by J. M. Dabney
Mal was having the time of his life. Sin had actually given up his co-pilot seat and headset to Mal. Although he wanted Mal to have fun, he threatened Saint’s life if he even thought about giving the controls to a four-year-old. He didn’t give a shit if Saint had learned to fly at Mal’s age or not.
“Are we there yet?”
“Baby, we’ve only been in the air twenty minutes. Why don’t you lean your head back, close your eyes and see if you can get some sleep?”
They were about to have their first fight. That voice, while he assumed it was supposed to be soothing, was actually annoying as hell.
“I don’t need sleep. I need this damn plane to land.”
“Saint wants to do some tricks,” Sin said sweetly, but the little shit was demented.
How the hell had he ever thought the twins were cute?
“He better not fucking dare!”
Sin just laughed, but Linc glared daring anyone else to even think about it. He grabbed King’s cast covered knee as they seemed to lose altitude quickly.
“What the hell is that?” he demanded and jerked his head up, regretting it instantly.
He knew Saint was one of the best, learning to fly since he was three, seated on his stepfather’s lap, but that didn’t mean accidents didn’t happen, and there he was in small ass plane headed hundreds of miles to get married.
“I’m going to die before we get married,” he muttered miserably.
“No, you’re not. If I didn’t trust Saint, our family wouldn’t be on this plane. I promise, we’ll be fine.”
“Okay, lady and gentleman, we have a bit of a problem,” Saint hollered from his seat in the cockpit.
“I told you,” he whined.
“We’re going to need to land.”
“Go get Mal,” King told Sin.
“No, the landing is easy, but don’t be mad at us, okay, they threatened to do terrible things to us.”
He studied the young man and saw guilt etched into the feminine features. He almost felt bad for thinking terrible things about the boy.
“Who?” he asked.
“Peaches and Lily.” Everyone on the plane except King answered.
“Lily couldn’t allow you to get married in Vegas by strangers. This is a family thing, and we all wanted to be there for it. See you two walking down the aisle and hear the I dos.”
The plane smoothly descended onto a smooth patch of land, and he couldn’t tell where they were.
“Camden’s place. We made a few circles to kill time, and he offered his yard. We’ve worked our asses off for two days since Liv gave us the heads up.”
“Y’all were in on this?” He carefully turned around to find Liv and Melanie shrugging.
“Bear wanted the honor of giving you away to welcome you to the family. This should be a family thing, and we all knew y’all didn’t want to plan a whole big production. It’s nothing fancy. It’ll be as quick as if you were going to Vegas. Camden has all the paperwork. We had a clerk loosen the rules for us about the license and all that.”
Melanie had spoken so quickly most of her words ran together. He couldn’t believe what they’d done. As they landed, he looked out the window to see twinkle lights everywhere. Candles burned along the walkway between a grouping of chairs. Tables were set up and even an area where he assumed the Executioners would be playing at some point.
The plane rolled to a stop, and Sin jumped up to open the door. Scary and Tank jogged forward to help King out of the plane. Lily and Peaches were dressed in flowing hippie style dresses, flowers in their hair, and sweet motherly smiles on their mouths.
He was thankful when his feet hit solid ground, and he turned to help Melanie down, then took Mal from Saint. Liv held onto Saint until the boy’s feet hit the ground. Liv barely got his shoulders free of the plane—the big man had to turn sideways.
King was beside him with a strong arm around his waist as he let his eyes move around the yard. Everyone was there, the Twirled, Brawlers, Executioners, and even the Trenton Security Crew, partners, and kids ran around the yard. He placed Mal on his feet, and the boy was instantly on the move to find the rest of the kids.
“What did y’all do?”
He turned to find King watching him with a loving expression, and it was almost too much. What these people, his chosen family had done for him—them—he didn’t know what to say. It was perfect.
“Well, Lily ambushed me in my office.” Pelter stepped forward. “Said we had an emergency, two of her boys were getting married without her, and that couldn’t happen. So, let’s just say, we begged, bribed and mostly threatened to get everything ready before Eric and Ellison were due to fly y’all out.”
