"It makes Shae happy, so how could I say no?"
His best friend taps his whiskey glass against his own tumbler and downs a long drink. Nick's version of 'you're welcome' and 'I love you' and 'I'll kick your ass if you ever tell anyone I'm pussy whipped.' Even though everyone already fucking knows. Max takes his own sip, letting the smooth liquor warm his chest and hide his smile.
"We're so proud of you Max."
He turns around from his mother's breaking voice. Diana wipes away her tears again with the backs of her hands. Crying since before the brief ceremony even began. The opposite of Gabby who kept clapping and jumping up and down interrupting the minister while he led them in their vows. The sweet child just wanted them to hurry up and kiss, so she and her new Aunt Shae could dig into the huge red velvet cake Marta made for the celebration.
"Gina's wonderful, and I know you're going to be so happy together."
They already are. He folds her against him, welcoming her tight embrace. Mascara streaks across his white dress shirt from her cheek nestling his chest, and she raises up, futilely rubbing the black smears with her fingertips before he covers her hand with his and kisses her temple. "It's fine Mom. Don't worry about it."
"Yes, son. You've done well for yourself." His father pats him on the shoulder. Awkward and stiff, but still a genuine attempt at reconciliation. That he'll accept to keep the peace. Difficult to forgive yet he refuses to upset his mother. Or his gorgeous wife. Maybe the wedding could create a new beginning for all of them. He shakes his head at his own lameness. Now he's the one getting fucking soft and sentimental.
"Thanks Dad."
Eyes shiny with booze and possibly a rare hint of pride, William nods. His bottom lip dips before he purses his mouth closed. Sober enough to fear saying too much. Which is for the best. This is Gina's night, and Max won't let anyone spoil her celebration.
His mother gives him another squeeze after his father walks away. Her soft hand brushing across the scruff on his face, she gives him one of those bittersweet smiles only a mother can express. "I know things have been tense between you two. But he really is very, very proud of you. We both are. Gina's amazing, and we're thrilled to have her as our daughter-in-law."
Damn, his own mother's going to make him get choked up. "Thanks, Mom."
"I've heard so many horror stories." She dabs at her eyes again. A bit too much wine for her too. "We're just so blessed."
Before he can respond, Millie sidles up to him, driving her elbow into his ribs.
"Okay Mom, it's my turn." She waits for Diana to wander after their father, and then turns to him. "Congratulations."
He smiles down at her, joy radiating through her voice and her expression. His arm snakes around her shoulders and he kisses the top of her head. Nice to see her relaxed too. "Thank you."
"Can a little sister tell her big brother 'I told you so?'"
He returns her smirk. "Even if I say no, you're going to anyways, so you might as well just do it."
"I like being right."
"I know you do." He ruffles her fancy twisted-up hair that seems so strange compared to her normal casual look before she swats at his forearm and jerks away. "And you were."
He scans the party again. Pride thumps in his chest from Gina hugging her friend Brandy as she and her husband say their good-byes. That she was brave enough to face her demons and try to revive the friendships that withered under her self-imposed isolation.
"Remember when we sat on your dock and you asked me who I wanted to see when I turned around?"
The playfulness fades from Millie’s face. Both of them aware of the painful journey he endured to find his way back to what he really needed. "Yes."
"I never had to turn around. She was always right there in front of me. Exactly who I wanted all along."
"I know." She meets his gaze, complete confidence in hers. "And now you're happy."
"The most I've ever been."
"Me too."
"Come on, sweetie." Their mother interrupts their hug, her commanding nature back in full force now that a semblance of harmony has been restored between all of them. Diana loops her arm through Millie's and points toward his brother-in-law, who’s cuddled on one of the chaise lounges with Henry sacked out on his lap and Charlie sprawled next to them. Exhaustion overcoming the toddler from all the excitement of flying on an airplane, stuffing himself full of cake, and playing with the 'puppy' as he referred to the full grown German Shepherd. "I think it's time for us to head out."
