His dad’s ear-to-ear grin turned into a quivering smile. “I love ya, Mase.”
They shared a long tight hug, holding onto one another longer than necessary, but neither wanted to let the other go or break the embrace. “I couldn’t ask for a better kid.”
Mason’s little brother joined the hug and wrapped his arms around their waist. The dimples returned to his dad’s cheeks as he ruffled Michael’s hair. “Except for this guy. I love ya, too, Mikey. Man, I’m so blessed to have kids like you two.” He put his arm around Mason and announced, “My kid’s getting married today.”
“So’s my daughter,” Tommy added, and then his face slowly fell. “My little girl is getting married.” He took a step back. “I can’t believe it.”
Angel placed his arm around Tommy’s shoulder and placed a kiss on his thick blond hair. “I know, mi amor. Our daughter is all grown up.”
Tommy lifted his head to look at Angel, moisture glistening his eyes.
Angel took in a deep breath and held it for a second. “Don’t you dare cry, Tommy Blade. If you do, I’ll start bawling and I won’t stop. I mean it,” he warned, his voice already cracking.
“Enough with the tears,” Lucas teased his two dads, stepped around them and approached Mason. “Look what you did. You got all of us to wear tuxedos.” He touched the bowtie at his neck. “I don’t think I’ve ever been so dressed up.”
Mason stared at his oldest and closest friend. “Man, this is surreal. I’m marrying your sister.”
Lucas let out a laugh. “I know. It’s really crazy. But good crazy.”
“Crazy good.”
The door opened, bringing in a wave of chatter from the outside. “This is one fancy ass wedding.” Damien walked through the suite with a bounce in his step. “Angel, your dad is in the kitchen critiquing the food.”
“He’s supposed to be retired. And why did they let him in the kitchen?” Angel asked.
“You kidding me? He’s Chef Ricardo Garcia. They’re honored to cook for him. And probably scared shitless about a bad review.”
Mason chuckled and shook his head. He was surprised Tessa’s grandfather didn’t insist on cooking for the entire wedding himself.
“No fair,” Michael complained, yanking on the lapel of his tuxedo and eyeing Damien’s leather jacket and jeans. “Why doesn’t Damien have to wear one of these stupid things?”
Damien grinned. “Cuz I’m not cool like you. You’re a groomsman. That means you get to walk the red, um, I mean, white carpet and stand up there with your brother and Tessa while they get married.”
Michael thought about it for a minute, then looked up at Mason and flashed the signature Wilder grin, dimples fully on display. “I’ll wear this if I get to stand next to you, Mase.”
“I wouldn’t do it without ya, Michael.”
Lucas snapped a picture of Mason with his dad and his little brother, then Mason inspected the photo. They were three Wilder men, well, two and a half, all with the same brown hair, pale blue eyes and flashy smile. It might sound crazy, but he couldn’t wait to add another generation of Wilders to a photo just like this one. But, first, he needed to make a dark-haired princess his wife. “Is it time for me to get married, yet?”
Lucas slung his arm around Mason’s neck. “Let’s go, bro. I’m as excited about this as you are.”
Mason chuckled. “Yeah, right.” No one on the face of the planet was ever as excited or as happy as Mason was right now.
“Knock, knock. I think you lost a little groomsman.” Mason’s mom entered the suite with one more little guy at her hand. Ronnie, one of Aunt Kira’s twins, came running up to Mason and hugged him around the waist. “Aunt Audra said it’s time to get married.”
Mason cupped the back of his little cousin’s head and smiled down at him. “It sure is. Let’s go.”
“Not yet,” Mason’s mom said. “I need a moment with my son.”
Mason gulped. He wasn’t prepared for an emotional declaration from his mother, but there wasn’t time to think about it because she took his arm and pulled him to the corner of the room. She looked beautiful in a floor length gown in deep coral which highlighted her youthful complexion, and he gazed at her just as he’d done when he was five years old. “You look really pretty, Mom.”
