Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
The way she blows it off is too easy, and my instincts kick in. “This the first time she’s called since the hospital?”
“Nope, but I haven’t answered.”
“How many times?”
“Does it matter?”
“You don’t want to hear what she has to say?” I don’t think much of Stacy, but maybe she’s finally come to her senses and is ready to apologize. Or better yet, grovel for her daughter’s forgiveness.
“There’s a variety of things she could be calling about, and the range is too broad for me to deal with. For the first time in forever, my world is fucking amazing.”
Pride and protection blaze through my system. “Glad to be a part of it, baby.”
“She doesn’t get a piece of today. Maybe I’ll call her next week.” She doesn’t wait for me to get to her, meeting me in the front of the truck. “Outside of the glassy eyes, how do I look?”
“Better when you put on your jacket.”
The glossy sheen disappears and she huffs, “Fucking caveman.”
I take her off-guard, bending and swinging her up in my hold. “Put me down!”
“Nope.” I take off toward the employee door.
“Do not carry me in there.”
“Oh girl, this is not new to us. You won’t believe the things that happen within these walls.” Cruz swings the door open and steps aside. “Thank goodness you’re finally here. We have been waiting forever.”
“Sorry, but we don’t have long. I made plans for Talon’s birthday.” Willow struggles to get down. I follow Cruz through the store to the bridal area where Rowan, Ford, and Shayla are waiting.
Rowan and Shayla are sitting with flutes of champagne with Ember chatting away. Ford is waiting specifically for me, jerking his head in approval at our arrival.
“Oh, girlie, I like accessory. Navel rings are like a macho man kryptonite.”
“Thanks, I got the blue gem for Talon’s birthstone.” Willow beams.
“Now we know why you weren’t answering your messages.”
“What’s going on? I thought there was a situation?” Willow climbs out of my arms, ignoring Crew’s jab.
“There is! I need you and Shayla to get these dresses on ASAP!” Ember points to two dresses hanging on dressing room doors.
“Why?”
“Can you stop asking questions? Get dressed.” Shayla struts into the first room, leaving Willow confused.
“Go, baby.” I urge her toward the second room.
Her phone vibrates with an unknown number and I forward it to her voicemail, wondering if her mom’s trying new tactics.
A few minutes later, they emerge and my whole body goes on alert. “Abso-fucking-lutely not!”
“Shhh,” Ember hushes me, signaling the girls to a raised platform surrounded by mirrors.
Shayla turns and twirls, bending and popping her hips in every direction.
Willow resembles a deer in headlights until Rowan springs up and stands between them. Ember snaps a few pictures and then instructs them to exchange dresses.
We repeat the process with my blood pressure skyrocketing at the second dress. I count to ten while Ember gets the pictures, but it doesn’t calm the storm brewing inside. “Hollywood, do anything for you, but these dresses aren’t going to cut it.”
“Talon! You don’t insult the bride’s choice of gowns,” Willow chastises, shooting me an evil glare. Then she turns to Rowan. “Don’t listen to him. He has no couth. The dresses are lovely, but why am I trying them on?”
Rowan leers over Ember’s shoulder at the phone. “They look extraordinary.” She fidgets with her ring and chews on her lips.
“For God’s sake, Nervous Nelly, ask her,” Shayla prompts.
“Yeah, I’m feeling the anxiety from down here.” Cruz steps up to Willow and sweeps her hair into a twist. “Oh my, this is quite the love bite.”
Willow gasps, twisting to the mirror to see the mark I left earlier. “Talon!” Her sharp cry is more of a squeak.
Ford coughs to cover his chuckle and I smile proudly.
“Okay, here goes.” Rowan takes another drink, draining the glass and turning her attention to Willow. “I wanted to ask you something. We haven’t known each other long, and this may be weird. Don’t feel obligated to say yes.”
“You have to ask her a question for her to reject you.” Shayla sounds bored.
“Will you be a bridesmaid in my wedding?” The question comes out in a rush.
“A bridesmaid? Like an alternative if Harley can’t make it?” Willow almost whispers.
My shoulders tense and I step forward, Ford doing the same when Rowan inhales as if she’s been struck.
“Not an alternative. And not in place of anyone. I’d love to have you in my wedding. But if it isn’t your thing…”
Willow glances between Rowan and me in complete shock, her gaze dropping to her dress as it dawns on her. “Yes,” she croaks on a broken breath before clearing her throat. “I’d love to.”
“All you have to do is pick out the dress. Ember and Cruz will handle the rest.”
“Here, pick which one you like best.” Ember shows her the pictures.