His mom and sister head toward the crashed trio, while his dad laughs and dips down to Gabby's level. Ready to scoop up the little dancing diva. He races toward her with his arms extended, the preschooler already giggling from her grandpa's antics.
Max's irritation softens a bit. Despite his faults, William is good to his grandchildren. And they obviously adore him. Hopefully, if he and Gina get their wish, his father will be just as loving to their children.
His dad jumps in front of the girls, his face animated with silliness. Before he can reach Gabby, Charlie flies off the lounger and leaps between William and Shae, emitting two sharp barks. Baring his teeth in warning to Max’s father and everyone else, that as docile as the dog may be, he won't hesitate to kill for her protection. Well-trained to clamp down on a man's balls or jugular to save her or Evie. Loyalty they never have to doubt.
"Fuck!" Nick snaps his fingers and orders the dog to stand down. Charlie’s ears flick from the command uttered in German, but he doesn't relax completely until Nick steps behind Shae, his arm sliding around her waist and tugging her against his chest. Smart enough to sense the protection his owner provides, Charlie finally sits, his thick tail swaying across the wood reassured by Nick's presence.
"I'm so sorry, William. I hope he didn't scare you. I think he was just startled from all the commotion."
William waves away Shae's apology. "No, no. Of course not, honey. I'm fine."
His flushed face contradicts his confident tone. Another reminder that while he may despise Nick and their world, he can't fault a man for protecting his wife. No one fucks with Nick's family.
Max picks up Gabby himself, ending the awkwardness and indulging in one more opportunity to cuddle with his niece before she leaves. "I love you, jellybean."
"I love you too. Your wedding is so much fun. When I get married I want to have a big dress and lots of sparkles and I'm going to have a tiara with a million diamonds..." Her head droops to his shoulder while her barrage continues. Fatigue subduing her little body if not her enthusiasm. He snuggles her close while his parents dole out thanks to Shae and Nick as well as hugs and good wishes to Gina. Relief floods his taut muscles when she accepts William’s affection without hesitation.
Once they finish, he walks them through the house and out to the waiting limousine. Jacks straightens from leaning against the driver side door and nods to Diana.
"The car seats have been installed and checked."
"Thank you Jacks."
"My pleasure, ma'am."
She turns back to Max, and accepts her granddaughter into her arms. One last stroke over his shoulder, smoothing down his wrinkled shirt. "I love you. Enjoy your honeymoon. Be careful. And try to call me every once in awhile, okay?"
"Yes, Mom."
Laughing as she scurries to the car and slides inside, he watches until they turn out of the driveway. Still treats him like a kid. Guess every mother always does, no matter how old their children are.
He returns to the deck and can't help but chuckle. One of Shae's most popular songs pulses through the speakers.
I wanna make you beg for it, beg for it, beg for it.
Look but don’t touch, until you can’t take it.
Gotta make you beg for it, beg for it, beg for it.
The girls' dancing matches the rapid, sultry beat, while his sister and brother-in-law slow dance off to the side. Kissing and whispering, lost in their own world of only each other. Alex is a great guy, perfect for his s
ister, but he can't be thinking about her with him like that. Grateful Nick and Shae gave them his old bedroom to enjoy a night without the kids, he can leave them to their own devices.
His friends aren't much better. Carrie glides down Shae’s body and back up again, her fingers not quite touching. Shae laughs in response and twists to let her best friend grind behind her, champagne sloshing out of her glass. “I think your wife is tipsy.”
“It’s her first drink since she got pregnant and she’s always been a light weight with her liquor.” Nick chuckles. A smart ass smirk twisting his lips. “But, even funnier, I don’t think yours is.”
Nope. She doesn’t need booze to let loose. A freedom not everyone is brave enough to own. Or carry off so fucking well.
Carrie slams the bottle onto the black side table, jostling the small stack of plates still streaked with cream cheese icing and dark pink crumbs, and slides up to Gina, yelling over the pounding music. "I want to see your ink."
Gina shrugs, modesty not one of her strongest attributes, and crouches down to lift the hem of her silky, body-skimming dress. Both Carrie and Shae crowd closer, waiting to see his name on her sweet pussy.