“Thank you. You’re so sweet, Mason.” Her head fell to the side and she smiled as she ran her hand over the front of his tuxedo. “Look at you. It seems like yesterday you were just a little boy barely big enough to see over your dad’s drum kit.” She sighed and a tear appeared in the corner of her eye. “Now you’re getting married.”
He took a deep breath. If she cried, he was going to lose it.
“I’m so happy for you. You’re an amazing person. Never a harsh word to say about anyone. You have nothing but love and kindness in your heart. You’re a wonderful big brother. You’re smart and talented.” She cupped his face in her hand. “And so handsome.”
He felt his cheeks blush. “Mom . . .”
“It’s true.” She smiled. “Tessa is a very lucky girl. You’re going to make a wonderful husband. I’m so proud of you. And I love you so much.”
He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her, blinking back tears and swallowing a ball of emotion. “I love you, too, Mom.”
A set of strong arms circled them, and Mason looked up to find his dad with his head against his mom’s back, hugging the both of them.
His dad kissed his mom’s cheek from behind. “We did good, sugar.”
His mom nodded in agreement. “Yes, we did, but it was easy with a boy as wonderful as Mason.” She smiled at him. “Now go get married already.”
Jessi walked down the aisle first, a single long stem red rose in her hand. Mason’s parents walked next, arm in arm, glowing with pride and love, but Mason was the one who was proud today. He couldn’t have better parents if he had handpicked them himself. They’d given him everything, including room to grow and the ability to be independent.
As he watched them walk down the center aisle, Mason took in the grandeur of the rooftop for the first time. Naturally, he’d seen it when they booked the hotel, but it wasn’t set up for a wedding ceremony. A pergola stood almost 20 feet high at the end of the long white runner. An assortment of white flowers covered the top and draped down the corner posts, accentuated by deep red roses in places. Everywhere he looked there were white flowers and greenery, and the soft breeze blew their aromatic fragrance throughout the air. He had worried about the unpredictable New York City weather, but today was a perfect 80 degrees with low humidity, and the sky was a bright blue.
The Waldorf Astoria was the jewel of Midtown Manhattan, and the immediate choice by both Mason’s mom and Angel, two people who thrived on extravagance and pampered their kids. Mason didn’t really care about the glitz and the ultra-posh decor, but Tessa did. She was never a spoiled rich kid, but she was used to the finer things in life, and she had fallen in love with the marble floor and enormous chandelier in the main lobby of the hotel years ago.
“We’re up, Mase.” Lucas clapped his hand onto Mason’s shoulder. “Unless you wanna make a run for it.” He looked to the left, then to the right. “I can cause a distraction and you can split.”
Mason looked at Lucas’ grinning face and chuckled. “Not a chance.”
“Ya sure? My sister’s a handful.”
That she was. Tessa had a strong will and the determination of a bull. She didn’t back down and never compromised her ethics. “That’s one of the reasons I love her so much. I wouldn’t change a thing about her.”
Lucas slapped Mason on the back. “Good answer. That was a test. You passed.”
Mason chuckled and then slung his arm over Lucas’ shoulder. “Let’s do this, brother.” As Mason started down the aisle with his best man, arms slung over the other’s shoulder, he turned to look at Lucas. “I’m really glad you’re walking down the aisle with me, man. You’ve been by my side my whole life. We’ve been through it all together.�
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“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Mase.”
When they got to the end of the aisle they moved to the left-hand side of the pergola and gave each other a long hug, which earned hearty applause from the guests.
Soft music played while they waited for the small wedding party to make their way down the white runner. Nerves tickled Mason’s belly. He wished this part of the ceremony didn’t have to be so slow. Why couldn’t they all just walk down the aisle together and start the nuptials already?
“Relax,” Lucas rubbed Mason’s shoulder. “You’re gonna leave a bruise on your leg.”
Mason hadn’t realized he was drumming a heavy beat into his thigh until Lucas brought it to his attention, and he curled his fingers into a fist. “I just wanna get married.” A flutter overhead caught his attention as dozens of beautiful orange and black Monarch butterflies took flight.
Lucas chuckled, eyes raised to the sky. “My sister’s going all out today.”
