For a long time, he’d thought this day would never happen for him, but then Hope came to the island to work for them, and everything had changed. He’d made the mistake of fighting his growing feelings for her because she was their employee, and he’d worried his late father would’ve disapproved. But the more time he spent with Hope, the more it didn’t matter what anyone thought. He was completely in love with her and couldn’t wait to marry her, and Ethan, too.

Wearing a navy blue suit and a tie that he tugged at as if it were a noose, Alex came out of the adjoining room that he and Jenny were sharing. Paul was thrilled that his brother and sister-in-law had wanted to join them and that they’d be their witnesses, too. After their stop in Philadelphia to see Erin’s dad, they’d arrived late that afternoon, in plenty of time for the seven o’clock ceremony.

“You clean up pretty well,” Paul said to his brother.

“Likewise. You even managed to shave without cutting yourself.”

“Fuck off,” Paul said, laughing. The two of them had been needling each other their entire lives. Why should his wedding day be any different? “Even though you're a consistent pain in my ass, I’m glad you’re here.”

“So am I. Cost me a freaking fortune to book it last minute, so I’ll be sending you the bill.”

“Please do. I’ll happily pay it.”

“I’m just kidding. Money well spent.”

“I should’ve thought to ask you sooner. Sorry that I didn’t. I was so focused on making everything nice for Hope that I didn’t think of it.”

“No worries. We were fine with inviting ourselves.” Alex made a big production out of straightening Paul’s tie. “You ready for this?”

“You know it. Can’t wait.”

“She’s awesome, and so is Ethan. You got it right, brother.”

“I’m glad you approve.”

“I do, and Mom and Dad would’ve loved her, too.”

“I agree.”

The bedroom door opened, and Hope came out wearing a sexy, form-fitting off-white dress that landed just above her knee and three-inch heels that did wondrous things for her already-exceptional legs. She’d spent the afternoon at the spa downstairs, and her hair had been done in an elaborate updo that left her future husband dazzled by the sight of her.

Paul couldn’t seem to do anything but stare at the gorgeous woman who would become his wife in just over an hour.

She ran her hands over the skirt of her dress in a move he recognized as nerves.