Reckless Reunion (The Reckless Rockstar Series)

by Samantha Christy

  Mom opens the door and lets in fresh air. “How lucky are we that the weather cooperated? We may not even have to use the heaters we ordered.”

  “We’ll have to use them,” I say. “Once the sun goes down, it will get cold.”

  “The ceremony is at noon,” she says. “You think people will still be here after sundown?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Well, the place is yours as long as you need it.”

  Crew wraps his arms around her. “You’re a lifesaver.”

  Yesterday morning, when word got out where the wedding and ceremony were going to take place, Bria and Ella were understandably upset. Even though the festivities weren’t to start for twenty-four hours, paparazzi were setting up and fans were pitching tents. They realized too late they never should have printed the location on the invitations.

  Reece and I were having brunch with my parents when I heard the news from Liam. It took Mom about five seconds to offer them the house and grounds. It made perfect sense. The house is gated. A fence surrounds all ten acres. They have a huge outdoor patio area that, when combined with the tents, is probably bigger and better than the reception hall they had booked.

  We contacted all seventy-five guests, telling them we would send cars to take them to the new, undisclosed location.

  Sometimes having a shitload of money comes in handy.

  Bria’s brother, Brett, shows up, along with Brad and Jeremy. They’re the three other groomsmen. “This place is incredible,” Brett says. “Must have been sweet growing up here.”

  Mom and I share a look. My childhood wasn’t as ideal as most people think. While I wanted for nothing, the one thing I needed, I never got: my father’s attention. But he’s certainly been trying to make up for it over the past two months.

  Mom leaves to check on the brides. Even though she’s just met Bria and Ella, she’s taken them both under her wing, especially Bria, who doesn’t have a mother.

  Reece and Maddox arrived early to help set up. Technically she’s my date, but since she’d already invited him, it only made sense to allow him to come. Plus, it gives her someone to sit next to at the ceremony.

  Kelsey appears in the doorway with her eight-month belly. “Can I get anyone anything?”

  “Honey,” Rob says, coming up behind her. “You should stay off your feet. You could go into early labor.”

  She pushes his hand away. “I’m thirty-eight weeks, Rob. I’d be perfectly happy going into labor.”

  “I think we’re good here, Kelsey,” I say.

  “How’d the dance floor turn out?” Crew asks.

  “Great,” Rob says, “and the DJ has already set up.”

  Dad comes in and pats Kelsey’s belly as he passes. “Things are really shaping up out there.”

  “It’s the perfect place for a wedding,” Kelsey says. “Who knows, maybe there will be another one here someday, eh, Garrett?”

  Reece clears her throat in the doorway. Her face is pink. Yup, she heard Kelsey. “Can I talk to you for a second?” she says to Crew and Liam. “There’s a slight problem.”

  They both go on high alert. “You’re not here to tell us one of our brides snuck out the window, are you?” Crew says.

  “Nothing like that. Bria just got a call from Kat. We knew she was running late, but now she can’t make it at all. Her brother was in an accident and was rushed to the hospital. He’s worse off than they originally thought. She needs to be there with him. They asked me to stand up in her place.”

  Crew and Liam look relieved. As if they’d have anything to worry about. I’ve never seen two women loved more. I stare at Reece in her blush-colored dress. I take it back—maybe I have.

  “Sounds like a great idea,” Liam says. “I hope Kat’s brother will be okay.”

  I move over to her. “You’re the maid of honor now?”

  “Technically, the co-maid of honor, although they did change the order of how we’ll walk down the aisle. You were going to walk Jenn down the aisle after the ceremony, since you’re the best man, but they thought it might be nice to put us together.”

  I raise a brow. “So I’ll be walking you down the aisle?”

  “If that’s okay.”

  Something twists at my gut. I’ve known for months I’d be walking her down the aisle someday. I just didn’t think it would be at someone else’s wedding. “It’s okay.”

  “Don’t worry,” she says. “I won’t go doing anything stupid, like catch one of the bouquets.”

