when Amelia, apparently noticing that she’s no longer the center of attention, lets out a frustrated wail. Jake immediately shifts into full godfather mode, bouncing her gently, her soft strawberry-blonde ringlets bobbing.

“Hey, hey, Princess,” he coos. “You’re still the prettiest girl here.” The sight of my usually smooth-talking brother making baby noises is still jarring, but he’s taken his godfather duties seriously from day one. “Look, I stole Mommy’s panda bear for you.” When Amelia looks at the stuffed animal now being waved in her face, her cries transform into a beaming smile as she gestures towards it.

Just then, Iris appears, slightly out of breath in her copper bridesmaid’s dress, her blonde hair slicked back into a tightly braided bun. “There you are! Should I take Amelia to Natalie? The ceremony starts in fifteen minutes.”

Jake shakes his head, still focused on calming Amelia. “She’s fine, just a little jealous of her cousin here. We’ve got her.”

That’s when I notice it—the careful distance between Jake and Iris, the way they’re pointedly not looking directly at each other. There’s an undeniable tension in the air, like electricity before a storm. Jake’s expression is deliberately casual, but I catch the way his eyes follow her every movement.

“Are all the bridesmaids ready?” I ask, trying to break the awkward silence.

Iris nods, smoothing down her dress. “Yes, we’re just waiting for the photographer to finish with Natalie and her father.”

“The dress suits you,” Jake says, his voice lower than usual. It’s the kind of compliment that feels intimate somehow, loaded with unspoken meaning.

Iris’s cheeks color slightly. “Thank you.” She glances at his hand, then quickly looks away. “The photographer also wants pictures of the bridesmaids.”

As she turns to go, the sunlight catches the diamond on her left hand. My heart sinks for my brother.

“I should get back,” she says softly, and there’s regret in her voice that’s impossible to miss.

As she walks away, I catch Jake watching her, an expression of such raw misery on his face that it’s physically painful to witness. It vanishes so quickly, I almost think I imagined it.

“When did that happen?” I ask quietly once she’s out of earshot, nodding toward her retreating figure.

“Two weeks ago,” Jake says, his voice deliberately casual as he focuses on Amelia.

“Jake…” I begin, but he shakes his head.

“I don’t want to talk about it.” His voice is low, and I sigh. I knew this would happen. I knew he’d get hurt in the end. He’d been playing with fire this whole time.

Dad checks his watch and clears his throat. “We should get to our places, boys. Hand over the little ones. I’ll take them to their grandma.”

Jake passes Amelia and the little panda to Dad with reluctance, and I transfer Damien back to Nick before we head toward the altar where Ethan is already waiting, his expression calm and composed in his tuxedo. Alex Hunter, Ethan’s friend from high school and college, gives me a quick nod as we take our positions, Jake in the front as best man. Derrick Holt, the deputy police commissioner, completes our lineup of groomsmen.

As the music starts and the ceremony begins, I’m surprised to see Eve walking down the aisle in her blue dress with the bridesmaids, each wearing varying shades of copper, rust, and rose gold and carrying arrangements of deep plum and burgundy flowers. She catches my eye and subtly mouths ‘Megan’s fault’ with a helpless shrug. I bite back a smile. Eve must have been roped into this at the last minute.

Iris follows soon after, keeping her eyes deliberately away from the groomsmen, or perhaps one in particular, with Megan joining her close behind, beaming at all of us. Sarah, Natalie’s pink-haired friend and former roommate, is the last of the procession, looking surprisingly elegant despite her usual rebellious style. I catch her giving Alex a quick wink.

The music changes, and everyone rises. Roland Blake, Natalie’s father, appears with his daughter on his arm. He walks with a slight limp, leaning on his cane, but his face is all pride as he escorts Natalie down the aisle. I glance at Ethan and see something I’ve rarely witnessed—raw emotion in my brother’s eyes as he watches his bride approach, a breathtaking sight of lace and effortless grace.

The ceremony itself is mercifully brief but beautiful. Natalie and Ethan exchange vows they’ve written themselves, simple but sincere promises that speak of second chances and finding home in each other. When they’re pronounced husband and wife, the kiss they share is so tender it almost feels intrusive to watch.

The reception begins shortly after, held in the stone pavilion just a short walk from the ceremony site. Strings of lights twinkle overhead, creating a magical atmosphere as evening approaches. Hors d’oeuvres are finally out, and I pop a sausage stuffed mushroom into my mouth immediately followed by an artichoke crostini. I scan the crowd for Eve, but she’s been pulled into bridesmaid duties for more photographs. Shortly after, Jake gestures to me that we’re next, and I adjust my coat, checking my teeth for snacking remnants.

