“Eager?” The man behind the counter asks.
“Very.” I smile as Liam holds his hand out for me to inspect. “We’ll take it.” I hand over my card. Theo can bitch me out for it later. I want today to be perfect.
Liam tucks my purchase in his pocket promising to keep it until the ceremony. I warned him I’d cut off his balls if he loses it. By the time we finish up it’s time for us to go to the chapel. Us girls ride together in a limo, and the boys took a cab.
My cell phone buzzes from inside my clutch. I pull my phone out in case it’s Killian. It’s my mother. Crap. I was hoping I could put her off until after I say I do. I know if I don’t answer she’ll keep calling. I was supposed to fly to Chicago from Phoenix this morning.
Hayley glances at my screen. “Don’t do it. She’s going to put you in a bad mood. Today is all about love.”
“I know, but you know she will keep at me. I don’t want to worry her. I’m supposed to be in Chicago.”
“It’s your funeral.”
I swipe accept. “Hello.”
“Where are you? I’ve been worried sick.”
“I know. I’m sorry for worrying you. I’m with Killian. We’re um…we’re eloping.”
“You’re what?!?” She yells so loudly I have to hold the phone away from my ear. Noelle gives me a what the hell face.
“Mom, I love him. I know you’re probably so disappointed in me, but I know what I want. I want to be with him.”
“Where are you?”
“Las Vegas.”
“Liri, please don’t do this. Not like this. Get on the next flight to Chicago. Bring Killian if you must. Let’s talk about this. You don’t have to get married. I told you Cooper and I will help with the baby.”
“Okay, Mom.” I agree only to appease her. If I go to Chicago, it’ll be with my husband. I’m going to marry that boy. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her. I’m not giving in. I know what it will be if I postpone. Killian and I will fight. He’ll think I don’t want to marry him, and I’ll end up in Chicago alone. That’s not what I want even if it means we stay in Crestwood.
“If you marry him, you’re on your own.”
I suck in a deep breath, and I hang up on her.
My mom tries to dial me back, but Hayley takes my phone and turns it off. “Screw her. You’re not alone. You have a great support system. I’ll be with you every step of the way.”
“That’s right,” Noelle adds on. “You have us. My mom and Conrad. Dillan and Diane. We’re all here for you and excited about this baby and this day. Don’t let her expectations of the life she wants you to live take away from what makes you happy and the life you want to live.”
I’m not alone. I have good friends and a man who loves me like no other.
As long as I have Killian and our baby, I’ll never be alone.
The limousine comes to a stop outside of the white chapel. I wasn’t nervous but now that we’re here my stomach is swimming. How did we get here so fast—Killian and me. Months ago, I was basically some girl walking past him in my rainbow leggings, and now I’m becoming his wife and having his baby. It all seems surreal.
I never dreamed that when he took me for a ride in his car that we’d be here. After all the fighting and making up we’re making a huge commitment. One I don’t take lightly. My stomach churns and my mother’s voice warns in the back of my head that we’re doomed to fail. I could have told him no and gotten on the plane to Chicago, but as one of my favorite books once said…whatever souls are made of, we’re the same. I know that’s not the exact quote, and it wasn’t written to be considered romantic but for me it is.
If I would have gone to Chicago without him knowing the truth, I would have been the one struggling with regret. Walking away from Killian would be my biggest mistake. I know that whatever lies ahead that it won’t all be sunshine and unicorns, but we’ll get through it together.
The driver opens the door for us to exit, and Woodrow is waiting for Hayley. She accepts his hand, and I wonder what the future holds for her? Will she get her happily ever after?
I exit the car next followed by Noelle. Walking into the chapel this isn’t what I pictured my wedding day would be, but it’s not about the place or who is in attendance. Killian and Dillan are waiting for us in the entryway.
This is it…The start of our forever.
The wedding march plays. My heart leaps to my throat and my stomach clenches.
