Dirty Little Brat (Dirty Series Book 1)

“I’m sorry, you are?”

“Oh my gosh. You must think I’m nuts. My husband says it's the pregnancy hormones. I’m Connie Lee. Saxson is my first cousin.” My eyebrows scrunch up as I try to figure out the last name ‘Lee.’ She must read it because she giggles and clarifies. “My husband is Josh Lee. My surname is Maldonado. Actually, my three-year-old, Mary Katherine is your flower girl. We call her MK.” Oh yeah I forgot he told me about that last night.

“Ah makes sense. Well it is nice to meet you, Connie.” Walking toward the coordinator, I remove my robe to get ready to put on my dress. When she unzips the garment bag, my breath catches. I mean I know I picked it out, but fuck, it’s even more beautiful now with the slight alterations. “Oh my gosh!” I exclaim trying to once again hold back the tears.

“Lexi, I can’t get over how gorgeous it is.” Lara says her hand to her mouth. Carefully everyone in the room grabs a piece of it or me and begin trying to get it on me without messing up my hair or getting my makeup on it. I can’t help but feel important right now with so many people working on this situation. Finally, after what feels like forever, it is pulled down and in front of the mirror, I finally see the truth. I was born to wear this gown. I barely recognize myself. Especially with my hair up on top of my head, like a halo, accompanied by a crown, with green emeralds in it.

I tried on probably ten gowns before I finally came to this one. It is a mixture between a Spanish bridal gown and a mermaid gown. The top comes up like a sleeveless design, but then it becomes a sheer sort of applique design from the cleavage up through the shoulders and down the sleeves still giving the sheer illusion. The back, which if I am honest is the reason, I picked it, reminds me of the back of Bella Swan's dress in Twilight Breaking Dawn part one. I remember when Lara and I went to see the movie. We were both in awe at how regal she looked in that dress. I knew then that my wedding dress would be something like it. Turning, I look at the ladies in the room.

“Oh my!! Absolutely stunning, new sister.” Julissa says dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

“Thank you.” Everyone comes up to me to hug me and before I know it, Saxson’s dad is knocking at the door.

“It’s time new daughter. Are you ready?” I take a deep breath and nod my head.

“Yes. I’m ready.” Lara grabs her bouquet and hands me mine. Everyone else in the room walks out to take their seats and the three of us make our way to the entrance. Right before she goes out, Lara turns to me and says, “I am so happy for you. To find your soulmate so young, you’re lucky, bestie. Be happy.” She kisses me on the cheek and walks out as the music starts. Holding Saxson’s dad's arm, I can feel myself becoming a bit dizzy as the nerves begin to overtake me. Saxson’s dad, I am sure feeling the shaking, turns to me, grabs both my hands and stares me in the eyes.

“My son was raised to know that when he takes this step, it is for life. If you are faithful and loyal to him, he will propel you above all others. Including me and his mother. Be happy my child. You are walking toward your forever.” Words simply fail me. The tears begin to fall, and I can do nothing to stop them. I simply wrap my arms around his neck and hug him. I hug him like a girl hugging her father at her wedding. It feels nice. Especially since he is hugging me back. He removes his handkerchief from his jacket, once I step back and hands it to me.

“Wipe your face, daughter. Let’s go make you officially a Maldonado.” Right as he says it, Dan and Shay’s ‘Speechless’ begins to play and I walk down the aisle to my forever.19SaxsonI am standing at the altar when Ramone’s phone rings. He turns to me. “It’s Roscoe. Do you want me to answer it?” He quirks his eyebrow up like he is daring me.

“Yes. It might be about the report. I don’t have my phone on me.” Immediately, I know I am right by the expression on his face. He finishes the call and turns to me.

“Roscoe says that he found out you were right. Her dad sold her to Ransom’s son in exchange for a hand in his empire. Apparently, she was to begin working in his club right after they wed. They realize she is gone now.” He stops talking and I can see him contemplating whatever else he needs to say.