Beyond the Edge (the Knight Series Book 3)

by Mari Brown

  “Let’s get you in the car.” Cole says and helps me climb in before sliding in beside me. “We’ll see you there.” He says as Drew heads off to his own car. Rocco climbs into the driver seat. As we head off down the road Cole takes my hand, “Are you okay?”

  “Do you think it’s true?”

  “It wouldn’t surprise me. We’ll do some digging into their backgrounds and see what we can find out about any connection they would have had at the time you were conceived.”

  This news has shaken me to the core. Is it possible I’m really going to find out who my father is after all these years? Will he be receptive to me? There is so much unknown about this whole thing. Nancy would probably be thrilled. Landon as well. Their parents, not so much. Based on the ages of Nancy and Landon it doesn’t take rocket science to figure out I’m the product of an affair between my mother and a married man. I can see why she wouldn’t say anything.

  It surprises me a bit that Diana never used the information to blackmail him.

  “Can we steal DNA from him and test it against mine?” I ask Cole.

  “Is that what you want to do?”

  “Yes, I need to know. I feel like everything just changed for us.”

  “Of course it did.” He smiles, “I can call you my wife now.”

  I give him a flirty grin. “And I can call you husband.”

  We share a kiss. We have to make ourselves stop as we begin to get carried away. It’s obvious that both of us want to fuck but duty calls.

  “You okay, wife?” He voices his concern.

  I glance out the side window. There are tree lined streets and people going about their day like normal. I wonder briefly what it would be like to be normal.

  “Yeah. I’m a little surprised about the information Diana gave away today. I still believe she is up to something. Why now? What difference does it make who my father is? Is he the one paying her expenses?” I smooth the front of my dress down more out of anxiousness than anything. “How do I greet them at the reception and act like nothing is wrong?”

  “You are Katarina Rob… Knight” Cole says with confidence. “You will do what you have to do like always.”

  “Good point. I can get through this. We will deal with this crap after we celebrate our marriage.”

  “That’s my Kitten.”

  Marla is waiting for us in front of the reception of hall. “It’s about time. What happened?”

  “My mother crashed the wedding.” I reply blandly. I don’t want to recap this story now or ever though I know I will at some point.

  “Well, let’s get you two inside to start the receiving line that way everyone can be seated for dinner.” Marla continues realizing my mother is not a topic for discussion.

  Cole and I follow Marla inside where she leads us through a back hall and brings us into the banquet room through a back entrance. Once she has us in place she nods her head to an assistant who opens the doors. The line begins wrapping it way around to us. As I watch the crowd surge forward I can’t help but think it’s going to be a long night.

  Cole and I both try to keep all conversation to a minimum so that the line keeps moving forward. As guests exit the line Marla and her team help escort them to their tables. The first guests I’m happy to greet are Miguel and Marisol Rivera.

  “Kat, you are gorgeous as always.” Miguel flirts with me as always.

  “Miguel, stop flirting. She’s a married woman now.” Marisol says to her brother while hugging me tightly. “I’m so fucking happy for y’all!”

  “Thank you.” I tell my friends as they move on.

  A few thousand people later …okay slight exaggeration, an older man grabs my hand “Congratulations, Katarina. “

  “Jackson, I am so glad you could be here. And not to defend Justin.” I greet the lawyer.

  “I’m always working to defend Justin but today is your day.” He chuckles before moving on to Cole.

  That moment finally comes the Richmond family is standing before me. I stare at them as time freezes.

  Cole slightly nudges my side making me realize I have been staring at the man who might be my father.

  “Mr. and Mrs. Richmond, I’m so glad you could join us for our big day” Mrs. R. basically snubs me as she moves on to Cole and fawns all over him. I resist the urge to tell her off. Then I realize what if she knows and that’s why I’m getting the cold shoulder from her.

  Her husband is a lot warmer in his greeting but his words nor body language show he knows that I’m his daughter.

  “Oh Kat, I’m so happy for you.” Nancy squeals. She and her husband are the next in line. She hugs me tight. “When you get back from the honeymoon we must do lunch.”

