Xander: Part One (Rockstar #9)

by Anne Mercier

  "What brought this on, Tera? I thought we talked about this before the tour? Do you not trust me?" he asks. I can hear the hurt in his voice and it hurts me in return.

  "I trust you, Xander. I just don't want to cheat you out of opportunities and experiences that go along with being a rocker. I want everything for you, Xan."

  "I'll have everything I could ever want when you say 'I do' in a few minutes. I've been without you and I don't want that ever again. I don't want to fuck random chicks, T. I want you to be my wife. I want to fuck the hell out of you when I first see you after weeks of being without you, and then I want to make love to you all night long. You. Just you. Okay?" he asks.

  I wipe the tears that slip free and nod.

  "Um…"

  I laugh. "I was nodding."

  He chuckles. "Are we okay? Do you want to still marry me?"

  "I want to marry you more than I want to take my next breath."

  "I kinda need you to keep breathing," he teases. "No doubts?"

  "None," I answer honestly.

  "Good. Just so you know, I love you more than anything in this world," Xander says softly.

  "I love you so much, Xan."

  "Good. Then I'll see you in about ten minutes?"

  "Ten minutes, it is."

  The door closes and I move to stand in front of the mirror once again and there stands Dr. Mac.

  "Oh, Tera. You are so beautiful."

  "Thanks, Dr. Mac."

  "Dad," he says.

  "What?"

  "Call me dad, if you like."

  "I would love that," I admit. He's always been like a father to me, but now it'll be official.

  "I brought you something," he says, handing me a flat, large, rectangular box.

  I take it from him and sit on the edge of my bed. "You didn't have to do that."

  "I know. I wanted to."

  I snap the lid open and inside is a beautiful strand of pearls and dangly pearl earrings. My breath catches. "These are gorgeous."

  "They belonged to my mother."

  "You didn't give them to Xander's mom?" I ask.

  "It never felt right. Every time I thought about it, something held me back. Good thing, huh?" he jokes. "Here. I'll help put them on."

  "Dr—Dad. This. Thank you so much."

  "You've always been like a daughter to me, so it works out perfectly." When he finishes fastening the clasp, he steps back and we look at the necklace and earrings on my neck and ears. "I was right. Perfect."

  I turn around and hug him tight. "Thank you. Not just for the pearls."

  He kisses the top of my head. "I know, but you never have to thank me."

  Mrs. M walks in and smiles. I turn to face her.

  "So beautiful," she whispers. Mr. M steps in behind her.

  "I better get up to the altar. I am best man, after all," Dad says. Wow. Dad.

  "See you in a few minutes."

  "Let's see if the tradition is complete. Dr. Mackenzie gave you something old. Your dress is something new. Something borrowed?" she questions.

  "The jeweled hair clip is Shea's."

  "And here's your something blue," Mr. M tells me handing me a small velvet pouch.

  Inside is a gorgeous sapphire and pearl bracelet.

  "We know your favorite gem is the sapphire and when Dr. Mackenzie mentioned giving you the pearls, we thought this would complete the set perfectly."

  "I don't have words," I admit. "Thank you."

  "I know I am not your mother," Mrs. M begins, "but I think of you as my daughter. I am so happy for you, mi hija."

  I hug her and whisper, "Mom."

  I turn to Mr. M and he pulls me into his arms. "Papa."

  "You make me very proud, mija."

  Shea bursts in. "It's time! It's time for you to marry your Prince Charming."

  Linc pushes Shea to the side and she protests.

  "I can't believe you're getting married, but if there's anyone out there in the world I trust to take care of you, it's Xan. No other guy will ever love you like that," Linc tells me, pulling me into a hug. "I can't see any other guy ever putting up with you either, so you got pretty lucky there." He laughs and I punch him.

  Mrs. M scolds him. "Let's go, Lincoln."

  "Yeah," I taunt. "Go walk our mom down the aisle."

  He startles and looks at me, then to Mrs. M. He smiles softly. "Let's go, Mom."

  "Crap. I'm gonna cry," Shea announces.

