Adored (Club Destiny #7.5) (6 page)

Holy shit.

They were
finally
getting married.

Chapter
Eight

Saturday afternoon

The wedding

Sierra stood beside Logan, waiting for Tag to make his way up to the altar after walking McKenna’s mother to her seat. The scene before her made her smile. So many people, all gathered together in one place, all patiently waiting for the ceremony to begin.

Surprisingly, Sierra wasn’t nervous, merely eager for them to get on with it. She had spent the morning with McKenna, along with Sam and Mercedes, helping her to get ready, trying to calm her nerves, and ultimately making her laugh. They’d arranged for breakfast to be delivered to the cabin, not wanting to risk Tag seeing McKenna before he was supposed to. It had been a fun, laughter-filled morning, but Sierra was as anxious as Tag and McKenna to get this started.

She was excited for this day, excited for two of her nearest and dearest friends to pledge their love for one another. Today, Sierra was McKenna’s matron of honor, while Logan stood for Tag as his best man. The couple had opted to keep the wedding party small, due to the fact there were so many people close to McKenna, and the woman didn’t seem to know how to pick one person for the high honor without selecting everyone.

So, to make it simple, last night after the striptease, they’d come up with a plan to make it easy. Everyone’s name went into a hat—two separate ones, actually—and McKenna and Tag then drew randomly. Not conventional, maybe, but it had been fun. Probably more so because Sierra’s name had been selected, and she had the honor of standing up for the couple as they stated their vows to one another.

Once Tag made his way to the altar, standing in front of the officiant who’d entered from the side of the beautifully decorated chapel, a silence descended over the group gathered before her. Luckily, they’d had an assigned wedding coordinator who’d handled all of the details, right down to the decorations, as well as the menu, cake, flowers, and music. Sierra merely oversaw it all, ensuring that nothing was missed.

Pretty much, the only thing the rest of them had to do was show up.

Which they’d all done, including Tag’s father and his stepmother.

“Ready?” Logan whispered as he leaned down toward her.

“Absolutely.” Sierra allowed Logan to lead them down the aisle. When they arrived at the altar, she went to the left, Logan to the right.

As Sierra took her place, she heard laughter and turned in time to see Hannah marching down the aisle, grinning from ear to ear as she tossed rose petals onto the floor behind her. She was so animated, making Sierra laugh along with the others. When she made her way to the front, Cole snatched her up and pulled her into his lap, making Hannah giggle in response.

Sierra’s attention was drawn to the back of the room, and tears formed in her eyes as she saw McKenna and her father, Jason, come into view.

Since McKenna hadn’t known what was happening, Sierra had called Diane, asking McKenna’s mother to do the honors of selecting what she thought her daughter would like. The dress was perfect. McKenna looked stunning. Her ivory vintage gown, with top-applied flowers on illusion tulle, sheer three-quarter sleeves, and a full, layered skirt, looked as though it had been made with McKenna in mind. Elegant and beautiful, just like McKenna.

The music began, and Jason led McKenna down the aisle while there were gasps as everyone took her in. Sierra glanced over at Tag, noticing the man was motionless, his eyes glued to the woman as she approached him. The look on his face was priceless, and hopefully someone thought to get a candid shot of what true adoration looked like, because that was the only way to describe it.

McKenna and her father stopped at the altar.

“Who gives this woman to this man in marriage?” the officiant asked.

“Her mother and I do,” Jason said gruffly, emotion clogging his voice.

McKenna stepped forward, as did Tag, both of them meeting in the middle. Jason then took McKenna’s right hand from his left arm and placed it on Tag’s left hand.

Sierra knew she wasn’t going to make it through the ceremony without tears. She only hoped she didn’t make a spectacle of herself when she did. Considering her hormones were on the fritz, hopefully she’d be forgiven if that did, in fact, happen.

While she tried to maintain her composure, Sierra reached for the bouquet when McKenna turned to hand it to her and then watched as Tag and McKenna both turned toward the officiant.