  “That sounds perfect.” I tell her sincerely especially if she might be my half-sister. I want to try and foster a relationship with her if so. “Katarina. You were a gorgeous bride.” Landon greets me with a kiss on the cheek. “I didn’t expect anything less. And I love that your dress was classic but sexy.”

  “Are you gay?” I ask him with a laugh.

  Landon’s laughter joins mine. “Hardly. I just love women and appreciate what they wear.”

  “That makes sense.” I tease him. “Thank you for coming.”

  I manage to make it through the line and talking to the Richmond family without blurting anything out even though I did stare for a bit too long. It’s an hour or so later before the final person is seated and Cole and I are released from the line.

  “I need to use the bathroom.” I tell my husband.

  “Okay, I’ll walk with you. I don’t want to join our table without you.” Cole tells me. I find his sweetness almost too much for me to handle right now.

  “Thank you ,Cole.”

  “For what?”

  “Loving me.”

  “Always 'n' Forever.” he replies while giving me a quick chaste kiss.

  Once in the bathroom I stop and look at myself in the mirror. I don’t look any different but everything about my life changed today. I went from Katarina Roberts to Katarina Knight. I saw my mom for the first time in almost six years where she decided dropping a bombshell about my biological father would be a good idea.

  I hurry into the stall and take care of business before coming back to the sink to wash my hands. I stare at my hand as I dry. The black diamond engagement rings sparkles where its sat on my finger for the last few months but now its joined by a black gold band with diamonds embedded in it. I smile as I stare at it.

  “Did you fall in?” Cole teases as I exit the bathroom.

  “No, idiot.” I was admiring my beautiful rings. I wave my hand in front of his face. He glances down at his own hand where his matching wedding band rests on his finger. His eyes light up with joy.

  “Come on, Mrs. Knight. We have people waiting for us.”

  “They probably think we are having sex.”

  “That’s exactly what they think.” Marla starts from down the hall as she hurries us back to the banquet room. Cole and I giggle together. It’s like we just got in trouble in school for making out.

  “We should have.” Cole finally says.

  “Next time.” I tell him grinning.

  We walk back in the room. The noise is loud even though everyone is speaking quietly at their respective tables. It’s just the sheer number that makes it so loud. We head toward the front of the room where the bridal party is already sitting and waiting for us.

  “Kat.” Seth pipes up. “Guess what? Julie switched seats with me so I can sit by you.”

  “That was super sweet of her.” I say grinning at Julie.

  As I take my spot at the head of the table I glance around those at my table. My family and my friends; the people I love most in this world, all here in one place.

  Chapter 30

  Kat

  Marla walks to our table leaning down behind Justin and whispering in his ear. She disappears as quickly as she appeared. It’s fascinating to me how she can make herself invisible but tu
rn up when you need her. It’s just proves that this woman is the perfect wedding planner.

  Justin stands up while holding his champagne glass and a microphone. All eyes train themselves on my new brother in law.

  “I’m told it’s time for the speeches and as the best man I get the privilege of going first.” He smiles big. “Cole, my big brother, was always my hero. He always seemed so cool. He got to all this great stuff before me. It hasn’t changed much over the years.” He moves around to stand behind Cole and I. “Katarina, better known to most of us as Kat if we value our lives. You were one of those girls I met in high school and I tried my best to get her to go out with me. She always turned me down. In fact, she turned every guy down. I wondered if maybe she was lesbian. Until the one day my brother showed up at our high school.” His hand comes down between us as he sets his glass on the table. I’m feeling his speech may take a while. “That was the day I realized Kat and Cole were like wolves…” as he trails off I turn a glare to him. This speech is a bit shady. “…they mate for life.”

  He’s lucky that is how he ends that sentence. Cole grabs my hand as he faces me with a grin leaning over to kiss me. Tingles ignite. He and I are going to end up fucking before we leave this reception. I can see it now. We will sneak off and with our luck someone who we least want to catch us will be the one to find us. I have to stifle a giggle at my own imagination.

