“Bull, whether you knew it or not, you’ve been my brother from the second I met you in the desert. I couldn’t love you more even if you and I shared the same blood,” Brianna replied as she hugged him back.
“This is all very touching and beautiful,” Shadow interjected. “But need I remind you people—We. Are. At. Disney. World. Move it.”
“He’s so bossy,” Brianna teased.
“Fine. Let’s check in, drop our bags off in the rooms, and meet back down in the lobby in thirty minutes,” Noah decided.
“Sounds good to me,” Liz replied. “I’m ready to have some fun. Can I go to the bachelor party tonight?”
“No,” several voices replied in unison.
“Liz, I need you to help me tonight,” Chaise explained. “With my bachelorette party.”
“You got it, sweet girl.” Liz patted her cheek. “It’ll be a night you never forget.”
They checked in and had the luggage delivered to the rooms, then met in the lobby to make plans for the rest of the day.
“What do you want to do today, Chaise?” Bull asked.
“Actually, I need Brianna and Liz to come with me today to finish up some last-minute wedding shopping. Brianna’s sisters will be here later this evening, but it’ll be too late by then. Why don’t you guys go have fun in the parks, enjoy your bachelor party, and I’ll see you back in the room tonight?”
“Will I enjoy this last-minute shopping in our room tonight?” Bull asked seductively.
Chaise laughed. “You never know what I’ll find, Colton.”
“Sounds good. You ladies be careful and call me every five minutes or so to let me know you’re still okay,” Bull joked.
“I’m taking custody of Chaise today,” Brianna replied. “Don’t make me hide her phone so we can spend quality sister-time together.”
Once they were separated from the men, Brianna turned to Chaise. “So, wedding dress, veil, bridesmaids dresses, shoes. Pick out the cake and check on the flowers. What am I missing?”
“Matching shirts and Minnie Mouse ears for my bachelorette outing tonight,” Chaise laughed. “This is all so exciting.”
“I can’t wait to see you in your dress,” Brianna exclaimed. “You’ll be the most gorgeous bride ever.”
“Let’s go, ladies,” Liz urged. “Sounds like we have a lot to do.”
“Brianna,” a voice called from across the room. “Oh my gosh, look at you. You’re glowing.”
When she found the owner of the voice, her eyes grew big and her jaw dropped open. “Missy!”
Missy, Jessie, and Ashley rushed up to Brianna to hug her and rub her pregnant belly. “You look absolutely beautiful,” Jessie gushed.
“Liz, these are my sisters.” Brianna made quick introductions all around and turned back to her sisters. “What are you three doing here already? I thought you couldn’t come until later tonight?”
“Change of plans. Chaise only gets married once, and we don’t get to see our sister enough as it is,” Missy replied. “So we came down early and we’re here to help.”
The ladies spent the rest of the day finalizing all the wedding plans and buying matching tank tops for their evening out. Chaise’s tank top was white with “Bride” printed across the front. Brianna and her sisters’ tank tops were black with “Bridesmaids.”
“Time for your bachelorette party. Though it may not be as fun as it could have been.” She patted her stomach. “This kind of limits what I’m able to do.”
“I don’t need a drunken party, Bri. That’s not really my thing anyway. Spending time laughing and being silly with you ladies is plenty enough for me,” Chaise replied.
“Let’s go then,” Missy chimed in. “Everyone have their mouse ears on?”
“I’ve got mine,” Liz replied. “And my tank top.”
The ladies burst out into laughter when they saw the tank top Liz wore. “You’re our ‘Chaperone’ tonight?” Chaise asked.
“That’s right. I’m the only one trustworthy enough to be in charge of all you girls,” Liz replied. “Let’s get this show on the road.”
“I may have planned our night out, just a little,” Jessie admitted. “First stop is dinner reservations, to feed my niece. Then, we’re going to the Cirque du Soleil show. The tickets are my treat.”
“That’s so thoughtful of you, but you didn’t have to do that,” Chaise replied.
