One year later

Lucas

"Bro, why do you look so nervous?" Kyle asked as he lounged on the chaise in the corner. He was wearing a dress shirt that was half buttoned up and, unfortunately for all of us, no pants.

"What the hell kind of question is that?" I raised an eyebrow as I fumbled with the buttons of my black vest. "Have you forgotten what day it is?"

Kyle shot me a dry look as he took a sip of his beer his legs hanging off the edge of the chair, "Obviously not. I just mean, you've met your soulmate. You're getting married. You should be pumped!"

It was true that I'd waited for this day for a long time. The moment I met Emily, a part of me knew that she was going to change my life. Did I have any clue that I'd end up marrying the hot nurse that applied to be Danny's caregiver - no way in hell.

But here I was, counting every lucky star in existence that she was still with me. She was a blessing when she walked in that day and she's been a blessing everyday since. My own guardian angel from day one.

"I am pumped, you moron. Just... jittery." That was an understatement. My entire body was filled with butterflies. I couldn't wait to be married to this amazing woman.

"Would you put some pants on?" Miguel complained as he unraveled his tie in the mirror for the thirtieth time.

"Why?" Kyle asked, grinning, "Am I turning you on?" He wiggled his eyebrows.

The door swung open and in walked Daniel, leaning on one crutch. "Okay, you can all relax. I found the cuff links!" He exclaimed holding the pair up in the air in triumph.

"Lucas can't relax. He feels jittery," Kyle laughed, slapping his knee.

"Is it due to your lack of pants? Because we might have bigger problems if that's the case," Daniel stated. I rolled my eyes at the two of them while accepting the cuff links from Daniel. I was still getting used to not having to look down to see his face, or bend down to hug him.

He had made serious steps in recovery over the past year and if he continued on this trajectory, would likely be able to walk without a crutch in the near future.

I thought back to Daniel's recovery process. It hadn't been an easy road to recovery. There were so many ups and downs.

Daniel walked while holding railings on either side of his body with both hands, his legs shaky with determination. He put one foot slowly in front of the other before looking up at Emily, "Em, I'm walking!" He grinned before his legs buckled and he fell to the floor. Emily was standing closest to him and grabbed him from under his arms to brace his fall before attempting to pick him back up.

"It's no use," Daniel said quietly, remaining on the floor, "They'll never work like they used to." He gestured to his legs.

Emily crouched down in front of Daniel and put her hands on his shoulders, looking square in his face. "You will walk Daniel. I will be with you every literal step of the way. You won't take a step without me being there. Late night bathroom duty? I'm walking you to the door. Walking to Rebecca to make out? Say hi to your shoulder buddy."

Daniel laughed lightly, "You've always been such a creep."

"We're creeps together. But walking creeps this time," Emily smiled at my brother with more love than I could have ever hoped for in a partner.

"You know I'm only pretending I can't walk so you can stay employed, right? I feel for you and your crappy apartment," Daniel joked, wiping the corners of his eyes. They weren't out of despair like I thought though, but unconditional love for this woman who had done so much for both of us.

"Of course he feels jittery, you moron," Daniel scolded Kyle, shaking me from my reverie, "He's marrying the love of his life. He doesn't want to screw it up. You should take notes and then tell Mary to thank me - relationship expert."

Miguel shrugged, "I mean, he's not wrong."

The door swung open and in walked Mrs. Jenson.

Kyle jumped up, "Mom! Hey!" He smoothed his shirt down and desperately searched for his pants.

"Where on Earth are your pants, Kyle?" Mrs. Jenson crossed her arms as she shot a disapproving look to her son, and boy could she really throw those looks around.

"They're uh- getting steamed?" Kyle stammered.

She rolled her eyes at him before turning to me and grinning widely, "Lucas." She extended her arms out and gave me a tight hug. "You look so handsome."

"Thank you," I grinned at her. Mrs. Jenson was a strong woman. She worked at many esteemed law firms before building her own empire from the ground up.