Hell the fuck no. Too many people have already seen too much of her beautiful body. His dick stirs at the thought. That belongs to him.
Before he can interject, Nathan strides between them.
"Oh no you don't. We're not starting that tonight." He bends down, curling his arms around Carrie’s hips, and throws her over his shoulder. "I'm putting you to bed."
Her long blond hair drags across the wooden planks, but she lifts up as they pass by and tugs Max's pants leg. “Go have sex! Have all the sex!”
The doctor swats her ass, but all she does is laugh. Her cackling echoes down the breezeway until the guest house door slams shut. Their official permanent lodging after any of Carrie's drunken escapades.
Nick sets his glass down and tips his head toward Shae and Gina. No longer dancing, they huddle together, in intense conversation. "I guess I better get mine too before they come up with any other ideas."
Max nods in agreement. As much as he has enjoyed partying with their family and friends, he wants only her. Alone. Naked. And all to himself.
Goosebumps rise on Gina's heated skin from Max's hungry gaze, boring into her while she chats with Shae. Moisture pools between her thighs from the thought of the touch that will soon follow. Her husband's rough hands so tender on her body. Until neither of them can hold back and they give into the dirtiness they both crave.
Husband.
She's married. Again. And scared as hell. Maybe even more than the first time. Not because it's wrong. But terrifying because it's so right. And she doesn't want to fuck it up. But she's willing to try. Hard.
For him.
Because Max knows the real her and loves her despite all her insecurities and irrationality. Always trusts her when she can't trust herself. Always believes in her. Which makes her almost believe in herself.
Buoyed by his support, as well as the love of their family and friends, they've built her up again. Slowly. Piece by Piece. Even tonight with Diana's kind words. William's softening disappointment in his son. Which still pisses her off, but if Max can accept his attempts to make amends, so can she. Probably.
She even overcame her own uncertainty and reached out to her friends to invite them. Hearing Kayla's tear-filled acceptance just another reminder of how wrong she was to doubt her. All of them.
And to have had her and Lisa here. Celebrating with her felt amazing. Cathartic. Normal. Like they really can make this new version of their life together work. Shae's soft voice pulls her out of her reverie.
"Nick doesn't know it, but I received the final release from my obstetrician this morning. So, tonight we can..." She tucks a strand of hair behind her ear, pinkness flushing on her cheeks. "...be together for the first time since Evie was born."
She grins and winks from Shae's shy admission. Her friend as ready as she is to be alone with her husband. "How did you get away with going to the doctor without him?"
"I told him it was a wedding errand, and Andy drove me. He'll be mad, but hopefully he'll forgive me when he finds out the surprise."
Fuck yeah he will. She can't help but laugh. Shae really has no idea the power she holds over her husband. "Well, what are you waiting for? You heard Carrie, it's time for the sex."
"Okay! Thank you!"
A huge smile lights up her face, her gaze locking with Nick's. With one last quick hug for Gina, she runs to him, and he scoops her up as her arms and legs coil around him. Small hands cup his cheeks, her words lost in the breeze, only reaching her husband’s ears. But Gina swears she hears a greedy growl rumble in his throat when Nick realizes the meaning of her message. Carrying her to the house, his lips touch hers as soon as he reaches the French doors. A rare display of wantonness that he must not be able to hold back knowing his wife is giving herself to him again.
"They seem happy."
She chuckles at Max's dry wit. Thrilled for their friends, she's even more ecstatic for herself. They’re finally alone. She saunters closer to him and tugs his tie. “I guess you’re stuck with just me now.”
“I don’t have to carry you off too?”
“Nope. I’ll go anywhere with you because I want to.”
His huge hand slides around hers, and he brings their coupled fingers to his mouth, kissing the platinum band set with orange diamonds. His whiskers tickling her already sensitive skin. Craving more than just his face touching her so intimately.
"Have I ever told you how beautiful you are?"
"Yes. But tell me again."
