The Square Up (F*** On The Court)

Chapter Fourteen

Abby

I can’t stop smiling.

I glance in the mirror one more time. The dress Kade picked out for me is perfect. It’s delicate and sweet, withno frills or fuss. I fluff my hair with my fingers, do a last-minute makeup check, and realize there’s nothing left for me to do.

In a few short minutes, it will be just me, Kade, and the moment that will transform our lives.

My heart flutters as I take another deep breath, trying to calm the nerves dancing in my chest. But my nerves are not from fear. I’m excited. Deep in my bones, I now know everything about us is right.

He loves me. And I love him.

It still feels surreal, like I’ve landed in the middle of someone else’s beautiful fantasy. But it’s not someone else’s dream. This is my life, and it’s all very real. The way he looks at meand touches me as if I’m the most precious thing in the world—it’s true love.

And today, we’re making it our forever.

I smooth the fabric of my dress, my fingers trembling slightly, and I can’t help but laugh at my girly self. “Calm down, barracuda,” I giggle, trying to shake off the nerves.

The door to the small chapel Kade found for us creaks open, and my nerves vanish. My heart stops for a second. I take a minute to commit to memory the sight of him standing there, looking so impossibly handsome in a simple black suit, his green eyes locked on me.

“Gorgeous.” He whispers.

My heart soars, singing his name.

My Kade, my Kade, my Kade.

He walks toward me slowly. My breath catches as he takes my hand. His touch issteady, grounding me in a way only he can.

“Hi,” he says, his voice soft but filled with so much love I can barely stand it.

“Hi,” I whisper back, my smile widening.

“You ready?” he asks, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand, and I know he’s not just asking about the ceremony. He’s asking about everything—our future, our forever.

“I’ve never been more ready,” I whisper.

We turn to the officiant, who offers us a kind smile before beginning. The words are a blur, but I don’t care. I can only focus on Kade—the warmth of his hand in mine, the way his thumb moves in slow circles over my skin as if he’s trying to keep me calm.

But I don’t need calming. Not anymore.

“I do,” Kade says, his voice firm. I can feel the certainty in those two words. He’s not just making a promise—he’s staking a claim. On me, on us, on the life we’re going to build together.

When it’s my turn, I swallow hard, a ball of emotion clogging my throat. “I do,” I manage to say, my heart swelling as the reality of it all hits me. I’m his. He’s mine.

Forever.

The officiant pronounces us husband and wife, and Kade pulls me into his arms, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that’s more than a kiss…it’s a promise.

When he leans back, I’m breathless, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my ears. “I love you,” I whisper, the words too small for the depth of what I’m feeling.

“I love you more,” he says, pressing another soft kiss to my mouth. “And I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving it to you, Mrs. Nash.”

“Lead the way, Mr. Nash.” I beam. “I will follow you anywhere.”