“Dear family and friends, we are gathered here today to witness and celebrate the union of Tag Murphy and McKenna Thorne in marriage. Through their time together, this couple has come to realize that their personal hopes and dreams are more attainable and more meaningful through mutual support, providing in love, commitment, and family. And so, they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

“True marriage is more than the joining of two persons; it is the union of two hearts. It lives on the love you give each other and never grows old, but thrives on the joy of each new day. Marriage is love. May you always be able to talk things over, to confide in each other, to laugh with each other, to enjoy life together, and to share moments of quiet and peace, when the day is done. May you be blessed with a lifetime of happiness and a home of warmth and understanding.”

Yep, Sierra knew the waterworks were about to start up, especially when she noticed McKenna’s hand shaking as she held Tag’s.

“Do you, Tag, take McKenna to be your lawfully wedded wife, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Tag said, his eyes lingering on McKenna’s face.

“And do you, McKenna, take Tag to be your lawfully wedded husband, promising to love and cherish, through joy and sorrow, sickness and health, and whatever challenges you may face, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” McKenna replied, her voice shaky.

The officiant continued, “You have for each other special rings—symbols that love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and no end, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. You place these rings upon each other’s fingers as a visible sign of your vows this day, which will make you husband and wife.”

Sierra choked back a sob as McKenna and Tag turned to face one another. The two of them exchanged rings, reciting the words, “I give you this ring, a symbol of my love, as I give to you all that I am and accept from you all that you are.”

“And now, by the power vested in me, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Tag, you may now kiss your bride.”

Cheers erupted when Tag melded his lips to McKenna’s, cupping her face in his big hands. Sierra then lost the battle to hold back the tears as she smiled at her friends, silently wishing them all the happiness the world could afford them.

“Family and friends, I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Tag Murphy.”

Chapter
Nine

McKenna felt weightless, as though nothing could touch her as she floated along. Everything since the moment she’d said I do had coalesced into a whirlwind of conversation and activity. And now, as they all sat at the formal reception dinner, enjoying fantastic wine and finishing a superb meal, the reality of the day was setting in.

She hadn’t released Tag’s hand since he’d walked her back down the aisle, and she wasn’t sure she’d be able to release him for the rest of the night. It had made eating rather difficult, but her need to touch him had outweighed her need for food.

“Isn’t the best man supposed to make a speech?” Luke called out, glancing down the table at Logan.

“He is,” Logan confirmed with a smirk.

McKenna smiled as Logan got to his feet, adjusting his tuxedo jacket and turning his attention to the entire group.

“I’m going to preface this by saying that I did ask Tag if there was anything I shouldn’t say. He said no. So, for the record, that’s on him.”

McKenna laughed, thinking of all the things that Logan could say, things that she should be worried about, but she came up with nothing. This was Logan; although he might tease, she knew he would be respectful.

“Okay, so first things first. I’d like to start out by mentioning that McKenna looks stunning today. Then again, that’s not much different than any other day, although she does have an impressive glow about her today. As for the guy next to her… Well, my grandfather always said if you can’t say anything nice, then shut the hell up. But he’s not here today, so I’ll keep going.” Logan’s grin widened as he looked at Tag. “However, in Tag’s defense, where he lacks in looks, he certainly makes up for in personality… No, wait. Not personality. He makes up for it in smarts. Yes. The guy’s damn smart. I’m sure no one can disagree with me. Especially today of all days when he made the smartest decision of his life and married McKenna.”

The group laughed, as Logan had obviously intended. McKenna squeezed Tag’s hand and looked over at him. God, she loved this man.

“By luck of the draw, I was given the coveted honor of being Tag’s best man on this special day, and though my first reaction was to rub it in everyone’s face, the truth is, it really is an honor for me. I’ve known Tag for some time now, and I’ve grown to respect him. Not only because he’s been my legal representation on multiple occasions but also because I consider him a friend.

“I’m proud to stand here and celebrate one of Tag’s greatest accomplishments to date. Marrying McKenna, devoting all of the love, respect, and friendship that he has within him to her, his wife and best friend. And as I’m sure everyone else here would agree, we’re honored to be here, to celebrate this incredible day with you.”

Logan reached for his wineglass, lifting it up as he peered over at them. “Here’s to a lifetime of happiness, and the kind of deep love that comes from finding the one person who completes you, who makes you whole. Congrats.”

