Rebellious: A Best Friends-To-Lovers Romance

by Kristy Marie

  I take a step, just as the music starts, nearly tugging my father beside me. After what feels like a million years, we make it to the preacher, my brother and Drew next to Bennett, and Vee on my side. She’s already crying when I hand her the bouquet.

  “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The preacher’s voice rings out over the crowd, only to be met with silence.

  I nudge Dad in the ribs, his only reaction is a clenched jaw and a silent glare aimed at Bennett.

  “I promise,” Bennett starts, his eyes locked on my father, “I won’t let you down, sir.”

  This isn’t going well. “D—”

  Avoiding my second elbow, my father tips his chin at Bennett and stands tall, his voice full of conviction when he declares, “Her mother and I do.”

  The Family Rule

  Girls will always rule

  Theo

  Five years later…

  “Best two out of three.”

  Cade side-eyes me with a smug look. “No. I won. I’m not playing over and over until you finally win.”

  “But you didn’t win.” I scoff. “You whined about how this game was childish, and you were driving.”

  He nods. “Right. And when you called me a pussy, I reluctantly played.” His jaw twitches as a dumbass grin emerges. “And won—fair and square.”

  I swear if he weren’t driving, I would punch him. “Jameson, all I’m hearing are excuses. Be a man and accept my challenge.”

  I know he’ll cave. He always does.

  Sighing, he catches my gaze. “This is the last time. If I win, it’s over.”

  I lift one shoulder. “Understood.”

  Which is a lie. If I lose again, I’ll nag him for another ten miles until he breaks.

  Nodding, Cade rests his Hulk-sized hand on the steering wheel, waiting for me to start the chant.

  He’s such a sucker.

  Rubbing my hands together, I sit up straight and bring my other hand under my fist for a base. “Rock—” We both bang our fists down. “Paper—” Slaps sound in the small space of the car. “—scissors, shoot.” On “shoot” we both reveal our weapon. Cade’s hand is flat—a universal sign for paper—and mine is my index and middle finger split apart for the sign for scissors. “Scissors beat paper,” I boast. “Now we’re tied.”

  “You’re such a sore loser,” he notes. “We were only supposed to have one round.”

  I arch my brows. “Then you shouldn’t have agreed to the best two out of three.”

  He’ll never learn. “Last round, winner takes all.”

  Just as I ready my hands, the phone rings, coming through the car’s Bluetooth.

  “Breck?” Cade says it almost like he’s surprised his wife is calling again, for the tenth time in the past hour. “Is she okay?”

  I swallow, the earlier high of kicking Jameson’s ass fading with Breck’s tone. “She’s asking for both of you.”

  My heart slams into my chest as Cade punches the gas without another word, sending us racing to the hospital, our game easily forgotten.

  Fifteen minutes later, we pull in and I’ve already removed my seatbelt. “Park in the emergency spot.”

  Cade ignores me, mumbling, “This isn’t an emergency.”

  “Jameson!” I swear. “I will jump out of this car.”

  Gripping the steering wheel, Cade’s knuckles turn white before he growls out a, “Fine. Fuck it.”

  I nod quickly in agreement. Any other time, I would have congratulated Jameson for not being a vagina, but right now, I have other things on my mind.

  Whipping into the emergency spot, Cade and I both jump out and sprint for the door. We’d been practicing our time to get to the third floor for the past two months, but nothing, not even practice, could have prepared us for the crowded waiting room when we exited the stairwell.

  “Congratulations,” Hayes says, stepping up to pat me on the back.

  I nod, absently looking at a waiting room, more than likely, over capacity.

  “Did you guys decide who got to hold him or her first?” Tim asks. Vee’s next to him with a goofy grin on her face.

  I shake my head, dazed when Cade speaks up. “We have one more round.”

  I swallow and Cade claps me on the shoulder. “You ready to see the newest Jameson, Grandpa?”

  He loves to throw that Jameson shit in my face. I tried to tell Aspen she didn’t need to take Bennett’s last name, but she started babbling about contracts and shit. Like her mother, she’s too sentimental for her own good. “Don’t call me that,” I snap at Cade, my shock clearing. “You are Grandpa, not me. I’m G-daddy, the cool one.”

  Cade shakes his head, a slight snicker rumbling between us.

  “Theo! Cade!” Breck steps out into the hall, the biggest smile I’ve ever seen on her face. “Come on!”

  I hesitate and look at Cade.

  “You ready?” he asks.

  For a moment, I just stand there.

  I never thought this would be my life.