  “Maybe I want—”

  “People! Fifteen minutes,” the wedding planner yells. She points to Reece. “You, back with the brides. Grooms and groomsmen, you know your places, right?”

  “We know,” I say.

  She leaves the room with Reece in tow.

  “Oh shit,” Liam says. He turns to Crew. “I feel kind of sick. Do you feel sick?”

  Crew pats him on the back. “It’s nerves, and yeah, I’ve got them too.”

  I say to them, “You can play in front of ten thousand people, but you’re nervous getting up in front of seventy-five?”

  “You just wait, G,” Crew says. “Wait until you’re about to marry the girl of your dreams. When she’s about to walk down the aisle and make you the happiest fucker on the planet, you’ll feel sick, too, because it’s then you’ll know you can’t live without her. It’s then you’ll know she’s the wind under your goddamn wings.”

  “You’re not about to break into song, are you?” I joke.

  “Are you gentleman ready?” the pastor asks from the hallway.

  “Let’s do this,” Liam says.

  Crew’s mother pulls him aside in the hall. He asks, “Mom, aren’t you supposed to be out there?”

  “I’m on my way. I had to tell you how proud I am of you. As parents, we want our kids to be happy. And after what you went through with Abby, I never thought you’d get your chance. You have no idea how much I love you and that wonderful woman you’re about to marry.”

  She hugs him, a tear rolling down her cheek.

  “Thanks, Mom,” he says, choking up. “Your support has meant everything to me.”

  “Good luck out there, boys,” she says, walking away.

  We go outside through the kitchen door and make our way to the altar. It really is incredible what they were able to accomplish in twenty-four hours. An arched trellis of white flowers is planted at the end of a long white floor runner laid from the path to the pool. On either side of the runner are white chairs decorated with blue bows.

  Crew and Liam take their places by the pastor. I stand next to them, followed by Brad, Brett, and Jeremy.

  I scan the seats to find friends, family, and coworkers. My parents, along with Rob, Kelsey and Rett, are seated in one of the last rows. It’s their house, yet they didn’t want to take seats away from anyone who was invited. Maddox sits next to them. I hope he’s not upset about sitting alone.

  The processional music starts, and the attendants appear. Ella’s friend Krista walks up the aisle, followed by Bria’s sister-in-law, Emma, and then Ella’s other friend, Jenn. The three of them are wearing blue dresses that match the bows on the chairs.

  Then Reece appears. She’s different from the other bridesmaids in her light-pink dress. She takes my fucking breath away. Her hair is up with wavy tendrils cascading down her neck. When she gets closer, I notice she’s wearing the silver locket. Even now, dressed to the nines, a bridesmaid in a wedding, she didn’t take it off and exchange it for a classier piece of jewelry.

  Her eyes lock with mine and I can’t look away. I’ve never seen someone more elegant. I saw her not fifteen minutes ago, but somehow, she’s become even more beautiful since then.

  The music changes. People stand and look back. I should too, so I can watch Bria’s dad walk her to the altar, and then Ella’s father walk her. But I can’t. No matter how hard I try, I can’t tear my eyes from Reece. When I look at her it’s like I’m seeing my whole life in front of me.

 
When the pastor starts the ceremony, more feelings gnaw at my gut. I can’t even pay attention because of all the noise in my head. “Sorry,” I say loudly. “Can we stop for a minute?”

  Liam turns and glares. “Dude.”

  “Give me one minute.” I dart around people until I’m right in front of Reece.

  She’s more than a little embarrassed. “Garrett.” Her eyes flick to the guests and back. “What are you doing?”

  “Something I should have done in Seattle.” I get down on a knee and people gasp. Reece looks at me in surprise. I take her hand in mine. “I love you so damn much. I don’t know why I haven’t asked you this before, because I could never see myself with anyone but you. Reece, will you marry me? Not just because it seems like the next logical step, but because we can’t imagine life without each other. And not just because everyone says we’re meant to be together, but because we both know how hard it is to be apart.”

