“What?” Kross touched his lips with his fingers. “Turn around. Let me see if you have wings.”
She twirled again like the little ham that she was.
“Yep. Your wings are right there.” He tickled her then swept her up in his arms.
She giggled again.
Kross carried her over to his parents. “Mom, Dad, this is Raven.”
Mrs. Maxwell’s mascara was running. “She’s precious.”
“Raven, this is your grandma and grandpa.”
She stuck her finger in her mouth as she appraised the elder Maxwells. “Did you know Kody, Kelton, and my daddy are triplets?” she asked so innocently.
Everyone laughed, even Mr. Davenport, who I’d forgotten was standing next to Kelton.
I blew out a long, much-needed breath as I hooked my arm through Kross’s free one. We were a family, and I was getting married to the man of my dreams.
Epilogue
KROSS
With my hands in my pockets, I stared out over the lake as my stomach swirled with nerves. Wild flowers bloomed, the warm breeze caused the trees around the lake to sing, and the water glistened beneath the May sunshine. Five months had passed since Ruby and I brought Raven home. Since then, life had been a whirlwind of bliss. We settled in as a family with no awkwardness at all, which was surprising to me. Being a daddy came super easy to me for some reason. Before our court hearing, I’d lost countless hours of sleep, worrying if I would know what to do as a father. Surprisingly, I had slipped right into a routine easily, reading bedtime stories, wiping Raven’s nose when she’d gotten a cold, eating cereal with her in the morning, and watching cartoons. The only part of being a father I didn’t like was traveling. Several times in the last three months, I’d had boxing matches that had taken me to Vegas, LA, and Houston. The best part was coming home and walking into the arms of Ruby and Raven.
“Are you ready, Bro?” Kade asked as he sidled up on my right.
“Yeah, man,” Kody said on my left.
“We need to get this show on the road.” Kelton walked up and settled in front of me.
“I should ask if you guys are ready?” All three of them had gotten certified to marry Ruby and me. Ruby and I didn’t want a church wedding. When she’d first gotten a glimpse of the lake, she’d immediately gushed about how the area would be a perfect spot for a wedding. I couldn’t have agreed with her more.
The lake symbolized so much for our family. From the small, carved-out area across the lake, which honored my late sister, to parties, bonfires, the boathouse turned man-cave, turned funhouse, then back into Kody’s apartment, and finally to a place that brought our family together.
Kelton whipped out a small piece of paper from his black pants. The attire for the wedding was simple—no tuxedos or elegant dresses. For the men, black pants and a white button-down shirt. The women had decided on sundresses, although I had no idea what Ruby would be wearing. She’d mentioned that she didn’t want an elaborate wedding dress, but she did want something pretty.
“You didn’t memorize your lines?” I asked Kelton with a smirk.
“I did, but I just thought of something I wanted to add,” he said.
After our vows, we’d planned on a small dinner with everyone, then Ruby and I were off to spend two weeks in Turks and Caicos. I couldn’t wait to get her all to myself for two long weeks. Alone time with her was hard to come by with our schedules. But living in the same building as Kelton, Kade, and Lizzie meant that we practically had live-in babysitters. Lizzie always jumped at the chance to take Raven for the night.
I tossed a look over my shoulder. “Is Dillon here yet?” Since my brothers were marrying us, I’d asked Dillon to be my best man. Just as I was turning my head back, Dillon appeared from around the garage, decked out in the same style of clothes as the rest of us.
His hair was tied back in a low ponytail, and for once, he’d shaven the scruff from his jaw. He smiled as he came over to join us. “Man, wait until you see your bride. You’re one lucky bastard.”
Mom, Lacey, Lizzie, and Norma had kicked me out of the house, which was cool with me. I’d wanted some alone time anyway, mainly to quell the butterflies I had. Regardless, when Dillon said “bride,” those butterflies fluttered wildly inside of me.
Voices peppered the air as Lizzie, Lacey, and Norma made their way down to the lake. The ladies were dressed in sleeveless yellow sundresses. Yellow was Raven’s favorite color. I smirked when my gaze landed on their feet. They were all wearing flip-flops.
