Maverick (Carter Brothers Book 5)

by Lisa Helen Gray

  Harlow’s a sobbing mess as she opens her last gift, taking the chain out of its box, hiccupping when she sees the locket attached to it. She opens the locket, then starts crying into her hands.

  “I love him so much,” she sobs. We all step forward, but it’s Mark who kneels in front of her to comfort her. “He… he gave me my parents.”

  “Hey, girlie, calm down. I think he’d be kicking himself in the nuts if he knew you were crying. You know he hates to see you cry.”

  “He does.” She nods, wiping her cheeks.

  “So much for waterproof,” Denny mutters, stepping out of the room, while wiping away her own tears.

  “Why don’t we put this necklace on and get you cleaned up so you can go marry that grandson of mine?”

  She nods again, sniffling. “Okay.”

  “Let’s get this show on the road,” Denny announces, walking in with her make-up bag and some tissues.

  “I’m getting married,” Harlow tells her.

  “I know, girl.”

  “I’m getting married,” she squeals, smiling wide.

  “That was touch-and-go for a minute. I didn’t think we’d calm her down,” Kayla whispers and I giggle, wrapping my arm around her shoulder.

  “Someone needs to tell the boys we’re going to be late. It’s not just Harlow’s make-up that needs fixing.” I chuckle, gesturing to our own.

  *** *** ***

  Mary, Joan and Nan take Hope and Faith into the registry office while the rest of us gather outside, waiting for the photographer to take the last of the photos.

  Once we’re finished, I watch as Harlow takes a deep breath before a huge smile breaks out across her face.

  “Let’s do this,” she tells Mark, hooking her arm in his.

  Lake and I walk through first, heading to the hall they’re getting married in.

  The music starts and a nervous flutter kicks up in my stomach. It intensifies the second the door opens and my eyes find Maverick’s. Even from here I can see the smouldering look in his eyes. I can’t look away, not even if I wanted too.

  Please don’t trip.

  Marriage has never crossed my mind before―Faith has always been my primary focus―but seeing him standing there so hot in his suit, has me picturing if this is how he’ll look at me if we ever got married. The intense stare is burning into me, setting me on fire.

  As we make it to the front, we break eye contact, but the second I’m standing in front of my chair, I turn to face him. His eyes hit me like a rock to the head, nearly knocking me off balance.

  Lake nudges me and the rest of the room comes into focus. My cheeks heat when I realise Kayla and Kennedy have already made their trip down the aisle and Harlow is now walking in, her hand looped through Mark’s. Denny trails behind her, looking just as beautiful.

  A snigger behind me has me turning around. My nan stands next to Mary, a smirk firmly on her face as she winks at me, then glances to Maverick. I narrow my eyes, sticking my tongue out at her. It may be childish but who cares; I just got caught ogling my boyfriend in a very intense way.

  Malik, in all his glory, stands frozen at the front of the aisle, watching his soon-to-be wife walk towards him. He pinches the bridge of his nose and I watch, overwhelmed and mesmerised when tears fill his eyes. It causes my own to water, and my heart fills with happiness for the both of them.

  Harlow’s stuck between smiling and crying, and I can’t help but be inspired by her bravery, her will to love unconditionally, even after everything she’s been through. I’ve heard her story, felt it deep in my bones, yet she walks down the aisle filling the entire room with light and happiness. She’s truly an incredible woman.

  “You look beautiful,” he tells her, choked up.

  “You too―handsome, I mean,” she says, tears spilling over her cheeks.

  Taking each other’s hands, they stand in front of the registrar, who then starts the ceremony.

  Words fail to describe what I’m feeling right now, witnessing two people I’ve not known long but well enough to know they belong to each other, get married. A lump forms in my throat and I can only pray that my time will come when I’m the one walking down the aisle.

  “Harlow informed me that she has something she’d like to say,” the registrar says, smiling softly at Harlow.

