by J. L. Drake
“I did, didn’t I?” She went to take the box back.
“I can put them away for you.”
I pulled it out of her reach. “You think you get to be the one to introduce the happy couple to the rest of the gang? Sorry, Mom, but that’s a negative on that one.”
She laughed lightly. “Okay, fine. I’ll leave you to it.”
I kissed her cheek and left to put my new additions in a safe spot.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Catalina
Charlotte handed me my bouquet of dark red roses as she studied my face. “I’ve always wanted a sister. Who knew it would turn out to be my best friend?”
I hugged her with my free arm. “And who knew I would lose a sibling and gain another?”
“I’m sorry I never got to meet Javier, and if he was anything like you, I’d love him too.”
“You two would have been trouble.”
“Great, now I’m really bummed.” She laughed, but I could tell she was worried about me.
“Charlotte, I know there are a lot of holes in my life that I haven’t shared, but, if it counts, having you and Kyle as my best friends helped me get through some of the hardest times in my life. I’ve lost a lot, but I’ve gained a lot too.”
“I’ll take that.” She nodded and dramatically fanned her eyes. “Have you seen Savannah’s dress?”
“No.” I leaned around her and spotted a beautiful woman next to Cole in a very chic blue dress. “Stunning.”
“Okay,” she turned to me when the music started, “ready?”
I pulled back the white curtain of the canopy and glanced at the guests who lined the walkway to the gazebo. Snow capped the mountains, reminding me that it was still January, despite the warm weather we had been granted lately. Mike’s father, Ray, offered to host the wedding at the place where Mike and I fell in love. I wanted to cry for the fourteenth time that week. We happily accepted his offer.
“Ms. Mendez?” Ray offered me an arm, and we stepped out into the warm afternoon light where a hundred different pairs of eyes stared at me. I didn’t care about any of them; I cared only about one particular set. I nearly tripped over my heels when I caught sight of Mike in his uniform. His eyes were shaded from the rim of the hat, but by the way his mouth curved into that smile I loved, I knew he felt the same way I did.
A violin and a cello set the pace as we slowly walked past a blur of happy faces. Jackie Irons snapped a hundred photos until Charlotte told her to sit and let the photographer do his job.
Just as I reached Mike, Ray turned to me and held both of my hands. “You came into this group as a friend, but you will remain in it as family. I knew one day my son would find someone special. Someone who would help wash away the stress of his job and love him unconditionally. Thank you for being that person, Catalina. Welcome to our family.”
“Thank you, Ray.” I leaned in and kissed his cheek.
“How can I top that, Dad?” Mike chuckled when he took over holding my hands. “Hey, you.”
“Hey,” I sighed.
They said your wedding passed in a blur, time sped up, and before you knew it, you were off on your honeymoon. Though most of that seemed true, there was one part that did stand out to me.
“Mike, are you ready?” Father Arthur asked.
“Love came easy to us.” He cleared his throat. “I considered us lucky for that. On the other hand, we kept secrets from one another because we didn’t want to take a chance of something spoiling it. When the truth came out, it hurt, and most would have run, but we didn’t. We fought to the end. One bombshell after the other.” He winked at his inside joke. “I’m proud of us, Catalina, because it shows me that our love knows no boundaries. That our love will last a lifetime.”
And I’m a mess.
Drying a few more tears, I took a deep, shaky breath and tried to recall my vows.
“I thought I had things all worked out. New life, new job, new start. Until one day this handsome man at a bar was in my special spot chatting away to his mother.” The first three rows made up of Blackstone and staff laughed loudly. “As much as I may tease, it showed me a lot about you. Mike, you are caring, sweet, loving, and a wonderful friend. You make me laugh and hold me when I’m scared. You gave me a family and a sister I never thought I’d have, new friends, and shockingly, a new side job.” I chuckled and glanced at Frank, who returned the smile. “You saved me when my world crumbled beneath my feet, and I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t there.” I wiped a tear away. “Not all heroes wear capes, Mike. They come in many forms, and I’m so lucky to have landed myself my own true hero.”
We didn’t wait for the minister to say the rest. Mike dove in and kissed me with so much passion, I blushed down to my toes, but I never pulled away. I would never.
The afterparty was unbelievably fun. So many people shared stories about Mike and what he’d done for them…or to them. With every story, I found myself needing to be next to him, to remind myself he was mine.
“Shake it, baby!” Keith’s Nan was once again in the middle of the dancefloor surrounded by men, young and old, while she shook her ass. Who knew she could move like that at her age? Seriously, that was a life goal, right there. Keith, on the other hand, still had her in the doghouse for something she did a while ago. I didn’t even want to know.