  “Oh my gosh,” she says, crying.

  “That’s not an answer.”

  “Yes,” she says, fingering the locket. “Of course, yes.”

  I stand and hug her as the guests cheer. “Marry me today. Here. Right now.” I turn to the two couples. “Is it okay if we crash your party?”

  Bria and Ella have tears in their eyes. “Yes!” they shout together.

  “But we can’t,” Reece says. “We need a license.”

  The pastor steps forward. “You can still participate in the ceremony, and you’ll be married in the eyes of God. On Monday you can file for your license and have a quick civil ceremony.”

  “You really want to?” she asks, smiling.

  I pull her closer. “Always and forever.”

  “Then I guess you better go over there,” she says, pointing at Liam.

  When I stand next to Liam, he jokes, “Way to one-up us, man.”

  “Just chasing happiness, same as you.”

  “Wait!” someone shouts. Maddox gets to his feet. “I’m not letting you do this without getting walked down the aisle.”

  Reece nods and joins him.

  Rob races up behind me and hands me a ring. “It’s Kelsey’s. Her fingers are too swollen to wear it so she keeps it on a chain around her neck. Use it, Gare,” he says, patting me on the back. “It can be your something borrowed.”

  I slip it in my pocket. “Thanks.” He starts to back away, but I latch on to his arm. “Stay. Be my best man.”

  He nods, his eyes wet. “You got it, brother.”

  “Are we ready to proceed?” the pastor asks.

  I glance at Reece, waiting at the end of the aisle. “Hell yes, we are.”

  Liam shouts to the DJ. “Dude, play the song again!”

  I watch the woman I love walk toward me again, only this time, it’s not only me looking at her. This time she’s walking toward the future I’ve wanted since I was nineteen. If I never play another song or earn another dollar, I’ll still be okay, because she’ll be by my side.

  I don’t care if everyone sees me cry in happiness. Because I’m about to get everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Not fame. Not fortune. Just her.

  Chapter Forty-six

  Reece

  “Did we really just do that?” I ask after we run back down the aisle.

  “We really did.” He kisses me the way I know he wanted to at the altar—indecently. When he sets me down, he asks, “You’re not going to back out on me, are you? We still aren’t married legally.”

  “You heard what the pastor said.” I point to the sky. “I’m not about to piss off the Big Guy. You’re stuck with me, Mr. Young. As far as I’m concerned, November 17th will always be our wedding day.”

  “You bet your ass it is, Mrs. Young.”

  I offer him a smile. “Reece Young. I like the way it sounds. Do you know how long I’ve dreamed of having your name?”

  He laughs. “Aren’t you forgetting you were already a Young once? For six months anyway.”

  “I didn’t legally change it back then.”

  “You can’t now either. You’re Reece Mancini.”

  “I’m Reece Mancini in public, on my albums, and it’s the way I’ll sign autographs. But as soon as I can, I’m taking your name. When I sign my checks, when we buy a house, when we name our kids—I want to share your name.”

  “Do you know how happy you make me?”

  I smile. “I think I do, because you make me just as happy.”

  The other two couples join us. We all stare at each other before laughing.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  “We seem to do everything together,” Crew says. “We’re in a band together, we live in the same apartment building, and now we got married in the same wedding. What’s next?” He turns to Bria. “I swear if you all get pregnant at the same time, you might find us in the loony bin.”

  Garrett and I gaze at each other. Nobody but his family and Maddox knows I can’t have kids. I’m sure we’ll tell them someday, but today is not the day.

  Brad and Katie come over and congratulate us. “At least you’ll never forget your anniversary,” Brad says. “Not with so many others to remind you.”

  “I guarantee you won’t forget today,” Ronni says, appearing out of nowhere, as usual.

  “Of course we won’t,” Bria says.