  "Knock it off," Jesse orders. "We gotta go. Dr. Mac is waiting for you, Dawkins, and you don't want to look like a raccoon."

  "Nice. Real nice, Kingston."

  "That's all you're gonna get."

  "Dick."

  He shrugs, then turns to me. "You look stunning, T."

  "Oh sure, she gets a 'stunning' and I get raccoon," Shea complains as they walk out of the room.

  It's just me and Mr. M—Papa now. He hands me my bouquet.

  "Are you ready?" he asks.

  I nod. "I am."

  "Then let's get you married."

  We walk to where the doors are closed and wait for the wedding march to begin.

  The doors open and at the end of the aisle is a smiling Xander Mackenzie waiting to make me his wife.

  If I'm dreaming, I don't want to wake up.

  When I get closer I look down at their feet. They're all wearing their Chucks—including Xander.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Xander

  It feels like a dream. There she is. Tera Ramirez, the girl I've loved forever, walking toward me to become my wife.

  "Don't cry, you pussy," Linc says.

  I give him the finger. Fuck him. I'll cry if I want to.

  "Let him cry," Ethan tells him, elbowing him hard in the ribs.

  "Boys," Mrs. M chastises and they sit up straight.

  Shea's Tera's maid of honor and my dad is my best man. Odd pairing, but I wouldn't want anyone but my dad by my side today. He's my hero.

  "Here comes your bride," he whispers.

  It feels like my face is going to break for how big my smile is. I nod.

  "Don't fuck it up," he adds.

  I laugh. "Not a chance. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me."

  "Don't you forget it, either."

  "I won't, Dad. How can I? All I need to do is look at her, see how much she loves me, and I'm reminded. No one will ever love her better than I will."

  "I know, Son."

  Then she's here, in front of me, looking into my eyes. Her green eyes shining with happiness, her smile as bright as the sun.

  "Who gives this woman to this man?" the Justice of the Peace asks.

  "Her mother and I do," Mr. Martinez answers and I want to hug him for him declaring them to be her parents.

  "Thank you, Mr. M, Mrs. M," I say, nodding at both.

  "Take good care of our girl and be happy," Mr. M tells me.

  "I will. I promise."

  Linc coughs out a "getonwithitalready" and Ethan elbows him again.

  "Remind me to hurt him later," Shea tells me with a laugh.

  "My pleasure."

  "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Xander Thomas Mackenzie and Tera Louise Ramirez in holy matrimony…

  We say, "I do."

  We promise to love, honor, and cherish one another for as long as we both shall live.

  We exchange rings.

  We smile at each other while the Justice of the Peace finishes the ceremony.

  "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

  I wiggle my eyebrows and Tera laughs. I pounce, wrapping her in my arms, smiling into her eyes as I lower my lips to hers. As always, I lose myself in her until my dad gives my shoulder a shove.

  "Save it for the honeymoon," Dad tells us.

  The grins we can't wipe off our faces get even bigger when the Justice of the Peace announces, "I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Xander Mackenzie!"

  I let out a "whoop" before lifting Tera off
her feet and spinning her in a circle. Her laugh is light and flirty and I can feel it deep inside.

  There's no walking back down the aisle for the formal handshakes. Not with this crowd. Linc comes up and hugs Tera and my dad rests his arm around my shoulders.

  "You did good, Son."

  "She's my wife now," I say with a grin.

  "Damn right she is," Linc says. "Fuck this up and I'll cut your ball sac off."

  I lift my brows but shake my head. "No worries. I want forever."

  "Well, pal," Ethan murmurs, throwing his arm around my shoulders when Dad walks off, "you're stuck with her for life now. There ain't no getting out of that."

  "Dude, I don't want out. Look how long it's taken me to get her here," I scoff.

  "True, true," Ethan admits. "You're a persistent bastard."

  I just let out a laugh. "I wore her down."

  "She didn't need much persuading," Linc tells me.

  "No, no she didn't," I mutter, still astonished that this beautiful woman loves me. I watch as Mr. and Mrs. Martinez hug her close.

  I'm one lucky son of a bitch.