I spotted Lizzy a few times. Charlotte had asked if she could come, and I was fine with it. Lizzy and Mike had a past, but that was all it was—a past. She had her shot and blew it. I did notice Ray lean in to speak to her when she tried to approach Mike at one point, and her face twisted with discomfort. I appreciated that. He wanted to make sure we had the perfect day.
Mike handed me a glass of wine, and I hesitated but took it, warming the red liquid between my hands. “You all right?”
“Mhm,” I muttered, a thousand miles away.
“What’s up, Catalina?” He removed the glass and leaned forward to grab my attention. “Out with it.”
“Tess wanted me to give you this.” I slid over the letter I promised I would give him.
“Huh.” He tore the envelope open and scanned the words, and at one part, his eyes closed, and he paused, and I felt something special must have been written.
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” He smiled and folded the letter back up. “You should read it later. It was really nice.”
I settled into the silence, unsure how to proceed.
“You gave me a present.” I touched my necklace. “I guess brides and grooms do that, huh?”
“I don’t know. Do they?” He shrugged like he never thought about it before. “I don’t need anything from you, darling. Is that what’s bothering you?”
I strummed my fingers on the table and opened my purse with my other hand.
I think I might pass out.
“Um, let’s call it a co-gift.” I handed him a photo.
“Holy shit.” His entire body went rigid, and I wondered if he was mad.
“I know it wasn’t planned, but apparently you have strong swimmers.”
“How far along?
“Three months.”
“Whooo!” He suddenly jumped to his feet, then onto the chair, which thankfully didn’t break, while he cheered again, and everyone stopped to stare.
“Three months, baby!” He turned the little photo around to share it with the entire wedding. “My baby is three months!”
Jackie and Ray both started to cry, and Charlotte and Kyle started making baby shower plans.
Yikes, this is all a little overwhelming. One celebration at a time, please!
While all the buzz happened, and I got re-hugged for the billionth time, and was told congratulations more times than I could imagine. Faces blurred together, and voices became a loud hum. I began to get overwhelmed again, so I slipped away and changed into a more comfortable dress then grabbed the letter from Tess and headed down to the dock, needing a moment to myself.
With my legs o
ver the edge and the glass lake beneath me, I scanned the letter. I knew Mike wouldn’t mind. I wanted to see how what kind of friendship they had.
Mike,
You were a friend when I didn’t have one, and you were a friend to Trigger when he needed one. It took me a while to see how you two could be so close, but I see it now. You’ve spent the last two decades understanding the lines of black and white and created a gray area where you both could coexist. Though you might not know this, you were the one who taught Trigger how to be compassionate. You have a way of getting through to him like no one else, and for that, I thank you.
Do you remember our conversation about the trilogy? And how I asked why you weren’t in it yet? Your words were, “Because my story hasn’t been written yet.” Well, guess what, Mike. You finally got yours, and what a story it is! She’s wonderful.
We may not be physically there to celebrate, but you can bet your ass we are celebrating at the club in your honor. Cheers!
Much love from the DR,
Tess
Mike moved to sit next to me. He had changed into shorts and a polo.
“They’re really good people.” He took the letter from me and stared at it. “Different from us, but that’s what makes them special.”
“I agree.”
“Tired?” He glanced at me, concerned.
“Actually…” I stood, and he followed. I set the letter under my glass, careful that it wouldn’t blow away. “I need to talk to you.”
“Okay.” Concern deepened the lines around his eyes.
“I was, ah, talking to Mark about something I heard a long time ago, and he explained what it meant. Now,” I brushed my hair out of my face from a small breeze, “it won’t work that well because you’re bigger, but I’m willing to give it a try.”
“Give what a try?”
I stepped back a few paces and raced toward him before he had a moment to think, and I pushed us both into the water. When I came up, he had a look of pure shock on his face.
“What the hell?” He laughed in disbelief.
“I can’t Code Forty-Five a man twice my size, but I apparently can push you into the water.”
“Friggin Mark!” He went to grab me, but I dipped under the water and swam to my favorite place at the Irons house, under the dock.
He followed me, and when he came up, he wrapped his arms around my waist and pushed me up against the wall.
“Your dress will get ruined.”
“It’s okay. It will dry.”
“Great answer.” He dove in and kissed me hard.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Mike
Six months later
“Congratulations on your little girl.” John clinked his beer to mine. “I couldn’t be happier for you, brother.”
“Thanks.” I grinned over at Catalina, who had Gabriella in her arms, rocking her to sleep. “Me too.”