“You okay?” Killian wraps his hand around mine. I’m clammy and sweaty. I keep telling myself it’s just nerves. It’s that stupid phone call from my mom that is weighing on me.
“I’m fine.” I smile but it’s forced.
Killian holds me back when it’s our turn to walk down the aisle and join his brother and Noelle. “If you don’t want to go through with this, I won’t force you. I’ll try to understand.”
“Babe, after all we’ve been through nothing can stop me. I’m nervous. Aren’t you scared?”
“No. I know we belong together. You’re it for me.” He nods to the woman at the door and she opens it for us.
We take three steps when I see Conrad, Susie, Diane, and the girls smiling at us.
“What are they doing here?” I whisper to Killian.
“I called them. It’s not every day both of their sons gets married.”
Guilt eats at me that I didn’t invite my mother, but if she came it would only be to try and stop us from going through with the ceremony. She doesn’t want us together. She thinks I’m repeating her past mistakes, but even if it is a mistake, it’s mine to make.
I shake off the negative thoughts and stand by my man. There will always be people who want to see us fail, but we’re stronger together. I stare deeply into his dark eyes, and I know it’s the two of us against the world. Well not the entire world. His family is happy for us and our friends.
Dillan and Noelle said their vows and now it’s our turn.
The man before us in his ridiculous Elvis impersonator jumpsuit starts reciting the ceremony again. This will be a good memory for our storybook. Something to tell our son or daughter one day.
Killian smolders at me, neither of us have a clue what the man is saying. We just say the words, I do, when prompted.
“You’re my world, you make me so crazy happy, baby. I’m so crazy for you,” Killian promises slipping my ring on my finger.
“I’ve never wanted anything more than this,” I whisper against his lips, pushing his band onto his finger. Killian is kissing me before the knockoff Elvis can finish announcing us as man and wife. His tongue slides against mine. The kiss is indecent and his mouth tastes of grape bubble gum, but I don’t care if anyone is offended. I could die right here because I have Killian back completely.
“Get a room,” Woodrow bellows at us.
“Where do you think I’m taking her.” Killian winks at me while giving him a fist bump.
“You’re crazy.”
“Only about you, wife.”
“Hmm, I love the sound of that.”
I feel as though I’m floating on a cloud as we leave the chapel as husband and wife. His family and our friends can entertain themselves. I want my man all to myself. My blood is on fire with nothing but desire to be with him. Sliding into the back of the limo, Killian hugs me to his side. He’s being all sweet and gentle caressing my face and kissing me softly murmuring sweet nothings in between.
I grab my phone from my clutch and power it back on. It’s pinging with notifications like crazy with missed calls and voicemails from my mom, Theo, and Cooper. Killian grabs it, scans the notifications, rolls down the window, and throws my phone out.
“Hey, what the heck are you doing?”
“Destressing your life. Your mood went from a twenty to a negative two in the seconds you were peeking at your phone. I know they are your family, but they aren’t coming between us.”
“I love you.”
“I know.” His fingers brush over my ring and then my
belly.
Chapter 28
Liri
“Everything looks great. Do you want to know the sex?” The ultrasound technician moves the wand over my belly, and I shift my attention to Killian.
“Do we want to know?”
“Nope. Write it down and place it in this envelope. Then seal it.” He hands it to the technician.
“Seriously?”
“Sorry, baby. Mom, Susie, Noelle, and Hayley want us to tell them all together.”
“Ugh. Fine.” I pout.
“Don’t be a sourpuss.” His lips peck mine, and the technician smiles at us. She prints the photos and scribbles something on the back of one before placing the photos in the envelope.
“I’m not,” I lie, but the scowl on my face is a dead giveaway.