  Chapter Fifteen

  "Holy hell you're married," Shea giggles. "Let me see those rings."

  I hold up my hand and the diamonds and sapphires sparkle in the light.

  "Hrmpf. It's not fair. You get a hot rocker who's loaded and I get zip. Zilch. Zero. Nada."

  "Aww," I murmur, pulling my best friend into a hug. "Your Prince—or Princess—Charming is right around the corner looking for you."

  "I'll just take someone who'll fuck me," she teases.

  I laugh. "Well, there are enough horny eighteen-year-old guys here—and girls—to make your wish come true."

  She looks around. "There is quite a bounty of ass here."

  "There totally is."

  "But I don't want no clinger. I don't do clingers."

  "By now everyone knows. You've made it more than clear to a few guys—and girls," I remind her.

  "Yeah." She pauses. "And even if they do cling, I'll overlook it during the sex. But afterward? Foot in ass as I kick 'em to the curb."

  I laugh. "That's my bestie!"

  "And don't you forget it!"

  Shea flounces off in search of her good time and Jesse steps next to me, watching her work the crowd.

  "How much has she had to drink?" he asks.

  "Enough but not too much," I answer.

  "Good. I'd hate to have to beat someone's ass at your wedding."

  "Aww, such good protector," I tease, pinching his cheek.

  He doesn't crack a smile but rather he looks put out. "Don't let that get around."

  "They wouldn't believe me even if I did."

  He nods. "I'm happy for you. You finally hooked that stubborn son of a bitch."

  "The way Xander's telling it, he hooked me."

  "Let him keep thinking that. In ten years or so, we'll remind him of who caught who." One side of Jesse's mouth lifts slightly. The man rarely smiles. I understand why, but just once I'd like to see that full on smile that can bring even the strongest woman to her knees. One day he's going to meet his match and I'm going to laugh my ass off because I know she's not going to put up with his shit. She's gonna be one special lady.

  "We're gonna sing for a while. That okay?" he asks.

  "Of course. You never have to ask."

  He nods, pulls me into a hug, kisses the top of my head, then walks away. It brings tears to my eyes because that was Jesse Kingston's way of telling me he loves me.

  "You all right?" Xander asks, as he wraps his arms around my waist from behind.

  I nod. "Really happy."

  "Good."

  "You're not playing with them?" I ask.

  "Nah. They got that Trey dude to fill in. I'm gonna dance the night away with my wife!"

  I turn into his arms and hug him back. "You think they're going to play the song?"

  Xan's grin matches mine. "Yep. I told them it's our first dance song so they gotta play it."

  I laugh. "I can't wait to hear Jesse sing it."

  Xan laughs. "This is going to be epic. I have about ten people who're gonna record it for us."

  "They're going to kick your ass for that," I tease.

  "Well worth the pain, baby. Well worth the pain.

  The dinner goes quickly. It's catered so Mrs—I mean Mom doesn't have to do any of the work. I'm thankful for that. Silly toasts are made. Lots of forks clink against champagne glasses. Crude and rude statements are made about the wedding night and honeymoon. Sadly, the honeymoon will have to wait because I'll be back in school all too soon and Xander wants at least two weeks on a tropical island. I'm all for that.

  The staff removes the unnecessary tables and moves the others to make room for dancing. We're starting off with a DJ and the guys will perform here and there throughout the night.

  The sun is setting and fairy lights and hurricane candles with fat blue and white candles set the scene. It's romantic. It's perfect.

  Xan and I work the crowd. So many people showed up. I think it's almost the entire senior class. Granted our high school isn't very big, but our class has 100+ people.

  "Can I have your attention, please?" Jesse says into the microphone. The crowd hushes. "It's time for the bride and groom to have their first dance, but before they do I want to say if anyone records this, I'll kick your ass. Xander, Tera, you gotta know we love you if we're singing this shit for you."

  I let out a laugh and so does Xan.

  "Mrs. Mackenzie," Xan says holding his hand out to me.