“I just thought it would be easier on Brianna. She’s almost seven months pregnant now, she can’t drink, and I thought being on her feet for a long time would be too hard on her,” Jessie shrugged. “This way, we can all enjoy it.”
Brianna hugged her. “You always think of everyone else first. Thank you, Jessie.”
As they walked through the park toward the restaurant, the sight of them in matching bridal party tank tops and mouse ears turned many heads. They laughed, talked, and enjoyed their time together. Chaise’s thoughts frequently turned to Bull and what he was doing for his bachelor party. When they entered the restaurant, her questions were quickly answered.
“Bull?” Chaise asked and was unable to hold back her laughter.
He shook his head from side to side, his lips drew into a thin line, and he crossed his arms over his chest. “Bastards.”
Bull stood in the reservations-only restaurant wearing a bright pink tutu over his shorts, a neon green feather boa around his neck, a top hat with “Groom” written on it, and a genuine ball and chain attached to his ankle.
“Did you lose a bet?” Chaise asked.
“No,” he replied curtly. “Not exactly.”
“You took a dare,” Brianna guessed, and Bull quickly looked away. “Oh my God! You did!”
“That’s even worse than losing a bet,” Liz stated. “Although I do have to admit you look very handsome in hot pink and lime green.”
“Fucking bastards,” he muttered under his breath.
“Would you ladies care to join us for dinner? We can ask for our tables to be put together,” Noah suggested.
“I’d love that,” Brianna replied.
“What else do you boys have planned for tonight?” Liz asked.
“We mysteriously had dinner reservations made for us and tickets to a show delivered to us,” Rebel replied. “Know anything about that?”
“I think Jessie knows something about it,” Liz replied with a laugh.
“I’m sorry.” She smiled, showing she wasn’t really sorry at all. “Missy, Ashley, and I just don’t get to spend enough time with all of you. I didn’t want to be separated for our one night of fun.”
“It’s all good with me,” Noah replied. “We’ve never been conventional anyway. Why should our bachelor and bachelorette parties be?”
“Your tables are ready,” the hostess said. “Follow me.”
“Come on, babe.” Bull smiled at Chaise. “You can sit by me.”
When she wrapped her arm in Bull’s, multiple cell phones emerged at once to snap pictures of them together—Chaise in her “Bride” tank top and wearing ears on her head, and Bull in his “Groom” top hat, neon green feather boa, pink tutu, and carrying his ball and chain.
“Blackmail insurance for later,” Shadow said and snapped a few more pictures.
19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Bull walked the streets of the Venice-themed area alone, wearing his white tuxedo, silver vest, and white and silver mingled tie. The day he’d previously never believed would come was actually happening. That very morning, he realized he’d never been happier in his life. The woman he’d never dared to hope for was about to become his wife. Their lifelong commitment had started well before that day, but there was a difference in the air of his wedding day.
“Colt?” a voice called to him.
His head jerked toward the voice and his eyes grew wide. “Mom? Dad?” He rushed to meet them halfway and pulled them into a warm embrace. “I thought you were traveling. What are you doing here?”
“I’d never miss m
y only son’s wedding,” his mother, Michelle, replied. “You know me better than that. Besides, it’s Christmas week. What better present could you give me than a daughter-in-law?”
“I’m glad you’re here, Mom.”
“Looking good, son,” John said. “Are you nervous?”
“Not at all,” Bull replied. “I’m ready to get that ring on her finger before she comes to her senses.”
“Chaise loves you, Colt,” Michelle replied. “Anyone can see that.”
“It’s about time to take our places,” John said as he looked at his watch.
“I’m ready,” Bull replied.
He approached the plaza and noticed the hordes of people standing to the side, watching the small group congregate for the wedding. His parents walked down the white carpet that lined the aisle and took their seats. Brianna’s parents, Evan and Diana, arrived next. Liz and Ashley approached and took their seats.
“Any second thoughts?” Noah asked from behind him.
