Alpha Billionaire Series
Just Another Chance Chapter 24

TANNER

After all the chaos settles with Randy and Dragari, life is sweet. Addie, Owen and I spend every day together. As much as she loved working with Heather at the flower shop, I convince her to quit. We decide to focus on the three of us and make up for lost time. Of course, they've become quite close and when we aren't together, Addie spends a lot of time with Heather, Kayla and Sierra. They all seem to have bonded and are the greatest group of babysitters anyone could ever ask for.

We also make it official. I take Addie and Owen to the zoo, get down on one knee and ask her to marry me again. Owen laughs and claps his little hands and Addie promises me forever. It's the best day of my life.

Until the day arrives when we actually get married. That is truly the greatest day so far and I will never forget one moment of it. I think I've ingrained every single detail in my head. And my heart.

We gave ourselves plenty of time to prepare and I wanted to make sure Addie had the special day she deserves. So, we took our time and did it the traditional way. She picked out a dress with her friends and sister and asked me questions about my preferences for the food, flowers and alcohol. I told her my thoughts, but ultimately whatever she chose, I would love.

I only had one request- and that was to get married in December. In my head, I pictured white lights and snow flurries all around us just like in the picture on our date at the zoo's light exhibit.

When I found out Addie had kept the same framed picture as I did, my heart nearly exploded with joy. Even though she had told me she never forgot me or got over us, this was irrefutable proof. It let me know how similar we are and that she longed for me as much as I longed for her. To access the complete chapters for free, visit J o b nib.. com. God, what an angsty pair we are,I think now, and adjust my shirt cuff beneath my jacket. The day is finally here- December 15- and I am ready to meet my girl and exchange our vows in front of our friends and family.

All three of my brothers are here with me, dressed to the nines, and I've asked them all to stand beside me up front as my best men. A wave of nerves passes through me and I'm so grateful to have Nash, Sawyer and Crew at my side while I take the most important step of my life.

Over the months, my siblings have all grown closer and it's starting to get hard remembering the time when we were all estranged. And that's a good thing. I've discovered we're a powerful group when we're together and it feels good to have the kind of unwavering, loyal support that a true family can give you.

"You ready for this?" Nash asks and claps me on the back.

"More than ready," I say.

"You look like you're going to hurl," Crew comments with a mischievous grin.

"I didn't say I wasn't nervous," I admit. "And a little terrified."

"There's nothing to be scared about," Sawyer says evenly. "You've already defeated the evil stepfather; the mafia enforcer and you know the entire truth and have your girl back. Today should be a walk in the park. A piece of cake, bro."

I suppose he's right, but I'm still sweating bullets and tug on my tie. Nash swats my hand away and straightens it.

"You got this, bro," he says.

I nod even though my stomach is rolling with fluttering nerves. "Were you this nervous when you married Charlie?" I ask him.

His mouth edges up. "I was sweating so badly; I had a stick of deodorant in my pocket."

"He also did a shot with me before walking up the aisle," Sawyer adds and, with a wicked grin, he pulls out a small bottle of whiskey and twists the cap off. He takes a swig and when he passes it to me, I hesitate. "C'mon, it'll help take the edge off. If Mr. Uptight and Pretentious did it, so can you."

Nash lifts his middle finger, flipping Sawyer off, but he's grinning.

"Congrats and bottoms up," Sawyer says.

Without thinking too hard about it, I take a swig and then pass it to Nash. The burn feels good, and Sawyer is right- it settles my anxiety a bit. I know everything is going to be perfect, but I wish this part was over, the rings were on our fingers, and we were dancing at the reception.

Nash hands me a breath mint and pops one himself. After Crew downs the rest of the whiskey, I turn to face my brothers and a streak of gratitude and love fills my heart.

"It's been a while," I murmur, and we all look at each other. None of us can probably remember the last time we were together and didn't get into an argument. Things between us are changing, healing, and I am thrilled. "Thank you for being here. It means the world to me."

