Thank God.
I’ll have to make dinner for Jace one day as a reward. If he’d balked at Roux’s wishes to have Roan walk her down the aisle instead of her father, I’m not sure how she would have handled the guilt of having to tell him no.
“They’re playing creepy violins,” Penny says, popping her head in the bedroom. “Scared all the ducks away.”
“It’s wedding music. Beautiful. Not creepy,” I tell my sister.
“Try telling the ducks that,” she deadpans.
Roux laughs. “The ducks are probably scared of the Hoodlums.”
“Especially the ugly one,” Penny says. “I told him he should go as himself for Halloween for extra treats.”
“You’re such a bitch,” I say, swatting at her. “Also, when the hell did you grow boobs?”
Penny flips me off. “About five seconds before you did.”
“Seriously. Why don’t you show off your assets more? You might actually get a boyfriend,” I tell her. “Right now, I think all the boys are confused into thinking you’re really a guy under all that attitude.”
“Not having this conversation,” Penny gripes, turning on her heel to leave.
I wasn’t lying. Penny cleans up well. She’s wearing a matching dress to mine—pale peach—that hugs all her athletic curves. Who knew she had such a bangin’ ass?
“You ready?” I ask, handing Roux the bouquet Mom and Aunt Karen made for her with fresh flowers.
“So ready.”
I snatch up my bouquet and hook my arm with Roux’s. Together, we make our way through Mike’s house to the back door. As soon as we step onto the porch, Roan is waiting. My brother-in-law is incredibly handsome in his suit, though he looks completely uncomfortable having to wear it. When he sees his sister, he freezes, then he shakes his head, his jaw clenching furiously.
“Ready to pass the torch?” I tease.
He ignores me, stalking right up to his sister. “Dammit, Roux.”
“I’m going to be okay, big bro,” Roux assures him. “You made sure of that.”
Roan rubs at his eyes, his shoulders hunching. “This feels big. Too big. I…”
“Jordy is going to take care of me,” she assures him. “It’s okay.”
He yanks her to him, squeezing her in his arms. His shoulders tremble. Oh no. I could barely take Roux crying. But Roan? My makeup is destined to be ruined today. They whisper back and forth for the longest time, sniffling and laughing. I should leave and allow them their moment, but they’re blocking my escape. Finally, Roan pulls away and kisses his sister on the forehead.
“Tell Jordy I cried and I’ll send Sebban with you on your honeymoon,” Roan threatens.
Roux laughs. “Your secret is safe with me.”
I walk over to her and fix the slight smudge of mascara under her eye. “Get out there and marry that boy who’s crazy about you.”
I give her a kiss and then plant one on Roan’s cheek before walking around the house toward the pond. When Jordy and Roux were looking at places to get married, they decided on the pond at Mike’s house. Since her bedroom overlooked that pond for a few years, she said it felt like home and a place she wanted more good memories of.
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
