by Grace Risata
“I think you’ll see at least one familiar face,” I offered, pointing to the tall man that would act as our chauffeur to my parent’s house.
“Grizzly!” she shouted, running over to jump into his arms. “Are you the best man? I’m the maid of honor! This is awesome!”
While they hugged it out, Sam put his arm around me and nuzzled my ear.
“No matter what hell your father puts me through, or what tests I have to pass, it will all be worth it,” he admitted. “From what you’ve told me, your family is amazing. I need to give Chrissie the sense of belonging and acceptance that we never had growing up. Thank you for including her in all this. I love you.”
“Don’t go getting all sappy on me, dude. If it weren’t for her and my parents, I wouldn’t be doing any of this. I’m happy just flying to a Caribbean island with you, me, a preacher, and beautiful blue water as far as the eye can see.”
“Oh, really?” Sam asked as though he didn’t believe me. “Then why did you insist that we write our own vows, Miss ‘I’m-not-sentimental’?”
“As long as I’m going to all this trouble, I might as well add in a few nice touches.”
There were a couple decent surprises up my sleeve. I’m only getting married once, so I wanted to make it spectacular.
Since Grizzly’s plane from New York City arrived forty minutes before ours, he was kind enough to grab the rental car and meet us out front.
“You guys ready to get hitched?” the man asked with a lazy grin as he got in the driver’s seat. The more I got to know him, the more I realized that nothing ever truly riled him up. “No cold feet, Sam? Just say the word and I’ll kick you out of the car so I can marry her myself!”
In response, Chrissie gasped and leaned over to give him a gentle shove. She politely offered to ride up front in order to give us ‘lovebirds’ our space. I’m sure the excited woman would have much rather preferred to sit in back with me. Instead of looking out the window, she turned and filled us in on all the news from Kansas.
“Do you guys know how much town gossip you’ve missed? Everyone is talking about how Grizzly just up and left without so much as a ‘goodbye.’ I’m relieved you told me that he moved to New York for a job, otherwise I would have been so worried. But that’s not all. Wait until you hear this! Betty Jo has been back to her old tricks. Even though Pete woke up from the coma and is slowly beginning to remember everything, she still acts like he’s terminal and might die at any second. There was even going to be a church fundraiser in order to collect money for their hospital bills. It all got cancelled when someone found out that Betty Jo was really planning to use the cash for a boob job after the babies were born, and the whole thing erupted into a giant controversy.”
I rolled my eyes. Sam’s parents would rather he ended up with someone like that instead of me? Disgusting!
Nudging him in the ribs, I quietly informed him that he dodged a major bullet by dumping that bitch. He didn’t seem to be paying attention because his mind was on other things.
“I know you thought Chrissie could keep the secret of Grizzly coming to work in New York…since she’d be seeing him at the wedding…but are you sure about the rest of all this?” Sam whispered apprehensively. “Once she meets your parents and sees the lavish lifestyle they lead…there’s going to be questions you can’t answer, Lee. I’m not sure it’s wise to have her running back to Kansas with so much information on you and your business.”
“Relax, I’ve got it covered. My parents and all the guests are well aware of our privacy issues. We didn’t invite too many people. Don’t worry so much.”
I have no fucking clue why Sam and his sister thought there would be huge crowds in attendance for this damn thing. It was an intimate wedding. Aside from my parents, grandparents, Chrissie, Ian, Grizzly, an assorted handful of aunts, uncles, cousins, and a few family friends, there would hardly be anyone there. And maybe Angela, but I still wasn’t a hundred percent sure on that. Things haven’t been the same between us since Hawk’s fight. Yes, she’s still with him. Yes, she’s still pissed at me. But we’ve been friends for too long for her to miss this momentous occasion, so I expect her to show up.
