Fallen Crest Forever (Fallen Crest High #7)

“Sorry.” His head dipped low, his voice was hoarse. “I’m—I knew I’d have to wrestle this thing from Logan, so I wasn’t fully prepared. Now I’m standing here and staring at someone who I’ve considered a brother all my life, and wow.” His mouth curved into a half-grin. “It’s overwhelming. Man, Mase. I can’t believe you got married. I mean . . .” His eyes found mine. “I knew you were the girl for Mason, but the whole journey we’ve taken. It’s just, wow. It’s a lot.”


He lifted his head and looked to the crowd. “I’m not an orphan, just so everyone knows. I have some incredible parents.” He pointed. “Right over there.”

An older woman and man waved.

Nate cleared his throat. “Yeah. Since I came back, I haven’t left your side. And we’ve had times, like Logan said. I was one of those hospital visits.” He gestured to me. “Sam too, but we’ve gotten through everything, and I know I don’t regret anything. I wouldn’t trade anything with anybody, no matter what was promised to me. Thank you, Mason. Thank you for being my best friend growing up. Thank you for bringing me into the family. Thank you for never turning your back at some of the worst times. And thank you, Sam, for making Mason who he is today.”

Logan nodded. “She did.”

“Mason was an ass—”

“Children!” someone yelled.

“—not great guy,” Nate continued. “And he’ll say he still isn’t, but he is. You’ve made him a better person. You made him love harder. You made him forgive harder, and the fact that he forgave even a little is a big deal. Mase was never built that way.”

Mason squeezed my hand, nodding along with Nate.

“And you’ve made him want to build a better future with you than I think he would’ve if you hadn’t been in the picture. I don’t know what we all would’ve done without you. You’re the glue for us. You hold everyone together, whether you realize it or not, and I thank you for that. I thank you for always being kind to me.”

Another tear slid down my cheek. “It wasn’t hard,” I murmured. “You were kind to me too.”

He grinned. “Yeah, well, sometimes I wasn’t the nicest guy.” He shared a look with Mason. “But we’re all here now, and I think I’m kind of in shock.” He clapped Mason on the shoulder, moving to Logan’s shoulder too. “We grew up, guys.”

Both brothers nodded.

Nate laughed. “The fact that none of us are in jail right this second speaks volumes. Thank you, Sam, for that too.”

Laughter rose from the audience.

“But I really just want to say I love you both. You’re family to me. I know that’ll never change, and I guess, thank you for making it official.” He raised his glass. “To not living in sin anymore.”

He took a sip as everyone laughed again before joining his salute.

Heather stood next to me, holding her hand out. “Okay. It’s time for the girls.” Matteo had started to stand, but she shook her head. “Nope. It’s maid of honor time.”

Matteo sat.

And Nate handed the microphone to Heather.

Heather laughed into the microphone, her voice light. “Now, it’s the ladies’ turn.” She moved the bottom of her dress over so it was more centered around her. Heather had been the most reserved about the dress. She’d confessed in the bathroom that she worried everyone would see her breasts. I’d doubled over in laughter, and I giggled again now, thinking about it.

She had looked sheepish, shrugging as she grabbed her boobs and pushed them up, adjusting.

“What? I might like to dress skimpy, but I never really show off the girls. They’re for Channing only.”

“No.” I had touched her arm, still shaking my head. “I have no idea why that’s so funny, but thank you. I worried about the dress, but everyone just agreed, and you never said anything.”

“I felt bad. I think we’re all just happy for you.” She’d grinned. “Besides, we all look ridiculously hot in this getup.” She looked down at the sheer, light green fabric flowing over the sheath beneath. “You’ve got style. I’ll say that for you, even though Malinda fought you on it. Didn’t she?”

I’d nodded, still chuckling. “Yeah.” I yawned to stop laughing and wiped at a tear. “She was thinking I’d want a more formal dress, but nope. That’s not me.” I’d reached out and touched Heather’s dress. It was a simple cut, falling just above the knee with a ruched top. The girls had picked their style. They could have spaghetti straps or sleeveless like Heather’s. They all looked comfortable, but so beautiful, and the wedding was all light green and cream. I had little white lights filling the church where we got married, and the reception too. If I had to say so myself, the entire place looked beyond regal and elegant.

“Malinda started crying when she saw everything last night,” I’d told her. “She said I’d been right and how dare she question me.” I’d smiled, feeling Malinda’s hug again. “I love her.”

“You got a good one there.” Heather had nodded, her flirty eyes growing serious and misty. “You’re a good one, Sam. I know you think you’re the lucky one, but it’s not you. We’re the lucky ones.”

I bit my lip, my throat swelling.

“Those friends you had before, they were assholes. They lost out, completely. There’s a reason Mason loves you, a reason Logan loves you like a sister and has since day one. A reason Malinda cherishes you so much. A reason Mark adores you, and not just because he’s your stepbrother. They all love you because of you. You’re amazing, and you have no idea how good of a person you are.”

We’d stood in front of the bathroom mirror, and I turned so I was half-hidden by the tampon bin. I felt the tears flowing and couldn’t do anything to stop them.

“Sam.” Heather had pulled me into her arms. She’d hugged me, and while it should’ve been awkward because both of us had our hair done up and makeup on, it wasn’t.

I’d hugged her back, whispering, “Thank you.”

She was the friend I needed who’d appeared at just the right time. And there’d never be words enough for me to express my gratitude to her.

“Thank you,” she’d whispered back. I’d felt her tears on my shoulder.

A moment later, I’d stepped back and fluffed her dress out. “See? Another reason my taste is spectacular. Another bride couldn’t have done that.” I’d smoothed my own dress.

Heather had laughed, dabbing at her eyes. “Yes, another reason.”

And she was dabbing at her eyes now too, as she held the microphone. Putting her glass down, she reached for a balled-up tissue.

“I haven’t even started.” She laughed huskily. “I hope it’s okay, Mason, but I’m going to center more on Sam.”