The little joke settled Mason’s nerves, and he laughed with his best friend.
The music grew louder, and Sindy started down the aisle. Mason immediately stiffened, anticipating Tessa’s arrival.
“She looks beautiful,” Lucas breathed. Sindy wore a black gown with silver accents. Her flaming red hair matched the bouquet of roses in her hand. The maid-of-honor took her place on the right side of the officiant, but not before Lucas blew her a kiss.
Next came the kids. Michael led the way with the twins following closely behind. Bella carried a basket and dropped red rose petals as she walked, and Ronnie carried a pillow with the rings.
A door opened in Mason’s head and let in a visual memory. He was walking down the aisle, carrying a little velvet pillow with a velvet pouch attached to it. It was his parents’ wedding in Central Park with a pergola covered in white flowers just like this one. It made today extra special to compare it to a day that had meant so much to a lonely little boy who suddenly had a big circle of people who were to become his family. He had gotten thrust into a life where he had a father, a real mother, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and the Immortal Angel circle of love.
A tug on his sleeve brought his attention to Michael. His little brother had squeezed in front of Lucas to stand next to him.
“She’s coming!” Michael whispered.
The Wedding March started and Mason felt as if his heart fell to the floor and bounced back up into his chest.
Tessa was a vision as she glided down the white satin runner. Tommy and Angel accompanied her, each with an arm looped through hers, wearing blinding smiles. In her hands she held a bouquet of deep red roses. Matching red shoes poked out with each step. Her gorgeous long black hair was swept up and piled on top of her head. He’d never seen her wear it this way. Although he loved the length of her hair, with it pulled away from her face, it showcased her beauty brighter than ever. The stark white gown picked up her olive complexion and dark eyes, capturing her exotic glamour. The bodice of the Jessi Blade couture gown was entirely done in crystals and picked up the sun, blinding everyone with their brilliance as she approached. He couldn’t believe that this gorgeous elegant woman was about to become his wife.
It wasn’t just Tessa’s physical beauty and elegance that had Mason spellbound. She had polish, style and grace. Her beauty blossomed from the inside out. This incredible girl had a spirit and energy that captivated everyone around her, and she fascinated him.
Tessa, Tommy and Angel stopped at the end of the white runner. Together, Tommy and Angel lifted her veil and they each kissed her cheek. They each gave Mason a big bear hug before taking their place next to Jessi in the front row.
Mason extended his arm to Tessa, and she placed her hand in his. He kissed her cheek. “Let’s get married, babe.”
The priest said a bunch of words, but Mason wasn’t paying attention, and he wasn’t sure Tessa was either. They were gazing at one another with the silliest smiles on their faces. “You’re gonna be my wife Tessa Blade Garcia,” he whispered.
Her smile grew wider. “Tessa Blade Garcia-Wilder,” she corrected.
“That’s a mouthful.” He blinked. Stunned for a moment. He didn’t know why he never thought about it before, but she was going to take his name.
“Ah-hem.” The priest cleared his throat to get their attention, and they both chuckled. They exchanged rings in a haze of euphoria and said a few words that he automatically repeated. The moment Mason had been waiting for, the only thing that mattered, finally arrived when the priest announced, “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
It actually took them both a second to react and let the words sink in. Mason didn’t know if he could tone down his smile long enough to kiss her, and Tessa was bursting. She suddenly threw her arms around his neck and kissed him so hard it snapped him out of his trance. He squeezed her tightly and kissed her with everything in his soul as cheers and shouts erupted around them. When they finally broke the kiss, they turned to their guests and families. Everyone was on their feet, clapping and smiling. Mason looked at the people closest to him, seated in the first few rows – his parents, Tessa’s parents, their grandparents, Alyssa and Damien, Aunt Kira and Uncle Brett, and the rest of their aunts and uncles.
Tessa’s grip tighten on his arm. “Mason . . .”