The Wilder family photo session is chaotic, our mother trying to get everybody to focus on the camera despite all eyes being on the children and their antics. As the session begins, Jake insists on holding Amelia in every picture. Jake also demands to have solo pictures with both his niece and nephew, and when Amelia spits up on his shirt, he doesn’t look the least bit fazed. Natalie has long given up on arguing.

“It’s only because you took me to the hospital when I went into labor.” She kisses his cheek. “That’s why you’re getting special photo privileges.”

“If Jake gets solo pictures with Amelia and Damien, I want mine, too,” I complain.

“I’m the godfather,” Jake sneers.

“To one of them!” I snap back, my eyes turning toward Nick expectantly.

My younger brother grins. “Do you know what being a godfather to a child even means?”

“I don’t care. If Jake can do it, I can do it.”

Nick pats my shoulder. “We’ll talk about it later.”

He dumps Damien in my lap, and Jake reluctantly hands over Amelia. After two photos, I call Eve over.

“What are you doing?” she hisses as I hand Amelia to her, though Amelia immediately relaxes in her arms. “This is a family photo session.”

“You are family, my dear,” Mom laughs gently. Eve’s face flushes, holding Amelia like an expert aunt while I hold the more squirmy Damien.

When it’s time for the large group shot, the family surrounds Ethan and Natalie as they hold their little girl together, Mom close beside Natalie while Dad stands beside Ethan. Megan stands near Nick and Damien, staggered to the side of Dad, while Jake, Eve and I complete the arch next to Mom. All the while there are babies testing out their vocal cords and the distinct scent of a dirty diaper. I’m grateful it’s on the other side of the lineup, far away from Eve’s sensitive nose.

I wrap my arm around Eve’s shoulder, and she leans slightly into my touch as the photograph is captured. This is when Jake decides to point out that since he’s the godfather, he should be the one to hold Amelia. Ethan replies that Natalie gave birth to her so she gets to hold her own child, and Jake actually looks insulted. Natalie ends up asking the photographer to take another one with Jake holding her daughter.

After all the pairings are photographed, everyone scatters, Nick running off to the bathroom to check on Damien’s diaper situation, and once again I lose track of Eve.

After the speeches, dinner is finally plated. Eve is still missing, however, and I realize it’s most likely due to the smells of all the foods. I pick at the meat on my plate, but I don’t feel right eating when Eve is so sick. I give the reception area a quick scan for her again.

It’s then I notice both my father and Roland Blake have mysteriously disappeared from the main celebration. Curious, I wander toward the quieter end of the pavilion and hear the unmistakable sound of a baby’s delighted gurgle.

Peering around a decorative screen, I spot them: my father and Roland, sitting in plush chairs they’ve pulled into a corner, completely engrossed in entertaining Amelia. My father holds her tiny hands while Roland plays an elaborate game of peekaboo, hiding behind a napkin before revealing his face with an exaggerated expression of surprise that sends Amelia into fits of giggles.

“Where’s Grandpa?” Harold whispers dramatically. “Where did he go?”

Roland whips the napkin away from his face. “Here I am!” he announces, and Amelia squeals with delight, her little legs kicking excitedly.

I watch as these two dignified men—one a retired corporate lawyer and the other a respected investor—take turns making silly faces and cooing noises, completely oblivious to anything else around them. My father, who I’ve rarely seen without his composed demeanor, is blowing raspberries against Amelia’s palm while she clutches his finger with surprising strength.

“Your turn,” Roland says, passing the napkin to my father. “I think she likes your peekaboo better.”

“Nonsense,” my father replies, though he takes the napkin eagerly. “She clearly prefers your elephant impression.”

Roland immediately obliges with said impression, pulling back the napkin to use it as makeshift ears while Amelia watches in wide-eyed fascination.

I step back quietly, not wanting to interrupt their moment. It’s strange seeing my father like this—unguarded, playful, his usual sternness completely melted away. Perhaps this is what he was like when we were babies, though I can’t recall ever seeing this side of him before.

I make a mental note to tell Ethan and Natalie about this later, though I suspect they already know. These two grandfathers, best friends and now united as family in their most important role yet.

After the dinner concludes, Roland Blake takes the floor with Natalie for the father-daughter dance. The crowd falls silent as they move to the center of the dance floor. Roland’s limp is noticeable but he stands tall, pride shining in his eyes as he takes his daughter’s hand.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the DJ announces, “please welcome Roland Blake and Natalie Wilder for the father-daughter dance.”

