They rounded the final bend in the path to the beach, and the wedding came into view. A canopy was set up on the soft white sand, and Jack stood waiting, looking handsome in beige slacks and a white shirt, as casual as he could ever be. Her heart raced as her eyes landed on Nate, standing next to the groom. God, he was beautiful, and he took her breath away even from this distance. The wedding was small—perhaps twenty people—and they all stood since the ceremony would be short.

“Ready?” Davis asked.

“Never been more ready,” Michelle said.

Davis gestured to Sutton, her cue to walk down the white runner spread out on the sand. With flowers in hand, Sutton led the way. Michelle grabbed Casey’s wrist, and tugged her close. “You told me last night you were glad I was marrying your brother,” she said and Casey nodded as she recalled their conversation. “I want you to know how happy I am that you’re my sister-in-law.”

“Oh hush,” Casey whispered, waving her hand quickly in front of her face to try to quell the tears that welled in her eyes once more. “Now you’re going to make my mascara run yet again.”

Michelle grinned. “Go. I’m eager to see my soon-to-be husband,” she said, then let go of Casey’s wrist, and she walked to the canopy, her smile growing ever wider as she neared her two favorite men—her brother, who she adored to the ends of the earth, and Nate, who she loved madly. She wore the yellow dress she’d snapped a photo of herself in a few weeks ago, and she knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that Nate was remembering the time she’d sent it to him, and was savoring the way it fit her in the flesh. She thrilled at the way he looked at her; it told her he only had eyes for her.

“Hi,” Nate whispered under his breath as she took her post next to Sutton.

“Hi,” she whispered in return.

They both turned their gaze to the bride as the music shifted, and the quartet began playing Ode to Joy by Beethoven. Casey had asked Michelle why she’d chosen this piece and she’d responded that the music made her happy. That seemed reason enough, and Casey understood why. The piece lived up to its name, matching the expression on Michelle’s face as she walked to the canopy. When they reached the wedding party, Davis let go of her arm, planted a kiss on her cheek and stepped aside to join his wife.

Jack gazed at Michelle with such happiness, such certainty, that she wanted to jump up and down, and dance in circles. She was so damn happy for him.

The officiant began the ceremony. An older man with graying hair and kind eyes, he seemed well suited for his role. “We’re here today to celebrate the relationship of Jack and Michelle. Together, they have gathered the most important people in their lives,” he said, stopping to gesture to the guests, “to share in their love and their joy.”