BROKEN COURAGE (Broken Redemption Book 3)

Chapter 61

Lucas

"You ready?" Ben's hand lands firmly on my shoulder.

The rest of the guys—James, Zeb, and Dominick—are laughing and joking together, but I've been so lost in my thoughts I've barely joined in on the banter.

Ben studies me with a raised brow. "You seem nervous."

"Not nervous," I say, and it's true. Not even a little. "Just desperate to see her."

His grin turns knowing, and his gaze drifts off to some distant memory. "Yeah. I know all too well what that feels like."

"There he is!" James's voice pulls my attention, and I turn just in time to see him squat down, greeting Nero, who's just bounded into the room. His tail wags furiously as his paws dance with excitement. He may not understand what's happening, but there's no doubt he feels the significance of the day.

"Nero, come." In an instant, he's standing in front of me, mouth open wide, tongue hanging out, looking like he's grinning. I can't help but smile myself. These days, we both have a lot to be happy about. I crouch down, pressing a kiss to the top of his head before running my fingers through his fur just the way he likes. "Missed you, bud. Thanks for taking such good care of our girls last night."

Tiny arms wrap tightly around my neck as a voice squeals, "Uncle Wuc!" My heart swells, and I can't help the grin that stretches wide across my face.

"Hey, sweet girl. Where's your sister?" Before the words are even out, Alyssa appears at my other side, adding her little arms to the embrace. I scoop them both up, rising to my feet and planting a kiss on each of their cheeks. "You both look beautiful."

"Yeah, they do." Zeb grins as he steps up, giving the girls a playful tickle on their sides that has them giggling.

"You girls ready for the big show?" James asks, hands on his hips, doing his best to look unaffected by Annelly, who's just walked into the area where we're all standing around, waiting for the music that signals the start of the ceremony.

"They sure are," Jenny responds with a warm smile, leaning over to kiss my cheek while stroking the girls' backs. Her eyes meet mine as she asks, "How about you, big brother? You ready to do this?"

"So ready," The words come out on a sigh, more raw and vulnerable than I intended.

Jenny's eyes soften. "I can't wait until you see her. She looks beautiful." With the lump of emotion clogging up my throat, all I can do is nod. My girl is stunning every day, but the thought of her walking toward me in a white wedding dress... it's almost too much. The image alone is enough to turn me into a blubbering mess.

"Okay," Maura—our event planner—calls out, her voice somehow cutting through the lively chatter and laughter, bringing an immediate hush to the room. "The bride is on her way, so everyone, please take your places. Lucas?" My heart leaps into my throat as I step forward, Nero following close at my side like he always does. "When the song starts, I'll open the doors. Once I've secured them, you and Nero can head out just like we practiced." She adjusts my bow tie one last time, her gaze approving. "Perfect. Now, remember to breathe, take your time, and take it all in." I try to smile, but with the surge of emotions overwhelming me, it probably looks more like a grimace.

When the first notes of Turning Pages by Sleeping at Last begins to play, the burn behind my eyes intensifies. I draw in a shuddering breath, willing myself to do as Maura says and just breathe.

As I step through the doors, the brisk autumn air fills my lungs, grounding me in the moment. Nero stays at my side, his steady presence calming the storm of emotions surging inside me. I focus on the white runner stretching ahead, leading straight to the arch where I'll soon stand, waiting for her. Each step feels surreal, like I'm crossing the line between all the years we lost and the life that's waiting for us.