As the music begins, I watch Roland whisper something to Natalie that makes her eyes fill with tears. Despite his cane being set aside for this moment, he manages to lead with surprising ease, his hand steady on his daughter’s back.

“I never thought I’d get to do this,” I hear Roland say, his voice carrying just enough for those nearest to catch. “All those years I missed…”

Natalie shakes her head, smiling through tears. “You’re here now, Dad. That’s what matters.”

Their dance is slow and measured, but what it lacks in technical skill it makes up for in emotion. Every face in the room watches as Roland spins his daughter once, carefully, their shared laughter a testament to newfound joy.

Eve stands beside me, her expression curious. “They seem close,” she observes. “I didn’t realize Natalie and her father had such a strong relationship.”

“It’s complicated,” I reply softly. “They found each other again recently. There’s a lot of lost time they’re making up for.”

Eve nods, watching them with newfound interest. “Well, they’re making up for it beautifully.” Her tone is practical, but there’s a warmth to it that makes me smile.

As the song ends, Roland kisses Natalie’s forehead, and Ethan steps forward to claim his bride, but not before Roland clasps his new son-in-law’s hand firmly in his own. The look that passes between the two men speaks volumes—gratitude, respect, and shared love for the woman standing between them.

After the mother-son and first dances pave the way, the guests join them on the dance floor, and the reception continues in full swing. A half hour into the dancing, Megan’s voice rings out over the speakers, causing conversations to halt and heads to turn toward the main platform.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for the bouquet toss!” She claps her hands enthusiastically. “All unmarried ladies, please gather at the center of the dance floor!”

I watch with amusement as a small crowd of women begins to form. Eve stands off to the side, sipping water and clearly having no intention of joining in. Megan spots her and frowns.

“Eve Lopez! Get over here!” Megan calls out, gesturing wildly.

Eve shakes her head firmly. “I’m good here, thanks!”

Megan marches over to her, determination written across her face. “You’re not married, so you qualify. Come on!”

“Megan, I don’t—” Eve protests, but my sister is already dragging her toward the center of the dance floor.

My gaze shifts to Iris, who’s also attempting to escape the gathering. Megan spots her, too, and changes direction, grabbing Iris with her free hand.

“You, too, Iris! Don’t think I don’t see you trying to sneak away! You’re not married yet either.”

“I was just going to check on—” Iris begins, but Megan cuts her off.

“The only thing you need to check is your catching skills,” Megan insists, pulling both women into the group of eager singles.

Natalie turns her back to the crowd, her white gown glowing in the evening light. Ethan stands nearby, bouncing a fussing Amelia gently against his shoulder, his eyes soft with affection as he watches his wife. The gathered women position themselves, some pushing forward eagerly while others—like Eve and Iris—hang back.

“Ready?” Natalie calls over her shoulder. “One… two… three!”

She tosses the bouquet high into the air, the deep-colored flowers arcing gracefully against the twilight sky. To everyone’s surprise, it sails over the enthusiastic front-runners and lands directly in Iris’s hands. She catches it with a startled gasp, looking almost horrified at what just happened.

A cheer erupts from the crowd as Iris stands frozen, staring down at the flowers. When she finally looks up, her eyes meet Jake’s across the room. For a split second, something passes between them—a flicker of longing, regret, or perhaps both. Jake’s fingers tighten visibly around his glass before he breaks the connection, looking down.

Eve slides up beside me, relief evident on her face. “That was a close call,” she whispers as she watches Iris quickly hand the bouquet to one of the bridesmaids.

I wrap my arm around her waist. “You dodged that one.”

Across the room, Ethan continues bouncing Amelia gently, his eyes searching the crowd. He spots Natalie and makes his way toward her, the baby now fussing more insistently against his shoulder.

“Wait, I have to go say hello to someone,” Eve murmurs, slipping away before I can stop her. She approaches one of the guests near the dessert table, someone I vaguely recognize from Thalvyn, and begins talking to her. Mid conversation, the woman offers Eve a plate of something, and I watch as Eve’s expression suddenly shifts. Her face pales dramatically, and she quickly covers her mouth, excusing herself before rushing away from the table.

A wild suspicion takes root in my mind. It can’t be. Can it? I follow her at a discreet distance, watching as she ducks into the bathroom. As I wait outside, I spot a waiter passing by and call him over.

“I need a favor,” I say quietly, slipping him a hundred-dollar bill. “Discreetly. There’s a pharmacy about a mile down the road.” I lean in to whisper my request and add another hundred. “Make it quick.”

The young man nods, tucking the bills into his pocket before heading toward the exit. I position myself where I can intercept Eve when she emerges while still keeping an eye out for the waiter’s return.