Who am I forgetting? Oh yes, my new friend, Vera. She was an important part of the whole process too. Not only did the talented woman custom design a spectacular wedding dress for my walk down the aisle, but she insisted on hand delivering it to Mexico. While she made up some bogus story about wanting to make sure everything went off without a hitch, I knew better. After working such long hours, it was obvious that a vacation was desperately needed. I may have hired her as my new stylist, and also put her in charge of doing the hair and make-up for my big day.
I should also mention that Shorty and Fritz will be in attendance. Sam was not happy with that, but it’s too damn bad. Shorty’s parents have been best friends with my mom and dad forever. It wouldn’t look right if he wasn’t there.
What’s the worst that could happen when some crazy Irish criminals, one disgruntled best friend, a very innocent Kansas farm girl, and my ex-boyfriend are all invited to the wedding of the year?
I guess I’m about to find out…
Chapter Forty-Two
Leandra
With only minutes to spare until the main event, I was supposed to be staring at my reflection in the mirror and making sure nothing was out of place.
Was I doing that?
Fuck no.
I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the window. Being on the second floor afforded me a wonderful view of the entire wedding area. My parent’s backyard was decked out in magical splendor and no expense was spared. From the white flowers decorating a beautiful gazebo, to the soft glow of lights strung up in every direction, to the crowd of guests sitting in neat rows and patiently waiting for my arrival…all was expertly prepared.
But I didn’t care about any of it. My focus was fixed on the man waiting at the end of the aisle. He was the most handsome thing I’d ever seen in my life.
“Are you ready, sweetheart?” my mom asked, quietly walking into the room and resting an arm on my shoulder. “You just say the word and your father will turn this wedding into a giant party and kick Sam right out on his ass.”
“I think that my fiancé has already proven himself a worthy adversary, mom. Dad might have a hard time tossing him out.”
Let’s just say the first face to face meeting did not go well between my two favorite men. As soon as we pulled into the gated driveway that led to their mansion and passed heavily armed guards, Chrissie began to freak the fuck out. My mother ran from the house, ripped the girl out of the car, and hastily dragged her inside. I knew that could only mean one thing.
Initiation.
Jimmy Donahue had no intention of letting some random douchebag marry his daughter without putting him through the ringer. While Shorty and Ian watched the whole scene from the safety of the grand arched entryway, my dad literally charged at Sam like a bull.
I screamed for him to stop, Grizzly wisely jumped out of the way, and Shorty and Ian laughed their asses off. The word ‘chaos’ doesn’t even do it justice.
Fortunately my future husband took it all in stride. He dodged blow after blow with effortless grace until my dad started to huff and puff. What can I say? The man wasn’t as young as he used to be. When it became clear that Sam couldn’t keep bobbing and weaving forever, he did a quick move and got my dad in a headlock.
“You let me go, asshole!” my father screamed, face turning red.
“Sir, I’ll set you free under one condition. Give me your blessing to marry Leandra.”
“Never!”
Within thirty seconds, Sam released his grip and both men stared each other down.
“I’ve taken a bullet for your daughter and I’d do a hell of a lot more than that if the need should arise. Her happiness comes before my own. I would like your approval, but it’s not necessary. Nothing is going to stop me from making her my bride. Truce?”
He held out his hand and waited for my dad to shake it. After an eternity, the stubborn old bastard nodded his head and cracked a smile.
“I guess you can have her…she’s a pain in the ass anyway. So fucking bossy all the time,” my dad admitted, leaning in and patting Sam on the back.
Miraculously, they’d gotten along quite well ever since. I think if it had gone any other way…if Sam had complained about the bizarre treatment, ran to hide behind me, or dared to lay his hands on my dad…that might have been a major problem.
Chrissie was also blending into the family rather nicely. Due to the fact that Ian and I were extremely independent, my mom relished the chance to have someone new to smother. Someone that would actually take her advice.
“Is it time to go downstairs now?” I asked hesitantly.
