Pax took Steph’s hands in his. He cleared his throat. “Every time I look at your lovely face, Stephanie, I’m once again shocked that we’re together, that we’re getting married. I promise to stand by you no matter what, to become the man you see me as now, and to cherish our life together. I’ll never take you for granted. I’ll give you room to make your own decisions and be there if you need advice. I’m so happy to marry you today.”
Steph’s eyes sparkled in the sunlight coming from the glass in the Kanes’ sunporch. “All I want, Pax, is to spend our lives together, to try to make you as happy as you make me. I’ll love and cherish you, too, and be the best wife I can be. I’ll support your choices in life and lean on you to make my own. I love you so much.”
Jackson handed Pax a ring and Camille gave one to Steph. Pax slid hers on her finger first. “I marry you with this ring.”
“I marryyouwith this ring.”
Caleb grinned. “I now pronounce you wed.”
They turned toward the small group gathered today: their coworkers, Steph’s family, Pax’s sister, their staff at the clinic, Will and Katie, Diego and Annie, Maisy, Joe and Lara Romano and Caleb’s family. Smiles abounded. Even Nick was grinning.
* * *
Nick Redmond walked up to the makeshift bar in Jackson Kane’s house. He stood behind a woman who was also waiting for a drink. The scent of some expensive perfume wafted up to him. He’d bought enough for the women in his life, so he knew its cost.
She turned. “Hello.”
His brows raised. “Dr. Shannon. Nice to see you again.”
“You, too, counselor.”
She glanced around. “Normally, I prefer more sophisticated sites for weddings. But this house is perfect for Steph and Pax. Bigger than it appears from the outside.”
“Apparently the host just renovated.” He pointed out through the sets of sliding glass doors. “And out there, too.”
Giving him a once-over, she said, “I hear you’re in the midst of the lawsuit against Paxton, correct?”
“I am. The case where he lost a patient.”
“He lost more than a patient.” She shook back all that auburn hair. “He lost his entire way of life.”
Something about her tone made him wonder if she had feelings for Pax. Nah, she wouldn’t be at his wedding to Stephanie if she did.
“I knew him back then.”
“I’m aware.”
The bartender interrupted. “May I help you two?”
Noreen nodded. “White wine. The driest you have.”
“You sir?”
“The same.”
As the man poured their drinks, Nick thought it best to change the subject from the lawsuit. In truth, he shouldn’t even be talking to her. But for some reason, he wanted to. “So you quit medicine to write books?”
“I did.”
“Why?”
Shadows flitted across her face. “Suffice it to say I’d done everything I wanted to in medicine at that point. And I realized some important things about my personal life.”
“You had great success at Upstate Medical Center.”
“I did.”
“And your books? Are they a success?”
