Total pages in book: 133
Estimated words: 132332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 441(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132332 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 662(@200wpm)___ 529(@250wpm)___ 441(@300wpm)
I slip the thin, gold diamond band out of the box and take Charlotte’s hand. She bites her lip, studying the ring as if she’s worried it won’t fit. We’d picked them out long before she found out she was pregnant.
“With this ring, I pledge my love and loyalty to you for the rest of my life,” I say as I slip it on her finger.
She releases a relieved breath, then takes my hand.
My heart beats impossibly faster as she repeats the same words and slides the ring on my finger.
“By the power vested in me by the State of New York, I pronounce you husband and wife.” Damon holds up his hands. “You may kiss the bride.”
Charlotte throws her arms around my neck and I lift her, crushing my mouth against hers.
“I love you,” she whispers against my lips. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Sunshine. Want to spend the rest of my life making you smile.”
I set her down and we turn toward our family and friends, lifting our linked hands in the air.
“Let’s celebrate!” Blake shouts.
People cheer or run up to hug and congratulate us. Through all of the chaos, Charlotte and I hold tight to each other.
CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE
Charlotte
As the sun sets, lights twinkle to life overhead and all around us, transforming our backyard into a magical wonderland. I tip my head back, staring up at Marcel. “Can we keep the lights up?”
“We can do anything you want, wife.”
“Thank you, husband.”
He presses his forehead to mine, staring into my eyes with affection. “Is this how you wanted our day to be?”
“Yes.”
Heidi approaches us, wringing her hands. “I’m so sorry—”
“Stop it.” I pull her toward us and hug her to my side. “I loved having both our nieces up there with us. It’s okay.”
Her shoulders drop and she lets out a breath. “Thanks. I know I kept saying how much I wanted another one, but I’m exhausted.”
“You always have us when you need a break.”
Her lips quirk. “You’re going to have your own hands full soon.”
Wrath sneaks up behind Marcel and curls his arm around Marcel’s neck, yanking him closer. “Mom and Dad are looking for you.”
Marcel scowls. Even though things are out in the open, he’s still sensitive about rubbing Heidi’s nose in it. Something Heidi seems to realize.
She rolls her eyes and shoves her brother. “What’d I tell you about those overprotective vibes?”
“What’d I tell you?” he fires back with a smile.
While they bicker, I lift my chin to Wrath. “Were you really uncomfortable with the chairs? Or were you and Grinder worried about a biker shoot-out?” I’m kidding. Sort of.
He frowns.
“You and Grinder were both standing like bouncers worried about a brawl,” I explain, crossing my arms over my chest and flipping on my version of Wrath’s mean bouncer face.
“Oh.” He nods once. “Nothing that dramatic. G was worried about Serena going into labor and wanted to be able to whisk her away if needed.”
“Shoot. Is she okay?” My gaze scans the area and finds them at one of the tables, next to Z and Lilly.
“She’s fine. He’s just overprotective.” He taps his knuckles against the side of Marcel’s head. “You’re familiar with the type.”
I burst into laughter. “Yes, I am.”
Shelby slowly approaches us, holding Grace’s hand to help her navigate over the grass.
“Got yourself a little shadow, huh?” Marcel nods to his little sister.
“Sure do.” Shelby smiles down at Grace, then shifts her gaze to Bit-bit, sound asleep in Murphy’s arms. “Although, I think Brittany’s got a singing career in her future. She might be going out on tour with me one day.”
Heidi ducks her head. “Maybe.”
Grace drops Shelby’s hand, turns to Wrath, and holds up her arms.
“You need a lift, Gracie?” he asks, scooping her up.
“I see how it is,” Shelby teases.
Rooster joins us, curling his arm around Shelby’s waist. “You tell Heidi you’re going to nab Brittany for your record label one day?”
“Sure did.” Shelby smiles up at him.
Heidi finally seems to relax.
When we have a moment alone, Marcel leans down and brushes his cheek against mine. “Thanks for not making Heidi feel bad about the interruption.”
“It didn’t bother me. I’d rather have her here, than Heidi worried about having someone watch the baby or miss the ceremony.”
He squeezes me tight. “I can’t wait to wake up next to you every day for the rest of our lives.”
“The world could burn around us, and I wouldn’t even notice as long as I’m in your arms.”
Teller
Club and family obligations mean I can’t duck out of our wedding and have my way with my wife—fuck it feels good to finally call her that—the way I want.
I still enjoy spending time with our guests. I’m able to introduce Charlotte to Margot and her father. Steer returned from Tennessee for the wedding and regales us with stories about how fucked up things are at our Deadbranch charter. Ice and his crew rode up from Virginia to spend the week. Chaser and Mallory, and a few other members of the Devil Demons, also made the trip. Priest congratulates us. I’m dreading a sit-down with him at some point, even though Rock told me not to worry about it today. Liam and Bree from my old neighborhood also came.