Rise (Rock God 1)

“I’m not going to fight with you, Mom. But I will say this: I’m almost twenty-six years old. I refuse to let you take out all your shit on me. I have enough of my own.” This time my eyes are getting teary from anger, which, let’s face it, is better than a broken heart.

“Okay, let’s take a little walk.” Doug stands, takes my hand, and we head to the side of the tent.

“Talk to me,” he demands, his brown eyes looking around before he takes us into the corner of the tent.

“I’m holding on by a thin thread, Doug. I already have enough guilt, and don’t need my mom and all her shit.” I point at her.

He brings my hand down as I straighten my skintight red satin dress. It’s strapless so it’s a good thing I have great breasts. Otherwise, I would have spilled out of it already.

“That’s not what this is about.” His eyes caress my face. “Gia, Gia, Gia.” He pulls me into a hug.

“I’m almost numb, Doug. Yet my heart still burns. Why does it hurt so much?” I stare at the vast array of flowers in front of me.

“If it didn’t hurt, baby girl, it wouldn’t be worth it in the end.” I pull back.

“What does that mean?”

“It means the wedding is starting. Do you want your friend?” he says tightly as we both glance over at Julianna. She’s watching something on her phone. Then I glance over at my mom who looks pitiful sitting alone.

“God,” I groan and take his hand, returning to the chair I just vacated. “I’m sorry, Mom,” I whisper. It’s curt, but at least I did it.

She nods as the music starts to play out of the speakers and we all turn. All the guests in the tent, even the roughest-looking bikers, smile at them.

“Oh my God.” My hand goes to my chest as my twin nieces stand at the opening and stare at us. Juliette starts to walk, tossing rose petals, but Michelle stands there looking like she’s gonna cry.

“Oh dear.” I stand, ready to help, just as she sees me and throws the basket screaming, “Giaaa!”

I catch her right as my brother enters the tent. I laugh and squeeze her and kiss her fat cheeks. She squirms, but whatever, I need her right now. As my eyes lock with Axel’s, he must be satisfied with my appearance because he laughs as my other niece throws herself around my leg.

I hand Michelle to my mom and grab Juliette. We all turn to watch the wedding party walk down the aisle.

Eve smiles up at Blade. They’re all so beautiful and so in love, it almost makes my knees give out.

Charlie and David, Edge and Dolly, followed by Ryder and Cindy make their way to the assigned spots.

“I got you.” Doug stands behind me. He gets it, understands, and thankfully doesn’t say I’ll get over it. Because I won’t.

Never will be. I’ve loved Rhys Granger for as long as I can remember, and I will love him until the day I die.

It doesn’t matter if we never see each other again. This is my truth, and I need to make peace with it.

“Mommy.” Juliette points and my eyes drift to the tent’s opening. Antoinette stands in a white lace dress that has the most incredible train I’ve ever seen. She also has a veil I could only dream of wearing.

She’s beautiful, breathtaking. Guess I’m not the only one who thinks so, considering my brother, one of the club’s most-feared bikers, blinks back tears. Not waiting for her, he meets her halfway, taking her hand.

It’s then that I realize my niece is wiping my tears away. Why am I crying? Because he loves her so much. Axel never wanted this, and yet here he is. I look at his brothers standing next to him, smiling at him and at their own wives. It’s a family, a band of brothers who would die for each other.

Chairs creak as we sit and listen, but all I can do is cling to my niece who holds me back. Her chubby little hand plays with my hair as her parents say their vows.

“I never thought I’d see the day.” My mom reaches for my hand. I wonder if my dad was invited.

Why do you make all the girls cry? It spins in my head. I should have listened to Stephanie all those years ago. But as I look at my brother, I know that I regret none of it.

I love him, and no matter what the future holds, I know he loves me. And I wouldn’t give any of that up, even knowing how we’ve hurt each other, and despite the pain I’m in.

Some people are born to love many times. Others love only once.

Axel kisses Antoinette. Everyone cheers, and I smile, walking over to hug and laugh with my new sister-in-law.