I guide her up the steps and Natalie bends to fluff out her dress then takes the bouquet. The harp music descends so we can begin the ceremony, another romantic touch Aubrey wanted.

I move to stand in front of her, grinning like a fool because I’m so damn happy. Her eyes are glossy, and I can tell she's fighting back her emotions just as much as I am. Unable to fight the urge and how ecstatic I am, I reach in to steal one more quick kiss.

"James." Aubrey giggles under her breath and her cheeks deepen in color.

Natalie nudges her and checks if her lipstick is smudged. She wipes a small spot away. Aubrey turns back to look at me, and I mouth an apology.

She shakes it off and looks deep into my eyes, unfazed by it but more so enamored. It's another reason why I fell in love with her so quickly. She gets me, I get her, and we both make it work. We don't fault each other for who we are.

Aubrey blinks, giving me a smile where she's biting her lip in anticipation, letting me know she feels the same way I do. A sensual curve slides into place and it's all I need to see to know she's ready to be my wife.

Turning, I look at the officiant. "I'm not getting any younger. Make her my wife before she has the chance to leave me for someone her own age."

"Salute," Reece says.

"Salute," I respond, and we clink our glasses together, throwing back a shot. Shots are for millennials, but on the rare occasion, I'll have one.

"I can't believe you locked her down."

I glance at him in and nod in agreement, then wave two fingers at the bartender for fresh drinks. I'm not trying to get drunk on my wedding night, so I'm going back to what I'm used to and know best—cognac. Aubrey and I both agreed on a couple of drinks, but that's it. We want our wedding night to be a moment we both remember vividly.

"Tell me about it. I'm still questioning what it is she sees in me," I say.

"Never would've thought the girl you had me fuck in front of you would be your wife one day."

A loud cackle flies out of me. I turn to Reece while laughing hysterically and pat him on the back a couple of times. A grin lights up my face thinking back to that night and how he has the balls to bring it up now. I had to trick Valentina into seeing me at that time. She was fighting fate, even then.

Typical Reece, though. I'm not angry. I got the girl in the end. I know who she's under at night and who she's on top of in the morning, and that's all that matters.

"You fuck." I laugh again. "I knew you were going to say something like that tonight."