  If you would have told me that the man who I once hated, would be, not only my neighbor, but my best friend, and who I would eventually share a grandchild with, I would have stabbed you. Cade was a transient; he wasn’t supposed to stay in our lives. He wasn’t supposed to make us love him. He wasn’t supposed to have a son that loved my daughter more than life itself. I wasn’t supposed to love his sons like my own. I wasn’t supposed to enjoy his company or spend the holidays with him and his wife. No, none of this was supposed to happen, and yet, I wouldn’t change a thing.

  “Theo?” He squeezes my shoulder. “You all right?”

  I narrow my eyes, shaking off the emotions. “Of course, Jameson. I’m not a sap like you.”

  “Guys!” Breck interrupts. “Come on.”

  “Your wife is excited,” I note.

  He nods. “Yeah.” He confirms, meeting my gaze. “We had a baby, Von Bremen.”

  This fucker. I shake my head, a traitorous smile tugging at my lips. “Fuck yeah, we did. Come on.”

  We close the space between us and Breck with a few long strides. “Here,” Breck says, holding up a bottle of hand sanitizer. Cade and I both put our hands out, used to this from when our own kids were born. When the waterless gel is dry, Breck flashes us a look of pure joy before she pushes open the door, revealing my wife with tears in her eyes. “Teddy,” she sobs. I pull her to my chest, holding her tight until she quiets.

  “Have you been sobbing this whole time?” I ask, when the sniffling subsides.

  Anniston pulls back and wipes her eyes with the back of her hand. “Not the entire time.”

  I cut her a look. She can’t fool me. I know she’s been a wreck. “We got here as fast as we could,” I apologize. “Cade drove like a grandpa.” I wink.

  We were at the lake, an hour away, for our annual fishing trip when Anniston called, relaying that Aspen was in labor, three weeks early. It was the longest hour of my life.

  “Your daughter’s been waiting for you,” is what she answers with.

  I feel the back of my eyes stinging. It’s been years since my daughter has needed me. Which, I suppose, is good for Bennett’s health, but still. It’s nice to know she asked for me.

  Pushing through a hanging curtain, I get my first look at my little girl under a mound of blankets in a hospital bed. Her face is void of any makeup, her hair braided down her shoulder. She looks exhausted and gorgeous.

  I rush to her side, ignoring Bennett on the other side of the bed. “Hey, princess.” I sigh. Taking her hand, I kiss the top.

  “Hi, Daddy. Would you like to meet your granddaughter?”

  I nod and Bennett stands, walking around the bed with a tiny bundle tucked into his arms. His steps lack the grace of an NFL quarterback. Instead, he seems awkward and tense—exactly how I was when Anniston had Aspen.

  “It’s a girl,” I muse as Cade comes over, kissing Aspen on the forehead, and sitting next to me.

  He looks at Bennett, who hangs ont
o his daughter, not allowing us to see her. “Congratulations, son,” he says.

  Bennett swallows, looking at us and then to the little girl in his arms. “I’m scared, sir.”

  I laugh. “You should be.” I look at the little girl who already holds a piece of my heart. “No time with her will ever be enough.”

  Aspen reaches out and places her hand over mine.

  “What if I can’t protect them both?” Bennett worries.

  I glance sideways at my daughter. This question is simple. “She’s a Von Bremen,” I state proudly. “More than likely, she’ll protect herself. But just in case, I know two old men and a waiting room full of Marines that will be happy to help.”

  I knock into Cade’s shoulder. “We’ll call it a tie,” I tell him.

  He nods and I look up at Bennett. “Now, give us the baby.”

  Bennett glances at Aspen, his eyes wide.

  This is a fear I know, kid. This fear will make you a wonderful father.

  “Hand her to them,” Aspen encourages, sitting up.

  Slowly, Bennett takes the remaining steps and lowers the little girl, swaddled in pink blankets, into my arms.

  Supporting her neck, I hold her up between me and Cade. His fingers trace along her face. “She’s beautiful,” he mumbles.

  “Agreed.” I nod.

  Aspen smiles. “Her name is Isla.”

  I swallow, staring at the amazing creation in my hands. “Hi, Isla. Welcome to the family.”

  Did you love broody Bennett and sassy Aspen? Want to learn more about their family? Start at the beginning, and check out their parents’ story in Pitcher, a 99 cent novella!

  Want more of Fenn and Drew? Their stories are coming next! Click here and subscribe to my VIP listing to be notified of their release dates.

  Love Rebellious? Want to read more from me? All of my books are standalone and are free in Kindle Unlimited.

