“I’m here, baby. You just opened up my heart so fucking much. I can’t wait to marry you.”
My heart beat crazy wild, and the next four hours were going to tick by in slow motion.
Chapter 17
Kade
Kody, Kross, Kelton, and I held hands as we stood around Karen’s memorial in a silent prayer. Forty-five minutes and counting until I married the woman of my dreams. A faint hum of music echoed from across the lake, where guests were arriving and ushers were seating them. The sun was almost high in the sky as it edged the top of the tree line that spanned the glassy lake.
My heart rammed so hard against my chest for so many reasons. I felt as though this day was my defining moment. My family and I had struggled since my sister’s death. My mom had been in a mental health facility. Kody had lost his high school sweetheart to a motorcycle accident. Then he ended up almost dying himself from a brutal beating by my high school enemy, Greg Sullivan. I’d done a stint in jail when Kross and Kody took revenge on Sullivan. Then Lacey had been kidnapped and almost stabbed to death by some thug her estranged, fucked-up grandfather had hired, all to find the missing coordinates to buried money.
Despite all the bad in our lives, the last few years had slowly turned around with Mom coming home to live for good. Kelton had found the love of his life. Kross had not only found the girl he’d had feelings for since high school but had also learned he had a beautiful daughter, Raven. She certainly had been an eye-opener for all of us, and I couldn’t imagine our family without her. Then Kody. Man, I hadn’t thought my brother would get over the past. He’d mourned for his girl, Mandy, for so long until he’d met Jessie Ryan over a year ago.
I squeezed Kody’s and Kross’s hands. “Life would be complete if Karen were here.”
“I miss her so fucking much,” Kelton said, who stood on the other side of Kross.
“She would be how old now?” Kross asked.
Kody let go of me and wiped a tear away. “Twenty.”
Our sister would have been beautiful and vibrant, and all of us would have probably grilled or killed the boy who stole her heart. “Let’s recite her words,” I said.
Karen had had a thing for hearts, and each one of us had her words memorized.
I began. “A beating heart is the mystery behind a person.”
My brothers joined in.
“When people hurt, their hearts hurt,” we said. “When they love, their hearts love, and when they cry, their hearts cry too. The heart knows everything.”
We each took in an audible breath.
“Amen,” we said in unison.
I checked my watch. Thirty-five minutes, and I would be a married man.
Kody fixed the cuff of his shirt beneath his tux. “Kade?”
I rubbed my hand over the initials KM etched on the rock. “Yeah, man.”
“Thank you for being the big brother. Thank you for making sure I didn’t go nuts all these years,” Kody said.
Kross gripped my shoulder briefly. “You’ve always been there for us.”
Kelton blinked rapidly as if trying to stave off tears. “I second all that. Our lives are changing. I can’t say that I’m not a little freaked out by what the future holds because I am. I don’t want us going our separate ways. I want us to stay together, to have our brothers-only nights, to hang out on the lake like we did as teenagers.”
Well, fuck.
Kelton was about to make me emotional. “Listen. We’re getting older. We’re building our families. But don’t think for a minute that we’re not together.” I touched my heart. “We’re in here. We’ll have houses on the lake.” I waved my hand around at all the land my parents had purchased. “This is our home. It will always be, from here on out.”
Kody tucked a hand in his pants pocket. “I’m not moving anywhere. Ashford is where I’ll stay. Mom and Dad aren’t going anywhere, either.”
Kross grabbed his bow tie on his tux, his blue eyes cloudy. “I’m not boxing forever. I have two kids now and want a ton more. I want them to grow up here. I want them to have the best life I can give them. So I’ve decided to open up a training facility in Ashford in the next couple of years.”
Kelton, Kody, and I reared back. That was news, great news.
“I’ll help you in any way I can.” I had my job at the Cave, but I had long-term plans to do more like restore old cars. In the meantime, if Lacey did sign with a baseball team, then I would follow her, but Ashford was home.
Kelton gave us one of his famous cocky smirks. “Maybe I can open up a law office in town. Lizzie is dying to get married and have kids.”
