Nick
Even if he doesn’t believe it, she never considers being with him a sacrifice. His love is a gift, permanence graced with wings. He called her a little bird once, accusing her of trying to fly away when he got too close. Now, thanks to him, she can soar, secure in the knowledge a stable nest always waits for her return. She takes a deep breath and folds the note into a small square before tucking it into her bouquet.
She lifts the flap of the thicker envelope and slides out the deed to Nick’s house. Her new name, Shae DeMarco, covers the line listing the owner of the property. Once again, he overwhelms her with his generosity, sharing his heart as well as his home. Now it’s theirs together. She blinks back the tears threatening to spill out, trying not to ruin all of Carrie’s hard work.
“For a hard ass, he sure is romantic.”
“Yes, he is, and you’re wonderful.” She reaches out to her best friend and wraps her arms around her. “Thank you for your help. I wouldn’t have been able to do all of this without you.”
“You’re welcome. I’m just glad to see you happy.”
The lack of hesitation doesn’t mean it’s not there. Jason and Nathan made their feelings very clear. Although Carrie’s support never wavers, she may have doubts too. They’ve always been honest with each other, even if it hurts. “Even if it’s with Nick?”
Carrie pulls back and shrugs her shoulders. “I get scared for you sometimes. You’ve been in so much danger with him, and then when I think you’re finally safe, you turn around and do dumb things yourself.”
Somehow, she’s managed to avoid lectures from Nick and Max. She’s not so lucky with Carrie. “I’m sorry I freaked you out. From now on, I’m going to trust them to do what they need to keep safe and stay out of it.”
“Good. Then, there’s one last thing I need to make sure of.” Carrie runs her fingers through her hair, twisting the strands into a bun on her neck before letting them fall. “I know you. Once you make this commitment, you’ll never leave him. Is this what you really want? I mean, if it’s because you’re pregnant, you know Nathan and I will help you take care of the baby. And you and Nick can share custody. People make it work all the time.”
For better or worse, this is the life she wants. No regrets, no reservations. He was honest, and she knows the truth about who he is and what he does. Neither of which changes how he makes her feel. How his love gives her everything she needs. She chooses him. “I don’t have any doubts. I would be with him even if I wasn’t pregnant. I want to marry him.”
“Even with his fucked up life, I like Nick. I know he loves you, and he’ll do everything he can to make you happy.”
The goofy Nick smile she can’t hide tugs at her lips. “He already does.”
“Then, I give you my blessing.” Carrie’s face lights up as she giggles. “Okay, that’s enough of the mushy stuff. Let’s get to the good part—your wedding night. Is there anything you’re wondering about? Do I need to explain anything to you?”
Shae laughs too and touches her stomach, still rejoicing their tiny gift grows within her. His little heart beats as strong and stubborn as Nick’s, surviving along with her after all they’ve been through. “Um, I think it’s a little too late for that talk.”
Carrie squints and jabs her finger at her chest. “Then just remember, if he tries to poke at you with the one-eyed snake, tell him no.”
A sharp shriek escapes her mouth as she covers her face with her hands. “Oh my God! That’s awful. Where did you get that from?”
“It’s what Nathan’s great grandma told me at our engagement party. Pulled me aside and gave me a whole big speech. I’m still trying to get over it.”
“Me too. I think I’m scarred for life now.”
“We better get moving.” Carrie glances at the clock on the nightstand. “Let me help you get your dress on. You can’t be late for your own wedding.”
Wedding. A word which softens even the most jaded cynics. With a weakness for romance, their favorite designer gave her a gown with only the promise of first right photos in return. Carrie helps her slip the white silk over her head, protecting the fabric from her hair and make-up. The material brushes against her bare feet, only her blue toenails peeking out.
They stand side by side, Carrie’s gaze reflecting back at her while she glows with anticipation, her cheeks hurting from smiling so much. “I love you, Carrie.”
“I love you, too. You look beautiful.” Carrie looks away from the mirror and nods to her. “Well, I guess you’re ready.”
