Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
By now, Vassili and Simeon had fully dismantled Chelomey’s Bratva. And I figured by the time Jordyn and I exchanged vows, Adrian Chelomey would expire his last breath as well as any others still loyal. Moreover, the Resnovs were our friends. A friendship forged in blood because Jordyn had saved Natasha from Chelomey’s son the night of prom. I learned the full story after Natasha came downstairs carrying the wedding/prom dress. Vassili did, too, and he said nothing. While Simeon was visibly angered, Vassili hugged his daughter and offered me more than the case of Resnov Water than he’d previously agreed upon. When I declined any more of his generosity, he shook my hand, blessed our marriage, hugged Natasha, and ensured she had her camera when she left with us.
Someone knocked on the French door.
Dad peeked his head inside. “We’re about to start, son. I’ve got a gift for you. You’ll know it when you see it.”
“Thanks.” I exhaled, stepping outside with him.
The sun hung low, a warm golden haze across the backyard. Lanterns swung in the briny breeze.
The scent of lilac and pine cones mixed into the chilled air.
I stepped outside the pool house and froze at the sight of white lilies, twinkle lights, and Christmas wreaths adorning a gazebo. Man, I loved my family. You give them an assignment, and they executed every detail. I walked up the center aisle of wooden folding chairs.
I had just cleared the front row—when a jingle broke out.
Rebel limped proudly over the petal-strewn path with a jingle bell around her neck. Tied to it was a small velvet pouch.
My dad winked, claiming his seat.
Next to the pastor, I reached down and retrieved the pouch. Inside was a family heirloom. Mam’s ring. Resized.
“You are her special son.” Leith chuckled as Carly sauntered down the aisle, tossing flower petals.
I cut my brother a look, then whispered to Rebel, “Good girl.”
Slowly, my dog hobbled to where Carly crouched on the ground. My five-year-old niece gave me a narrow-eyed look, with both Camdyn and Willow unknowingly smiling right behind her. Does she know about the Build-A-Bear?
The thought of incurring her wrath evaporated from my mind as the “Wedding March”—if that’s what it was called—came on.
Jordyn stood across the garden in a white gown that shimmered in the light. The bodice clung to her curves, simple, regal, and just as innocent as Vassili Resnov intended for his daughter. He probably hoped the prom dress scared the numpties at her private school into visions of marriage. Because when I looked at Jordyn in the borrowed dress, all I saw was my forever.
Her hair was half-pinned, half-cascading down her back in thick, beautiful curls. I’d run my hands through her hair soon enough. My muscles went tight at the thought.
As her eyes met mine, they widened, as if to say, You surprise me. I wanted to say that she surprised me too. The night I remembered Jordyn, I wanted nothing more than to meet her again.
Ensure she had her freedom.
Freedom to love who she wanted.
Be who she wanted.
We stared at each other. The moment held a spark no man could break.
The pastor cleared his throat. Maybe one man. Once I turned to face him, he spoke a few solemn words, then tipped his head, signaling for me to begin the vows.
“I have experienced many battles. I’ve buried brothers. I’ve learned how to survive in the worst conditions, not knowing I was preparing myself to rescue you, Jordyn. You know that I”—a muscle moved beneath my jaw, in annoyance at myself—“I forgot about our time together for a while. Something in me was always amiss. Restless. The day God reminded me to find you, I made that my life’s mission. Now that I’ve found you, I want you to know that nothing has made me braver than loving you. You’ve seen the worst of me. Seen me broken. But you … Jordyn … You forgave me.”
“Jamie …” she whispered.
“I know. I’m still working on not feeling guilt for all the years you were captive. I vow to protect your heart, to listen when the noise from your past becomes loud and consuming, to remind you that you will never, ever go back to that life. Remember when I told you we were going home?”
Jordyn smiled as a tear slid down her cheek.
“You are my home. And I’m never leaving again.”
37
LONG BEACH
Jordyn
Days Free: 4
When Jamie finished his vows, he took a step forward, looking so good that I forgot we were at our wedding. I wanted him to kiss me breathless. The intensity on his face promised that. And I couldn’t want anything more at this moment than him to make good on the silent pledge.
He clasped the nape of my neck and lowered his mouth toward mine. The officiant chuckled. “Not yet, Mr. MacKenzie.”