“Yes, thanks for giving Olivia someone she can team up with.” Cole smiled as he raised his glass.
“Yeah, Liam and Ethan could use a little charm in their lives.” John laughed at Mark’s kids, who were wrestling on the grass below us. Poor Mia was about to deliver any day and needed to be on bed rest.
“Hey, my boys have swagger.” Mark defended his little rascals. We all gave him the raised eyebrow.
“I know you’ve missed our Livy since you left Shadows, Mike,” Savannah patted my shoulder then perched on the armrest of Cole’s chair, “but now you have your own little girl to tease the heck out of you.”
“That’s for sure. I hope she is near as sweet at Livy.”
“How’s Elena doing?” Cole changed the subject.
“Much better. We held a wake for Luna, hoped to give them some closure there. All in all, they have each other, and with the help of the good doc, they are making it work.” I couldn’t keep my eyes off my little family. As soon as Catalina felt my gaze, she smiled and carefully shifted a little. I knew she was still sore. Our little Gabby was only three days old, but her Mama had made a quick recovery and was more than happy to be home.
Home. Who would have thought in only one year I would find the perfect woman and have an equally perfect daughter of my own?
“You want to go to Daddy?”
“Yes, pass her over. She needs to come to Daddy.” I gently took the swaddled little bundle in my arms and kissed her tiny forehead. “Daddy will protect his girls until the end of time.”
“Hey, John,” Mark beamed, “I guess you’re next!”
“Not sure it’s in the stars for me, boys.” John finished his beer.
“Yeah, it is.” Catalina held up her phone. “Your story just hasn’t been written yet.”
I grinned at my wife, happy she just threw out a quote from one of my good friends. “She’s right, John.” I pushed my finger into my daughter’s hand, and I felt myself falling head over heels for the little seven-point-something-pounder all over again. “You’re next.”
“If I can have what you all have, I’d be willing to give it a try.”
Catalina draped her arm around my shoulder and rubbed our daughter’s tummy. “If we made it work, anyone can make it work.”
“Cheers to that!” Cole held his drink high, and we all toasted to happiness.
To say life was great was an understatement. It was perfect.
The End
SOUNDTRACK
It’s Tricky ~ Run-DMC
The Weight ~ The Band
Chicken Fried ~ The Zac Brown Band
Save A Horse, Ride A Cowboy ~ Big & Rich
Los Tiempos Van Cambiando ~ Franky Perez and Los Guardianes Del Bosque
In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company ~ The Dead South
Assassin ~ Muse
Same Blood ~ Aleo Blacc
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Jill and Steve Chamness—for all your help, reenactments, and laughter along the way! Jill, you’re such a sweet, kind human being I just love to be around.
Steve, I’m still convinced we were siblings at some point. I like how we both view life and the darkness that surrounds it.
It’s special when you can find someone as wonderful and warm as you two.
When we’re together, I feel like I’m home.
Ceej—this was the first book I have written since you left for the stars. I have to say I struggled with the thought you didn’t get to beta Mike’s story, the one you have been waiting for. I hope wherever you are, you have a book in your hand and a huge Ceej smile.
Until we meet again, much love from below.
Frist and second round betas—for being my eyes when I couldn’t use mine anymore. Your notes, opinions, and overall feedback were invaluable.
Blackstone Reader Group—for the support and love you show me every day.
My team—Ketura, Vanessa, and Kim for rocking another year and another release!
My friend Shannan—for your help on my “shelved projects” and giving me the boost to release them.
My mother—for sitting out on the balcony in Maui in the dark before anyone was awake, before the birds stirred, and listening to my endless storylines for this book. I will forever cherish that time with you.
My step-father—for listening, reading, and your constant honesty from a male’s perspective.
My sister Erin—for helping me “dig out of my hole” when I just couldn’t find my way out.
My sister Gillian—for your endless support in whatever I choose to write.
Readers—once again, for being so patient while I create another story.
I thank you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
J. L. Drake was born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, later moving to Southern California where she now lives with her husband and two children.
When she is not writing she loves to spend time with her family, travelling or just enjoying a night at home. One thing you might notice in her books is her love of the four seasons. Growing up on the east coast of Canada the change in the seasons is in
her blood and is often mentioned in her writing.
An avid reader of James Patterson, J.L. Drake has often found herself inspired by his many stories of mystery and intrigue. She hopes you will enjoy her books as much as she has enjoyed writing them.
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
Facebook:
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Twitter:
https://twitter.com/jodildrake_j
Website:
http://www.authorjldrake.com/
Goodreads:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8300313.J_L_Drake
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