She reached forward and untied my bow tie before gently wrapping it back up. "I only wanted to come in and tell you how unbelievably proud your father would have been. Of the both of you," She smiled at Daniel. "Lord knows we weren't the best of friends. That man would drive me up the wall with his God-awful chilli - remember how many times he made that?" She frowned.

I laughed loudly and Daniel smiled, remembering all the stories I had told him. Dad's tradition when he lost was to make chilli and it always, without fail, tasted terrible. He would maintain that it tasted awful because he was upset that he lost a fight. "I remember."

"But we tolerated each other pretty well, I think. He was a good man and I'll always remember him fondly." She smoothed the bow out, taking a step back, "There. Now you look perfect."

She turned around and looked at her son who had one leg dangling out of his pants, hair a mess, vest undone. "You..." She trailed, "I don't know where you went wrong."

"Mom!" Kyle whined.

"Did you drive Mary here?" She questioned.

"We came separately," Kyle responded.

"Did you pay for her cab?"

"Yes."

"Did you book her a hotel room?"

"Yes."

"Did you offer to book her a separate room?"

"Yes."

"Did you offer to pay for the cab to drive her home?"

"Yes."

She gave him a scrutinizing look, "Good," she stated curtly before walking out of the room.

Kyle let out a breathe, "That woman is terrifying."

A knock sounded at the door before a head popped in, "Five minutes to go! Let's do final touches, people!" Our wedding planner pepped. She took a glance at Kyle and her face dropped.

"I'm working on it!" He exclaimed agitatedly.

"Why are you so nervous?" I jabbed at him teasingly.

Within the next few minutes Kyle and Miguel left to find their spots at the alter next to me and Daniel and I were left in the room.

"Best men together at last," Daniel grinned.

"Correction: you're the best man. I'm just hoping some of it rubs off on me. You ready?"

"We gotta lock Emily into this family before she realizes we're all nuts," Daniel joked.

I laughed as I swung my arm over Daniel's shoulder. "Glad we're doing this together, Danny. I know you know dad would have been proud of you, but I couldn't be more proud to have you as my brother and of the man you're becoming. Walk in with me?"

Daniel sniffled lightly, "Don't say that before we walk out!"

I laughed and ruffled his hair. Over the past year, Daniel had been heavily involved with Michael and wheelchair boxing, actually helping to train young kids who had gone through similar events that he had. Watching Daniel with these kids made me realize what a natural talent he had for teaching. He was in his element and he connected with everyone in ways that I could only aspire to. "I love you, Danny."

He threw his arms around me tightly, "Love you too, Luke. Always."

We walked out of the change room, my arm stuck around his shoulder and made our way to the alter to wait for my wife.

Guests were already seated and I could see Greta and Betty whispering back and forth to each other as they eyed the priest. Mr. Greggs and Ms. Smith were seated next to them. The church was filled with family and friends

The music shifted quietly and the doors at the end of the walkway opened. In walked Ashley, Rebecca, and Maria holding bouquets. I heard Daniel draw in a breathe and I shot him an amused look as he had only eyes for Rebecca.

The doors opened one last time and suddenly there stood Emily, arm in arm with her father. She looked breathtaking, so much so that I couldn't look away. Her father could have been in his birthday suit and I wouldn't have noticed.

Emily's hair was flowing down her shoulders, her delicate hands gripped a bouquet nervously in front of her. Her dress hugged her curves in ways that made me desperately want to peel it off, section by section, but her beautiful face is what I couldn't tear my gaze away from. Her heart shaped face that I had grown to love, her plush lips that continuously told me off, her loving eyes that always looked for good.

I couldn't believe I would have this woman in my life. To walk next to. To be my companion. I felt myself getting emotional and I didn't even care because with Emily it all made sense. It was like my life had renewed purpose and I wasn't ashamed of that.

She finally reached me, a bright smile gracing her features. I extended my arms out excitedly but her dad blocked my path, looking me sternly in the eyes. "You hurt her and I have an entire crew of officers that will work to get your ass behind bars."

I smiled at him loving the fact that Emily had this man to protect her her entire life. But, I was ready to take that job on now. I wouldn't let him down. "Never, sir."

