Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
What she didn’t understand is Sterling secured a highly-coveted hotshot lawyer who was doing him a favor.
She should have been charged with a felony.
The man got her down to a misdemeanor, no time, and the agreement to repay all damages.
Her legal fees were on her.
Another hit to her trust.
From what I heard from Chase, Rylee was still a bitter cunt, making her parents lives hell. But they held strong to their positions and Sterling was closer to moving back home.
Willow was thrilled they were working things out, but worried her sister would ruin it.
Therefore, we didn’t discuss it much.
I wanted Rylee out of her head.
Which is why I can’t consider letting her attend the wedding.
What would Willow want?
Ford’s question scrolls through my brain.
The answer is simple. Willow would allow it if it helped massage the path for her parents.
“I want a guy on her. She enters the church after the procession and leaves before we walk down the aisle. She doesn’t step within a hundred feet of the country club. I don’t want to see her face. If I do, she will be removed—by any means necessary.”
Sterling tips his chin.
“I’m doing this because it’s what Willow would want. But I swear if that woman even makes a peep, her life will be hell. She’s not my daughter and there is no allegiance.”
“Understood.”
“I can’t believe this.” Chase eyes me with disgust.
“I love your sister.”
“You’re whipped.”
“You’re one to talk.”
His disgust turns to a wicked gleam. “Fuck me.”
“You’ll get someone on Rylee?” I direct my statement to Major, who pulls out his phone.
I have no idea who he calls but I hear him order, “Incapacitate if needed,” and I grin.
The door swings open, Wyatt flying in, arms flailing. “It’s time! Grandma says if Talon doesn’t get away from the window, she’ll tan his hide.”
I glance down at him in his tux made to match ours. Ember and Cruz can make anything happen.
“Getting away from the window now.” I crouch to him. “You know your role?”
“Sure, I walk in with Dad and stand at the front looking dapper.”
Dapper? Fuck if I don’t dig this kid.
“Sounds right.”
“Uncle Talon?” His face goes serious.
“Yeah, buddy?”
“Aunt Lolo looks… well,” he struggles for the words, and I wait him out with my heart racing. “She looks stunning.”
“Doesn’t she always?”
“Yeah, but they did something to her today. It’s different and it’s…”
“How about you let her surprise me?”
“Good idea, but can you promise me something?”
“I can try.”
“If there’s another wedding, don’t make me hang with the women. They aren’t as fun.”
I glance at Chase, who’s holding back laughter. “I think your dad’s the next up. It’s his promise to make.”
Chase doesn’t even blink, tousling his son’s head. “Let’s get ready.”
Cruz appears at the door, ushering us out with the same instructions he’s been repeating since last night’s rehearsal.
Does he really think I’ll fuck up walking down an aisle and waiting for Willow?
I’d march my ass to the bridal suite and carry her if she’d allow it.
Sterling veers off to meet Willow and Mom joins us, giving me a quick kiss with a teary smile.
“So happy for you.”
“Me too, Mom.”
Dad walks her down first.
Chase follows with Stacy.
One by one, we follow the prompts from Cruz and Alex until I’m in place and the women appear.
Shayla, Jewls, Harley, Rowan, and Bex make their way down, the doors shutting behind them.
When the music begins and everyone stands, I move to the center as the doors open.
Time stands still as I take in the gorgeous vision standing too far away. She takes the first few steps and there’s a commotion. Her eyes go over my shoulder and her body buckles over with a high-pitched squeak.
I twist to find a twin mattress lying on the ground behind me. Robbie and Finn dart back to their seat next to their cackling wives and an overly amused Max. Hugo, Blade, and Rand lift small pillows in the air.
“We didn’t want you to crack your head open if you fainted again,” Ace explains with a shit-eating grin.
The whole church bursts into laughter, but the sound that floats above all is Willow. Her cheeks are pink and I know she had something to do with this.
Fuck it. I take off down the aisle and heave her into my hold, slamming my mouth to hers. Her laughter dies as her tongue curls with mine.
I ignore the throats clearing and whistles from the room, kissing her until her heart is racing against my chest.
When I tear away, she’s dazed, her eyes glossy and lips swollen. I step to her side and escort her the rest of the way to the waiting preacher.
With each word and vow, a new sense of peace settles over me.
When it’s time for the rings, her eyes glitter at the new ink on my finger.
Then it’s finally official.
Man and Wife…