MALACHI Two weeks of intensive, crazed planning have brought us here. To this very moment, at this very point in time. It’s hard to believe that we’re finally here. I won. We won. I’m giddier than a man who won a two hundred million dollar lottery. My fingers won’t stop trembling no matter how badly I want them to. I clear my throat and tear my gaze off myself. “Stop fidgeting.” I look at Jaxon through the mirror. He’s adjusting his tie for the fifth time. It’s only normal he falls victim to my rather annoying transfer of..nerves? He scoffs, frowning without looking up at me. “I’m not fidgeting." “Looks to me like you are,” Ronan calls from the window where he’s standing, looking over at the venue. He’s the only one of us who looks calm. But I know better. I can see the tension packed in his shoulders. He hasn’t worn his tie yet, and he keeps fiddling with his wristwatch. It makes me smile. We’re all nervous. Today, we will marry her. The suite we’re getting ready overlooks the water. We bought this island for the wedding because it is the only one in the world that perfectly fits the description of Sarah’s dream wedding venue. The white sand beaches, crystal clear water, tall, green, palm trees swaying in the breeze. Sarah said it had always been her dream to get married by the water, but she couldn’t afford it at the time she was getting married to Aaron, and she wouldn’t let Kevin pay for it after he had promised her millions of dollars to get Wellspring Insurance running. She gave us two weeks. But when you have unlimited resources and a woman you’d move mountains for, two weeks is more than enough. “How’s it looking out there?” I ask Ronan. “Perfect.” He turns from the window. “It looks just as she said.”“Do you think she thought we were going to take everything she said literally?” Jaxon chuckles. “I hope she did. She’s in her cabin now. She must have an idea.” “Do you think we should go see her? How do you think she’s feeling?” I wonder if she’s as jittery as we are. Is she having second thoughts? Cold hands? Shoulders? Feet? “I sure hope not. It’s bad omen to see a bride before the wedding.” Ronan replies, tucking his hands into his pockets. “But we…” The knock on the door silences me. We all turn toward it, but I’m the one who calls out. “Come in.” The door opens, and Kevin walks in. He’s wearing a bright smile on his face, lighting up all the boyish features of his face. He’s wearing a black suit like us, perfect contrast to the matching white my brothers and I have on. He raises his right hand to cover his eyes, as though the white of our suits are blinding him. “Sheesh,” he laughs. “I can’t believe this is happening.” “What part?” Jaxon angles his head slowly to the right, fighting the grin that sneaks up to his face. Kevin’s smile falters slightly. “You crazy fuckers are really doing this. You know, when we were boys and you said you wanted to have the same woman, I had never ever imagined that woman would be my sister.” I walk over to him. I’m not certain where the pain in his eyes is coming from. The fact that he’ll miss her? He knows he’s always welcome. My mind tells me it’s from the backlash she’s gotten recently. It’s been better since her life was threatened. What Caroline and her son did gave her the sympathy of the public majority, but we know—more than anyone—how fickle it is. My fingers trace the collar of his suit. “You know we’ll take care of her.” “I know?” He meets my eyes. “It’s not like you have a choice, you know? You have to…” he pauses, sucks in a deep breath. “You must keep loving her, no matter what. She is totally and utterly smitten by you three, and you…you’ve been through a lot together.” “We have.” Ronan says quietly.“Well,” he straightens, “you better remember that. I would not have you break my sister’s heart again. If you ever, for any reason, stop loving her…please bring her back to me.” “Kevin…” “I mean it,” He shoots me a glare. “Don’t hurt her, don’t cheat on her. Just…just bring her back. She’ll always be welcome. Berry is all I have.” Silence lingers for a brief moment. I take it upon myself to break it. “Kevin,” I suck in a deep breath. “You have dedicated your entire life to protecting and taking care of Sarah amidst everything. It’s our time now.” I pull my hands away. “She’s our responsibility now.” “One that we take very seriously.” Ronan adds, assuring him. He nods, eyes darting from one person to another. “Fine. You’ve given me your word. Let’s go get you married.” Kevin grins. “Before she changes her mind.” “You would really like that, wouldn’t you?” “Oh, you have absolutely no idea.” ~ We head out of the suite, down the private path that leads to the beach. The sun is starting to set, painting everything in shades of gold and pink. Perfect timing. The guests are already seated. White chairs arranged in a semicircle on the sand, facing an arch covered in white orchids and roses. The aisle is lined with lanterns that will light up once the sun fully sets. Beyond the arch, the ocean stretches endlessly. Waves lapping gently at the shore. It’s beautiful. Intimate. Perfect. We take our positions at the front. All