by S. Nelson
My thoughts instantly flew to Braylen and me being engaged at the same time. How fun would that be to run ideas past each other? To go dress shopping together and drive our men nuts about the tiniest details?
Pulling me from the room, Jagger laced his fingers with mine and led me back outside to join everyone. Up ahead, I saw Sully talking to Reece and Braylen, and all of a sudden I had the sudden urge to share my news. Turning toward Jagger, I tried to tug my hand from his, but he held on tighter. It wasn’t until the third try that he realized I wanted to tell him something.
“Bad habit,” he admitted, flashing me the sexiest grin.
Should I tell them about the engagement?
He looked uncertain, and for a moment I thought maybe he was having second thoughts. I knew it was stupid to think that way, especially seeing as how he just told me he wanted to buy me a ring to make it official, but sometimes I couldn’t help but be a woman, second-guessing and overthinking things too much.
“I would love nothing more, but how about we wait until afterward? I just don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder. You understand, right?”
Of course.
And I did understand. I understood that while Jagger wanted to shout from the rooftops that we were going to be man and wife, he didn’t want to overshadow his friends’ big day. He was always thinking about others, aware of how his friends felt. Jagger didn’t look like a big softie, his tough exterior exuding the exact opposite, but the man had a heart of gold.
He’d never viewed my inability to speak as a hindrance, instead finding ways to communicate with me. Texting was the easiest, but when he’d wanted to explain himself, for me to hear the sincerity in his voice, he’d called me and asked me to press the keys on my phone so I could answer his yes or no questions.
One for yes and two for no.
The biggest sign of his interest, however, had been when he asked Sully to teach him sign language.
I never dreamed I would ever find someone like Jagger. Every day with him was special, fate’s sweetest gift, and soon the world would officially know we belonged to each other.
Stone
Goddamn, my soon-to-be wife looked gorgeous. The way her cream-colored dress hugged her in all the right places, her sun-kissed blonde hair styled casually in loose waves. I told her not to even bother with some fancy hairstyle because I was only gonna mess it up as soon as we had a moment of privacy.
I knew people said it was bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, but we’d already had our fair share of shitty circumstances since we’d been together.
I’d been shot while helping Marek rescue Sully from Vex, her crazy ex.
I’d been run off the road, ending up in Addy’s ER so she could patch me up.
Her uncle, Trigger, had shot me in the leg when he found out we’d not only been seeing each other behind his back, but that I got her pregnant.
And most recently, I’d been shot in the head during our final battle with the Reapers. Well, the tip of my ear had been taken off, but it could’ve been a lot worse if Marek hadn’t tackled the fucker who fired at me.
Come to think of it, I’d been shot quite a few times, but none of my close calls even compared to what Addy had dealt with when she was pregnant with Riley. Ovarian cancer. I’d almost lost her. Could’ve lost them both.
Shoving aside thoughts of the past and what could’ve happened, I turned in my seat to stare at the woman who loved me beyond reason, who I would gladly die for if the circumstance ever called for it.
“Don’t even think about it, mister,” Addy warned, a small smile curving her delectable lips.
“What are you talking about?” I reached over and caressed the side of her face before snaking my hand under her hair to lightly grip her neck, her rapid pulse telling me she was more than ready to give me what I wanted. What we both needed. I pulled her close but she placed her hand on my chest, my frenzied heartbeat giving away what my eyes tried to shield.
“You know what I’m talking about. Don’t start something we can’t finish right now.”
Before I could even think of something witty and convincing to say, a rap sounded against my driver-side window. Grunting in annoyance, I turned toward the intrusion and saw Jagger’s face staring back at me. The way he looked at me, as if I was the one holding him up, told me it was time to greet everyone who’d gathered to share in our day.
Our wedding day.
I’d wanted to marry Addy the day I found out she was pregnant with Riley, but she’d refused, telling me that having a child was no reason to rush into marriage. So I’d allowed her the time she needed, finally proposing at our daughter’s baptism. Then when she was pregnant with our second child, our son, Lincoln, I wanted to get hitched soon after, but she wanted to wait until after she gave birth so she could fit into her dress the way she wanted. I reluctantly agreed.