“Do you like our shoes?” Norma asked as her shoulder-length blond hair blew in the breeze. In the last five months, she’d grown out her pixie style and had gained about ten pounds, making her look curvier and healthier.
All of us men laughed.
Lizzie lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed me on the cheek before she pinned me with her gray eyes. “Make sure you don’t drool.”
I pinched my eyebrows together.
“Don’t listen to her,” Lacey said. “Your mouth better be hanging open when you see your bride.” She giggled, her green eyes sparkling in the afternoon sun. “I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am for you. I always thought Kade and I would be the first ones to tie the knot, but I’m glad we’re not.”
Kade reached out to grab her hand.
I swung my gaze from Kade to Lacey. “Why is that?”
“Too much pressure,” Kade and Lacey said in unison then laughed.
“Bro,” Kade said. “I’ve been the older brother with the spotlight seemingly on me to do everything first. Marriage, grandbabies, blah, blah, blah. But with Raven, and now your nuptials, Lacey and I can breathe. We are so fucking happy for you.”
“You know that won’t last long,” Kody piped in. “Mom will be asking when you two will be tying the knot. Or even Kelton and Lizzie.”
“Let’s talk about you, man,” I said to Kody. “Mom and Dad will be on your back, asking when you’re going to find a steady girlfriend.” He’d only taken out our former teacher, Ms. Sharp, a couple of times, but it wasn’t serious.
He grinned like an ass. “When I’m ready.”
“Oh, yeah. How’s the older women pool looking?” I teased.
Everyone quieted before Dillon spoke. “Older women know what they want.”
Norma lightly punched him. “Hey, don’t judge. Us younger gals are just as good.”
Norma had a thing for Dillon, and although I hadn’t seen him with any women for as long as I’d known him, I knew Norma was definitely his type, especially with her blond hair.
Liam came running down. His brown hair was slicked back, almost sticking to his head. He’d accompanied me on some of my boxing matches when he could. Behind him, Jay strutted leisurely down.
“It’s time,” Liam said. “Your mom said to get into positions.”
Mom stood near the garage, holding Raven’s hand. Mom’s hair was tied up into an up-do of sorts, and she was wearing a light-blue sundress. Raven had the same hairstyle and wore a yellow and white polka dot sundress. They both had flip-flops on too, sporting smiles.
My brothers scrambled into position with their backs to the lake. Dillon sidled up to me on one side, and Norma stood on my other side since she was the maid of honor. Coach, Liam, Lizzie, and Lacey all found spots behind me.
Dillon tapped me on the arm. “Turn this way.”
I did and found my mom slowly walking down while Raven plucked flower petals from the small wicker basket she was holding and sprinkled them in front of her. Liam began filming the ceremony with my cell phone. Lizzie and Lacey were snapping pictures with theirs.
My heartbeat rammed and pounded against my chest as I kept switching my gaze between my mom and my little girl to the garage, where at any moment, my beautiful bride would emerge. Dad was giving her away. Ruby had cried last night, sad that her mom and dad couldn’t be there. At least we would be able to send the video and pictures to her parents in jail.
When Mom and Raven wer
e halfway between the garage and me, Dad and Ruby made their entrance. I faltered where I stood.
“Easy, dude,” Dillon said as he grasped my elbow.
“I can’t breathe, man,” I whispered. I couldn’t get enough oxygen in my lungs.
Ruby wore a strapless, cream-colored dress that hugged her body and draped to her toes. Her auburn hair was pulled up in a messy style with wisps of hair framing her delicate features. She smiled, and my chest clenched. That fucking smile was what had snagged me back in high school. Only now, it did more than snag me. My entire body was on fire.
As Ruby glided down like the angel she was, Raven tugged on my hand, breaking my concentration. It was probably a good thing since my groin had a mind of its own.
I met her dark-blue eyes. “Yes, bumblebee?”
“I love you, Daddy.”
I swayed then smiled at the beautiful girl I’d created. It was still mind-blowing that I was actually a father.
“As big as the universe?” I asked.
“Bigger,” she cooed then stepped behind me to hold my mom’s hand.