three of us, standing side by side. The priest gives us a nod when we glance at him. Just then, the live band begins Elvis Presley’s CAN’T HELP FALLING IN LOVE WITH YOU. The guests all rise to their feet and turn their heads toward the path. WISE MEN SAY, ONLY FOOLS RUSH IN… My breath catches in my throat. Jaxon grips my hand firmly, but I can’t turn away. I can’t look at anything or anyone else. My gaze is zeroed on the aisle. Sarah appears at the entrance to the beach, Kevin’s arm linked through hers.She’s wearing sparkly white, a soft; gauzy material that moves with the ocean breeze. Off shoulder, flaunting beautiful collar bones I want to desperately munch on. The sleeves run down her hands, forming plaits—I think that’s what it’s called—from her wrist down. Her baby bump is visible. Small but unmistakably beautiful. The dress has delicate beading that catches the sunlight. She’s glowing. “She’s a fucking angel.” Ronan whimpers. My words are stuck in my throat, but I completely agree. Her veil is short, just past her shoulders. It’s down over her face, but I can still see her features through the sheer fabric. Her hair is swept up in an elegant updo with a few loose curls framing her bright face. Her face. It stops my heart. She looks radiant, happy, with her long lashes, and lush pink lips curved in a soft smile. She’s the most beautiful being I’ve ever seen. The most gorgeous, ethereal, being I’ll ever be privileged to set my eyes upon. I feel my eyes burn. Tears. I’m actually going to cry at my own wedding. Fuck. Will I really be one of those guys? I glance at my brothers. Jaxon’s jaw is tight, his eyes suspiciously bright. Ronan’s hand is pressed against his chest, like he’s trying to hold his heart in. We’re all wrecked. Completely undone by the sight of her. Sarah and Kevin start walking down the aisle. The guests are watching her, mesmerized. I can hear someone crying softly. Probably one of her colleagues. She’s finally here. After everything—after years of wanting her, months of loving her, weeks of almost losing her—she’s here. Walking toward us. About to become our wife. We’ve known we wanted this for over ten years. Kevin stops at the end of the aisle, turns to face Sarah. He lifts her veil slowly, gently. Reveals her face fully. God, she’s beautiful. He kisses her cheek, whispers something in her ear that makes her laugh softly. Then he looks at us. All three of us.He takes Sarah’s hand and places it in Ronan’s and the other one in Jaxon’s. I’m in the middle, holding on to their free hands. This way, we’re all holding her now. All connected. Kevin steps back, takes his seat in the front row. The priest begins. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…” We take turns each with our vows, and by the time we’re done, there’s tears in Sarah’s eyes, and mine, and Jaxon’s. “The rings,” the priest prompts. We each have a ring for her. Simple bands that stack together. White gold, rose gold, and platinum. Each one engraved with our initials and the date. Ronan slides his on first. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Jaxon next. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Then me. “With this ring, I thee wed.” Three rings. Three promises. Three forevers. When it’s Sarah’s turn, her little ring bearer appears with three boxes each. She puts Ronan’s on first, even with her hands shaking. Then Jaxon’s. I come last. “With these rings, I thee wed,” she says. “All of you. Forever.” The priest smiles at all of us. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you three husbands and wife. You may now kiss your bride.” Finally! When it’s my turn, and I have her to myself, I cup her face in my hands, kiss her softly. Reverently. To remind her she’s as precious as every word I uttered in my vows. “Mrs. HawkThorne,” Ronan murmurs against her hair. “Mrs. HawkThorne,” Jaxon echoes. “Ours,” I finish. “Finally ours.” “Finally yours,” she agrees. We walk back down the aisle together. All four of us. Hand in hand. The sun has fully set now. The lanterns along the aisle light up, casting everything in a warm, golden glow. It’s perfect.She’s perfect. This is everything I’ve ever wanted. The reception is set up on the other side of the island. White tents, string lights, tables with flowers and candles. A dance floor on the sand. But first, we have to take photos. We pose on the beach with Sarah between us. Sarah with each of us individually, Sarah with Kevin, then all of us together. When we finally make it to the reception, dinner is served. Sarah wanted fresh seafood, tropical fruits, champagne for the guests and sparkling cider for her. So, we got her exactly that. She’s a sobbing mess after Kevin’s speech, but it’s time for our first dance. We didn’t plan this part very carefully. How do four people have a first dance? But Sarah figures it out. She starts with Ronan, swaying slowly to the music. Then he passes her to Jaxon. Then Jaxon to me. And then we’re all dancing together. She doesn’t seem to mind the camera lights flashing on the dance floor. At that moment, I know. I know I want to watch her dancing for the rest of my life.