“You didn’t have to go—”
“You stop right fucking there,” Peaches and Lily stepped forward as they spoke in unison.
“There ain’t much we can’t do, and we could’ve let y’all take off to Vegas for a big flashy wedding, but Peaches and me, you’re our boys and getting married is a family affair. We were all trying to get to Vegas, but we wouldn’t all get there in time, but marrying people is my thing, Linc, mine, that shit you don’t take from me.”
“We did feel guilty.”
“Fucking right y’all did. I haven’t not married any of the boys. We’ve planned every one to make it perfect, and we weren’t missing out on this or the party after. I even went out and got special party favors. So, you two are getting hitched, then we’re going to smoke and drink until we pass out where we fall. Except for Twitch, Elijah, and Gregory who are taking all the kids for the evening.”
“They ain’t taking them far. My fucking house looks like a daycare center.” Pelter almost sounded offended, but there was a smile on his face. “Rage and Gunner have already expressed their displeasure at the fact I have red meat in my fridge. They were about to throw out every animal by-product in my house.”
The happiness the Sheriff was displaying was weird and slightly disturbing. Where was the Pelter scowl? He glanced passed the big man to see Sin and Saint staring at the man like he was the Goddess’ gift to man. Those two were in for a heartache. Pelter had been keeping them at a distance, and he didn’t see that changing anytime soon.
“Well, you wanted it quick, so let’s do this. Bear is waiting on the porch for you, Linc, so he can walk you down the aisle. King, Melanie is going to help you to the altar. Let’s get you hitched so you can get your first fuck in as husband and husband.” Lily clapped her hands together.
King’s fingertips stroked his cheek, and he turned to him.
“Is this okay? We can still make a run for Vegas.”
“No, this is perfect, this is what I wanted. I would’ve married you in Vegas, but I couldn’t imagine not being surrounded by family. Thank you for this, without you, I wouldn’t have Mal, you, and—” He turned to scan the yard. “All of them.”
“Then I’ll see you in a few minutes.” King started to lean in, and a loud whistle distracted them.
“Save that shit for after the I dos, or I’ll make your fucking life hell,” Lily ordered as her husband came up and offered his arm, then led her toward the lighted platform where he’d marry King.
Melanie stepped up to King’s side, and they followed after Lily and Damon. Everyone else cleared out, and he strode toward where Bear waited for him. The big man met him halfway.
“Don’t you look handsome all dressed up?”
“Thanks,” Bear said, but the normally happy man seemed troubled.
“Want to talk about it?”
“No, Mary made her decision, and I promised her that I’d take whatever she allowed me. I was just hoping for more time. But tonight isn’t about me. It’s about you and King. I wanted to welcome you to the King family and the extended craziness that comes with it. I’m so proud of King, the family he created with you, Mal, and Melanie. He’s loved you for so long, Lincoln Church, and that man is lucky beyond the stars that you love him back. Here.” Bear handed him a box.
<
br /> He took it and opened it to find a beautiful braided ring inside.
“It’s gorgeous.”
“It was my father’s. He passed it on to me one night over drinks a few days before he died. He told me I’d know what to do with it when the time came. I had it resized for King. Dad would’ve been sitting in the first row to watch his only grandchild get married, beaming with pride and I’m so fucking proud. This ring was on my dad’s finger for over sixty years, and he loved my mom just as much the day he died as he did the first time he laid eyes on her in white. I give it to you hoping some of that happiness makes it to another generation.”
He held the box so tight his hand hurt, and he felt his eyes sting. But Bear didn’t say anything, just turned and held out his arm.
“May I have the honor of giving you away to the luckiest man on the planet right now?”
“Bear, thank you.”
“No need for thanks, you just love hard and long and never take that for granted.”
“I promise.”
He took a deep breath as he walked arm in arm with Bear toward his future. Mal stood in front of King, and Melanie wiped tears from her eyes as she rested her cheek against King’s bicep. Everyone stood as he made his way down the walkway, and he couldn’t wait to say I do.
Bear handed him over to King, and he looked into the man’s beautiful eyes, took in the adoration aimed at him, and didn’t realize until that moment how lucky he was.