Kelton was studying criminal law. So I wasn’t sure that a small town like Ashford would have many clients since our crime rate was rather low. Nevertheless, my heart burst wide open.
The four of us turned and glanced out over the lake. In the distance, people sat waiting for the ceremony to begin, while others stood around chatting.
“We should get back.” I didn’t want the moment to end, but I also didn’t want to miss my wedding.
Kody and Kelton started ahead of Kross and me.
“Kade, how’s your head?” Kross asked. “Any headaches as of late?”
Kody and Kelton each tossed a look over his shoulder but kept walking, although at a slower pace.
“I haven’t had any migraines since before the operation. In fact, I’ve gotten a clean bill of health from Dr. Thompson.” After the surgery, I’d spent more time sleeping and trying to get over how tired I’d felt more than anything.
My brothers released a sigh of relief as we wound our way through the tree-laden path around the lake. When we emerged into the open space of where the guests were tittering and chatting and music was playing, my brothers scattered.
I did one sweep of the backyard, which had been transformed into a palace of flowers, tents, and tables, reminding me of an event designed for a king and queen. I grinned. Lacey was my queen, goddess, lover, best friend, soon-to-be wife, the mother of my future children, and the only woman who could make my heart flutter, race, and stop all at the same time.
I was hoping to get a glimpse of my bride. Instead, I spotted Hunt talking to my dad at the spot where Lacey and I would say I do.
I strutted up to Hunt and my dad. As I did, I passed relatives and friends, who waved and smiled. I wanted to stop and talk to my cousins, whom I hadn’t seen in years, but I would have plenty of time to talk with them later. Right now, I had to try and quiet my pulse and make sure Hunt had the wedding bands.
Hunt flicked his chin at me. His usually wild mess of blond hair didn’t move today, thanks in part to lots of gel. It was rather unusual to see him all decked out in a tux rather than his casual dress of jeans and a company-logo golf shirt that he wore on his job at the security firm.
I stepped up on the small wooden platform. “Hey, Dad. Are you ready?” My dad was marrying us.
We were Catholic, but Lacey wasn’t, and I wasn’t that much of a devout Catholic. So we had decided to keep things simple. Kross had asked Kelton, Kody, and me to marry him and Ruby. So I didn’t want to break the chain, so to speak. I’d thought about my brothers marrying us, but Lacey wanted them as groomsmen. My mom wanted that too. She’d also hoped we would at least get married in the church, but Lacey and I had agreed that wasn’t our choice. So I’d asked my dad to marry us. That request had made my mom so much happier. Besides, my dad had been and still was my hero. I couldn’t see anyone else joining Lacey and me in marriage.
He swept his copper gaze over me with a grin the size of the moon. “I’ve been ready for this day, son, since you were born.”
I inclined my head at my dad, who looked rather debonair in his black tux, with his styled graying hair and clean-shaven face.
“I’m proud of you, Kade,” Dad said. “You’ve turned into the man I always thought you would be—strong, determined, protective, and you have so much love in your heart. You remind me so much of myself.”
I stoo
d taller. “Um… I am your son,” I teased.
The three of us chuckled.
Dad met me eye to eye. “In all seriousness, your mom and I can’t be happier for you and Lacey.”
I swallowed down the sentimental lump I had at the base of my throat.
Dad glanced at his watch. “Ten minutes before we begin. I need to get my notes. I’ll be right back.” He hurried off, darting past the ushers, who were escorting the last of the guests to their seats.
I’d asked Dillon Hart and two of his buddies to help out with seating guests. I’d even asked Mack Donovan. He’d been one of our enemies in high school, and now he was a family friend. Kody and he had worked out their differences, and Kross, Kelton, and I had flushed out the pent-up ire we’d had for him too. He had turned out to be a super dude, who had nothing but love in his heart, especially for my mom.
Hunt pulled on his shirtsleeves. “Did you tell Lacey what you did in Boston?”
“Hell no. She’ll find out soon enough. By the way, do you have the rings?” It was probably a little late to be asking.
“Of course,” Hunt said.
