Ride or Die (Rejects Paradise 4)

He’s hurting, and I know deep down inside that he regrets taking my father's life because, in the end, it was the catalysts that drove me out of Breakers Flats. I try to remind myself that them being here was already a massive risk on their part, and asking them to stay would be stupid.

I’m the leader of the Wolves, for fuck’s sake. If anyone found out they were here, my loyalty would be put into question, and I guess the same could be said for them.

Mom and Roman get busy signing the registry, and before I know it, they’re making their way back up the aisle with their guests on their feet applauding for this new part of their lives.

The bridal party begins making their way up the aisle, following the bride and groom. As I pass Colton, he instantly falls in step with me. His hand drops to my lower back, discreetly gliding over the silk of my gown until it’s firmly over my ass.

I lean into his touch, wanting it so bad but as I raise my chin and smile up at him, the words out of my mouth have his eyes bugging out of his head. “The priest is watching you.”

Colton’s hand falls away from my ass so fast that it’s comical. “Oh, fuck,” he grunts, his eyes wide and face filled with horror. He instantly glances back over his shoulder to where the priest still stands in the center of the pulpit, sure enough, with his eyes on Colton. “I’m going straight to hell.”

Hendrix laughs behind us as Charlie falls in beside her, his arm dropping around her waist. “I don’t know about hell,” she tells Colton. “But I have a feeling that I know where else you two will be going. I caught what you told her at the beginning of the ceremony.”

“What’d he say?” Charlie grumbles as Colton turns to me with fire in his eyes. He grins wide, and while he doesn’t say anything, he doesn’t need to. I know exactly what he’s thinking, and damn it, I’m more than thinking it myself.

We break free from the church, and I instantly find Mom sinking into Roman’s arms and kissing him blindly. The thought that I should give them a moment of privacy enters my mind, but fuck it, I’m too excited.

I barge into mom and pull her away from her new husband. After all, he gets her for the rest of his life, and all I’m asking for is a quick hug. I’m sure Roman will manage without her for two seconds.

Mom instantly pulls me into her arms, squeezing tight and holding me there for a lot longer than the two seconds that Roman would have been willing to give. But nonetheless, I hold onto her with everything I have. “Oh, honey,” she says, desperately trying to hold back her tears of joy. “That was one of the most spectacular moments of my life.”

“I know,” I breathe, struggling with my own emotions. “It was beautiful. I’m so happy for you. You have it all.”

Mom pulls back, taking my shoulders as she glances at Roman, who’s currently holding his daughter as though she’s the most precious thing in the world. Feeling Mom’s stare, he glances up and gives her a warm smile that instantly hits his eyes. “I really do,” she tells me. “Now, how are you feeling? That was a long time to be standing on your feet in your condition. Are you feeling alright?”

I roll my eyes. “Mom, I’m only ten and a half weeks, I can handle standing for a while. Besides, you shouldn’t be worried about me today. This is all you. Today is your day so tell me what I can do to make it even better? Would you like me to grab you a glass of champagne so we can start celebrating?”

Mom’s eyes light up. “You know what,” she says. “That sounds like a great idea.”

With that, I scurry off and two hours later, photos are done. We’re standing inside the most magnificent and glamorous manor this town has to offer, surrounded by impeccable gardens and manicured lawns.

Fairy lights cover the roof, creating a chandelier pattern as the rest of the hall is completely decked out and looking like an absolute fairytale.

Mom and Roman stand out on the dance floor, and as the music changes to an upbeat song, I can hardly resist the hand that Colton offers me. I know that tonight is going to be one of the best nights of my life.

Colton leads me out onto the dance floor, and as all the other couples come to join us, I fold into his arms and let him sweep me away. I desperately wish that my boys could still be here to enjoy this incredible night with me. But as it is, I have everyone else I could possibly need.