It didn’t take much on my part to convince her to name him after me, his need for his mother only rivaled by my need for my woman. The little one was attached to her, whereas Riley was Daddy’s little girl. Don’t get me wrong, she still preferred her mother for certain things—reading bedtime stories, for one—but whenever she hurt herself, it was me she came running to, crawling into my lap and resting her head on my chest.
“I guess that’s our cue.” Addy laughed. Once she’d exited, she popped her head back inside the SUV, that time in the back seat as she fiddled with Lincoln’s car seat. Our son was sleeping, but he started to stir once Addy lifted him into her arms. He nuzzled into her and fell back asleep. Don’t blame ya, buddy. The nine months since he’d been born flew by in a blur. I only hoped the clock ticked by slowly today so I could cherish the moments.
I got to work helping Riley from her seat, her eyes intently watching me, waiting for me to do what I always did whenever I was near her—make a funny face. Twisting my lips and sticking out my tongue, I made a noise before tickling her.
“Daddy.” She giggled, her two-year-old face lighting up as she tried to wriggle away from me. Her laughter filled my ears, and I swore it was like the sun shone all day long.
“If she has an accident, you’re gonna be the one to change her. And seeing as how I had a hell of a time getting her in that outfit,” Addy said, pointing to Riley’s purple and white flowered dress, “it’s not gonna be a walk in the park.” She smiled before shaking her head, knowing damn well her stern words wouldn’t deter me from making my little girl laugh once more.
That was until Riley told me she had to pee. Then I withdrew my hands and finally picked her up.
Kissing her cheek a few times, she placed her tiny hand on my face. “Daddy, you hairs tickawin me.”
“Your mommy likes them.” I winked at Addy as she sidled up next to me, tightly holding Lincoln. She gave me a kiss before going to find our friends.
“Give me my goddaughter,” Sully said, reaching for Riley before I even realized she was near. Since I had to grab a few of the kids’ bags from the back seat, I handed the little girl over, Sully kissing Riley before giving her a big hug.
“Where’s Kaden?” Looking around, I didn’t see the little boy. Though I was certain if she was here, so was he.
“Cole has him.” She pointed across the lot to where her husband was standing behind Tripp, his large body shielding parts of my best friend. “Did you hear?”
“Hear what?”
The biggest smile appeared on her face. “Kaden is ours, for good. Tripp stopped by earlier and told us.” My confusion prompted her to finish, her smile briefly disappearing. “He said Rachel was found dead. Overdose.”
“That’s great.” Sully’s eyes widened at my bluntness. “Look, I’m not saying it’s great that she’s dead, but come on, Sully. From what Tripp told me about her, she was a train wreck. No way she could’ve been a good mother to Kaden.” Reaching out and touching her arm, I said, “That was always your job.” Unshed tears filled her brown eyes. “Oh God. Don’t cry or your husband is gonna have my head.�
�� I smiled, and she laughed, wiping away the lone tear that fell down her cheek.
As we turned around, Marek approached and pulled me in for a quick hug, slapping my back in greeting. He kissed his wife before she went off to join the others, Riley’s sweet laughter carrying behind them.
“You ready to do this, brother?” He looked me up and down from head to toe. “I see you pulled out all the stops today.” Marek was referring to the black Armani I’d chosen for the occasion. No way was I showin’ up half-assed dressed to marry the love of my life.
“I look good,” I joked, laughing as I took in the scene around us. All of our friends were present, with the exception of the brothers of the club who’d passed on, Zip and Breck. Two loyal men who were ripped from this world too soon. Although the threat had finally been eliminated, it didn’t take away the sting from the loss.
Seeing Cutter talking to two people I’d never seen before, I lifted my chin in his direction, Marek turning to see.
“How’s he doin’?”
“As well as he can be, I suppose.”
“Who’s he talkin’ to?”
Marek folded his arms across his chest, a satisfied grin swiftly appearing. “That’s his daughter, Kalista.”
