The landing was full of people, all waiting for him.
“What is this?” he asked as he pulled to a stop in front of the crowd.
“They’re all here for you.”
“For me?”
She swallowed her emotions down and whispered, “Today is our wedding day.”
Easton let off a small gasp and blinked hard at her before he looked at their wedding guests again. “Did you beg them to come?”
“No, Easton. They came because they care about you.”
He pushed open the door and stood beside his truck, staring at the crowd and looking shocked to his bones.
Mom was crying from where she and Dad stood with the Gray Backs, front and center. Willa let off a shrill whistle and began clapping. The others joined in, cheering and whooping. Tagan and his Ashe Crew were there behind the Gray Backs, along with Kong and his Lowlanders and Harrison and his Boarlanders. Even Clinton was there with his new crew, looking emotional as he clapped with the others. Damon Daye stood off to the side, holding his great-granddaughter, Rowan, as Creed stood beside him, smiling proudly at Easton.
Aviana walked around the front of the truck and nudged his side. “What do you say? You want to marry me today?”
Easton was nodding over and over as his eyes rimmed with emotion.
“Good,” she said, tugging his hand toward the Ashe Crew’s alpha. Tagan was certified to perform ceremonies, and when she’d braved the Asheland Mobile Park to ask him to officiate the wedding, he and his crew had offered to help her and the Gray Backs plan everything.
She wiped her damp lashes with the back of her hand as she led Easton to the edge of the landing where her parents had decorated the machinery with white ribbons and oversized bouquets of wildflowers.
“Before we start,” Tagan said, “your alpha wants to say a few words.”
Creed stepped forward and cleared his throat. “Easton, from the day you asked me to take you into my crew, I knew you were special. I knew you had greatness in you. When I came up with our name, the Gray Backs, I named us for you and your silver bear because I knew you had potential to be the best of us if you just put in the work. And over the past couple of years, I’ve watched you grow and open up in ways that I couldn’t imagine when I first saw you, wild-eyed and barely in control. And now you’ve found Ana, and I’m so damned proud when I see how well you treat her. How hard you try with the rest of us now.” Creed nodded, dark eyes filling. “And today, I can say I was right. You really are the best of us. You turned out to be one of my best friends and a man I admire deeply for never giving up. I’m so happy for you, man.” His voice cracked on the last word, and he turned as Gia handed him a thick brown envelope.
As Creed ripped open the sealed flap, Easton hugged Aviana tightly against his side and seemed completely overwhelmed with emotion as he tossed her hardhat to the ground. He kissed her hairline and let his lips linger there.
“Easton, your mate came to me and told me you’ve always wanted to visit someplace far away. And I know you don’t think you’re ready to go alone, or even just with Aviana, but we all chipped in and…well…here.” He handed Easton the opened envelope.
Easton’s chin trembled as he pulled the itinerary out and scanned the first couple of pages. “The Grand Canyon?” he whispered as he lifted a disbelieving gaze to Creed.
“We’re all going with you, man. All of your crew. Your people. Your friends. We’ll take you there and make sure you stay in control. Damon has given us the entire week off, so we’re leaving tomorrow morning. Easton…” Creed said, gripping his shoulders and shaking him slowly. “It’s going to be amazing.”
“Oh, man. I just—far away?” Easton fumbled his words as he hugged Creed hard and clapped him on the back. “Thank you.”
“All right, let’s get these two hitched,” Tagan said through a grin. “The reception barbecue is getting cold.”
Aviana laughed thickly and squared her shoulders up to Easton, then took his hands in hers. You ready, she mouthed.
Easton’s glowing eyes were certain as he nodded.
Tagan’s words were loud and clear, echoing across the landing when he said, “We are gathered here today to witness the matrimony of Aviana King and Easton Novak.”
“No,” her mate said low, searching her eyes. “It’s not Easton.” A slow smile spread across his face. “It’s Beaston.”