“All of my brothers were relieved at the news because, let’s face it, things were getting kind of crowded. But not me. I’d been wishing for a sister, and it looked like my chance was gone. What I didn’t realize when I was a kid was that I’d be lucky enough to get five sisters. Molly, you’re perfect for my big brother. You make him smile and laugh and somehow even get him to stop working from time to time.” Everyone laughs softly, and I take a breath before continuing. “And you’re good for me too,” I say, the words breaking a little. I glance around the patio. Teagan’s wearing a shiny new engagement band, and I choke up a little at the reminder. Ava’s holding her one-year-old daughter, Lauren, while Jake keeps an arm around her shoulders. Ellie’s leaning on Levi, and Nic has her fingers intertwined with Ethan’s. By the time I look back to Molly, I think everyone understands why I feel so damn grateful. “You’re all better than sisters. I’m a pretty private person and I never wanted to burden anyone else with my troubles, but in you, Molly, and in Ava, Ellie, Nic, and Teagan, I don’t just have sisters. I have friends I can go to any time life is rough. Thank you for being brave enough to come back to Jackson Harbor. You’re a piece of this family as essential as one of my brothers.” I throw Levi a look and grunt. “Except maybe him. We’d be all right without him.”

“Heeey!” Levi says over everyone’s laughter. “This is family time, brat!”

I blow him a kiss and shake my head. “But seriously, Molly. Today you’re not just marrying Brayden. You’re stuck with all of us—even Levi—and we’re lucky enough to have duped you into thinking this is a good thing. I’m grateful for you and Noah, and so thrilled to call you both Jacksons. Here’s to you and Brayden.” I lift my glass of sparkling apple juice in the air. “May you always be lucky enough to know what a gift you have in each other.”

Everyone cheers, and I lower back into my seat.

Easton leans over, his mouth brushing my ear. “Do you know how wild I am about you?”

I smile. “I might have an idea.”

He nips my earlobe. “Good. Just checking.”

Easton

When dinner’s over and everyone’s dancing on the beach, I stand and offer Shay my hand. “Dance with me?” I nod to the beach where all of her brothers are entranced by their dance partners. “Brayden and Molly want everyone out there.”