Killian smirks at me and accepts the sealed envelope. I’m five months pregnant and we’ve been married nearly three blissful ones. After we were married in Las Vegas we returned to Crestwood. Mom completely cut me off. I’m not even sad about it. Cooper was completely behind Carrie inviting me to Chicago. Mom thought that I would end up giving them my baby so she could live out this fantasy she’s had about having a family with Cooper. We had a nasty argument when I went to pick up my clothes at the house. Theo fills me in when we talk. I guess Mom lives in Chicago and the house finally sold. My stepdad was seeing Tanya, but they ended things a few weeks ago. He says he is enjoying being a bachelor. He still gives me an allowance, but I try not to touch it outside of emergencies and paying toward my medical costs. I’m just glad Theo and Killian are on speaking terms, though Killian doesn’t like the idea that he is helping pay for my doctor visits. Theo offered me my trust fund, but I knew Killian would never accept the money. So, we came to agree to a compromise. He gives me the allowance and pays for my medical bills, and the rest is set up in an account for the baby and our future children. We already know that we want a large family.
My husband is so independent. At least he tries to be. He dropped out of school and is working construction with Dillan. I wanted him to finish his degree, but he says he’d rather work to support our growing family. I still work at the bar for Conrad when he needs an extra pair of hands. He’s completely in remission and doing great. Cooper reached out to me a few weeks ago, but I’m not ready to talk to him yet. I’m still a bit miffed about Chicago and Mom. I am still working on mine and Killian’s storybook in my free time, but I’ve been volunteering a lot of time teaching art classes at the facility where James is. He’s not been doing great. I don’t bother with telling him who I am out of fear of him having an outburst, but I’m able to spend time with him, and that’s what counts. He may not live up to the fantasy I dreamed up as a little girl, but he’s still my dad.
The remaining jelly is wiped from my belly, and the technician leaves the room. I pull my dress down and Killian helps me off the table. My baby bump is growing and noticeable. Killian says it’s beautiful and sexy. I think he needs his eyes checked. I feel like a penguin when I walk. I stop by the bathroom, and Killian goes to the window to take care of scheduling my next appointment. We are on our way out of the office when I see a familiar face. Freaking Jackie is sitting in the waiting area with her face all pinched up looking out of place in her short shorts and netted on the shoulder black top that practically shows her boobs. She seerms uncomfortable. I glance around the room and see that she’s alone. I stop in my tracks and Killian squeezes my hand.
“You ready to go?”
I nod to Jackie who has just noticed us. My husband follows my gaze. “She’s not worth your time, baby.”
“I know but still. I hate her.” My blood boils at the sight of her. She tried to break us up so many times. I’m about to tell her what I think of her when the office door opens and Hunter breezes in.
He doesn’t see us and slides into the chair next to Jackie. “Sorry I’m late. Did I miss anything?” She shakes her head, and I snort. Hunter’s eyes snap up to me, and he turns pale when he sees my stomach. “Guess the rumors are true. You guys really got married.” He stands up and holds his hand out to Killian. “No hard feelings, man. Congratulations.”
Killian’s throat bobs as he swallows hard. His jaw ticks, and I’m scared he’s going to make a scene, but my man smiles and says, “Thanks.” Then he actually shakes Hunter’s hand. “Good luck. I think you’re going to need it.” Shaking his head with a laugh he leads me toward the door. “Come on, Mrs. Hendrix. Let’s get out of here.”
Killian opens the passenger door of his Mustang, and I ease into my seat. He goes around to the driver side and gets in. Leaning across me to get my seatbelt loose, I still get butterflies when he stares into my eyes. “It sticks sometimes,” he teases me. White Zombie filters through the speakers and I laugh. Killian turns it down. “What?”
“Don’t you think it’s time for some new music?”
“Like what?”
“Do you trust me?” I bat my lashes at him, and he sticks grape bubble gum in his mouth.
Those dark eyes narrow on me. “Of course.”
I make a serious face. “Well…you shouldn’t.” Killian rolls his eyes at me. “Wanna make a bet?”
“What kind of bet are we talking here?”
“Butler Road. You and me. My car against yours.”
My husband can’t hold back his laughter. “Baby, you can’t be serious?”
“If I win you let me peek at the envelope. And if you win I don’t, but I gotta warn you…I never lose.” I wink, and Killian leans back across the console.