  Gulping, she clears her throat, taking Malik’s hands in hers. “I choose you. I choose you as my best friend, my family, my lover, my husband and the father of my kids. I choose you above all else because I truly believe God sent you to me.

  “I love you. I love you unconditionally, with my whole heart, body and soul. I vow to help you love life, to help you smile when you frown, to speak when words are needed and to be silent when they’re not. I promise to stand by your side, no matter what challenges life throws at us, but most of all, I promise I’ll always be yours.”

  Her words are clear despite the tears running down her cheeks. Not that I can blame her. There’s not a dry eye in the house. Even the brothers look close to losing it.

  “Malik, is there something you’d like to say?”

  He clears his throat, pulling Harlow against his chest, his eyes glistening with unleashed tears. “Mine, forever and always.”

  She giggles into his chest, a happy sob breaking through. We laugh at his short answer, knowing he’s already shared his undying love for her. Not that words are needed with these two; their everyday actions prove their love and devotion towards one another.

  The registrar continues the ceremony, guiding them as they exchange rings. Then it comes to my favourite part, the one in the movies that always made me feel girly, made me believe in true love.

  “You may kiss the bride,” she announces.

  Malik wastes no time taking Harlow in his arms, crushing his mouth against hers in a scorching, wet, kiss.

  We all stand, cheering with tears of joy slipping free as we all congratulate the bride and groom.

  Out of nowhere, Maverick slides up to me, wrapping his arms around me from behind.

  “Hi.” I smile, dabbing the tissue under my eyes.

  “I can’t wait for the day you marry me,” he whispers against my ear.

  My mouth hangs open in shock, but before I can turn around to see if he’s serious, he’s gone, walking over to his newlywed brother and smacking him on the back.

  What the hell just happened?

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  MAVERICK

  Standing outside of MC5, where all of our friends and family are gathered waiting for the newlyweds to arrive, I search for Teagan.

  From the moment I said those words to her back at the registry office, I’ve been mentally kicking myself. I don’t know what came over me. One minute I was lost in listening to Harlow’s vows, and the next my eyes were drifting back over to Teagan, mesmerised as she cried in happiness. It was in that moment that I knew―I was going to marry her. I felt it with every fibre of my being. But it wasn’t until I looked at her, really looked at her, that it hit me, literally knocking the breath out of me.

  I love her.

  I love her more than life itself, and I want to spend the rest of my life with her. No one gets me the way she does. She sees the darkness clouding inside me but is with me anyway. I find myself talking to her in ways I’ve never spoken to anyone in my entire life. I can confide in her, be the me I’ve always wanted to be without actually changing who I am.

  She gets it.

  She makes me feel worthy. And I know I’ll never be able to feel this way with anyone else. She’s special, and I know I’ll spend the rest of my life showing her just how special she truly is. I’m not sure how I made it this far in my life without her.

  I’ve been trying to get five minutes alone to tell her this, but each time we’ve gotten close, one or both of us have been pulled away.

  Finally, in the crowd of people, I find her standing next to her nan and Mary, searching through the crowd for someone.

  The car pulls up with Malik and H
arlow as I start my way over, and people get in my way as they fight to greet the couple, wanting to throw confetti. I groan, pushing my way through, crossing paths with Faith on the way.

  “Hey, squirt. Where are you going?” I ask, catching her around the waist and lifting her into my arms.

  “I want pretty snow on me,” she pouts, looking over my shoulder, her eyes full of excitement and envy.

  “Okay, but stay away from the road.”

  She nods, wiggling to get down. I watch her run over to Malik and Harlow, spinning in a circle when confetti is thrown.

  Smiling, I continue over to Teagan, pulling her into my arms when I reach her. “Hey, beautiful.”

  “Hey,” she greets shyly. “Faith is having so much fun.”

  Watching Faith smile and laugh always makes my heart jump. From the minute I met her, she’s had me wrapped around her little finger. When I look at her, all I think is mine. I can’t explain how or when, but she’s mine.

