Dray (Miller Brothers Book 1)

by Young, Alexa

  Gianni turns and shakes my hand, leaving to go sit by his wife. I take Luce’s hands in mine; we’re both shaking and we laugh.

  “You look very dashing in your suit.” She smiles. The suits are the best money can buy—dark grey and cut perfectly, with matching waistcoats. They’re teamed with a white shirt, finishing off with a purple tie and cufflinks

  “You look beautiful.”

  “Thank you,” she replies, blushing.

  I just want to kiss her.

  “Are we ready to begin?” the vicar asks.

  We both smile and nod as I lose myself in Luce’s eyes. Everything I’ve ever hoped for is standing right in front of me. It’s only when Luce squeezes my hands I realise I’ve zoned out.

  Shit.

  “Dray.” She smiles, and I look at her, confused. “Do you have anything you’d like to say?”

  “Yeah, sorry.” I take a deep breath and move to grab the piece of paper safely in my pocket. But I don’t need it. I know exactly what I want to say. I’ve been waiting to say it all my life.

  “Luce, you stole my heart from the moment we met. You became my best friend, and I knew I’d always have you in my life. Then over time, our friendship became more. In my heart, there would never be anyone else. You are all I’ve ever wanted, all I ever needed. Today, you make all my dreams come true by agreeing to be mine. Today is the day my life begins. I will be blessed to call you my wife.” I swipe away a tear as several run down Luce’s face. I reach over and brush them away with my thumb.

  “Dray, how can I top that?” she says, giggling through the tears.

  “You don’t have to, you just have to agree to be mine.”

  She smiles and swallows slowly. I know she’s working her way up to saying her vows. “You’ve always been my best friend, my rock, the one I could depend upon. I was blind to it all and I wish I noticed a lot sooner, but in my heart I’ve always loved you. First as a friend, and now as my husband. I’m glad we got there in the end.”

  “About time,” Ritchie pipes up, shooting a wink our way. He hands over the rings and we begin to recite our vows. I stumble a little; I know I’m going fast, but I’m like an excited kid at Christmas. Luce recites hers back, and she’s shaking with nerves. Her voice falters a little and my eyes widen, but she gives me a reassuring smile. When she finishes, I happily slide the ring on her finger and kiss it. It will stay there forever.

  “And by the powers vested in me, I now declare you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

  “Finally.” I grin.

  I press my lips against hers and she sighs. I want to take it further but it’s not the appropriate place, so I contain myself and pull back while I have enough self-control.

  “Mrs Miller,” I say, stroking my thumb along her cheek. She closes her eyes and sinks into my touch. “Are you ready?” I hold out my arm as she puts hers through mine. I’m the proudest man alive at this moment. We head out of church to be immediately showered in confetti as we kiss and pose for photographs. I’ve hired the best photographer, as I want to look back and remember every single moment of this day.

  Forty minutes later, we climb into the vintage Rolls Royce and head to the wedding reception. It’s an old English manor house, just like something out of the pages of a Jane Austen novel. Luce gasps when we pull up outside, her eyes alight with surprise. The gardens and the estate are just beautiful, so old English. Luce has always had that kind of charm about her, so this place ticks all the boxes.

  We’re greeted with vintage champagne while Luce sips on a glass of orange juice as we head into the reception. I pull her into me and we stand there, taking in every detail of the room. The flowers, the tables and the decorations, each keeping with the colour and theme. It’s everything she’s ever hoped for. Kara has worked hard to give her the vision she talked about.

  “Thank you,” she says between kisses.

  “Only the best for you, firecracker.” I kiss her deeply once more before leading her over to our table. I pull out her chair to sit down then join her, taking her hand before leaning in for a kiss.

  “Is this a dream, because I may never want to wake up,” she says, staring at me.

  “Oh, it’s definitely real, but I can always pinch you if you need to know.” I wink.

  “Just kiss me.”

  “I can do that.” This time, I really lose myself. To hell with those around us; this is our big day.