  “Even though they separated for a few years it took less than twelve hours for them to reunite. The Alpha male and Alpha female. “Justin reaches for his glass once again lifting it up. “I wish you two a long life of happiness, love, and make me an uncle soon!” He lifts his glass up in the air “To Cole and Kat!”

  A chorus of cheers are heard throughout the room. Cole gives his brother a half hug. Justin leans over and kisses my cheek. “Thank you Justin.” I want him to know that he means so much more to me than he even realizes. Now that the wedding is over, my focus is going to be on clearing Justin’s name. I will be damned if Justin goes to jail an innocent man.

  “I guess it’s my turn. Like my twin, I just want to say that it has been entertaining being on the sidelines since Cole and Kat met. The passion they have for one another is unmatched by anyone or anything I have ever seen.” She steps behind me, a hand resting on my shoulder. “I always thought of you as my sister but now you are legally my sister. Cole is lucky to have you to be by his side in life and business.” She scoots behind her brother resting her hand on his shoulder. “Brother, I love you. I’m so happy that you found the woman of your dreams although I know you’re to manly to admit anything so sappy in public. And as my twin said, I want to be an aunt soon! “

  Cheers come from the room again. I swipe tears away from my eyes. I grab Julie around her neck as she leans over to hug me. “I love you sister.”

  “I love you, too.” she chokes out, fighting back her own tears before we turn loose of one another.

  “I guess I am next.” Drew says as he stands up at his end of the table. “Unlike the groom’s siblings, I wasn’t thrilled when my best buddy told me he wanted to hook up with my sister.” Chuckles can be heard in the room. “In fact, I was the least supportive of these two dating. However, they both have a problem with authority so they didn’t listen to me.” More laughter from the guests. “When I was shot and Kat came back to Belmont it wasn’t surprising that these two found their way back to each other. I agree with Justin that this is a marriage for life. I have never seen two people made for each other like these two are. I love my little sister and I know that Cole will treat her with the love and respect she deserves or else…” I try to give my brother the evil eye but the corner of my lip twitching gives away my amusement. “Cole, man we have been friends a long time. I’m glad to be able to call you brother. Take care of my sister. And no rush on making me an uncle.”

  I snort at his last comment. At least he’s not pushing for children already. The last speech giver makes their way to my side. My eyes cut up to the handsome older man. I beam at him. Cole turns to face his father.

  “They saved the best for last.” Bruce begins. “Son, I love you and am so proud of the man you have become.” He grins. “When he first brought Katarina home I knew who she was. I probably knew more than he did. I was happy to open my home up to her. However, I didn’t realize my heart would open as well.” I now have tears streaming down my cheek as Cole’s hand brushes the away. “There was this spitfire girl sitting in my living room and she reminded me of another spitfire girl I knew and loved, my dear wife Serena.” Murmurs are heard through the crowd. “I know my own children questioned my taking Katarina under my wing.” He moves around. His body is now angled between Cole and I. “I knew this girl was going to be special. I was right, too. Katarina, I’m so proud of the young woman you have become. Your dedication, loyalty, and love for my son and the rest of our family has been proven over and over.” My napkin is in my hand patting the tears as they pour from my eyes. Bruce has me all emotional with his fucking speech. “I wish you two a long happy marriage… and make me a grandpa soon! I’m not getting any younger.” Chuckles erupt from our guests as they salute to us.

  Cole stands up and wraps his arms around his dad in a hug. I take my turn hugging Bruce as the tears still stream. “I love you, Bruce.”

  “I love you, Katarina Knight.” I giggle a little at the sound of my new name. It’s perfect.

  “Thank you everyone.” Cole begins. I take my place by his side, our hands interlocking with each other naturally. “We appreciate each of you joining us as we spoke our vows to one another and joining us here to celebrate our marriage.” Turning he gives me a sexy little smirk “Katarina is the love of my life... see sis I can admit it?” Laughter erupts. “I can’t picture my life without you in it, Kitten.”