Ruby and Dad then settled in front of me. Dad hugged me. “I’m so fucking proud of you,” he said in my ear. “Treat her with the utmost respect.”
Tears stung my eyes. I wasn’t going to make it through this ceremony.
He joined my mom as Ruby hooked her arm with mine.
I ogled my stunning bride as she flashed her big blue-green eyes at me. We turned to Kade, Kody, and Kelton, both of us trembling.
Kade began. “Marriage may be the union of two people, but in my book, it is the union of family, growth, happiness, and a deep sense of love for each other, no matter the circumstances. Never forget that family is the most important thing in life.”
Ruby and I squeezed hands as Kelton spoke. “Love grabs your heart. Love tickles your soul. Love is family. Love is friends. Most of all”—he glanced past us to no doubt Lizzie then back to us—“love is never-ending. Embrace life with love and respect, and never, ever lose sight of family.”
A tear slid down Ruby’s cheek.
Kody took over. “Today, my heart is filled with more love than I knew possible. I never imagined any of us getting married. Heck, it felt like yesterday when we were ten years old and causing trouble with girls. Now my brother has a family. I echo what Kade and Kelton said with one addition. Go and make more babies.”
Okay, I wasn’t expecting that. I figured Kody would’ve written us a song. But his sentiment was so much better. Regardless, Ruby and I weren’t ready for another just yet. Our plan was to wait a year before we tried for another kid. We wanted Raven to have a sibling or two. Hell, I wouldn’t mind having a boy.
Everyone laughed.
“Now your vows,” Kade said.
Ruby and I turned to face each other.
She peered up at me with so much love in her eyes. “Kross Maxwell, thank you for being persistent in your pursuit to find me. I’ve never stopped thinking about you since the day we met at the academy. While I’m sad that we lost four years, I’m also beyond happy that we did. I believe we’re that much stronger as a couple and as a family. I want lots of babies with you. I want to grow old with you. More than anything, I love you as big as the universe.” She gave me one of her shy looks.
Yep, the blood was flowing heavily south.
I licked my lips as I searched her face. I didn’t agonize over my vows. I knew exactly what I wanted to say. Nevertheless, I took in a deep breath of fresh air. “Star light. Star bright. You’re the only star I see tonight. I wish I may. I wish I might. You’re the only one I wish tonight. You’re my angel, and I want to dance under the stars with you until death do us part.” I leaned in and whispered in her ear. “Naked that is.”
She shivered.
When I retreated, my brothers spoke in unison. “I now pronounce you husband and wife.”
They had barely said “wife” when Ruby grabbed my face, plunged her tongue into mouth, and kissed me as though I was her last breath. I knew she was mine. Fireworks went off in my chest, my heart, and everywhere else in me. Our lives had just begun.
Chapter One
Kody
I slung my guitar over my back, grabbed the bouquet of carnations, then pounded my feet into the soft earth of the desolate cemetery. The scent of rain hung in the air, and the dark ominous clouds threatened to open up at any minute.
I sneezed. The May weather had been quite rainy, jacking up my allergies. A headache loomed as my eyes watered. It didn’t help that the light wind carried with it pollen and fresh-cut grass, making my nose itch to the point I wanted to sneeze again.
Passing a headstone on my way to the apple tree, my body shook as I let loose a massive sneeze, not once but three times. I wiped my nose with the back of my hand. Not the most sanitary thing to do, but I’d forgotten the wad of tissues I had in my truck.
A lawn mower buzzed. Scanning the area, I let out a thankful sigh when I spotted the groundskeeper on the far side of the cemetery. Grass clippings were far worse for my allergies than the sea of flowers dotting the landscape or the bouquet in my hand.
My runny nose went by the wayside as I approached Mandy’s grave. Six years ago today, Mandy’s family, friends, the entire student body of Kensington High School, my brothers, my dad, and anyone in town who knew Mandy had gathered at her gravesite in Ashford, Massachusetts. We’d paid our respects to the beautiful, vibrant, and sweet girl, who I couldn’t get out of my head. A sting in my heart had settled in on that gloomy and abysmal day, and even years later, it felt as strong as ever. I’d met Mandy on the first day of school, and I would never forget how her brown eyes lit up, how she smiled as though I was the only person in the hallway, or how she shied away, flirty and beautiful, when I returned the smile.