“Not a one,” Bull replied. “You have any second thoughts on being my best man?”
“Nope,” Noah replied. “I’m honored to be your best man.”
“I know Chaise wishes your dad were here to walk her down the aisle. I do too, truthfully.”
“Yeah, we all do, including Mom and Dad. But we’ve got it covered,” Noah replied.
Bull nodded. “Rebel okay with it?”
“You know Rebel,” Noah replied and left it at that.
The music started, and that was his cue to take his place at the altar and wait for his bride’s arrival. He turned to look Noah in the eye before they walked out together. “You’re the best friend I could ever ask for. I promise to be the best brother-in-law you could ever ask for.”
“You’re already the best brother I could ask for, Bull,” Noah replied sincerely.
Bull nodded once and turned to walk out of the cover of the buildings and onto the elevated plaza to declare his lifelong love in front of everyone. Family, friends, and strangers would be watching intently when he pledged himself to one woman for all of eternity. They’d listen to his vows and watch him kiss his bride. They’d all know the moment that he and Chaise became one.
And he was more than proud to let them witness this public display of affection.
He walked toward the minister to take his place. Noah, Rebel, and Shadow walked to the staging area where they’d meet the bridal party and escort them down the aisle. Noah’s smile grew when he saw Brianna in her bridesmaid gown, an elegant, knee-length rendition of Belle’s dress from Beauty and the Beast.
“You look very handsome,” Brianna complimented him.
“Babe, you look gorgeous in that dress,” Noah replied. “I’ll be your beast later tonight.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, can I get you to line up with your partner right here, please?” the wedding planner asked. “We’re starting the bridesmaid procession now.”
Jessie and Shadow lined up first, followed by Missy and Rebel, and finally Brianna and Noah. The ladies each held a ribbon-tied bunch of calla lilies that matched the color of their dress.
“Wait until you see your sister,” Brianna whispered. “She’s the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen.”
“I’m sure she’s gorgeous, but I guarantee you were still the most beautiful bride,” Noah replied.
“Good reply,” she giggled. “You’re learning.”
“I’m serious,” he insisted. When they reached the end of the aisle, Noah leaned over and kissed his wife before they separated.
The bridal march started and everyone waited with bated breath to see Chaise. Especially Bull. He’d watched each of the bridesmaids approach, and he appreciated how they were all beautiful in their own way, but there was only one woman he had eyes for. He held his breath when Brianna took her place and waited for Chaise to make her grand appearance.
The clip-clop of horse’s hooves hitting the pavement echoed around the plaza. Heads turned and people watched in amazement as the white pumpkin-shaped carriage stopped at the end of the aisle. A large, intimidating man stepped in front of the carriage door and assisted Chaise as she stepped out of it. Bull craned his neck, trying to see around the man to catch a glimpse of Chaise.
When she stepped into his direct line of sight, he lost his ability to breathe entirely. Her beauty stole his breath, and he couldn’t tear his eyes from her. Her ball gown was strapless and formfitting at the top. The bottom was full and the sheer tulle that covered it was sprinkled with glistening sequins and glitter. Her long, dark hair was styled in an updo, revealing her long, graceful neck.
The smile on her face was solely for him.
The man who helped her out of the carriage turned to face Bull, and Chaise wrapped her arm around his. Bull’s head jerked toward Noah, but his eyes didn’t leave Chaise. “Reap?”
He heard Reaper chuckle. “That’s Silas.”
“Your brother?”
“The same.”
“What are they holding?”
“My parents,” Noah replied.
“What?”
When Chaise and Silas got closer, Bull realized what Noah meant. With their arms intertwined, they each held an iPad. Silas held the one that had Steve on FaceTime and Chaise held the one that had Sara. Her plan effectively brought her parents to her wedding. Her father virtually escorted her down the aisle and her mother was also able to be part of their big day.