  “Ahem, Dray, that’s not the kind of thing your mother-in-law likes to see.”

  I chuckle against Luce’s lips, and she instantly pulls back with a heated look on her face.

  “Sorry, Liz.” I stand up and lean in to give her a kiss on the cheek. She grabs my hands and holds me there.

  “I think it’s Mum now, don’t you think?”

  Tears sting my eyes and I can only nod. I can’t speak just yet, and she knows that. She pulls me into a hug and we just stand there silently. This lady has always been there for me when my own mother could no longer be, so I can think of no worthier title.

  I move away and Gianni pulls me in for a hug. “I would never have handed her over to anyone less worthy. I’m thankful my daughter has you. I see it in your eyes, the same love I have for my Elizabeth. That kind of love lasts a lifetime.” He pats my cheek before releasing me to sit back down. Luce greets them both and plenty of hugs and kisses are shared. That’s always been their way and part of me was always envious growing up, but now they’re my family, too. And with my own little one on the way, I feel truly blessed.

  My family is complete.

  * * *

  “Can I have your attention, please!” Ritchie shouts, tapping his glass with his knife.

  Here we go.

  I’ve been dreading the Best Man’s speech, never knowing what that fucker is going to say.

  Hope he keeps it clean.

  “I’ve known Dray for over ten years now. I met him during his fighting days, when I trained at the local gym. We became friends, and we’d spar and work out together. I’ve seen him battered and broken, and I’ve watched him work his way up the ladder. He offered me a job to work alongside him, and to see what he has become today is just astounding. He became more than just my friend, my boss—he became family. I couldn’t be more proud. Sure, we had the crazy days—boys will be boys, after all—and we’ve shared a few police cells together when nights have gotten a little out of hand.”

  “Whoo, Vegas!” Charlie shouts, lifting his glass as I shake my head.

  “We’ve butted heads, even had fights, but we could never stay mad at each other for long. I’ve watched him change over the last few months, finally telling the woman he’s loved forever how he feels and watching him step up as he prepares to become a dad. He just amazes me every day. So, here’s to you my friend, my brother, and your gorgeous wife. Long may she keep you on your toes, and may you be blessed with more children to come. I cannot wait to watch your family grow. You deserve all the happiness in the world, and I’m glad to be here to witness it. To Dray and Luce.”

  “Dray and Luce,” everyone repeats, sipping on their champagne.

  I jump up and hug Ritch. “I fucking love you, too, brother,” I whisper in his ear before slapping his back. “I’m happy you gave the condensed version of all our shenanigans.”

  “Well, I’d be here all day if I gave the full version.”

  “True, glad you were a part of it. There’s no one else I’d have shared it with.”

  Both our eyes are glassy.

  Fuck.

  We step away from each other and he winks. No more words are needed. I know I can depend on this man for whatever mess I get into.

  “Dray, are you okay?” Luce asks, smiling. She loves it when I get emotional.

  “Just dust in my eyes, that’s all.”

  I quickly brush away the tear and take a huge slug of champagne.

  I need to get a grip.

  * * *

  Over the rest of the afternoon, we make our way
through each and every course. I have to admire Luce’s appetite; she can almost keep up with me, but she’s eating for two, as she always likes to remind me.

  We cut the cake, and it’s perfect. Laurie has exceeded herself, but then we never expected anything else. It’s a three-tiered lilac cake decorated with edible iced roses. Each layer is different—chocolate, vanilla and strawberry, and tiramisu. We slice through the first layer as flashes of cameras go off. We giggle as we feed each other, and of course Luce rubs it in my face. I make a mental note to get her back later once we’re alone.

  We clean up and then we’re ready for the first dance. I’m nervous because I’ve two left feet, but Luce insists we’ll keep it simple. The chords strike up to Luce’s favourite song ‘Moon River’. It’s such a beautiful, classic song, but I never expected anything else.