I placed the bouquet of flowers on the ledge of her gravestone before I unhooked my guitar and sat down on the damp and dewy grass. Another sneeze wracked my body. Damn, I would have to take an extra dose of allergy medicine later. Once I cleared my eyes and nose, I started strumming my guitar. Every year, I visited her grave and always played a song from her favorite artist, Sarah McLachlan. I hummed the tune before I started singing out loud. “You’re in the arms of an angel. May you find some comfort here.”
As I played and sang, goose bumps blanketed my body. The song was so powerful, but it also brought back so many memories. I’d always told her she was my angel, a light who had shone on my darkest days. She’d taken away my sadness, lifted me out of my depression, made me laugh again, and above all else, gave me a purpose to live… until her death. I had moped around like a zombie after my sister’s fatal accident. That depression consumed me once again when Mandy died, and it still lingered to this day.
I picked at my guitar, blending the words of the song into a low, soft hum. Tears pricked at my eyes as I remembered our phone call just before Mandy had crashed on her motorcycle. She’d been spooked when she’d run into a nemesis of my brother, Kade’s, at a gas station outside of town. I’d told her to ignore Greg Sullivan and get on the road. Deep down, I blamed myself for her death. If I hadn’t urged her to get the fuck away from Sullivan as fast as she could, she still might be alive, although I also blamed Sullivan. I’d always believed he chased her out of that gas station and through the back roads of Lancaster that day. But the police, with all their calculations of tire marks, ruled her death an accident.
My dad had said to put the past behind me. We didn’t have evidence to prove otherwise, and I had to get on with my life. Easier said than done.
Over the years, I’d slipped into a routine. I didn’t date that much, and when I did, I found older women who didn’t want a serious relationship. I couldn’t bring myself to let anyone in. My psychiatrist, Dr. Davis, said some people took years to move on with their lives.
I wiped away the tears, staring at Mandy’s headstone. The epitaph read, “Mandy Louise Shear, loving daughter, tomboy, and sweet soul.” She was more than a sweet soul. She was li
fe, happiness, and the girl who still had a strong hold on my heart.
I would give anything to change the past and that fateful day so I could have another chance with her—another chance to hold her hand, to hear her laugh, to snuggle with her on the couch as we watched action movies—instead of visiting her gravesite, mourning her loss.
A soft breeze blew as I began picking at my guitar again. I sang another of Sarah’s songs, “I Will Remember You.” Mandy had been the one to turn me on to Sarah, and since then, I listened to Sarah’s music any chance I had.
My eyes drifted shut as my fingers glided over the strings. I sang softly until someone sniffled behind me.
I popped to my feet and found Mandy’s mom with tears flowing down her rosy cheeks. My body stiffened. She reminded me so much of Mandy, with her dark hair framing her face and her big brown eyes. As my breathing increased, I was glad I hadn’t seen Mrs. Shear in years. Memories of Mandy began to skip through my brain, and one in particular stuck out. She and her mom had walked into the local coffee shop in Ashford the first day I’d met Mandy at school. I’d been sitting at a table, doing homework, when the bell on the door jingled. Mandy and her mom had come in, laughing, and I remembered how the two could’ve passed for sisters.
Mrs. Shear craned her neck to look up at me as she wiped her tears. “Sarah was Mandy’s favorite. She would’ve loved hearing you sing.”
I frowned. I hadn’t been playing the guitar or singing when I’d met Mandy. We’d both loved music, but I hadn’t taken up the guitar until after her funeral. Music had become my healer, a way for me to cope, a way for me to get lost in my own world—one that didn’t include death or unhappiness.
Mrs. Shear skirted around me to place one white rose on top of the carnations. “Mandy adored roses, white ones in particular. She always said that a white rose was the prettiest of all the colors.”
The Maxwell Series Boxed Set - Books 4-6 Page 29