I tossed a look over my shoulder toward the garage, where Lacey would emerge when the ceremony began. I wanted to see her so badly.
Hunt nudged me. “You’ll see her soon enough. Now think of something else. Your hands are shaking.”
I almost laughed. I couldn’t think of anything else but Lacey. Slipping my hands into my pants pockets, I eyed the lake. Flowers floated by, and my mind wandered.
The high school parking lot was dark with barely any lights spraying around the lot. I searched high and low for Kelton, who’d taken off after a brotherly spat we’d had. I was worried he would do something stupid like find Greg Sullivan and beat the shit out of him. Revenge was high on his list after Sullivan and his buddies had beat Kody into a coma. Regardless, my search for Kelton died when I spotted her, alone at her car with no one around. Normally, I would’ve kept to myself, but moments before that, I’d seen how she pitched, graceful yet tough. I was in awe. So I couldn’t help but introduce myself. I banged on the trunk of her car, more to alert her than scare her.
She emerged from the driver’s side with a gun in her hand, pointing it at me with fire in her green eyes. I knew she wouldn’t shoot me. Still, I backed away, telling her to put the gun away. We exchanged words back and forth until the stadium light went out, throwing the lot into darkness. Then I made my move. Within thirty seconds, I was standing so close to her, I could smell her citrus scent, which sent my groin into overdrive. Not to mention, she was feisty, with an attitude that screamed “don’t fuck with me.” That alone was so darn sexy that I knew she was the girl for me.
Hunt’s voice was in my ear, severing my trip down memory lane. “Dude, you’re going to miss your bride.”
I blinked as my dad walked up with his notes in his hands. My brothers scurried up to stand next to Hunt.
Kody raised his hand at his girl, Jessie. She stood on the temporary stage behind the guests and the tables and chairs that were scattered around under the large tents. She hit a key on the laptop.
Violin music, soft and elegant, filtered out of the large speakers set up on each end of the stage. The trees rustled as if it were their cue to chime in.
My heart danced endlessly as Raven walked down first. She smiled from ear to ear as she held a white wicker basket in one hand and dropped white rose petals with her other.
In a low voice, Kross said, “Damn, I have a beautiful daughter.”
He sure did. She looked so much like my mom, it was uncanny. Nevertheless, she bounced down the red carpet. When she reached the platform, she handed the basket to my mom. Then she curtsied, smiling at me before she took her seat in between my mom and her mom, Ruby, who was holding her daughter Reaghan.
“You did well,” my mom said to Raven.
Ruby leaned in close to her daughter. “You were great.”
Raven cooed as she sat up straighter.
I tore my gaze away from Raven to find Jennifer walking down first. She was the same woman who had tried to help me that day outside of Lacey’s dorm when she thought I needed help. She held a bouquet of white roses in front of her red strapless gown as she slowly walked down to stand on the platform to my dad’s right.
Next up was Heather, who wore the same style gown as Jennifer. Where Jennifer had short brown hair, Heather had blond hair that was piled up on her head. She was also carrying the same type of bouquet as Jennifer.
Once she was settled next to Jennifer, Peggy stepped up. Again, she had the same style of dress and flowers. Peggy winked at me, her hazel eyes filled with excitement as she joined her friends.
Right on Peggy’s heels was Becca, dressed in a black halter gown that looked to be the same fabric as the other bridesmaids’ attire. She was also carrying white roses.
With my heart beating like the heavy bass of a rock song, I fixated on the spot to the left of the garage.
I spotted Lacey’s old man first, holding out his elbow. Then I took in a huge breath as Lacey came into view.
Holy fuck.
I swayed on my feet.
This was it. I was about to say I do.
I fidgeted.
“You’re not breathing, man,” Hunt whispered.
I couldn’t. The most stunning woman stood several yards from me, and all I wanted to do was run to her.
The guests rose from their seats.
My hands shook.
Lacey glanced up at her dad as she hooked her arm in his. He clutched Lacey’s hand as if she would turn and run at any moment.
I closed my eyes briefly, praying she wouldn’t run. She won’t. Get a grip, dude.
They walked, or more like shuffled, toward us.
