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Her friends left to join the rest of the wedding guests, while Brant and Declan returned and took their positions on each side of her Strangely, she was barely nervous Nothing had ever felt this right The only thing she needed noas to be standing next to theher hand a reassuring squeeze

Before she answered, she hugged both of her brothers once again "I’m ready," she said softly "I’m finally ready"

All three of them knew that her words had little to do with the cere to do here she was in her life

"A Thousand Years" by Christina Perri was played by a pianist and cellist as the love of his life walked down the canopy-covered aisle holding the ar trees twinkled against the darkness, giving the whole setup a storybook feel As Mac stood waiting for her, he truly understood that all the heartache of the past had led theroup of friends and fa was so s party for just a s for Ava, Declan, and Brant Mac’s e, Ella, and Sofia Grace had been able to enerosity of Mark DeSanto He was a friend of the Stone family as well as a business associate to Danvers When Brant told hi in any way possible His private jet had picked up their guests from Myrtle Beach earlier, and they had arrived in plenty of ti Mac’s parents were so thrilled that he and Ava were finally gettingthe wedding, but he could tell they were happy to be here

When both Declan and Brant arrived at his side, placing their sister’s hand in his, they clapped hi without words their trust in hie luht of as brothers Beside hili the otherDorateful to have his friends there with him as he took the step he had always dreae of the fact that Ava wasn’t wearing a veil to lean in and give her a quick kiss on her neck "I love you, baby," he whispered for her ears only She mouthed the words back to him as the officiate started the ceremony Both he and Ava had opted to have a si traditional vows They had already said everything that was in their hearts to each other earlier in private They answered the questions that were asked of them and repeated their promises when prompted, but their eyes never left each other The world faded away as they were pronounced husband and wife As Mac pressed his lips to hers, he felt the pain and sorrow of the past slip away and out of the ashes arose a beautiful coered him with its perfection Because he knew that, noas Ava was at his side, life would be beautiful And he intended to spend the rest of his life loving her--always loving her