“Can I put it on you?” he asks.
“Please.” My voice shakes and I exhale, holding out my hand.
Grinning, he slips the ring on, holding it up to the light provided by the moon and candles.
“A-are we coming out to everyone?” I ask.
“I thought a long time on that. We’re going to get married the weekend you head to college. We’ll come out after you’re gone and the blowback can’t reach you. I want to think my father will come around, but I’m not willing to risk you.”
I beam up at him, so grateful for the amazing man I found right under my nose. “Okay.”
The full-fledged cheesy smile that lines his lips and reveals his pearly whites is a sight I know will be seared into my brain forever.
~~
Present
I rest my hand over my sternum, feeling the spot where the ring hung for months that summer. I’d never been able to get rid of the symbol. Instead, it has rested in a safety deposit box in our local bank. Shaking my head, I smooth the nonexistent wrinkles in my off the shoulder black dress with lacy accents on the belled sleeves and hemline. My three inch velvet pumps boast crystal skulls and add an edge to the almost rock and roll style wedding. After putting on the crystal skull dangling earrings, I walk out of the room on my way to the car.
“Damn, babe, you look amazing,” Echo says letting out a wolf whistle.
I wag my finger at him. “Keep those fuck me eyes to yourself.”
“Not what you said last night,” he replies, and pulls me into his arms.
I laugh. “Yeah, well today I have to kick ass, take names, and make sure things run smoothly.”
“Tonight though, you’re mine. Keep the dress and heels, lose the panties.”
A shiver winds its way up my spine and I shudder.
“You like the sound of that, don’t you? If people only knew what a dirty little girl you could be.”
I place a finger on his lips. “Stop! I don’t want to walk around all day with soaked panties.”
He laughs. “I hear you, but tonight, that ass is mine.”
“I’ll gladly give you my body tonight, Daddy,” I say with a playful wink.
He looks good enough to eat in a pair of black khakis, a short sleeve black dress shirt, his cut, and a black and white bowtie.
“You guys have it so easy, I swear,” I say.
“You want us to run around like you? The marriage would be chaos.”
“Why do you have to be logical right now?” I ask, kissing his cheek.
He slaps my ass and I shake my head. “I’m leaving. I’ll see you at the wedding, babe.”
Ruthie is at Blue’s house as I deal with the boys. They settled on a small vineyard just outside of town, which was the only place big enough to house the large number of people on such short notice. Luckily, it was also gorgeous. I run through a mental list of things that need to be taken care of this morning before I can arrive at Blue’s house to help her get ready.
Shadow—being the incredible and bossy man he is—hired people to do hair and makeup.
Prospects open the gate to the winery and allow me inside. Security is going to be heavy, per Wizard’s request. It’s always a little risky to have so many of us in one place. It was so last minute though, the chances of anything organized were slim. They’d be foolish to roll up into our territory and try shit. They’d never leave alive. But sometimes, they don’t care.
I park in the designated parking area and begin my walk around the premises. An area has been roped off for the bikes that will line the makeshift aisle the bride and groom will walk down. I nod my approval. The white seats are lined up a few feet away with burlap sacks filled with wild flowers hanging from the end. Prospects were earning those patches last night and this morning. I make my way toward the massive white tent that was set up last night, where I hear noises coming from. The closer I get, the more worried I become.
Tables were still being brought down from a large truck and into the tent.