We all nod then slap each other's backs.

"See you out there," Sawyer says.

I glance down at my watch. It's time. As though reading my mind, Nash motions for us to head into the main room where the ceremony will take place. Addie and I looked at all of the top wedding venues in New York- from The Plaza to the Rainbow Room to the Museum of Natural History- but none of them felt right. They all felt too big, too grandiose for us, and since it's winter, we wanted something warm and cozy.

We ended up choosing a fabulous boutique hotel in the heart of Manhattan called Trend. The entire upper floor is at our disposal and offers a 360-degree view of the city. As I step into the main room, the sweet smell of flowers hits my nose. Of course, Heather did the flowers, and they look stunning- all arrangements of white flowers and accented in complimentary greens. Of course, with a heavy emphasis on daisies, Addie's favorite.

Nash, Crew and I walk up the aisle, passing the seated guests, and my heart kicks up a notch. We wanted to keep it small and only invited close friends and family. I step in front of an archway woven with daisies and my brothers move to my right, lining up beside me. The marriage officiant smiles at me.

"Are you ready?" he asks in a low voice.

I hope I don't look as nervous as I feel. "More than you know," I respond.

"Then let's get started." He nods to someone off on the side and suddenly the strain of music fills the air.

Turning my attention to the center aisle, I see Addie's bridesmaids start forward, one at a time. Kayla leads the girls, followed by Heather, and then Sierra who carries Owen on her hip. They have a small basket of white rose petals and she's encouraging him to toss them as they walk. Owen digs right in and has a blast throwing the flower petals all over the place. Guests chuckle as they're sprinkled with the velvet petals.

Sierra hands Owen off to Charlie who sits in the front row and is in charge of keeping Owen occupied for the next 15 minutes. She has a few toys waiting to entertain him and I hope he's good. After Kayla, Heather and Sierra are in position, I look back down the aisle and my heart thunders in my chest when I see Addie appear, arm tucked in the crook of Sawyer's arm. Since both of our parents are gone, I asked Sawyer if he would walk her down the aisle. And I swear to God, my stoic, military brother got emotional. "It would be my honor," he'd said, a little choked up.

The music changes and the Wedding March begins as they start up the aisle. And, holy hell, Addie has never looked so damn beautiful. My throat tightens as she approaches me. She wears a simple white gown of smooth satin, and she carries a bouquet of daisies. She absolutely glows and looks like some kind of ethereal angel, floating toward me.

When they reach us up front, Sawyer gives me a crooked smile and hands Addie over. I nod my thanks, take her hand in mine and guide her over to the officiant. "You look stunning," I whisper, threading my fingers through hers. "So do you," she says with a glorious smile.

We take a deep breath and turn as the officiant begins the ceremony, welcoming our guests and then talking about love. As much as I'm trying to listen, Addie has my complete attention. I can't drag my eyes off her and I know that I'm the luckiest man in the world. When it comes time to recite our vows, I'm sweating again because I know everyone is watching, but I focus on Addie, staring into her pretty brown eyes, and know that everything will be fine.

"Well, here we are. We made it." Addie smiles at me. "And I know we did this a little backwards and upside down and inside out..." I say and a few people chuckle. "But, sweetheart, there's no one else in the world I ever wanted or needed as much as you. You're my everything, Addison Lila Hayes, and I will 'Always Love Her.' Thank you for waiting for me, sweetheart."

She nods, tears brightening her eyes.

"We went through a lot to get here and I'm so excited to spend the rest of my life with you and our little man."

We both glance over at Owen who babbles quietly on Charlie's lap. He's such a happy and content kid.

Addie squeezes my hands. "We have been through so much," she says. "But there's no one else I've loved more than you and even though those two years apart were hard, I'd wait a lifetime for you, Tanner. You're the kindest, sweetest, hottest man-" Laughter erupts. "-that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You love me for exactly who I am and my heart beats for you and you alone."