My heart was all over the map.
The closer she came to me, the more my body shook, rattled, and rolled.
My dad slid over to me. “Son,” he whispered, “you’re turning pale. Think of your honeymoon.”
I swished some saliva around in my mouth, and I did what my old man had suggested. I tuned out the music and the crowd and focused on all the things I had planned for my bride and me that night and when we were in Belize. Sex, sleep, and eat. Repeat.
Lacey and her dad settled just on the edge of the red carpet where it met the wooden deck. Then he lifted her veil, kissed her on the cheek, and grabbed her hand. “You are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. Your mom and sister would be so in awe of how you turned out. It’s time to start that new chapter in your life.”
She placed her small hand in his large one as he ushered her up to me.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Her sleeveless dress was cut low, almost down to her waist, where it was cinched with a large diamond buckle. Her hair was twisted up in a fancy style with thin strands of hair neatly curled and framing her face. Her makeup was light yet perfectly done. The light-green eye shadow made her eyes stand out more.
She batted long lashes, giving me a shy yet seductive look. A chill shimmied up my arm as warmth danced down my stomach. If I didn’t know Lacey, I would say she wasn’t as nervous as me. But I knew her tells, and she held her bottom lip hostage.
Mr. Robinson gave me his daughter’s hand. “I know, Kade, that you’ll take good care of her.” Then he excused himself and went to sit across the aisle from my mom in one of three empty seats.
Mr. Robinson didn’t have to worry about his daughter. I would never let anything happen to her, even if it meant my life for hers.
Lacey squeezed my hand.
Dad cleared his throat.
“Focus on me,” Lacey said in a wobbly voice.
I had no problem keeping my gaze on her. I had to if I didn’t want to pass out. So with that, I took in a breath and gave my beautiful bride my undivided attention.
Chapter 18
Lacey
I stared at Kade. My heart warmed, and my soul blossomed. Even though he was breathing heavy as though he were trying to catch
his breath, he gave me one of his sexiest grins, showing the dimples I so loved.
We joined hands, and instantly it felt as though a bright light flashed, all voices ceased, and we were transported to a faraway place.
“I’m as nervous as you,” I whispered.
Becca grabbed my bouquet.
A breeze swept over us.
My pulse began to slow, more so when Kade took my other hand and kissed the back of it. “You’re absolutely stunning.” His gaze dropped to the low neckline then back up.
His dad cleared his throat.
It was now or never, and I wanted to marry Kade so badly that I swung my gaze to Mr. Maxwell. When our eyes met, it was as though I was looking at the older version of Kade—handsome, strong, and powerful. All those attributes described the elder Maxwell as well as his son.
I could see our children resembling the patriarch side of the Maxwell family—tall, honey-brown hair, and copper eyes that were kind, sweet, and caring.
Mr. Maxwell blinked with a smile then turned to his son.
Carnations floated on the smooth surface of the water, and most of the flowers had fanned out since the florist had tossed them in that morning.
“Today is a special day.” Mr. Maxwell addressed the guests, or maybe he was looking at his wife. “A spectacular day.” He tapped his chest then fixated on Kade and me. “My heart is so full right now. Marriage is not only the union of the love for each other, but a journey that you both will take together. The bond you share is not only in sickness and in health. It’s in the good moments and bad. It’s in family. Support each other. Love each other. Take care of each other. Make decisions together, and build a life that you both want for you and your children.” He paused for a brief second. “Now, Lacey, do you have your vows?”
I nodded at Mr. Maxwell, trying to shake the cobwebs from my brain in the hope that I wouldn’t screw up.
I rubbed my lips together as I pivoted on my heel. I checked on my dad and the two empty seats next to him. I knew it sounded crazy, but since Julie and Mom weren’t physically there, I wanted the idea of them to be. I’d felt their spirit at the cemetery and wanted to have the same feeling at my wedding. Kade and the rest of the family hadn’t even flinched when I said I wanted to keep two seats empty next to my dad. My dad didn’t even question my sanity. All he’d said was “That’s a great idea, sweet pea.”
Dare to Breathe Page 13