  "Mr. Mackenzie," I reply, taking his hand in mine. He leads us out to the dance floor and that's when Jesse and the guys start playing This I Promise You by NSync. When Ben, Kennedy, and Ethan join in, singing the background parts, they all roll their eyes. They are all up there looking bored out of their minds—except Jesse who is singing his ass off. Granted it's not the higher-pitched sound this song has nor is it sweet and syrupy, but it's completely Jesse with his gravelly voice, the occasional growl. When he hits those high notes, my jaw drops and Xan smirks at me.

  "Didn't know he could do that, huh?" Xan asks.

  "No." I shake my head, still dazed and awed by that.

  We all applaud when the song is over and I look at Jesse who sends me a wink.

  "Congratulations, Mackenzies. I hope you enjoyed that because it's never happening again," he growls.

  I laugh and blow him a kiss. He catches it and stuffs it in his pocket.

  "I'm saving that one for later, baby," Jesse teases, wiggling his eyebrows.

  Now it's Xander's turn to growl.

  "He's just playing around. Stop it," I scold. "You're being ridiculous."

  Xan grunts.

  The guys start Celebration by Kool and the Gang and that's when the party really gets started.

  It's a night of laughter, dancing, champagne, hugs, and happiness. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding.

  The night is winding down and I wrap my arms around Xander's neck as we sway to Jesse singing Your Song by Elton John.

  "This is the best day of my life, Xander."

  He looks down at me. No smirk. He's serious now. "Mine too. Thank you for being my wife."

  "I'll remind you in twenty years that you said that," I tease.

  "It'll still be true then."

  I sigh, stand on tiptoes, and kiss his lips softly. He's everything to me. Everything. I really hope nothing ever changes that.

  The next day, the morning after Christmas, the morning after our wedding, Xander gets a call way too early.

  "Ignore it," I whine. We spent most of the night making love and it feels like we just fell asleep.

  He picks up the phone, looks at the caller ID. "Can't ignore it. It's Mr. Nichols."

  My head lifts and dread fills my belly.

  "Hello?" he answers. He looks at me while he listens. Then he closes his eyes and hangs his head. "Yeah." He listens. "Yeah." Pause. "Yeah sure." Pause. "All right. See you
then." He presses the off button but doesn't raise his head.

  "What is it?" I ask, already knowing.

  He sighs and rolls to his side facing me. "We need to leave sooner than we thought."

  I nod, fighting tears, trying to look upbeat—for him. "When?"

  "In two days."

  "Two days? But you just got here," I say quietly when what I really want to do is scream.

  "I know. Trust me, I know. They want us to play a New Year's Eve event." He's watching me closely and I am trying to give him nothing bad to see.

  "I see. No New Year's together then," I say, and I don't hide the pout this time.

  He pulls me to him, hugging me tight. "I'm sorry, T."

  I nod. "I know. This is your big break. This is it. I know it, so I won't throw a tantrum like I want to."

  He groans. "Fuck. Why can't you just go with us?"

  It's a rhetorical question but I still answer. "Because I have to finish the year here if I want a chance at getting into a good college for the arts."

  "I know."

  Silence cloaks the room as we just stare at each other, our heads resting on a pillow, so close we can breathe each other's breaths. I mean, really, what's there to say right now? He's leaving. Again. We could complain and whine about being apart, but it's for an amazing reason. I would never do that to him.

  And they're gone again. I sigh, my head hanging as I make my way to my car. As my arms swing, sunlight glints off of my wedding rings and I get butterflies in my belly. I press my hand against it.

  Xander's my husband. My husband. Mine. Forever.

  "He'll be back before you know it," a voice says from behind me, startling me from my thoughts. I let out a squeak of surprise and Carter laughs.

  "Damn it, Carter. You scared the crap out of me!" I scold.

  He chuckles. "Sorry. I thought you heard me but you must've been more lost in thought than I figured."

  I nod then tilt my head to the side. "What're you doing here?"

  He shrugs a shoulder. "I just figured you could use a friend. Wanna go grab a burger or something?"

  I bit my bottom lip. I don't know if I should. I mean, we're just friends, but will Xander get upset?