Headstrong Like Us (Like Us, #6)

by Krista Ritchie

“I’ve got tissues, Tylenol…” He pats his pants pockets and takes out a couple items. “Chapstick, condoms.” My brows rise. “Why are you carrying around condoms?” “You know, in case you and Maximoff have a quickie after the ceremony. I’ve got you, man.”

“These are for you three then.” He looks between Oscar, Thatcher, and Luna. “In case you need them. I’ve got my guys and girl.” His eyes flit to Luna for a second longer. She smiles.

“No way you have Moretti’s size in your pocket.” Donnelly focuses back on Oscar. “Thatch can double wrap it.” I can’t help it—I’m fucking cracking up.

“In less than an hour, you’re going to be a married man, Redford.” He nods with a nostalgic smile like, this is it, what you’ve always wanted. Happiness glows in his brown eyes. “How does that feel?”

“But you are sweating,” Oscar chimes in. Fuck, I touch my forehead. Sure enough, moisture lands on my fingertips.

“Feels like a thousand things are flapping in my fucking stomach.” Oscar pops another Cheeto in his mouth. “We call those butterflies, Redford.” “No shit.” I widen my eyes. “Make them stop.” “Can’t.” Donnelly checks his phone. “You’re about to get married.”

I inhale a strong breath, and my smile returns at full force. Here we go, wolf scout.

I’m not spacing out. I’m here. I’m here. So damn present, so I can look back and remember every detail, every ordinary, romantic, and miraculous thing.

Farrow and I decided on colors that reminded us of water and the sunset, which fit perfectly for the venue.

Janie could feel how fucking happy and overwhelmed I am. And I could feel how happy she is for me.

I love her, and I can’t imagine doing this without her here.

“The strap of my dress just broke,” my little sister says. “It’s white. It’s revolting against me.” Sulli helps hold the dress in place. “No way. You look fucking gorgeous, Kinney.” Xander mutters, “It’s the Hale Curse.”

My dad noticeably stiffens beside me. I think this might actually be the first time he’s heard about the curse. Great.

I’m about to marry my childhood crush.

I’m here. Present moment, me. Marriage material, me. About to see Farrow Redford Keene, me.

My dad squeezes my shoulder. I glance over at him, and his amber eyes carry this peaceful reassurance.

“You only have one job, bud.” A trademarked dry smile inches across his lips. “Make it to the altar. And lucky for you, if you pass out, I can just carry you there.”

“You’re joking, but it might actually happen, Dad.” A rare warm look crosses his face. “I felt that way, too. It’ll pass ...

Him. He means Farrow. We’ve been apart since this morning, seems more like an eternity, and it’s hard to even imagine looking into his eyes at this point. Honest to God, I feel like my joints are rusted. Like my body parts d...

I can almost hear him say, Relax, relax....

Standing here, today, I feel and know that it’s perfect. It’d be imperfectly perfect under any doomsday. As long as he’s with me. Music begins to play.

Sulli leads and Kinney and Xander follow right behind. Jane gives me one quick smile before she’s off. And my dad hooks an arm through mine. This is really it.

I turn my head to the right. Instinctively. Expectantly. I look across the wicker chairs to the other procession line.

And he’s already looking at me. Farrow smiles that knowing smile, one that says, you can’t take your eyes off me, wolf scout.

I try looking forward, but no part of my stubborn soul wants to aband...

He realizes, and his chest rises as he walks. Same exact pace as me. Our eyes crash together...

And Farrow tries to glance forward. He can’t either.

He’s drawn back by a magnetic pull, and he stares at me like I’m the only person on the cliffside.

He’s dressed head-to-toe in black, his hair the same jet-black hue as the day I met him, and he has that co...

Christ, everyone is watching us. We’re only watc...

My dad was joking about carrying me to the altar, but I’m almost a hundred percent relying on him to guide me there. Because I ...

His teasing smile only stret...

I never want to forget that smile. Not for as long as I live. Bury me in the ground with these memories. Send me to the underworld with his face ...

I glance at my dad. Wondering if I will fucking pass out. He gives me a sharp look and whispers, “Breathe, Moffy.”

He’s kissing Ripley on the head, my mom carrying our son on her hip. Farrow smiles at me while he gives my mom a hug.

“You’ve made me so goddamn proud to call you my son.”

He strolls over to his first-row seat next to my mom. She blots fingers at her watery eyes, and my Aunt Daisy passes a pack of tissues.

Oscar leaves the groomsmen line and waits underneath the arch. He’s officiating.

His eyebrow piercing rises as he gives me that look. You know the one.

He’s the most beautiful sight in Capri, on this island. In every universe.

The same time I reach for his hand, he clasps my palm.

I watch his thumb run over the black tungsten band, still on my finger.

His mouth curves up. “You okay?” I lick my lips, feeling my smile. “Yeah. You?”

He smiles more. “Yeah—” Lightning cracks the sky. Guests take their seats and murmur, everyone studying the clouds. And then, rain falls.

Thunder booms, and Farrow laughs into this overwhelmed expression, “Looks like you made an appearance after me.” The thunder, I realize. He’s bringing up what I said to him at the car crash.

Farrow never looks away from me.

We’ve always been headstrong, and there’s nothing I’d want more than to stand in the pouring rain with Farrow on our wedding day.

I’m not positive if guests will be able to hear him. Or us, but strangely, the rain transforms this moment to a quiet, soft, and private one.

“We’re gathered here today to celebrate the love and union between Maximoff and Farrow.” Oscar grins.

“If you really know these two men, then you know they’re who you call on when you’re at your lowest. When nothing is going right, you just know they’ll be there. One text, one call, no questions.” Thunder crackles. “They’re two of the most selfless men, and I can’t name two other people who are more perfect for each other. Their tenderness together can breathe life back into a body.” He takes a pause. “I’ve witnessed that firsthand.”