“Whenever you’re ready. Until then, everyone can shut the fuck up and wait,” my mom advised, tears beginning to form at the corner of her eyes as she paused to admire my dress. “Everyone says to cherish your children because they grow up so fast…”
“Do not cry!” I demanded. “Vera did an amazing job on my make-up and I don’t want it to smear!”
“I’m not gonna bawl like a pussy just because my only daughter, my baby girl, the first creature to ever pop out of my womb, the wind beneath my wings, the---”
“Mom!” For fuck’s sake, she was being way too dramatic.
“I love you, Leandra. I’m so proud of the lady you’ve become. From growing into such a beautiful woman with a great head on her shoulders, to taking over the entire operation and doing a wonderful job…you’re everything a mother could want in a daughter.”
Fuck. Now my eyes were getting watery.
“I love you too, mom.”
“I know you do, baby. Now let’s suck it up and go get your man. I have a sixth sense about people and I can tell he’s special. The way he looks at you…wow. I need to fan myself from the heat that burns off you two. I have no doubt you’ve chosen well. Your father would never admit it, but I can tell he respects Sam. If he didn’t, your fiancé wouldn’t still be breathing.”
Walking arm in arm, we made our way to the French doors leading outside. Chrissie nervously waited at the exit, since she was the one to march down the aisle right before me. Since we’d never seen each other all glammed up before, it felt strange to see her wearing a stylish emerald green bridesmaid dress. I purposely chose that color to set off her auburn hair and freckles. She looked amazing.
“You look so elegant and beautiful, Lee,” my new sister-in-law gushed, taking in the floor length halter style gown with intricate lace design. “I know Sam loves you very much. There’s no one else I’d rather have as a wife for him. I want you to know…to know…”
Her emotions took over and she began to sniff and wipe her nose.
“Will everyone quit being so fucking weepy? This is a wedding, not a funeral,” I insisted. Turning to my dad, I asked, “You’re not going to get all blubbery on me, are you?”
He chuckled and shook his head.
“Jimmy Donahue does not shed a tear over anything,” he stoically replied, standing tall.
“Oh, really? What about that one time when our fourteen year old collie passed away? You sobbed like a little girl when you thought no one was looking!” I not-so-gently reminded him.
With a wave of his hand to cue the music, my dad completely ignored my comment.
We watched Chrissie walk down the aisle, hug her brother, and stand in the designated spot. My mom followed, leaving just a father and daughter as the lone people to make their journey down the pale blue walkway.
“You know something, Lee?”
“What?”
“If you told me that you changed your mind and wanted out…”
“You’d drive the getaway car?” I suggested, attempting to finish his sentence.
“Fuck, no. I’d force you to go through with it,” he admitted. “I really like this guy. He’s respectable, hard-working, and loyal. I can tell he’s going to make a good husband. You need someone incredibly strong in spirit to stand by you and put up with your shit. Not many men are capable of handling a woman like you, Lee. I give my blessing whole heartedly.”
By now tears were freely flowing down my cheek and I was getting ready to use my veil as a fucking tissue to wipe the snot.
Dum…Dum…Da…Dum…
The wedding march began to play and I had no choice but to walk down the aisle looking like a hot mess. We got halfway there and my dad stopped, wiped my eyes, and ordered me to ‘suck it up.’
Holding my head high, shoulders back, and tits out, we continued to make our way to my future husband. I noticed Angela sitting in an aisle seat and giving me a small wave. Flashing a brilliant smile, I nodded a greeting. I knew she’d come.
Once I locked eyes with Sam, all hell broke loose. His lips were pressed tightly together in a stern grimace instead of the happy and awe-struck gaze of adoration I had fully expected.
At first I was confused, until I noticed the redness of his eyes…and the quiver of his chin.
Fuck.
Sam took a step forward in order to do the traditional ‘bride gets passed from her dad to her husband’ move, but he ignored my father completely and focused all his attention on me.
