“I know it, Santa Claus.”
He laughed at me, but I knew he’d make me pay for it later.
“Do you, young Callaway, take this flawless creature to be your wife?”
“I do.”
“And do you, you beautiful angel, take this disreputable man to be your husband?”
“Yes, I do.”
Molly was trying not to giggle.
He sighed mournfully.
“Then, I have no choice. I must pronounce you man and wife.”
The crowd whooped and hollered as I kissed her. I was shocked when Preacher pulled her against him and kissed her soundly. He set a surprised Molly on her feet and winked at me as he headed to the bar.
“That’s for not waiting for permission.”
I glared at his back, ready to do murder.
A heavy hand landed on my shoulder.
“Shake it off, ‘young Callaway’.”
I looked at Jack then back at Preacher.
“Do you think he’d survive if I threw him off the roof?”
“Can’t let you do that. Too many custom motorcycles parked downstairs. You might hurt one.”
I laughed and we shook hands. I was quickly surrounded by well-wishers. Children were weaving around between our legs, playing a game of tag. Champagne and drinks were handed out. Photos were taken. And then it was time to go downstairs and eat.
The string lights were hanging down here too. Jack and Janet had mostly moved into the new house and were deciding what to do with this place. It made one hell of an event venue, and I told them that.
The high ceilings and old windows, molding, and gorgeous wood floors . . . it felt like we were in a loft in New York City. Something you’d see on TV with rich folks hanging around, eating strange food and talking about their stock portfolios and summer houses. It was more than we could have asked for, especially with three days’ notice.
In fact, it was pretty much a miracle.
Everyone ate, and then Mac and Donnie did some light DJing. Then it was time for the toasts and I prepared for some brutal teasing. Molly looked adorably shocked as the stories started coming out. I cringed a time or two but it wasn’t too bad. Anyway, my colorful past was firmly behind me.
First, Whiskey roasted me. Then Donnie roasted me. Even quiet Mac roasted me, though it was brief. Thankfully, Jack refused to let Lucky anywhere near the mic. That would have been a disaster. But then Jack and Dev made up for it.
“Callaway is a good man, and he’s going to be a good husband and father. I love him like a brother. Congratulations, little brother.”
I laughed and cheered as the giant took his seat. It was the shortest wedding toast in the world, but in my opinion, it was also the best. Then it was Dev’s turn.
“Molly is already like family to us. Tommy too.” I turned to see Molly’s brother turn red. He idolized Devlin, just like the rest of us did. “We are unusually blessed in the people we spend every day with. Callaway is one of a kind. There were times I worried that he wouldn’t grow up. All it took was one look at you, Molly, and he changed. He became the man we all knew he could be. There was an empty spot inside him and you filled it. We’re glad to call you both family.”
I looked at Molly. She was sitting beside me, holding a champagne glass. Hers had sparkling water in it, though nobody could tell. We weren’t ready to tell folks about the baby yet. But soon.
She was so beautiful it took my breath away.
The room erupted in cheers and we waved. I pulled her chair even closer to mine and wrapped my arm around her slender waist.
“Sweetheart?”
“Yes?”
“Why don’t we sneak out of here? We could leave early for the honeymoon. Stop at home and have a little alone time . . .”
“Honeymoon?”
I smiled. I’d kept that part a secret too.
“I thought we’d just go someplace casual. No big deal.
“Casual?”
“Uh-huh. How does Hawaii sound?”
“Hawaii?”
“Yes. For a week or two.”
Her eyes got wide.
“But Tommy! And . . . school!”
“It’s all taken care of. He’s going to crash at Donnie’s for a few weeks. And I talked to all your professors. They can email you the assignments. How do you feel about studying on the beach?”
She nodded eagerly.
“Yes, please! I’ve never been anywhere nice. This is . . . thank you so much.”
She kissed me so sweetly I felt like I might float off my seat. I’d never been this happy in my life. I’d never felt so blessed.
“Kiss me again, sweetheart. And tell me you love me.”
She tilted her head and our lips met. She was so sweet and gentle. She looked so perfect.
Something about her always made me want to mess up her hair. Not with my hands but from her head rubbing on the pillows while I had my way with her.