  OTHER BOOKS BY KRISTY MARIE:

  21 Rumors Series

  A Romantic Comedy Series- All novels are standalone and feature different couples with crossover characters

  IOU

  Subscriber Wars

  The Commander Legacies Series

  A Second Generation Contemporary Series- All novels are standalone and feature different couples with crossover characters

  Rebellious

  Commander in Briefs Series

  A Contemporary Series- All novels are standalone and feature different couples with crossover characters

  Pitcher

  Commander

  Gorgeous

  Drifter

  Interpreter

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  It’s always a privilege to write to those who read my stories. I don’t take for granted that you have plenty of options to spend your hard-earned money on. My goal is to forever give you a story you can fall in love with.

  Aspen and Bennett had been speaking to me since last year when I wrote IOU. I hadn’t written an angsty story in over a year. I wasn’t even sure I could do it, but I waited until the last minute—like usual—and put my fingers to the keyboard, letting the words flow. And boy did they ever. Telling Aspen and Bennett’s story felt like coming home in a way. I started with this family that began my writing career and it came full fucking circle in the best way.

  If you loved Aspen and Bennett as much as I did, and feel like writing a review while you wait in the never-ending car line, I would be so dang appreciative. Reviews mean the world to me—even the ones with three words.

  Now, in no particular order, these are the real superstars that made this book happen.

  Jaime, I feel like since you’re editing this, I should make it short and sweet. But I feel like I should document, somewhere, how incredibly talented you are. Thank you for being you. I’m not going to list all the things I’m appreciative of because someone might read this and friend request you and make me jealous. You’re my boo, and nothing, not even a man, will steal you away from me. My cray-cray speaks to your cray-cray. Also, please hurry and visit, we have a pool to float in and ballgames to watch. Me love you long time.

  Rebecca, you brave, brave soul. I’m impressed I didn’t scare you off with the last edit. Thank you for being in my corner, and reading and correcting all my words.

  Sarah P. I feel like I say the same shit to you over and over, but your awesomeness is worth repeating. You are the WOMAN! Thanks for sending me inspiration and making this bomb-ass Pinterest board I never knew I needed. You are my hero! Muah!

  Sarah S. What a year, huh? I was hoping we could say we jumped off the Hot Mess Express and had a latte, but we didn’t. We tooted that damn horn as we rode through every shitshow thrown our way, but we looked amazing—thanks to you—and that’s all that matters. Thank you for all the excitement over Aspen and Bennett and branding the shit out of their story with all your stunning graphics. I heart you!

  Jelly, aka Jessica, I’m still not sure which one I am. I went with peanut butter last time, so this time, I’m keeping our relationship spicy and going with jelly. Words can’t describe how much I love you. Thank you for being there for me ALL THE DAMN TIME even when I’m a crazy damn mess. You are strong and resilient woman, and I’m so proud to say I’m stuck to you.

  Autumn, I tried to think of something super clever and funny. But honestly, I just want to give you a big fat hug. Thank you for being my shoulder to cry on and taking care of everything I ignore on a daily basis. I can’t go into detail about all the things you did for me this past year, but you know, and I hope you know how much it means to me. I hope you also know that I will come to that beach house of yours and chain myself to a chair if you ever try to leave me. Yeah, I’m that crazy.

  To my betas, Thank you for rolling with crazy and tight deadlines. I think I’m past the point of lying and promising to be timely. All I can say is thank you and ask what you want for Christmas. Clearly, I owe you for all the awesomeness you exude.

  A special thanks to Ri, Keri, and Melody. You know what you did. Don’t think you’re ever leaving me. I’m a lifetime lover.

  Laura, my hot grandma friend, thank you for loving my characters as much as I do. I can honestly say, we love you more!

  Letitia, of RBA designs! I know you could have literally slit my throat on this cover. Who knew how hard it would be picking fonts and backgrounds? Right. You did. Thank you for cussing me in private and still answering my messages. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me until you hit the block button.

  Stacey, of Champagne Formats, I keep thinking one day you’ll ignore my emails, but you never do. Thank you for always bringing my words to life with your creativity. One day, I will hug you.

  To the most remarkable reader group ever established: Kristy’s Commanders. You guys inspire me every day and keep me motivated to always give you the best storylines I can dream up. YOU. ARE. THE. REAL. DEAL.

  And last, but certainly not least, to you, who’s reading this page. You are the reason I do this. Thank you for reading my words and purchasing this book. I owe you everything.

 

 

 
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