Happiness flows through me and I'm pulling her closer to kiss her because I can't resist when the officiant clears his throat. With a crooked grin, I pull back and force myself to wait. Kayla hands Addie my wedding band and she slides it on my finger, promising to love and cherish me til death do us part.

When it's my turn, Sawyer hands me the sparkling diamond eternity band that I recently bought to match Addie's engagement ring. I slide it up her finger and it's a perfect complement to the other diamond. Only diamonds and daisies for my girl.

I promise her my heart, body and soul til death do us part. Truthfully, though, even after we die, I will never let this woman go. She's mine forever, throughout all eternity. A love like ours is so rare and powerful and, once again, I thank the heavens above for giving us another chance.

After reciting our vows and exchanging rings, the officiant declares us man and wife and tells me I may finally kiss my bride. But I'm already halfway there and cheers, clapping and whistles fill the air as our lips meet. My mouth brushes hers reverently, thoroughly, and I can't believe this amazing woman is all mine. Finally.

When we pull apart, my brothers are slapping my back, the girls are squealing, and Charlie walks over with Owen. I take him from her and lift him high into the air. Pure happiness and love fill me as Addie laughs. Then I prop him on my side, take her hand and kiss its back.

"Are you ready to celebrate, Mrs. Beckett?" I ask her.

"More than you'll ever know, Mr. Beckett," she responds, a twinkle in her dark eyes.

The reception lasts for hours, and everyone lets loose and has a blast, even Sawyer who sets aside his normally blasé attitude. Crew and Sierra lead the party on the dance floor and when I realize Sawyer is out there with the rest of us doing the Electric Side, I laugh so hard my side nearly splits.

Glancing down at Addie, this is all I've ever wanted- our happy ending and a life of fun and love with our family and friends.

The night is full of highlights, and I have several favorite moments including our first dance as husband and wife. After a few spins, Charlie hands Owen over and Addie and I continue to move around the floor with Owen in our arms, between us. He's having a blast and laughs the entire time.

I also thoroughly enjoy lifting Addie's dress up and slowly pulling her sexy garter down her soft, slim thigh. I couldn't miss the warm flames licking within her chocolate eyes.

Once I got the garter off, I turned around and waited for the single men to line up behind me. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Sawyer leaning nonchalantly against the wall, arms crossed. Clearly this was one tradition he had no desire to participate in. So, instead of tossing the garter over my shoulder, I pulled it back like an elastic rubber band and let it fly straight in my younger brother's direction. It hit him right upside the head and the room roared with laughter.

"Guess you're next to get married, bro," I tease him.

He gives a derisive snort. "Don't hold your breath."

But he does lean down to pick up the lace and pearl garter. Rolling his eyes, he stuffs it into his pocket, but I see the smirk before he can hide it. I'd love for Sawyer to meet his match and take the fall. But whoever manages to snag my brother's attention is going to have her work cut out for her. He's a stubborn sonofabitch. I have a feeling though that when he does finally meet his match, he's going to fall damn hard and not know what the hell hit him.

I can hardly wait.

And the last part of the evening that I'll always remember is when we cut the cake. I feed Addie a piece- very nicely I might add- and when it's her turn, I get a handful of frosting and cake smeared across my face. She and Owen laugh so hard that I can't help but join in. And then I get my revenge and we have a bit of a cake war.

It all ends well, and we only wind up with a little on our clothes.

By eleven, the party is over. I booked a room for us here at the hotel and after kissing and hugging Owen goodnight, we watch as Kayla spirits him away with a little farewell wave to us.

"He's going to sleep like a rock tonight," Addie predicts.

"Definitely," I agree. We say goodbye to everyone and by the time we get to our suite, I am ready to strip my bride out of her fancy dress and tear off my suit.

"Do you mind helping me?"

Addie turns, offering me her back, and there are a million pearl buttons that need to be undone. I walk over and lean in, drinking in her baby powder scent as I skim my fingers down her bare arm and press a kiss to her shoulder. "You never have to ask me to undress you, sweetheart. It will always be my pleasure."