He nodded before clapping me on the back and giving Emily a kiss on the cheek. He sat next to Betty and Greta and swiped at his eyes, Greta patting him on the back reassuringly.

I reached forward for Emily's hands, clasping onto her fingers tightly. She looked nervous and I wanted more than anything to calm her down.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of family and friends to celebrate the joining of this man and this woman in holy matrimony. Do you, Lucas Miller, take Emily Johnson to be your lawfully wedding wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer-"

"-Until death do us part, I do." I cut in, my gaze steadily on Emily, not being able to wait any longer. Emily let out the widest grin. What I'd give to kiss her right now.

"And do you, Emily Johnson, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold-"

"-I do!" She exclaimed loudly. She looked at the priest sheepishly, "Sorry," she muttered.

"If anyone has any objections why these two should not be wed-"

"-For the love of God, can we marry them already?!" Daniel interrupted, huffing. The church was absolutely silent and Daniel's eyes widened, "Uh- I mean, please continue. Also, apologies for taking the lord's name in vain. Maybe you can put in a good word for me-"

"Ahem," I cleared my throat.

"Right, we'll talk about this later," Daniel whispered.

"At the risk of getting interrupted again," the priest laughed, "You may kiss the bride!"

Cheers erupted around me, but I didn't notice any of it. All I could see was Emily. My arms wrapped around her frame. My lips swooping down to meet hers. Hers opening to meet mine. Our tongues intertwining. Her blazing cheeks as we separated. Her huge grin as she threw her arms around me.

We got in a few hugs before we dashed out of that church faster than I would have thought possible.

I bent down and swept Emily into my arms, hearing her squeal before sliding into the limo together and instructing the driver to head to the reception hall.

I held onto Emily in my lap as she slid her arms around my shoulders, playing with my hair.

"Finally," I whispered, my lips meeting hers again, but this time with force and need. I couldn't wait until tonight. I needed her now.

My hands trailed along the body of her dress as I felt every curve she had to offer. I moved my kisses to her ear, my tongue playing with her earlobe as I whispered, "I didn't get to tell you how absolutely breathtaking you look in this, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't dying to see what's underneath."

My teeth grazed the skin there and my hands weaved into her smooth hair as she let out a soft sigh, "You look so handsome, Luke," she whispered. "I can't believe you're mine."

"Forever."

She leaned back for a moment, "And I'm sorry, did I see tears as I was walking down?!"

I tickled her sides playfully, "You'll never know for sure."

"Mmm," she murmured as she leaned down to kiss me, her tongue delving past the seams of my lips. I felt her hands travel under my suit jacket, up my torso and back down again as she moved her legs to straddle me. "Except," She whispered, "It was all caught on tape and I'm going to get it shipped to our honeymoon so I can watch it over..." her tongue trailed to my neck, "and over."

She pulled back grinning at me lopsidedly, her expression so genuine that I couldn't help but chuckle. "I love you."

"I love you too, Mr. Miller."

We pulled up to the reception hall where we were immediately ambushed by Daniel. He had a crazed look in his eye as he held onto one of his crutches with a death grip. "Don't ever leave me with your insane aunts, ever again!"

Emily laughed loudly and to the point that she was gasping for breath, "What did they do this time?"

Daniel's history with Greta and Betty had started off great. They had adored him and he loved the attention, but as soon as they found out about Rebecca, they kind of lost their minds trying to ensure that the two of them remained together forever.

"You don't want to know... Actually, why shouldn't you two suffer along with me?" Daniel stated drily.

"Oh! There you are Daniel! We've been looking for you!" Greta screamed as she drew closer to us.

Daniel's gaze shifted to Emily and he mouthed, "help."

Emily shook her head in confusion and replied, "What? I told you we need to work on your signing. We should take a sign language class together." She would have almost gotten away at playing off her innocent act if she hadn't shot me a grin right after.

Daniel glared at her, "I knew you'd betray me one day, Em. I just didn't think that day would come so soon." He paused before adding, "And yes, Emily, I would like to take a sign language class."