He takes my face between his hands. “Do you really want to know?”
“Yes!” I hiss.
“I could see what she wrote.” His lips move against mine, and he kisses along my jaw, and to the shell of my ear. “Guess what?” His breath is hot on my skin. “It’s a baby.” He chuckles, and I scowl, shoving him back to his side of the car.
“That was really mean.” I pout, folding my arms over my chest.
His hand moves to my thigh, inching up the skirt of my dress. “You can’t stay mad at me.”
“Stop.” I put my hand on his. “You can’t please and tease your way out of this one.”
“Wanna try me,” he growls and revs up his car. My insides turn to mush. He peels out of the parking lot and cranks his music back up. The wind blows through my hair, and I smile at my husband as he sings along to Welcome To Planet Motherfucker.
Sliding his hand to my belly, he grins, then moves his hand to turn the music down. “You’ll want to stock up in tiny ugly ass pink leggings.”
“For real? We’re having a girl?”
Killian pulls off on Butler Road and guns it. I clutch my seatbelt, but he slows quickly. Stopping at the clearing he leaves the radio on when we get out. Can’t Help Falling In Love by Hailey Reinhart plays, and Killian puts a hand to my hip. “Dance with me.”
I gaze into his dark eyes reflecting in my powder blue ones.
“This was playing when we said I do.” I smile.
“We never had a first dance.” Leaning in, he claims my mouth.
“Another memory for the storybook.”
“I plan on giving you a lifetime full, baby. You better stock up on notebooks and pencils.”
Swaying to the music, he spins me around, and kisses me again.
Epilogue
Killian
“Mom, where’s my purple top?” Kyla cries from the top of the stairs.
“Which one?”
“The one that’s off the shoulders.”
“Off the shoulders?” I mumble to myself with a frown.
“Oh, it’s in the dryer. I’ll bring it up. Did you need help with your hair?”
“No. Hurry. Lincoln will be here any second.”
Who the hell is Lincoln? I click out of the email Liam sent me of a car he wants us to buy for a restoration project for his son. Scrubbing a hand over my face I get up from my chair in the office and go into the living room. Liri smiles at me and rushes up the stairs w
ith a basket of laundry. I watch her ass as she goes and grow as hard if not harder than I did the day I first kissed her. We’ve been married sixteen years, and I love her as much if not more than I did the day she said I do. A loud car rumbles down the street. James comes running through the front door out of breath and Conrad is right on his heels. We named the boys after our fathers. James, Liri’s birthfather, passed away about three years after Kyla was born. My father thankfully is still with us.
“You’re such a booger, James.”
“Hey, don’t call your little brother names.”
“He broke the wheel off my scooter. I told him not to ride it” He huffs and clenches his fist. “I’m going to pound his face.”
I grab the collar of his shirt. “We’ve talked about this, son. Stop, breathe, and think.” I sigh. The boy has my temper. He’s always getting into trouble.
“I thought about it. I still want to punch him.” His lips are pinched tight.
“Why don’t you go get the two of you some ice cream bars, and I’ll go out and fix your scooter.”
“Fine.” He rolls his powder blue eyes that match his mother’s and stomps toward the kitchen. “Come on, booger. Dad said we can have ice cream.” James runs out from behind the stairs smiling and chasing after his brother.
I slip my shoes on and go out to the garage. There’s a white Mustang parked on the street in front of my house. The driver’s side door opens and some punk with tattoos sleeved on both arms exits. He moves around to the passenger side and leans against the car. His face is full of piercings and he gives me a chin lift.
Kyla comes running out of the house. “Bye, Dad,” she calls over her shoulder. I watch in horror as my baby girl goes running into this punk’s arms. They wrap around her and squeeze her backside.
My stomach drops and Liri slides an arm around me and kisses my cheek. “Our baby is growing up on us.”
The Conclusion of Killian & Liri (Cruel Love Book 2) Page 16