  When I look again, she’s holding hands with a little boy, making me frown. “Yeah, I wish we could get gun permits. She’ll give me an aneurism the first time she brings a boy home,” I grunt.

  Teagan’s silent, so pulling my eyes away from Faith, I glance down at her. Her face is soft, but hidden in the depth of her hazel eyes, I can see uncertainty.

  “You okay?”

  She sighs. “That’s the second time you’ve mentioned the future,” she says, trying to gauge my reaction.

  Glancing away, I quickly make sure Faith is okay. When I see her with Max, I pull Teagan off to the side, away from the club windows and prying eyes.

  “We are serious, Teagan. Why wouldn’t I think of the future?” I ask, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

  “I don’t know. I guess I… It’s just that earlier you mentioned marriage and now you’re talking about being with us long enough to scare off potential boyfriends. I didn’t think you felt so strongly about us,” she whispers, then ducks her head.

  Bending, I meet her eyes. “Teagan, you have no idea how strongly I feel about you and Faith. You both mean everything to me. I thought I made that clear.”

  “You’re talking about a huge commitment, something I didn’t think you even wanted. First you move us in―without even asking―and then you throw marriage at me in the middle of a wedding. It’s a lot to handle.”

  Panicked that she doesn’t feel the same, I pull her close. “What’s a lot to handle?”

  She pushes away from me and begins to pace, her hair blowing in the wind. “Everything! We’ve not been together long, not nearly long enough for me to have these feelings for you. I love you so much―so bloody much. But what if you get bored of me? What if you change your mind about being a one-woman man or being a father figure to Faith? I don’t think my heart could take the pain of losing you, Maverick. I’m not strong enough to overcome that kind of loss,” she rambles, her eyes beginning to water.

  “What did you say?” I growl, stepping closer. She lifts her hands, palms up, warding me off. Not liking the distance, I move her hands away, pulling her against me. “What did you say?”

  She pauses, her breathing hard as she looks up at me. “Maverick, I said a lot of stuff. You need to be more specific.”

  “Cute,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. “I’m talking about the three words you just said to me. Say them again.”

  Her cheeks take on a rosy pink colour when she looks up at me this time. “I don’t remember.”

  Stubborn girl.

  “You love me.” My voice is quiet, stunned. I never expected to hear those words. I know I love her and I’d hoped she loved me back, but I never believed she would.

  Her body sags into me, her hands going to my shoulders for support. She gazes longingly into my eyes, hers glistening with unleashed tears. “I do, Mav. I really do love you.”

  A smile breaks out across my face and I pick her up, swinging her around. Putting her down, I cup her jaw, lowering my head until my mouth is hovering over hers. “I love you too,” I whisper, and before she says anything, I press my lips to hers.

  The kiss is soft, and I pour all my love into it. When we pull apart, we’re both breathing heavily.

  “You love me?”

  “I do,” I answer, leaning down to kiss her again, but she pulls back, giving me a watery smile.

  “You love me?”

  I peck her on the lips quickly before pulling back to look into her eyes, showing her how sincere I am. “Yeah, baby, and you love me.”

  Dropping her head to my shoulder, I hear her take in a jagged breath. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you to say those words.”

  “Yo, bitch, what you doin’ back there?” I hear shouted behind me. Glancing over my shoulder, Tish is grabbing her change from the taxi driver.

  “Way to ruin our moment,” I grumble, earning a slap to the chest from Teagan.

  “Shush.”

  “Sorry.” I grin, bending down to kiss her.

  “God, I feel like a dead badger,” Tish mumbles when she reaches us.

  I turn so we’re both facing her, chuckling at how rough she looks.

  “What on earth? What happened to you?” Teagan asks, trying her hardest not to laugh.

  “I went out for the hen party,” she answers, cursing.

  “Whose hen party?”

  Tish gives her a dry look, pointing inside. “Harlow’s.”

  Confused, I look between them, wondering if I’m missing something. I’m pretty sure they already had their hen party―a relaxing day at the spa. “Um, Harlow didn’t have a hen party.”