  Oh fuck! He just called me Kitten in front of everyone and it has me so turned on I may have to take him right here. Okay maybe not right here but we are sneaking off. Soon!

  “I love you, Cole. I’m glad I get to annoy you for the rest of our lives.” We have our guests laughing as we banter back and forth. Finally, Marla comes up to us and explains it’s time to cut the cake. As Cole and I follow her to the cake table I am amazed at the beautiful cake with its rich black icing and grape trim. We pose for the camera as we cut the cake and then feed each other. Thankfully, we behave on this part instead of smearing it on each others faces like we often joked we would. Then it’s time for the first dance as a man and wife. As the soulful sound of Etta James croons “At Last…” Cole takes my hand and leads me onto the dance floor. Our eyes lock as Etta sings on. I don’t want to break this hold we have. It’s as if the rest of the room has disappeared. Cole is the only thing I see. There is a light on him as blackness takes over the background. My heart leaps in my chest. I can’t imagine life without him in it. I’m so thankful to be his wife in this moment. Cole’s eyes seem to reflect back the same emotions I’m feeling.

  “I love you.” he whispers by my ear.

  “I love you.” I whisper back.

  We hold each other tight as the last strains of the song play. The room comes back in focus and I realize that the whole room has been watching us. Cole doesn’t care as his lips overpower mine.

  Catcalls and whistles echo the room. As the DJ begins playing a fast dance number other people hit the dance floor. Cole and I make our way back to our table. I’m surprised to see Landon talking to Drew.

  “Hey guys. You looked great out there.” Drew says as he draws me into him wrapping his arm around my waist. “I’m proud of you, little sister. And I love you.”

  Damn him! He’s going to make me cry again. I have never doubted my brother loves me but to hear him say the words is rare. That he is saying them now means so much to me.

  “You look stunning together. No doubt you mated for life.” Landon says referencing Justin’s speech.

  We all chuckle. “Thank you.” Cole replies.

  “We were just discussing a possible di
nner one day soon.” Landon says.

  “Oh, well I want to have your family over one night once we get back and settled from the honeymoon.”

  “Where are y’all going?” Landon asks while eying Marisol who is talking to her brother.

  “Bahamas for two whole weeks” Cole answers Landon’s question.

  The idea of two weeks with Cole alone excites me. I cannot wait until we take off in the morning. It’s going to be a little difficult leaving the family behind with all that is going on but we are trying to maintain life as normal as possible. When we get back there will be so much to take care of with Justin and now this weird situation with my birth father.

  I study Landon for a bit trying to discern if there is any family resemblance between him and me. We both have black hair but I’m looking for any other feature we might share in common. I try to not be obvious that I’m assessing Landon. I wish Nancy would join us as well. This way I really could compare features.

  It’s not long before Marla is dragging me back out to the dance floor first for a dance with my brother followed by a dance with Bruce. It means a lot to me to share today with these people. The people who are my family. The ones I would do anything for.

  The night continues on. We have the garter toss and the bouquet toss as it draws to an end. I find myself chuckling that Luke and Julie are the ones who catch the garter and bouquet. Those two are going to be next, no doubt about it.

  Cole and I leave the reception and head to the hotel by the airport where we will spend our first night as man and wife before catching our early flight to the Bahamas. As I hug Seth goodbye, tears form in my eyes. I’m happy but I’m going to miss him.

  “You behave while we are gone, yeak?” I say to him quietly.

  “I will. Bring me back something cool.” Seth says to me.

  I chuckle and ruffle his hair a bit “Of course I will bring you back something extra cool.”

  Pete and Rocco drive us to the airport. Sadly, we won’t be completely alone on this honeymoon. Rocco will accompany us just in case. Rocco will blend into the background and I will forget he’s there as usual but there is no way we can travel without a guard. There is too much at stake. My mind drifts to the situation with Sal. While it would be nice to go in guns blazing we aren’t a common street gang. We aren’t thugs. We are known for taking care of business. Cole and I want to keep that reputation.