Always (Next Generation The Skulls 1)

As she arrived back home, Simon stood next to his bike, waiting for her.

“Tabitha, I want to say that I’m so proud of you.”

“But?”

“No buts. There were days when you were growing up that I didn’t think either of us would live to this moment.”

She took her dad’s hand. “We got through it. All of us did. I love you.”

“I love you too. Simon, he’s a good kid, and considering he’s related to Devil, well, that’s saying something.”

She giggled. “Is that you giving my boyfriend a compliment?”

“It is.”

“I love you, Daddy.”

“I love you too, sweetheart. I never wanted you to grow up but you’ve gone and done it anyway.”

She hugged him tightly before climbing out of her car. “What do you think?”

“I think you look sexy as hell. You want to come with me for a ride?” Simon asked.

“I’d love to.”

She rushed toward him, putting on a helmet since her father was watching. She worked the dress between her thighs so it wouldn’t blow up in her face, and wrapped her arms around Simon. This was how it was supposed to be.

“Ride me anywhere,” she said.

“You do realize how dirty that sounded.”

She kissed his neck.

Simon took off and she closed her eyes, giving herself up to the moment as well as the speed of the machine. It felt good, exhilarating. Every now and then, she opened her eyes and didn’t have a clue where they were going, but she didn’t care. She gave herself completely to Simon, knowing he’d never hurt her.

They’d been doing this for so long. He was the only person in the world who loved her unconditionally. Her parents loved her, so did her friends, but they weren’t even close to Simon.

He started to slow down and they came to a stop. She frowned as she caught sight of Miles, Anthony, and Daisy, but also another man, older, wearing priest robes.

Simon stopped his bike and she climbed off.

“What’s going on?”

“I told you I was going to marry you. I got your brother and Anthony’s help to find a priest willing to do the ceremony, taking into account we’re eighteen and we’re legally adults.”

“And you found someone.”

“Yes. Of course. Don’t underestimate me.”

“I don’t.”

She put her hands on his chest.

“What do you say, Tabby?” he asked. “Will you be my wife?”

She never … it was all a little surreal. Daisy stood with some flowers in her hair, holding a bouquet of roses and a smile.

Her best friend had known about this and hadn’t told her.

She didn’t care.

“Yes,” she said. “I’ll marry you.”

Simon took her hand and stepped up to the priest.

“I haven’t made any vows,” she said. “This is crazy.”

“I’m just going to speak my heart.”

The priest waited for her to nod her head for him to begin. She took a deep breath and listened as he read from his book. When it came time to do the vows, Simon started.

“Tabby, I love you more than anything else in the world. From the moment you gave me shit, I knew you were the one for me. You don’t let me walk all over you. You give as good as you get. Above all else, every single day, you give me a reason to love you more. I can’t guarantee I’ll make you happy every single day, but I sure know I’m going to try. You’re the only person I want, all I’ve ever wanted. I don’t want to waste a single moment of my life where you’re not in it.”

Tears filled her eyes.

It was now her turn.

“Er, I love you so much, Simon. I know there have been times that I haven’t been as forthcoming or open, but you own my heart. Always have. Whenever something good or bad happened, you were always and will always be the first person I turn to. You’re the love of my life. The man I want to spend all of my time with. It’s why after next summer, I’m going to follow you back to Piston County. I’ll be your old lady, and this is my choice. I want to be with you, ’til death takes us away.”

“You know I won’t ever fucking allow that to happen. Even in death I’d find you.”

She giggled. “See, my stubborn man.”

They turned to the priest who said the magical words, and then Simon pulled her into his arms, kissing her. They were now married.

Miles, Anthony, and Daisy all cheered for them.

Breaking from the kiss, she looked at her friends. She wished their family could have been there, but there was no way they would’ve agreed to this, not so soon. She was married. Simon was now her husband.

“So, we’re going to let you guys, you know,” Miles said. “We’re going to handle the parental front. You two do your bit and we’ll do ours.” Miles hugged her close. “I’m happy for you, sis. I don’t want you to leave, but I’m also not going to stop you. I know you and Simon have always been meant for each other.”