She was looking at an empty space in the front row. An unoccupied chair. There was something on it, and he stretched his neck to see what it was. It was a folded pink Burberry blanket. “Aunt Mary.” He sucked in a deep breath and his eyes went to his mom, who smiled and nodded. He gulped down a ball of emotion at the gesture, and he felt as if Aunt Mary was smiling down on them right now. “She’s here with us,” he told Tessa.
“She’ll always be with us.” Tessa replied.
Aunt Mary’s presence was the only thing that would have made this perfect day even more perfect. But the inclusion of her favorite blanket, an extension of her, made it feel as if she was right here with them, and he realized that no matter where they were or whatever milestones they achieved in life, Aunt Mary would be watching over them.
Do you want to witness all of the past drama with Kendall unfold firsthand?
Do you have what it takes to follow Angel, Tommy and Jessi’s struggle to form a balanced triad?
Can you bear the heartache of Damien’s backstory?
Do you want to fall in love with a three-year-old Mason?
Do you want to meet Lucas and Tessa as babies?
Interested in seeing Immortal Angel rise to the top?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then pick up the super-angsty, award-winning Radical Rock Stars Series.
If you didn’t read LUCAS BLADE, Radical Rock Stars Next Generation Duet Book 1 before reading MASON WILDER, I urge you to read it now. There is history between all of the characters that shouldn’t be missed.
Other Books by the Author
Radical Rock Stars Series:
The Prince of Punk Rock (Book 1 – Angel, Tommy & Jessi – a 2015 Bisexual Book Awards Finalist)
I love her, but I also love him.
She’s everything to me.
He sets my world on fire.
It's our dirty little secret, and it’s about to blow our record deal sky high.
I’m Tommy Blade, the Prince of Punk Rock, and this is our story.
Between A Rock and A Hard Place (Book 2 - Angel, Tommy & Jessi)
She’s a rock goddess.
He’s a sex pistol.
I need them both, in my life and in my bed, and I’m not living without either one of them.
I’ll do whatever it takes, even if it costs me everything I’ve ever wanted.
I’m Tommy Blade, The Prince of Punk Rock, and this is the continuation of our story.
Punk Rock Resurrection (Book 3 – Damien & Alyssa – a true stand-alone novel)
This is a dark tale of loneliness and self-worth, and how the love of a woman can change a man.
My world was dark and filled with pain.
Loneliness gnawed at my soul.
I found solace in a bottle.
Music was my only refuge . . . until I met her.
She was a dark Gothic goddess in thigh-high leather boots.
She brought light into my life and showed me what it was like to be loved.
But could she handle the demons that haunted me . . . and the vices that kept them at bay?
This is the one everyone’s been waiting for. This is Damien and Alyssa’s story.
Rock Star Redemption (Book 4 – Jimmy & Audra – fall in love with a 3-year-old Mason!)
I live life in the fast lane.
My days and nights are a never-ending party of women, fast cars and alcohol.
I'm the one your daddy warned you about.
I have everything I ever wanted—except Audra Abelman.
She was always the good girl.
She was off limits.
I held out for almost a decade.
It's time to set her inner bad girl free.
I'm Jimmy Wilder, and I'm going to claim the most sought after girl in the record industry.
Punk Rock-A-Bye Baby (Book 5 – Angel, Tommy & Jessi – meet Lucas and Tessa!)
Revisit our original trio and follow up with the evolution of Angel, Tommy & Jessi’s relationship. Time only makes this trio burn hotter!
She rocks my world.
He sets my soul on fire.
We’ve traveled down a bumpy road, but we’ve finally found the balance.
It’s time to bring a new little rock star into our lives.
I’m Tommy Blade, the Prince of Punk Rock, and this is the next chapter in our story.
The Stage (Book 6 – Angel, Tommy & Jessi – an Immortal Angel/Bulletproof crossover novella)
Even rock stars get star-struck. Meeting heavy metal icon Brandon Bullet is a dream come true for Tommy Blade. When Immortal Angel decides to add Tommy’s rock star idol as a guest singer to their set at the Get Rocked Festival, sparks fly and egos collide.
MASON WILDER: Radical Rock Stars Next Generation Duet Book 2 Page 28