"You..." His lips drag down her neck, making her body shudder as he sucks on the hollow of her throat, his possessive grip on the back of her head holding her in place. "...are so fucking gorgeous I can't even think straight."
"Then don't think ‒ just take me home and fuck me." A giggle bubbles in her mouth from his disapproving frown. He's such a softie. She rolls her eyes. Men. "I mean make love to me, husband."
Sliding her fingers between the buttons on his shirt, she caresses his taut abs, eliciting a moan from deep in his chest. Wishing for so much more than just a few inches of skin to stroke. But she knows better than to rip open the fabric, or he really will take her on the deck. Damned whoever sees them.
“We’ve only been married a few hours and you’re already busting my balls?”
Of course. She knows how much he loves her defiance. Almost as much as the making up that follows their fights. “You know how much I like it when you talk dirty to me.”
“I know, but will you at least humor me with a little romance? I mean I’ve got the whole champagne and rose petals and candles thing waiting for us.”
He's so fucking adorable when he's smug, pleased with himself for surprising her with such a sweet gesture. Shivers overtake her body. Unable to hide her reaction to his thoughtfulness. Already the perfect husband. Just like she knew he would be. “Okay, I’ll try to be good.”
“But your bad side is so much more fun.” He sweeps her up, curling her to his chest so their noses almost touch.
She tightens her grip around his neck and softly presses her lips to his. “How about I show you both? Then you can decide which one you like better.”
A fierce growl rumbles against her skin. “I already know, G. But it never hurts to make sure.”
Epilogue
"You're doing great, Marcy." Excitement amplifies Gina's voice. Increasing her usually soft cadence several octaves higher with her – their – life on the precipice of paradise. So fucking close to their dream becoming reality. Rarely does he pray, but in this moment he promises everything he has into the whisper he hopes reaches God's ears. Because she and their baby deserve every chance for happiness.
Gina swabs Marcy's forehead with a damp cloth, cooling the warm skin dappled with beads of sweat. She lets the fabric drift down to the sheet, and grasps Marcy's hand as she bears down f
or another contraction. All of the woman's focus on pushing to the doctor's count.
Max stands behind Gina, his hand caressing her shivering back. Unwilling to touch another man's wife or look beyond the sheets draped over Marcy's legs. Although so fucking tempting with his child's head crowning only three feet away. But this is the role he accepts for a few more minutes. Gina supports her, and he supports Gina.
Dr. Dawson nods, his face relaxed and calm. "One more big push, Marcy. We're going to ten this time, and then he'll be here."
Shiny eyes meet his before Gina turns back to their surrogate. The two women work in tandem, sharing emotions only they can understand. A whirlwind of anticipation and terror playing across his wife's flushed face, exhilarated even while battling the memories that must be pummeling her. He leans closer, his lips on her sweet ear. "It'll be different this time. It's going to be okay."
She purses her lips and nods. Holding back the sob threatening to escape. She can only mouth the word. "Yes."
The physician calls out the final number, and Marcy falls back against the pillow, her eyes sinking shut, stilling panting from exertion. No one speaks as the doctor looks down, his hands moving rapidly behind the blanket.
Max cannot fucking breathe as he grips Gina tighter, pulling her against his pounding chest. The lump in his throat blocking all of his oxygen. Fucking say something. Fucking do something.
Finally, a growing howl fills the airless space. Dr. Dawson looks up, a huge smile brightening his expression as he holds their wailing child. "It's a boy."
Now his heart clogs his lungs. Fucking hell. He's a father. They have a son. Gina's sobbing body convulses against him, and he wraps his arms around her shoulders, kissing her wet cheek.
She holds out her hands. "I want to hold him."
"We can clean him first—"
Max's hard gaze meets the physician's. Driving home the clear message that he will fucking hurt the man if he doesn't give their child to his wife. His wide-eyed expression confirms his complete understanding, and he nods to the nurse. The dark-haired woman slides a blue cloth under the infant's trembling body, wrapping him in a loose bundle, and lays him in Gina's arms.
Truth About Tequila: Believe in Me (Surviving Absolution #4) Page 17