Her toes wiggle against the carpet. “Except shoes. I’ve looked everywhere and can’t find the ones I want. They must be at Nick’s.”
Carrie raises her eyebrows and smirks. “Where are they?”
A small shiver runs through her at Carrie’s reminder. “I mean our house.”
“I’ll get my dress on, and we’ll go get your shoes.”
Alone for the last time as a single woman, she moves her ring to her right hand. Incredulous she’s a mother, she’s just as amazed to almost be a wife. Everything they planned for Carrie is happening to her now too. With a man she never expected, yet who she can’t imagine living without.
One last item before she leaves. Another conspirator to their impromptu ceremony, Jesper eagerly arranged a private appointment for her to select Nick’s ring, even completing the engraving himself. She smiles as she slips the black and gray platinum band on her thumb, a symbol of her commitment for him to wear. On one of the fingers that always touch her with tenderness, stroking her cheek, rubbing her hair, caressing her stomach, reflecting his love for both of them.
The same hands that pull the trigger to end men’s lives. Which curl into fists to protect her. Three men dead. That she knows about. Maybe there are more. Maybe he’s killed others or put out hits. Yet, his promise to spare Evan provides the proof of his commitment to no longer let the brutality of his business be a part of their life together. Final confirmation of his love for her, of the change he makes in himself for both of them.
“Are you ready?” Carrie’s voice floats to her from the doorway.
Shae smiles and laces their arms together. “Let’s go.” As they walk down the hall, her phone buzzes, and she smiles at Nick’s number before putting it to her ear. “You didn’t change your mind, did you?”
“I was calling to ask you the same thing. I told you a long time ago, I would slow down, and I never seem to keep my promise. If I’m rushing you, if this is too fast, just say the word. We can wait.” Concern fills his soft voice, making her heart constrict. He gives her an out she doesn’t need and never plans to take. An answer she wishes she could give him in person to erase all of his doubt.
“No, I’m ready. More than I ever thought possible. For so long, I was scared to say ‘yes,’ and now, I can’t get to you fast enough.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve been in love with you since the first time I saw you. A few more minutes won’t change anything.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
She smiles at Max waiting for them as they climb into the limo. Nick’s best friend as well as best man, he still protects them even when the threats are gone. Between him and Carrie, she’s blessed to have their friendship supporting her relationship with Nick.
Carrie slides in next to her before Max sits down across from them. She squeezes Shae’s hand. “This is it.”
“I know, and in a few weeks, it’ll be you.”
“Are you sad you’re not having a shower and bachelorette party and all of that?”
Their spontaneous ceremony eliminates the opportunity for any pre-wedding festivities. Yet, she isn’t missing out. All that she wants happens tonight. “No, this is perfect.”
“Not me. I want my strippers.”
Shae laughs at Carrie’s priorities. “Don’t worry. I’ve got naked, dancing men arranged for you.”
“See, now this is why I love you. You make sure I have…” Carrie tilts her head as she think
s. “What’s the plural of ‘penis’?”
Max clears his throat. “You know, I’m sitting right here.”
Carrie waves her hand at him. “Nah, you’re just one of the girls when you’re with us.”
“Well, that’s something I’ve never been called before.”
They laugh as the gates open, and they pull up the driveway. Nick stands at the bottom of the steps, his gaze never leaving the car. Before Max can climb out, Nick opens the door and offers her his hand. Warmth engulfs her body at his protective touch. Carrie’s teasing advice about their wedding night isn’t going to happen. She needs him. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony?”
“There’s no such thing with you, sweetness.”
“Okay, you two. Break it up.” Carrie pushes between them and separates their hands. “She’s mine until I give her away. If you want it to be to you, then get your ass inside and wait until we’re ready.”
She covers her mouth to keep from laughing as Carrie stares Nick down. He shakes his head and steps back, giving her a small bow before walking back into the house with Max.