McKenna couldn’t stop the tears as glasses clinked in their honor. Today had been more than she’d ever anticipated.

<><><><>

After Logan’s toast, they’d resumed their conversations as the waiters came to clear the table. Although the attention was supposed to be on them, Tag couldn’t hold back the question he had for Luke. He was still wondering where the man’s optimism came from, but after seeing Sierra earlier, he was pretty sure he’d finally figured it out.

“So, Luke,” Tag began. “I’m still curious as to the change in you.”

“What change?” Luke smirked, glancing over at Sierra and Cole.

“You told me last night that you only live once. While I agree, it’s not a perspective I’d have pegged you for.”

“I turned over a new leaf,” he said.

“Yeah?” Tag asked, looking over at Sierra with a grin. “So there’s news?”

Luke lifted his eyebrows, but the smile never left his face. “What news?”

“I know those two make you happy, but I think you’re hidin’ somethin’. Care to share?”

Luke looked at Sierra, and Tag caught her slight nod. When Luke met his gaze again, there was something else there. Pride.

“This is supposed to be your day, so we were waiting to tell everyone.”

The table went silent around them.

“We’re pregnant,” Luke told them proudly.

Silence descended on the table briefly, but then there was a round of clapping and cheers as people were instantly out of their seats, hugging Sierra and clapping Luke and Cole on the back. Tag and McKenna joined in the celebration, going over to Luke directly.

Lifting his wineglass to Luke, Tag tilted it toward him. “Congrats. Just another reason for us to celebrate today.”

Luke nodded, another smile tilting the corner of his mouth.

The instrumental music started, a subtle hint for the next phase of tonight’s program, causing a hush to come over the group.

“I think that’s our cue,” Tag stated, turning his attention to his … wife—God, he loved the sound of that. Face-to-face with McKenna, Tag smiled. “Dance with me,” he suggested to McKenna, his fingers still linked with hers.

As was planned, “All of Me” by John Legend began when Tag led McKenna out onto the floor. He pulled her in close, his eyes locked with hers.

His wife.

When tears filled McKenna’s eyes, he reached up and brushed one away.

“You are the absolute most beautiful woman on the face of the earth. I just thought you should know that.”

McKenna sobbed softly, another tear escaping. “Thank you.”

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you, too,” she said softly. “So much.”

Pulling her close to him, Tag moved around the dance floor. This time, as all eyes were on him dancing, he didn’t care. It didn’t matter to him who saw. He wanted the world to watch, to know just how much he loved this woman, how overwhelmingly happy she made him. This was, by far, the greatest day of his entire life.

A few minutes later, the song faded away but quickly transitioned into another, and that was when McKenna’s father came over, asking for permission to cut in. Tag placed McKenna’s hand in her father’s and turned to find McKenna’s mother standing on the sideline. He moved toward her, reaching for her hand.

With a beaming smile, Diane accepted his offer.

“Today was perfect,” Diane told him as they moved slowly around the dance floor, allowing McKenna and her father to maintain the spotlight.

“She’s perfect,” Tag told her.

Diane smiled up at him. “I’m so glad she found you.”

Tag grinned. “Me, too.”

He remembered back when he’d met McKenna. She’d been the persistent journalist who’d done her best to interfere in his life, trying to get the dirt on him and the McCoys. She was good at what she did, there was no doubt about it, and it hadn’t taken long for Tag to find himself infatuated with her. That feeling had only intensified over time.

“You do know that I’m waiting for the two of you to give me grandbabies,” Diane said with a chuckle.

Tag laughed, his gaze cutting to McKenna’s. If everything went well, hopefully his mother-in-law wouldn’t be waiting long.

When the song ended, Jason came over and asked if he could cut in, making Tag smile. “Should I be worried that you keep stealing women from me?”

Jason laughed as he pulled Diane against him. “Just wait until y’all give me granddaughters.”

Tag could not wait for that day. When he turned to find McKenna, intending to go back to her, he found her dancing with his father, Jackson. For a brief moment, Tag was stunned, unable to move. While he tried to process what he was seeing, Victoria came up to him, an uncertain smile on her face.

His manners returned, and he instantly asked her to dance, moving closer to his stepmother. They danced in silence for a moment because Tag had no idea what to say.