After what feels like an eternity, the waiter returns with a small bag. He hands it to me just as Eve emerges from the bathroom, looking slightly better but still pale.

“Don’t kill me,” I say immediately, holding out the bag. She frowns, taking it with suspicion. When she opens it and sees what’s inside, her eyes go wide with horror.

“No,” she says, shaking her head. “No, no, no.”

“Check it,” I say, keeping my voice calm despite the way my heart is racing. “Just to be sure.”

She stares at me for a long moment, then turns and disappears back into the bathroom without another word. When five minutes pass, then ten, concern begins to gnaw at me. I check that no one is watching, then duck into the ladies’ room.

Eve is sitting on a chaise near a wall of mirrors, staring blankly at the plastic stick in her hand. When she hears the door, she looks up at me, her expression stunned.

I gently take the pregnancy test from her trembling fingers and look down at the clear positive result. I can’t stop the smile that spreads across my face. Eve narrows her eyes and smacks my arm.

“Don’t look so smug,” she snaps. “This is your fault.”

“Takes two, Lopez.”

She stands up, eying the test in my hand. “You’d better be ready to marry me, Wilder.”

I pretend to consider this, tapping my chin thoughtfully. “I don’t know. Is this you proposing to me? Because I have to say, I always imagined something more romantic.”

“Are you seriously joking right now?” she hisses, and there’s a tremor in her voice.

I sigh dramatically. “This is not how I wanted to be proposed to.”

I notice her eyes filling with tears, and I drop the act immediately, crossing the small space to pull her into my arms. “Hey, hey,” I say, my voice fierce. “I’d marry you today if you wanted, Eve. Right now. In this bathroom if I had to.”

When she looks upset rather than relieved, I pull back slightly, hurt flashing across my face. “Is the idea of marrying me really that bad?”

“What? No!” She looks startled, her eyes widening at my question. Then she deflates, averting her eyes from mine, her voice quiet. “That’s not it. It just feels like I’m trapping you.”

I cup her face in my hands, making her look at me. “It’s not trapping if I’m the one who wants to be caught, Eve. I want to marry you. And this is just a wonderful excuse to do it now.”

When she looks uncertain, I say quickly, “I’ll be a good husband.”

She shakes her head, giving me a rueful smile. “That’s not what I’m concerned about. Marriage is hard, Caleb.”

“Then we’ll be hard together.” I wince. “That came out wrong. What I mean is, whatever comes, we face it together. That’s what we do.” I press my lips to her forehead, her cheeks, her lips. “You’re the only one I want to be with, Eve. The only one.”

A smile blooms on her lips, and she leans into me, “I love you.”

I kiss her temple, holding her to me as we ponder over the future ahead of us. After a moment, she pulls back, glancing toward the door. “Should we tell someone?”

“Not today,” I say, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

She nods. “You’re right. Today’s about Ethan and Natalie. Let’s go join everyone before they start looking for us.”

We step out of the bathroom together only to freeze at the sight that greets us. Natalie, Megan, and my mother are all standing there, varying expressions of amusement and delight on their faces. I feel Eve go rigid beside me, her hand tightening around mine.

“How long have you been standing there?” I ask, attempting to sound casual and failing miserably.

“Long enough,” Megan replies with a grin that’s pure mischief. “Who knew bathroom doors were so thin? You should really learn how to bribe the staff properly.”

Eve groans softly beside me, her face flushing a deep red. “We were just—”

“Having a very private conversation,” I finish for her, straightening my shoulders. “Which was supposed to remain private.”

Natalie, looking radiant in her wedding gown, gives Eve a sympathetic smile. “Megan saw you slip the staff member some money, and then she tracked him down and came to tell us. Sorry, Eve.”

My mother claps her hands together, beaming at us. “So,” she says, her eyes twinkling with joy and anticipation, “when’s the wedding?”

Eve buries her face in her hands, and I just grin, savoring the perfect chaos of this moment. This woman, this life we’re building—it’s everything I never knew I wanted.

Mom ushers the others away with a knowing smile. “Alright, alright. We’ll talk about this later. Go enjoy the reception.”

We rejoin the celebration, the garden pavilion now alive with music and laughter. Couples sway on the dance floor while fairy lights twinkle overhead. Despite the chaos of the day, a perfect calm settles over me as I watch Eve beside me, radiant in her blue dress, our secret safe between us for now. Us and three other people.

I extend my hand toward her, my eyes meeting hers. “Dance with me?” I ask, my voice soft but certain. She smiles and places her hand in mine as I guide her onto the dance floor, and in this moment, I’m overcome with love and excitement for this adventure and all the adventures that still await us.