Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 100476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 502(@200wpm)___ 402(@250wpm)___ 335(@300wpm)
The group is small—all close friends and family. Mom sits on the first row with Mike’s arm possessively around her. Hollis sits between Kelsey and Garrett with Sebban in his lap. Jace sits next to Garrett, close to the aisle. Everyone is dressed so nicely. My heart hurts a little because the moment is perfect, exactly what the bride and groom deserve.
Oh, the groom.
He looks pissed.
A hard, jaded scowl on his face.
I’ve known Jordy long enough, though, to know it’s a look of determination. He’s going to marry that girl and love her until his dying breath. The wedding is all for show. He already made the vow in his heart and will never break it. He’ll be the best husband and father to their little girl growing inside her.
He stands at the arch—another bad boy uncomfortable in a suit—beside the preacher. Cal, Penny, and Terrence linger toward the back. My gaze catches Cal’s and I smile. His green eyes drink up my approaching form.
“Always trying to kill me, English.” He pins me with a hot glare. “I cannot wait to rid you of this dress later.”
I laugh as I take his elbow. “There are children present.”
“Sorry, Penny,” Cal deadpans.
She elbows him. “Fucker.”
“Go,” I tell her. “Both of you.”
Terrence has the unlucky task of escorting Penny down the aisle.
“Quick, close your eyes,” she whispers to him. “Maybe they won’t see you.”
He snorts. “You’re such a mean bitch.”
They start down the aisle. As soon as they reach the end, Cal and I retrace their footsteps. Cal slaps Jordy on the shoulder and gives it a squeeze once we part ways and stand on opposite sides. It grows eerily quiet—thanks to the disappearing ducks—as we wait for the bride. The song switches and the familiar medley of piano and violins lets us know it’s time. Everyone stands and turns to look.
As soon as Roux and Roan round the corner, Jordy curses under his breath.
It makes me grin because I know he’s blown over by how beautiful she is. Her eyes are locked on her husband-to-be as Roan walks her toward us. Roan can barely keep his shit together because his face keeps pinching like he’s in pain. I guess letting go of the little girl you practically raised will do that to you. When they reach the end of the aisle, Jace stands and kisses Roux and then Roan, telling them how proud he is of them.
“Who gives this woman to this man?” the preacher asks.
“Her brother does,” Roan says, pride in his gruff voice. “And that man better be good to her or I’ll whip his ass.”
Everyone chuckles as Roan reluctantly lets go of her to stand beside Cal. Jordy crowds Roux, his hand holding hers and the other cradling her stomach. My heart leaps in my chest. He looks at her like they’re the only two people in the world. Everything blurs as the tears shamelessly fall. The vows are recited. The rings are exchanged. I’m an emotional wreck as I watch my best friend promise her life to the man in front of her.
“You may kiss your bride, Mr. Martinez,” the preacher says with a smile.
Jordy’s big hands cradle Roux’s face and he presses the sweetest, most delicate kiss to her lips. “Love you, Little Hoodlum.”
She smiles. “Love you too.”
The second kiss they share is a little more sinful.
When the preacher pronounces them husband and wife, everyone cheers and claps. I can’t believe she’s married. My best friend is married and will be a momma very soon. A pang of sadness twists at my gut, but I force it away, not allowing my sadness to creep in and take away from this day.
“You okay, Charlie girl?” Cal asks, wrapping his arms around me from behind and kissing the top of my head.
“I will be. You, on the other hand, have some explaining to do in three, two, one…”
“Cal Hutton,” Aunt Karen admonishes. “Not happening under my nose. You are a teacher and she is a student. I will not sit by and watch this behavior.”
He groans as he releases me. “Is that permission to do it behind your back, Ms. Frazier?”
“Keep it up,” Aunt Karen warns.
“Are you going to fire me?” he taunts because he’s a mouthy-ass mean boy who loves to push buttons and question authority.
“No, Cal, I’m going to put you to work. I’m pretty sure my attic could use a good cleaning.”
“You’re a hardass, lady,” he gripes. “Fine. I’ll leave your precious niece alone.”
He shoots me a devilish grin that says he’ll do everything but that.
I’m content and tipsy. My feet hurt from dancing all night, but my heart is full. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Roux smile so much. Jordy stays glued to her side, kissing her any time he can. They’re so sweet.
“Aww, does the princess need a prince to come and sweep her off her feet?” Cal teases as he swats at my ass.