Luckily, Victoria eased some of the tension when she said, “He loves you. I’ll admit, he has a very strange way of showing that, but truth is, he does love you.”

It was the first time that Victoria had ever said that to him. Most of their conversations were short and to the point. The rare times he found himself around his father, they generally talked about work.

“Thank you for coming,” Tag said. “It means a lot that he’s here.”

“He wouldn’t have missed it. He just doesn’t know how to show that side of himself.”

Tag nodded. His father had never been the type to dole out love, or to even make Tag feel welcome, but there was one positive in all that. Tag had learned, through his own experiences, what not to do. And sometimes, that was as good a lesson as any.

The song slowly began to fade. “It’s time you go back to your bride,” Victoria said as she released his hand.

Turning, he saw McKenna smiling up at Jackson, looking slightly uncomfortable, but the woman never ceased to amaze him. She handled any situation brilliantly, including this one.

Making his way over to her, he pulled her against him as the rest of the crowd moved onto the dance floor with them, joining in as another slow song started.

“Thank you,” he told her.

“For?”

“For being my greatest accomplishment to date. For making me the happiest man in the world. For … being you.”

Two hours later, Tag was trying to find a way to sneak out and take McKenna back to their cabin. He was seeking her out when his father approached, his expression sober.

“Dad,” Tag said calmly when Jackson came to stand directly in front of him.

“I didn’t want to take too much of your time,” Jackson said, his gaze sliding across the room to where McKenna was talking to Sierra, Sam, and Mercedes. “I just wanted a chance to talk to you. In private.”

Tag lifted his brow in question.

“I wanted to tell you…” Jackson thrust his hands into his pockets, his face contorting into what appeared to be pain.

“You don’t have to say it,” Tag told him, hating to see his father hurting.

“Yes. I do,” Jackson said firmly, looking directly into Tag’s eyes.

“I’ve never been the best father. I know that. I’ve never tried to make excuses for my shortcomings, but I do want you to know that I … I’m proud of you, Tag. I’ve always been proud of you. Despite the type of father I’ve been, you’ve… You’re a good man. One I admire.”

Tag didn’t move. Hell, he wasn’t sure he was even breathing. It was the first time in all his life that his father had come out and said anything regarding how he’d been as a father.

The silence lingered between them for a moment before Tag managed to croak out a thank you.

“You’re welcome. And I really am proud of you. She’s an incredible woman. And you’re lucky to have each other.”

“That we are,” Tag agreed.

Jackson’s hand slipped from his pocket. He then placed it on Tag’s shoulder, and for a moment, he expected a pat but was shocked when Jackson pulled him close, both arms circling him as he hugged him.

“I love you, son.”

Tag swallowed hard, his eyes closing as he hugged his father back. The emotion that churned in his chest surprised him. Perhaps he’d never expected his father to say any of these things, and he wasn’t sure how to process them. But he knew one thing for sure, so he said, “I love you, too, Dad.”

When Jackson pulled back, they stood staring at one another for a moment. It wasn’t awkward, as Tag had expected it to be. Jackson then smiled, a genuine grin that transformed his usually stoic features. “Like I said, I’m so proud of you.”

Tag nodded. “Thank you,” he said, his voice guttural with the emotion now clogging his throat.

Jackson turned and surveyed the room. When he turned back, he once again looked like the father he’d known his whole life, somber, expressionless.

“I should let you get back to your wife,” Jackson said.

Another nod was all Tag could offer. Although his father had shut down once again, the moment they’d shared had been real and something Tag had needed more than he had realized.

“Thanks, Dad.”

It was Jackson’s turn to nod before he silently walked away.

Tag remained rooted in that same spot for long minutes after Jackson disappeared into the group, taking it all in.

He glanced at McKenna. His …
wife
. Holy hell—at the risk of repeating himself—he definitely loved the sound of that.

She was smiling at her friends, laughing and joking, but then her gaze slid to his briefly. Another smile—one filled with promise and meant only for him—tilted her lips.

Definitely time to get her back to the room. Tag was ready to call it a night, but not because he was tired.

Nope, sleeping was the last thing on his mind.