  “Thank you for giving me the perfect day,” she whispers while I hold her as tight against me as her bump will allow.

  “My pleasure,” I reply, kissing her softly on the lips.

  Her eyes fill up, and she giggles. “All you’ve done today is make me cry. How did you get to be so perfect?”

  “I’ve been waiting in the wings so long I know everything about you. It’s just now I get to spoil you, to show you how much I love you.”

  “Thank you for never giving up on me, even when I was too blind to see it.”

  I sigh deeply at her words. “You owned my heart, baby. I couldn’t have walked away if I tried.”

  “Then I’m glad I bewitched you, that you’re mine, and that we get to share the rest of our lives together.” She nuzzles into my neck.

  “Oh, we will. And as much as I love you in this beautiful dress, I can’t wait to strip it off you, so you’re wearing just the blue garter underneath.”

  She pulls away in surprise. “How do you know I’m wearing a garter?” she asks, blushing.

  “Because I was the one who insisted Kara buy one for you.” I quirk an eyebrow, and she giggles. “Are you ready for a night of multiple orgasms?”

  “Promise to feed me cake in-between to keep my energy levels up.”

  “That I can do,” I add with a wink.

  “Oh, and Dray? I found my old glasses.”

  A huge smile spreads over my face. We’re going to making a lot of memories tonight, recreating past and present.

  It’s going to be a night to remember.

  Chapter Thirty

  “Firecracker, I have to work. I can’t come right now, but I’ll be home soon, baby, I promise.” I end the call and sigh deeply.

  I’m knackered.

  And Luce is permanently horny.

  I can’t keep up, and I never thought I’d say that. I scowl as Ritchie laughs in the background.

  Fucker.

  “I swear she’s going to break me. She pounces on me the moment she sees me. My dick needs a holiday,” I whine.

  “God, you two couldn’t keep your hands off each other at one point, it got embarrassing. Why the hell are you complaining now?”

  “Because I’m fucking tired. Luce tosses and turns at night because she can’t get comfortable. If I go to sleep in another bed, she’ll get upset thinking I don’t want her. Ever been around a full-term hormonal pregnant woman ready to drop? I daren’t open my mouth. If I tell her I’m tired, she’ll think I don’t fancy her, so I try and please her any way I can.”

  “Shit, man, that sounds rough,” Ritch adds sympathetically.

  “I just need sleep.” I run my hands down my tired face and walk over to the sofa. Sinking down, I curl up, muttering for Ritchie to put up a ‘do not disturb’ sign.

  I wake to a commotion outside the door. Luce bustles through, looking red-faced and out of breath. It’s like twenty-three degrees out there, as we’re now in the middle of May, and she shouldn’t be out and about in this heat.

  “Dray,” she pants, dropping her handbag, stopping to prop herself against my desk as she tries to even out her breathing.

  “Firecracker, what the fuck? Are you okay? The baby?”

  “The baby is fine,” she wheezes.

  “Then are you?”

  “I’m fine. Well, I will be when I catch my breath.” She stands there as her long, deep breaths fill the room. I watch her slowly come back down before walking her over to the sofa to help ease her onto it. I lift her legs so I can massage her feet. Ritchie hands her a cold bottle of water before leaving, closing the door behind him. She takes a few long sips, looking like she really needs them.

  “Baby, why are you here?” I ask again. I knead her feet and she groans with each and every movement I make.

  “Because I can’t settle at home alone. I told you to come home. I need you, Dray. I’m scared.” I see fear there in her eyes, and it kills me to see her like this.

  “What are you scared about, baby?” I shift her nearer so she’s sitting on my lap, her face barely inches from mine.

  “She’s almost here, and what if things go wrong? What if something happens during labour? What if I’m a bad mother and don’t connect with her? What if I don’t love her like I should?” She bursts into tears, and my heart breaks for her.