“You’re so mean to aggravate him like that, especially on his wedding day.”
“Well, I had to give you one last chance to escape. I’ve always wanted to steal a limo.”
She shakes her head and smooths down her dress. No more running. “It’s not necessary. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Carrie holds out her arm. “Then let’s get you some shoes so you can get married.”
* * * *
Max rubs his finger over the tiny platinum band covered in huge diamonds tucked into his pocket, confirming one last time it’s still there. Fuck. What’s the matter with him? He’s actually kind of nervous. And it’s not even his wedding. But his friends are finally together, finally happy, and he refuses to allow anything to ruin their ceremony. Including him. Especially him.
Nick blows out a deep breath, the calmest he’s been all day, after spending the afternoon barking out orders and jetting to the jewelers and florist. Making sure everything is perfect. For Shae. For the woman who asks for nothing. Yet it never changes the fact Nick wants to give her everything.
At the creak of the French doors, Nick’s sigh turns into a curse under his breath. Yeah, she is fucking breathtaking. Glowing, not just from her natural beauty, but from her happiness. Her gaze only breaks from Nick’s to kiss Jacks’ cheek after he opens the door for her and Carrie. A soft laugh floats over to them from whatever the chauffeur whispers in her ear. After she shakes her head, the girls slowly make their way down the improvised aisle, created by Marta between baking and frosting Shae’s favorite cake.
The minister clears his throat and smiles at the bride. All of the man’s qualms from earlier seemingly vanished. Hesitant to perform the ceremony without counseling the couple on the trials and tribulations of marriage, he agreed to officiate after accepting Marta’s sincere vouching for them. Max rolls his eyes. Oh yeah, that, and Nick agreeing to bankroll construction on the new church for the growing congregation helped a little bit too. Even a man of the cloth has his weakness.
Father Thomas nods toward Carrie. “Who gives this woman in marriage to this man?”
The maid of honor murmurs her answer before hugging Shae and releasing her into Nick’s waiting hand. The minister speaks again, reminding the small group of the sanctity of marriage and the need to ensure God is the most important element of a successful relationship.
Gina’s gaze holds his for a second, long enough for him to wink at her before she turns back to watching Nick and Shae. Beautiful in her own right, her toned legs almost endless in her borderline inappropriate, purple skirt. Probably a tiny thong underneath. Easy to slide down and off her silky skin throbbing under his fingertips.
Damn. He needs to get himself under control. Her father sits only a few feet away, unlikely to be pleased he’s thinking about his daughter that way. That he’s thinking of her at all, since she’s left the man she promised the better and worse of a lifetime. He shakes his head, trying to clear away his lust and his guilt.
“If there is anyone here who can show just cause as to why these two people should not be united in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
His gaze darts to Carrie. The only one who would risk fucking this up. Yet, hopefully, she’s bright enough to fear Nick’s wrath and keep her mouth shut. Her smile never flickers, no smart aleck words form on her lips. Now it’s his turn to let out a deep breath as the minister moves on.
He holds back his smile at Marta’s emotional reaction to the wedding. Tears roll down the usually stoic housekeeper’s cheeks at Shae’s soft voice, reciting her vows. Quiet yet confident, she repeats everything the deacon whispers before sliding a black band onto Nick’s finger, her huge smile turning into a small laugh when the deacon stops Nick from leaning in to kiss her. Poor guy has no idea how close to death he puts himself, keeping her from his boss.
“Not yet, Nick.” Father Thomas chuckles and holds up his palm. “It’s your turn now to give yourself to Shae.”
Nick nods, swallowing hard as his face scrunches at the emotion rolling through him. Proof how much he loves her, confirmation they belong together. Not that there was ever any doubt.
Max pats his friend on the back as Shae steps closer, her smile softening, her body curling against Nick’s, reassuring him of her patience and her strength. He digs in his pocket and hands Nick her ring. Sooner than requested, but Nick accepts it and slowly slides the sparkling band on her finger, finally able to speak the words Marta’s priest offers.