“You are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” he whispered. “Are you…are you actually crying?”
“No! Are you?”
“No!”
“You two fuckwits are meant for each other,” my father groaned with an eye roll. “I was going to punch this guy in the face before I handed you off, Lee, just as a warning not to mess with my daughter…but I can’t even do it. You’re both too pathetic. Now go say the vows and let’s hurry this thing up. I’m getting hungry!”
I took Sam’s hand and he guided me to the altar.
“Dearly beloved,” the priest began, “we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Samuel Kent and Leandra Donahue. They already got their official marriage license back home in New York, so this ceremony is really just a formality. I was actually told to stand up here and look important, but not say too much since they wrote their own vows.”
“You go first,” I told Sam, wanting to hear his before I gave mine. No, I wasn’t so nervous I couldn’t speak, I just didn’t want him to show me up with better vows.
My soul mate licked his lips, cleared his throat, and proceeded to wow me with a hand-written speech pulled from his pocket.
“When I look at you, I see my future. Although we haven’t known each other for very long, I can’t fathom a life without you in it. I’m a man of few words, and I don’t do very well opening up like this in front of people,” he confessed, looking around nervously at a crowd of virtual strangers. “You know what you mean to me, Leandra…and if you don’t realize it yet, I promise to spend every one of my remaining days proving it to you. I love you. It is my honor to have you as my wife.”
There were a few ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from the crowd, along with a smattering of applause. Yes, it was romantic and I appreciated the sentiment, but I planned to do a whole hell of a lot better than that.
“Samuel Kent, I vow to love you, protect you, and keep you entertained for as long as we both shall live. I will stand by your side in sickness and health, and not bring any ex-boyfriends to visit if you’re ever in a coma,” I promised, barely able to keep a straight face.
Yes, Chrissie gasped and Grizzly laughed loudly, drawing all attention away from me. Dirty bastards!
“I’ll try my best not to be too bossy and controlling,” I continued, “and will try to let you make some of the decisions, too.”
“Good luck with that!” Ian shouted, enjoying his new role as wedding heckler.
“Sam,” I kept going, choosing to ignore my idiot brother, “I promise to stand beside you no matter what life throws at us. I will be your lumberjack assistant, your co-pilot during car chases, and your wing-woman for any and all bar fights. You are m
y lover, my equal, my best friend, and my favorite person in the whole world. Now get over here and kiss your fucking bride!”
My new husband stared at the priest as though waiting for permission.
“I now pronounce you man and wife…you may kiss the bride,” the man wisely announced, quickly stepping aside as I threw myself in Sam’s arms.
The crowd hooted and hollered, we kissed passionately, and the real party got underway. Bottles of expensive champagne were popped, prime cuts of steak were served, and our married life started off with a bang.
Angela made a point of coming over to compliment me on the dress, tell me every last touch was absolutely perfect, and apologize for being a dick. She seemed very subdued and was not acting like her usual self. When I pressed her on the odd behavior, my friend simply shook her head and promised to tell me later. It felt as though she was holding back and didn’t want to give me upsetting news on my big day.
Once everything was in full swing, I made my way to the bar area to check up on Chrissie. She didn’t really know anyone, so I made sure to give her a bit of extra attention.
“Are you having fun, sweetpea?” I asked, hopping up on a stool and following her wistful gaze to the dance floor.
“I’ve never been to a wedding like this before,” she admitted in awe. “All the decorations and food must have cost a fortune. Back home in Kansas we never have an open bar. People pay for their own drinks! This is crazy.”
“My dad did pretty well with some investments,” I explained. “Also, you know, the exchange rate with the peso and the dollar is holding steady.”
What am I gonna say? Yes, Chrissie, we’re all really criminals. Dirty money paid for every lavish touch of this entire affair. Try not to freak out!
She nodded absentmindedly and returned her attention to the crowd of people shaking their asses to the loud music blaring from speakers set up all over the backyard.