  “Hey, shush. These are all just insecurities, which are natural. Our life is going to change, Luce, but for the better. The moment your eyes meet with hers, you’ll know the meaning of unconditional love. Your heart is too big not to. You’re ready for this. We’re ready for this. I’ll be with you all the way.”

  “You promise?” she asks between sniffs as I cuddle her some more.

  “Baby, I’m here every step of the way.” I kiss her forehead as she nuzzles her face into my chest while I rub her back

  “Ow.” She jolts in my arms.

  “What’s wrong?” I ask in alarm.

  My nerves are shot.

  “The baby is kicking. She always does when she hears your voice. She’s going to be a daddy’s girl before she’s even out of the womb.”

  “That’s my girl.” My hand smooths over her bump as she kicks again. Luce must be bruised by now. She might be a footballer yet. I’ll just keep that thought to myself.

  I manoeuvre myself so I’m sitting on the floor with my mouth right by her bump. “Hey, my beautiful angel, this is your daddy. Are you going to come and meet us soon? We can’t wait to see you, we love you so much. There will never be another baby more loved than you, angel. You’ve stolen my heart. You and your mummy own me completely.”

  “Dray.” Luce sobs, and I chuckle.

  “Sorry, too much?”

  “Stop being so perfect, my emotions are shot already.”

  “Just telling you how it is, firecracker. My life is going to be perfect with both my girls.”

  She sighs and closes her eyes, and I see a mixture of contentment on her face as she falls asleep.

  * * *

  “Dray,” Luce moans down the phone. “Come home.”

  “Firecracker, what’s wrong?” Ritch took her home just over two hours ago. I’ve been trying to work my way through everything so I’m good when the baby comes.

  “I need you,” she groans.

  “Baby, I’ll be home soon.” I don’t think I have the strength to go another afternoon. I never thought I’d see the day that I’d be turning down sex, but fuck me, I’m spent.

  “Get home now, Dray!” she screams.

  Fucking hell.

  “Firecrack—

  “My waters have broken, the baby is coming.” She lets out an agonized groan.

  “Fuck, baby. I’m on my way. Don’t fucking move. I’ll be ten minutes.”

  “It takes longer than that, don’t you dare fucking speed. I want you alive for this birth.”

  “Baby—”

  “Quit yapping, Dray, and just leave.”

  “I’m on my way. Stay calm, baby.”

  “Stay fucking calm—” She moans again.

  I need to shut the hell up and leave already. “I’m hanging up. I’ll be home soon.” I disconnect and clutch the desk, tryi
ng to take in this moment. “Ritchie!” I yell.

  “What the fuck, man, is there a fire?” he growls, bounding in.

  “Luce’s waters have broken.”

  “Fuck.” He stops dead and we both just stare at each other.

  “She’s coming, my angel is coming. Fuck, Ritch, what if—”

  “Everything’s going to be fine. Just go, she’s bound to be scared. She needs you. I’ll ring later for an update. This is it, you’re finally going to be a daddy.”

  I stare at him like some dumb fuck.

  Daddy?

  Wow.

  “Dray.”

  “I’m going, I’m going.” I grab my keys and Ritch gives me a quick slap on the arm before I race out the door.

  “Dray, can you sign off on—”

  “Not now, Amanda, Luce’s waters have broken. Ritch is acting manager now.”

  “Oh, my God, Dray. Congratulations! Keep us updated.”

  “Will do!” I yell, hurtling out the door, barely drawing breath.

  Our angel is finally on the way.

  * * *

  “Breathe, Luce, just breathe.”

  “I’m fucking breathing, Dray, you don’t have to tell me!”

  I’ve had this for the last ten hours. You think it’s going to be over so fast and then reality hits. Luce turned down the epidural, and I think she’s regretting it now. But I’m staying silent about that. She’s fully dilated and is exhausted. She’s squeezed the life out of my hand for the last hour, but we’re only moments away from the finishing line.

  “You can do this, Luce.”

  “One more push and the baby’s head will be out,” Laura, the midwife, says while smiling.