Chaise handed her iPad off to Liz as she passed so that Sara could continue to watch the event. Everything was going perfectly with her plan. Her brother Silas stood for her father and gave her away in marriage. She’d had to convince him to give her away to a man he’d never met, never approved of, but who’d earned their brother’s love and respect over the years.
When they neared the altar, Silas stopped just short of reaching Bull and thoroughly regarded him. The minister seemed to understand Silas’s intent and cleared his throat. “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”
Steve spoke up, his voice loud and sure. “Her mother, her brothers, and I do. We welcome Colton into our family.”
Silas remained as motionless as a statue, staring at Bull and obviously considering his options. The few people in attendance, along with everyone who had stopped to watch the ceremony, laughed when Chaise blatantly elbowed Silas in the ribs and made him move. Even Silas, with his naturally unreadable face, smiled and lightly shook his head from side to side.
“You sure about this, baby girl?” Silas whispered, using his nickname for her. “I can still get you out of here.”
“Not a chance, big brother,” Chaise whispered back. “One more step.”
Silas held Chaise’s hand in his and took a deep breath before speaking. “You are a beautiful bride, baby girl. I’m so proud to be here with you today, standing in for Dad to help give you away. My wish for you is simple—for you to have all the love and happiness in the world.”
Chaise watched with tears glistening in her eyes as Silas placed her hand in Bull’s. Only because she knew him so well did she recognize the pain in his eyes. She gave him a small smile, lifted up on her toes, and kissed his cheek. “I love you, Silas.”
Silas looked at Bull. “Take care of my baby sister.”
“Every day of my life,” Bull replied.
Silas gave a quick nod to his brother as an informal “hello” before he moved to take his seat. When he stepped away, the happy couple turned to face the minister. He was an older man with short, salt-and-pepper hair, kind eyes, and a peaceful demeanor. He smiled at Bull and Chaise and began his prepared speech.
“Dear family and friends, on behalf of Colton and Chaise, welcome to their wedding ceremony. We are here today to encourage, support, and celebrate the lifelong commitment these two will pledge before God. Their love is the reason we are here, and it is by that love that they promise to hold fast to one another, regardless of what circumstances life presents tomorrow.
“Colton and Chaise have not ent
ered into this covenant lightly. After talking with them separately earlier today, I’ve learned that they’re both very loyal, they both have a high degree of respect for the other, and they have the love and support of their family and friends. Those are all the ingredients for a very healthy start.
“Colton and Chaise, after forty-five years of marriage, I like to think I’m qualified to give marital advice.” He paused for an impactful smile. The guests and onlookers laughed and nodded in agreement. “These five tenets, if you both abide by them, will help make a happy home. Winning an argument isn’t worth losing your love. The strongest person is the one who can bend the most. No one is always right, especially you. Forgive and forget, you don’t live in the past. Your spouse always comes first.
“Please face each other and hold hands,” he instructed. “Colton and Chaise have each written their own vows and would now like to share them with you. Colton, you may begin.”
Bull raised Chaise’s hands to his mouth and kissed the back of each one. “Chaise, you changed my life for the better the first day I met you. Every day since then, you’ve shown me the meaning of unconditional love. You’ve filled my home with the best memories with your smile. You’ve filled my heart with pride because I call you mine.
“I promise to make you fall in love with me every day. My heart, mind, and body are yours and yours alone. As long as I live, I promise to love, honor, protect, and cherish you. The only tears I’ll ever cause you will be tears of joy, happiness, and laughter. You’ll never question your place in my life, because it’ll always be first.”
Chaise carefully wiped the tears from her eyes and smiled lovingly at Bull. She knew how hard it must have been for him to say just those few words in front of the growing crowd that had gathered for their wedding. But, as he’d proven so many times before, he honored his commitment and came through for her.
“Chaise, you may begin your vows,” the minister prompted.
“Colton, there are no words to describe how happy you make me. I’ve never felt more loved and protected than when I’m with you. You freely give me your strength, your love, and your trust, holding nothing back. You are my hero, my inspiration, and my love.
Wicked Nights Page 19