  “No, not because of the wedding.” Ronni sneers at Garrett and me. “You two, I’m not happy with this. But it’s done now. I should have learned long ago that the five of you never listen to me, but I must have done something right.”

  “What do you mean?” Garrett asks.

  “I have a wedding present for all of you.” She turns to the other two couples. “And I’m not talking about the crystal vases I got you.” She smiles. “You all know what today is, don’t you? Besides your wedding day, I mean.” She bellows, “Reckless Alibi was just nominated for album of the year!”

  Nobody says anything. We’re all in shock.

  “Did you hear me?”

  It seems to sink into everyone’s head at the same time, and we all cheer and jump around, which is not easy to do in a long dress. Crew picks up his bride and swings her around. Ella jumps into Liam’s arms. Brad and Katie hug.

  Garrett pulls me away from the jubilation. “Let’s make this clear. That is the second-best thing that’s happened to me today.”

  My throat thickens. “God, I love you.”

  “I’m not finished,” Ronni says. “Get back over here, you two.”

  We rejoin the others.

  “Reckless Alibi are not the only Grammy-nominated musicians at this soirée.” She looks at me with pride. “Reece Mancini is up for best new artist.”

  My jaw drops. “No way. You’re kidding, right?”

  She pulls the nominee list up on her phone and shows it to me.

  “Oh my God, Garrett!”

  He sweeps me into his arms. “Happy wedding day.”

  People come over to congratulate us. They think we’re celebrating because of the wedding. When we let them in on our news, it’s blissful chaos. Garrett’s dad is the first to hug him. “I didn’t think I could be any prouder of you, son, but I was wrong.”

  The DJ butts in. “We’re ready for you.”

  Bria looks confused. “Ready for what?”

  Crew leads her to the dance floor and sits her on a chair in the center. Then he goes to the keyboard a few feet away. The crowd is silent as he sings her a song I’m sure she’s never heard before. Everyone is in tears. Garrett squeezes my hand the entire time.

  After Crew finishes, Liam picks up his guitar and strums a tune for Ella. There aren’t any lyrics, but that doesn’t keep her from crying at the beautiful gesture.

  I stand and wonder how long it will be before both songs are put on an album.

  When Ella is done hugging him, Liam approaches Garrett, still carrying his guitar. “Now you.”

  He takes a step back. “No.”

  “What the hell are you saving it for, your golden anniversary? You’ve been worki
ng on it for weeks. It’s ready.”

  Garrett pulls Liam a few feet away, but I can still hear him. “I’m not a singer. It was only going to be for her, not a hundred other people.”

  “I’m calling bullshit,” Liam says. “You’re our backup singer. You have a great voice.” He turns to me. “G has a wedding gift for you.”

  “You’re really going to make me do this?”

  “Dude, you interrupted our wedding to propose to your girl. You think this will be any more embarrassing than that?”

  I step forward. “What’s he talking about, Garrett?”

  Garrett blows out a long breath. “Come with me,” he says and takes me to the chair Ella vacated moments ago.

  My pulse quickens with excitement. I sit, smoothing my dress over my knees. Liam sits behind Garrett and plays the guitar. Garrett reluctantly takes the microphone and sings to me.

  Always and forever …

  Two words we thought would never …

  We didn’t know how far we had to fall.

  Growing up without you …

  Thinkin’ about you …

  We never had the time to do it all.

  We’re picking it up, and we’re hitting it hard.

  Forgiving the things that left us scarred.

  Moving on from before without any regard.

  Always and forever …

  Two words we thought would never …

  We didn’t know how far we had to fall.

  Growing up without you …

  Thinkin’ about you …

  We never had the time to do it all.

  I saw you again, and I couldn’t ignore.

  Things in my gut told me I wanted more.

  Had to ramp up my game and even the score.

  Always and forever …

  Two words we thought would never …

  We didn’t know how far we had to fall.

  Always and forever …

  And now we’re even better …

  We came back strong, and now we’re standing tall.

  He sings the chorus one more time and hands the mic back to the DJ.