Purples grace the sky, a light pink swirling through it as the girls get ready to walk up here. Emerald stays back with her brother, glowing under the muted light.
The celebrant stands under the trees, us lined up on the right side, our four cars parked only a few feet from us. Two on each side. There’s no music, the air and animals providing a peaceful backdrop to this original wedding.
“Please stand.” The guy raises his hands and the three people sitting, get up to welcome the bridesmaids first.
Phoebe walks with her chin high, no sign of any sore ankle, her natural radiance dazzling me. I can’t stop myself. I almost break into a run going to her when she’s halfway to us, grabbing her by the waist and kissing her on the lips.
“You look beautiful.”
“You’re insane. But thank you.” Moving me forward, we walk together like it’s our wedding and place ourselves on the left side. I’m not letting her go.
Rubbing her ass through the material, I breathe in deep breaths. My eyes stay on her while Lace walks up. Caden remains composed unlike me, waiting for his woman to go to him. She stands with him after Caden bends down and kisses her stomach then her mouth.
Crystal strides up, confident and energetic. “You can thank me later.” Speaking to Slate, he nods and grunts. She latches on to Tanner’s lips and smiles. They move over to stand by us. Hell, lucky she didn’t see his face moments ago, the wedding would be a brawl by now.
A slight squeeze of my hand jolts me, my feet move so I’m touching her back keeping Phoebe close.
Kyle walks with Emerald, elbows latched together. Her dress complements her figure and it’s certainly got all of our attention. Rarer than a red diamond, seeing her in a dress is something to remember. She is a stunning lady.
Slate’s one lucky man.
But she’s one damn lucky woman to have this man who will die for her.
They complement each other.
“She’s a striking bride.” Whispering, Phoebe lifts her chin a little so I can hear.
“Baby, no one comes close to you.” Lacing my fingers with hers, I sigh in contentment. Those words have never left my mouth before and the truth hits me again.
Phoebe may have been out of my life for years, but now that she’s back, I won’t be letting her go.
Slate moves in front of the celebrant. Seldom do we see Slate’s true emotions. Hiding them because that’s what we’ve trained years to do because our enemies must never see us weak, today we see his soul.
Fixated on his bride, Slate’s lips slacken and his eyes are open showcasing a world of softness and adoration. A smile that is rarer than Emerald’s dress erupts on his face and he puts a hand over his heart, steadying him. Emerald smiles proudly, knowing this man is hers. Kyle steps away and proceeds to lean forward, shaking hands with his brother-in-law. With a small kiss on his sister’s cheek, he removes himself and sits near Melody.
Emerald continues to stand there looking at her groom.
Eyeing each other up and down completely, a huge grin spreads on all our faces.
“Wildcat…” A hiccup escapes.
Raw and exposed, Emerald steps into him, holding his cheek, saving him from revealing more. “Come on, let’s do this.”
Bending down, I move Phoebe’s head so she’s looking at me, and I kiss her again.
My emotions are running away too.
Slate leads Emerald to the celebrant and he starts talking.
I don’t hear anything but a murmur.
Focused on Phoebe, I imagine us one day at our wedding. Telling the world how fate brought us back together. How she’s the light of my darkened world and the reason I smile every fucking day. No doubt she’d explain how I saved her from her deranged family but really, Phoebe’s saved me from myself and spiraling back into the black hole of destruction. Content to live my life torturing, damaging, and fucking up people because I lived for that devastation, it’s clear now I want more.
A life with this woman.
And I won’t be letting anything get in the way.
Trying to keep my legs still, I lean down and breathe in her scent, mesmerizing me more.
Her fingernail digs into my hand a little and I know I’m making this difficult for her. Phoebe’s shoulders rise a little faster. My nose feathers her skin, my breath hot on her neck. Stepping in behind her, I capture her waist and hold her against me: her back against my front. My eyes finally move to the bride and groom and Slate’s battling getting the ring on Emerald’s finger. Small giggles float through the darkened night. The solar fairy lights Slate put up in the trees surrounding us provide enough light creating a soft glow and a romantic ambiance.
“You may kiss the bride.”
Not holding back, Slate takes Emerald. I don’t see more because I twirl Phoebe around and kiss her into next week. Full, soft lips greet mine and passionately kiss me back.
“I had to wait too long to do that.” My hands grip her waist, her flowers held at her side, her other hand holds my chin.
“I’ve been waiting all day to feel your lips.”
“Today I had to share you with too many people: the girls, the hairdresser, and everyone else. I’m not a fan.”
Giggling, she rises on her tippy toes. “I’m not either.”
“You two finished over there?” Tanner hollers at us, Phoebe tries to remove her body from mine, but I hold her still, looking over her head. Annoyed but I understand, I watch Emerald and Slate talking to Caden and Lace, Emerald’s mom and brother waiting to congratulate them.
“Come on, Melody’s over here.” Moving past Tanner, I clip his shoulder and head for Melody.
“Hi, Melody.” Phoebe puts her arms out and they hug. My heart warms looking at the two most important people in my life getting to know one another.
Melody moves back and grins. “What a beautiful wedding. Emerald looks radiant. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen her in a dress.”
Moving in for a hug, I let her body go hesitantly. She’s the only one alone here but Phoebe keeps the chatter up.
“Gosh, I didn’t recognize how much your eyes look the same as Ocean’s. There’s no mistaking you’re related.”
“Yeah, lots of people say that. They also say we have the same hot-headedness, but I don’t agree.” Laughing together, I swiftly take her hand back. Phoebe’s voice is confident and there’s no sign of worry.
“I couldn’t comment on that, I’ve only seen the caring and gentle side of Ocean.”
Melody raises her eyebrows at me, and I mimic her.
“It doesn’t come out often, but I’ve seen that side of him only on occasions. You must be very important.”
Moving into me, her confidence gone a little, I smile. “Phoebe’s on the top of the list.” My lips gravitate to her head and I kiss her.
“I’m happy for you both. Perhaps we’ll be attending another wedding before I know it.”
Almost choking on a cough, Phoebe covers her mouth.
“For now we’re happy getting to know each other. Intimately.” I can’t help myself. I would shout to the world how much she means to me if I could. A beautiful flush reddens her cheeks. She nods trying to get some space, but I won’t let her. I’m a selfish prick.