  “Yeah, I know. I had one for her.”

  Teagan giggles, covering her mouth. “How was it?”

  “Rough and kinda shit. I remember when I went out at seventeen and clubs were so packed you were sure to end the night with a few fag burns and drink stains down your dress. Now you could do fucking snow angels and a Mr. Bean dance and still not touch a thing. It was dead.”

  Teagan nods in understanding, laughing. “So you won’t be drinking today, then?”

  “′Course I’m fucking drinking. It’s free,” she says, rolling her eyes.

  “Guys, come on. We’re waiting to open the food,” Max moans, sticking his head outside the door. He sees Tish with us and his eyes widen, taking a step back behind the door. “Or take your time. It’s fine.” And then he’s gone, disappearing behind the door.

  “Babbie ass,” Tish mutters before turning to me, her expression serious. “Any single men in there?”

  “U-um,” I stutter, looking down at Teagan for help.

  “Well?” Tish snaps, getting impatient.

  “C’mon, I’ll introduce you to Matt, their bar manager,” Teagan says.

  I sag with relief. Then I picture Matt’s face when he meets Tish and I burst out laughing. He’s so going to hate me when tonight is over.

  As they reach the entrance, Teagan looks over her shoulder, meeting my eyes. “I love you,” she mouths.

  She turns before I have a chance to reply, leaving me with the goofiest grin on my face.

  *** *** ***

  The wedding party is underway. Everyone is in high spirits, drunk off the atmosphere, or alcohol. Either way, everyone is having the time of their lives.

  I’ve never seen Malik look so happy. He’s talking to Matt and a few friends from motocross, laughing and joking like he doesn’t have a care in the world. It’s a good look on him.

  It’s the first time I’ve seen him step away from Harlow, although his eyes flicker over to her every few seconds, making sure she’s still there.

  Looking over at her, I can’t help but chuckle. She’s still shoving wedding cake in her mouth. She’s practically glowing, and every time I’ve glanced her way tonight, she’s been wearing the same smile, her face shining with so much happiness, it’s blinding.

  I turn my attention away from her when someone knocks into me, my drink sloshing over the sides of my glass.

  “W
hoa.” I shake droplets of JD off my hand.

  “Good! It’s you,” Matt says, paler than I’ve ever seen him look and that’s saying something since he’s naturally pale. “You need to help me.”

  Looking over his shoulder, Tish is standing not too far away, fluffing her hair and lowering the top of her dress to show some more cleavage.

  Grimacing, I turn back to my friend. “What’s wrong?”

  “Look, I like your girlfriend, I really do, but did I do something to piss her off?” he asks, glancing nervously over his shoulder, his whole body shuddering when he makes eye contact with Tish.

  Smirking, I fight back a chuckle. “No. She thinks you’re cool, why? What’s made you ask that?”

  “Because,” he says, swallowing forcefully. “she introduced me to her friend when we got here. That was what… three hours ago? In that time, she’s told me about every sexual position she’s ever tried, asked what my favourite was and when I wouldn’t tell her, she thought I was being shy. She thought getting me ‘in the mood’ would spark some enlightenment.”

  “Why don’t you just ditch her?” I ask when he takes a breather.

  He’s clearly not amused. “I’ve been trying to ditch her all night, Mav. But she’s there. All the time.”

  “You seem to be doing all right now.” I chuckle.

  He blushes, looking back over his shoulder before turning his attention back to me. “I kind of told her I needed to get some condoms from you.”

  I splutter, spraying my drink all over the place. I laugh, throwing my head back. “What?”

  “What?” He throws his hands up in the air. “I went for a piss and the second I had my pants down, she was there.”

  “And…?”

  “And then she blew me. I got caught up in the moment and said the first thing that popped into my head,” he says, freaked out.

  “Which head?” Max chuckles. I hadn’t even seen him walk up beside me. “You’re so screwed.”

  I nod. “Literally.”

  “I’m glad you two find this amusing,” Matt mutters.