“What? I thought he wasn’t in contact with her.” I’d heard bits and pieces about Cutter’s daughter, and how he refused to have a relationship with her, but his reasons were much like the excuses we’d all used as to why we didn’t want to get attached to anyone outside the club. Safety.
We’d all failed, giving in to loving our women, all the while driving ourselves insane trying to make sure no harm came to them. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to stop some of the things that happened, but we were able to move on from the guilt. Mostly.
“I think Breck’s death made him realize how short life really is. Besides, there’s no more threat, so he’s out of reasons why he should continue to keep her out of his life.”
“I guess you’re right.” Looking back toward them, I asked, “Who’s the guy?”
“Her husband, Eli. He’s the lawyer I met up with a couple years ago, the one who gave me some legal advice about setting up the strip clubs. Stuff I had to know to run the businesses.”
“Oh yeah. I remember you telling me about him. Did you know he was married to Cutter’s daughter?”
“Not a clue. Besides, I don’t think they were married when I met him. And get this—they have a son. Holden, I think his name is. Anyway, that means Cutter’s a grandfather.”
I made a face. “That’s just weird.”
“I know,” Marek agreed. Although Cutter looked like he could be a sweet old grandpa, his clean-shaven face and short gray hair styled perfectly in place, he was anything but. He was ruthless when he needed to be. I’d seen that man do some shit that made me queasy. I couldn’t imagine him tossing around the ball with his grandkid.
“What a small world,” I said, shaking my head at the coincidence. Before we were interrupted by Jagger and Ryder who were headed our way, I bumped Marek’s shoulder with mine. “I just found out about Kaden. Congrats, man.”
“Yeah.” A brightness shone behind my friend’s blue eyes. “You should’ve seen Sully’s face when Tripp told us. I was kinda jealous that I’d never made her heart soar like that.” He laughed. “But I get it. Besides, I really shouldn’t be jealous of my son, right?”
“Why not? I’m jealous of my kids. The way Addy dotes on them, ignoring me sometimes.” I winked. I wasn’t serious. Not completely.
“I wouldn’t change a thing, though. Kaden can have all of Sully’s attention as long as she continues to smile like she has been.”
“When we gonna start this shindig?” Ryder interjected, fast approaching and pulling me into a half hug once he was near.
“Yeah, let’s go, brother. What’s the matter? You got cold feet?” Jagger was only joking. If anyone besides Marek knew that Addy was my fuckin’ life, it was him.
“Funny,” I responded, giving him a half hug as well. Slinging the diaper bag over my shoulder, I clapped my hands together. “Let’s get me married, boys.”
As I walked toward the grounds behind the clubhouse that had been set up for the ceremony, I couldn’t help but think of how lucky I’d been to finally convince Addy to be mine. There were times I was sure she’d second-guessed her decision, but I couldn’t’ve been happier that she stuck it out, giving me two healthy and beautiful children to boot.
The woman was absolutely amazing, and in no time at all, she’d legally belong to me.
To cherish and love for the rest of my undeserving life.
Adelaide
Looking from person to person as my father walked me down the makeshift aisle, I smiled, my heart overflowing with happiness that everyone had made it to celebrate with Stone and me.
“You sure you want to marry him?” my father asked. At first, I thought he was serious. I turned to him to ask him why he’d said such a thing, but then I caught the gleam in his eyes. “Lincoln is a good man, honey.” He refused to call him Stone, always using his given name. “I know I didn’t want to see it at first, but that was only because I wanted to keep you safe. But he’s proven to me that he can take care of you, and my grandchildren. I’m proud to call him my son-in-law.” He smiled. “Just don’t tell him.”
I laughed, tears welling in my eyes as I leaned into him. “You’re gonna make me ruin my makeup, Dad.” He kissed my temple, neither of us breaking our stride. Catching a glance of my new stepmother, who was holding the baby, I whispered, “Camille looks beautiful. How did you get so lucky?”