"Daniel," Betty gasped for breath as she finally reached us, "We've been talking to the priest-"

"-Who, might I add is quite the looker," Greta interrupted.

"Well not as much as the musician. Did you see his hands? And you know what they say about big hands," Betty laughed.

"That's large feet, Betty," Greta corrected.

"No, he had small feet," Betty clarified.

"Oh, for goodness sake, just finish your question," Greta rolled her eyes.

"Right! Well as I was saying, we were talking to the priest who said we can pre-book events for years in advance! So what do you think about 2030?"

"For..." Daniel trailed looking as confused as we were all feeling at the moment.

"For your wedding, silly! We were thinking a destination wedding!"

"Ooh!" Greta's eyes lit up, "Now that's an idea, Betty."

"I told you, I missed my calling as a wedding planner!" Betty boasted.

"Actually," Emily interrupted, "Daniel was just telling me about all of his ideas for his future wedding. I think he mentioned something about a dream journal. Awww, right?" Emily grinned as she shoved the three of them into the reception hall, while I followed her lead.

We walked in to a crowd cheering and Ashley enveloped Emily into a huge hug. If there was one thing I'd learned about Ashley it was that it wasn't possible for her to be too nice.

"Emily! You're married!" Ashley squeaked.

Emily laughed, "I know! It feels so weird."

Ashley pulled back and gripped Emily's shoulders, "You have to promise me we'll keep up with yoga, even after you move."

Emily shot me a guilty look before turning back to her friend, "Of course, Ashley. Jim's moving on to core strength which I could use a lot of help in, clearly."

They hugged another time before we began to walk to the head table, hand in hand.

"So, have you told them yet?" I asked Emily as we sat down, already knowing the answer.

"No," She admitted. "I can't tell Mr. Greggs and Ms. Smith that I'm moving out. It'll kill them!"

"What do you propose we do then? Because, call me crazy, but I kind of like the idea of living with my wife," I teased as I tucked in a strand of hair behind her ears.

She rolled her eyes at me, "Save the dramatics for Daniel. I'm going to tell them. I just haven't found the time yet."

"Nothing better than at a party where they're already half drunk," I stated.

"Maybe," She trailed. "Call me your wife again and I'll consider it."

"You should tell them you're moving out today," I leaned over and pressed my lips onto hers, "my wife."

She grinned at me, "Okay."

By pure fate, the aforementioned couple happened to walk to our table at that very moment.

"Emily!" Ms. Smith cooed, "Only a little while ago and you were running out and about with your promiscuity. And now look at you, a proper, married woman."

"You were running out and about a little while ago," Mr. Greggs reminded his wife.

"Oh, hush," Ms. Smith reprimanded with a wave of her hand. "We're so happy for you both."

Mr. Greggs cleared his throat, "Ahem, yes. Me as well. I mean, I'm also happy for the two of you."

Emily began to look emotional as she blubbered out a thank you at the same time as I did.

I nudged her knee under our table and she nudged me back. I placed my hand on her thigh as I rubbed circles with the pad of my thumb. It was meant to be reassuring but she placed her hand on mine and abruptly blurted, "I think I need to move out."

Mr. Greggs looked surprised but Ms. Smith just smiled. "Thank God," Mr. Greggs exhaled.

"You're okay with that?" Emily asked.

"Okay with that? I wanted to sell the building since we got married and vacation with the money, but I've been holding onto it for you. I hate being a landlord. I don't like anyone else in that goddamn building," Mr. Greggs explained.

"Oh, honey," Ms. Smith continued, "He would have held onto that building forever as long as you were there."

Mr. Greggs' swiped at his suddenly misty eyes, "You know I like your cookies."

Emily repeated the gesture with her own leaking eyes, "I always knew you did, you old crank. But you're the best landlord I could have asked for. And the best friend. The both of you."

The three of them hugged and said their goodbyes and we finally sat down to a chicken dinner just as a glass began to clink. "Ahem. Please set your chicken dinners to the side so as to avoid any unintentional arm flailing at the brilliance you are about to witness," Daniel began, holding a microphone.