Max rolls his shoulders, loosening the tense muscles from the unexpected delay. They’ve made it. Levity peppers through the minister’s voice with his last remarks, finalizing their commitment, forever ensuring Shae’s inclusion in all their lives.
“Now, you may kiss your bride.”
Applause muffles Nick’s whisper to her before he cups her radiant face and kisses her gently. Gina never glances his way, a frown darkening her expression as she stares at her hands in her lap. Another torrent of guilt washes over him at what she’s probably thinking. Damn. He’d give anything to talk to her alone, to reassure her of the sincerity of his feelings for her. But, for now, he doesn’t have time to try and salvage his own faltering relationship. He has best man duties to perform.
After ensuring Leo has properly escorted the minister to his vehicle and the champagne has been uncorked, Max holds up his flute and all the conversations around the deck fade away. Shae smiles at him, her face flushed with a pink glow, while Nick stands behind her, one arm draped across her chest, the other wrapped around her waist. A protective stance he probably never even realizes he holds. Unconsciously guarding everything precious to both of them.
“Most of us go through life hoping to find love. If we’re lucky, the other person feels the same way.”
Everyone laughs, not because he’s that clever, but because everything’s funnier when people are happy and full of liquor. Only to his own ears do the words sound bittersweet. His best friend’s wife is happy, which is what he wants for her, for them.
“Nick found Shae and told her it was love. She wasn’t quite convinced at first.”
More laughter peals around them. Most of them intimate participants in the story, some more supportive than others. Yet no one able to break the bond between them. Nick kisses her neck and whispers in her ear, the smile on her face growing even brighter.
“Now, when I see the sparkle in her eyes when she looks at him, it confirms what the rest of us know. They’re meant to be together. To Nick and Shae. May this be the first day in a lifetime of happiness.”
Shae steps out of Nick’s embrace and wraps her arms around his neck. “Thank you so much for the beautiful toast. You were very eloquent.”
Her touch is pure and innocent. She still thinks he’s a good man, unaware of the shame pulsing through him. “You’re welcome. It had to be good now th
at you’re my new landlord. I don’t want to be kicked out.”
She leans back and smiles at him, shaking her head. “Never. I love you. You’ll always be a part of our family. You’re the cool uncle, remember?”
“Yeah, I love you too. Just remember, I don’t change diapers.”
Nick hugs him too. The first time ever since they’ve worked together. Better fucking be the last time too. Or they’ll both end up getting their asses kicked.
“Is time for cake.”
Shae’s eyes light up at Marta’s proclamation. She grabs Carrie’s hand, and they follow Marta to the dining table, where Shae swipes at the icing along the bottom tier. Max takes a long drink. His own toast to letting go and moving forward. To keeping her happiness and their friendship intact.
Drill sergeant Carrie directs all the activities, leading Shae and Nick in cutting cake and taking pictures while Marta cleans up empty glasses and plates smeared with chocolate. Nathan engrosses Enrique in conversation, his head bobbing as he demonstrates something with his hands to the older man. Yet, the person he seeks is nowhere around.
As a cool breeze ruffles his hair, he walks over to the woodpile and pulls off a few logs. Stacking them crisscross on the metal grate, he stuffs kindling and balled newspapers underneath and lights the match. He steps back as a hint of lavender drifts over him.
“Nice speech.”
“Thank you.” Everyone still occupied, he slides his hand onto the cashmere skin of her lower back. A small twitch in his groin at her breathy gasp. “Did you get my message?”
“Yes.”
She toys with him, not giving anything away. He loops his finger over the lacy waistband of her thong and tugs her back toward him. “And?”
“I’m nobody’s second choice.” A hint of vulnerability coils through the hardness of her voice.
Remorse stabs his chest. He never meant to hurt her. “You’re not. When I’m with you, you’re the only one I’m thinking of. Whatever that was…” He nods toward Shae. “It’s over.”
Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You (Surviving Absolution Book 2) Page 13