“I have no idea,” he confessed, a wide smile on his face as their eyes connected. My father had remarried six months before, and I couldn’t be happier. She was a lovely woman who’d brought happiness back into his life, so I’d accepted her right away. She never cringed or shied away whenever my father and I spoke of my mother, instead encouraging us to share our memories of her.
I made sure to take my time walking to meet my future husband, partly because I loved to make the man sweat, but also because I wanted to take the time to appreciate the group of people who’d become so intricate in my life.
Cutter sat next to who I’d learned was his daughter, Kalista, and her husband, Eli. From what I understood, their relationship had been nonexistent. Because of the danger that had surrounded the club, he’d chosen to keep her out of his life, only coming to reveal that he was her father when she’d mistakenly walked into the club’s bar, The Underground, years back. Out of all the men of the Knights Corruption, I knew the least about Cutter. He kept to himself, a quiet man, but I knew he’d suffered a great loss when Breck was killed. So the fact that he’d chosen to open up communication with his daughter made me happy.
Another two steps closer to my man and I saw Hawke and Edana cuddled close to each other, her head resting on his shoulder as he whispered something in her ear, turning his eyes back on me right afterward. He winked, and the smile that lit up his face was one I hadn’t seen before. He’d been depressed over the breakdown in their relationship, the dynamics drastically changing after her attack, but now that she was back, they both looked happier.
Next was Ryder and Braylen. The two of them were made for each other. In fact, they reminded me a bit of Stone and me. He was a pain in the ass most times, and she made sure to tell him about himself. There was a great love between them, though. One that anyone could see as soon as they saw them together. His daughter, Zoe, sat at the end of the aisle, the cutest girl I’d ever seen—next to Riley, of course. I wondered if he and Braylen would have one of their own soon, the way he watched her holding Kaden for Sully making me think the answer would be yes. Then again, maybe I simply had baby fever, so in love with my own children that I wanted everyone to be blessed with them.
Smiling at my thoughts, my eyes connected with Jagger and Kena. I really liked him, and she was his perfect match. She wasn’t as ballsy as her sister, but she still didn’t take any crap from hi
m. Then again, he didn’t give her much to worry about. I’d been the one responsible for him learning sign language. Okay, I hadn’t taught him myself, but I’d orchestrated the training to occur between him and Sully, essentially threatening Marek so he’d let it happen. I wasn’t delusional; I knew if the leader of the Knights Corruption refused, the only thing I could’ve done was pester Stone so badly he would’ve had to convince Marek otherwise. The two of them smiled lovingly toward me, and it wasn’t until I was closer that I noticed Jagger rubbing her left hand. Her ring finger, to be exact. When I looked up, he widened his eyes and grinned.
A few more steps and I saw Tripp and Reece, their adorable son, Luke, cuddled close to his mother. When Tripp’s gaze met mine, he flashed me the biggest grin. What could I say? The man had a special place in my heart. I’d been the one who nursed him back to health after he’d been shot and left for dead in front of the club’s gates. We’d formed a friendship, a special bond during that time. And although we never had any feelings toward each other, he loved to give Stone a hard time, pretending he was hitting on me. My man had finally calmed down some when Tripp met Reece, and he saw how hard his brother fell for the woman. Reece had escaped an abusive relationship, and I was beyond happy that’d she’d met someone who could love and protect her as fiercely as Tripp could.
My uncle, Trigger, was busy bouncing Riley on his lap when he turned his head to watch my father and me walking toward him. Just the sight of him made me miss my mother more so than normal, the resemblance between them uncanny. They’d shared the same almond-shaped eyes and full cheeks, along with the same shade of brown hair, although my uncle’s was mostly gray these days.
Thankfully, my father and uncle had ended whatever feud had kept them apart over the years and started talking again, right after Riley was born. My mother’s brother was ferociously protective over me, even going so far as shooting Stone when he’d first found out about our relationship. It took me a little while to forgive him for that, but I knew his actions had been driven by his love for me, as well as some unspoken code amongst the men of the club, a code Stone trampled all over in order to be with me. My uncle had only started to accept Stone after the birth of our daughter, although he continued to give my man a hard time every now and then.