Eighteen
Lullabies and Encores
Linc’s head rested on his chest, and King combed his fingers through the softness of his damp blond hair. His man kept brushing kisses to his chest. He inhaled the scent of soap and shampoo. They’d cleaned up and got in bed, no words were exchanged, but he felt Linc’s smile. They’d made love for hours and were now settled into Tank’s cabin. The silent man offered the place for a weekend honeymoon until they could take the trip Bear had given them.
“What are you thinking about?” He wanted to know what was making Linc happy so he could do it again.
“You.”
“Care to elaborate?”
He laced his fingers through Linc’s and kissed the new ring. He placed the man’s hand on his chest and covered it with his. Last year when he tried to imagine what this year would bring, this isn’t where he saw himself. The only sure thing he’d been sure of was that another year would pass and Linc wouldn’t be his—he’d have to watch the man and forever be forced to keep his distance.
“How I got lucky enough to get you to propose.”
“I bought the ring right after the divorce.”
“What?” Linc turned to prop his chin on his chest.
“After the divorce became final. I was on a stop, and I just had lunch when I passed by this jewelry store. In the window, there were these two men’s wedding bands, and I saw you wearing it. I went inside and bought them, still knowing that I’d never have you. I tucked them away in my safety deposit box. Melanie and I got so drunk one night, Mal was with Bear and you were still dating that guy you were seeing. I confessed I’d bought the rings and who I bought them for.”
“Did she think we—”
“No, we weren’t happy as a couple, but cheating wasn’t in either of us. We loved each other, just not like we were supposed to. That night she gave me permission.”
“Permission?” Linc asked as he rubbed his fingers through his chest hair.
“Yeah, to be happy, but you were with what’s his name and had been for a few years. I loved you enough for you to be happy so I just got used to pretending. Then I became the flirt and the easy fuck, but I wasn’t. I’m not saying I was a monk, but I sure as hell wasn’t as bad as some thought.”
“I couldn’t expect you to stay celibate, I sure as hell hadn’t, and I wasn’t exactly over the whole my sister slept with the man I was in love with thing.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “That was a bit of a hurdle.”
“I hate all the years we lost, but I don’t think I would’ve done anything differently. Neither of us were ready, and this right here is perfect.”
“Did you want more kids?”
“Do you?”
“I don’t know. Mal’s about to go to school, and I’m still sticking with the driving. Melanie pulled me aside tonight and offered to act as a surrogate if we wanted her to.”
“Why don’t we get used to the family right now? Melanie’s coming home next Summer for good, and she might meet someone. Today I can say I’m happy with the four of us.”
“I agree, but I wanted you to know the option was there.”
“And I love you for it, but do you know what I want more than anything?”
“Oh, and what’s that?”
“Lullabies, I had to share my usual nightly solo show with others. As my wedding gift from you, I want a song.” Linc surged from the bed and ran out of the room.
Linc returned a few minutes later with his guitar and pick, and held it out in front of him. He scooted up until he was leaned back against the headboard. Linc adjusted the pillow under his cast. He knew the perfect song because it was one of Linc’s favorites. Placing the calloused pads on the strings, he eased it to the melody. He almost missed starting the song as Linc sighed.
He began to sing Etta James’ At Last, and as always, he kept his gaze on Linc. Didn’t matter if they were in the same room and all alone or in a crowded bar, he sang for Linc because it made his man happy. He regretted not being able to dance his man around the room as he sang the words low into his man’s ear, but soon he’d remedy that.
As the last word left his mouth and he stopped playing, Linc got onto his knees. His man removed the instrument and set it gently on the bed beside them.
“Now, I want another song, but this time you’re gonna sing it to me while you’re inside me.”
Linc straddled his lap, and they groaned as Linc held his cock and slid down the length. He was tight and hot, perfect, and made just for him.
“What do you want me to sing, baby?” he asked as he stroked his hands from Linc’s lower back to curve around the man’s shoulders.
He flexed and slammed Linc down until he was ball’s deep. They arched into each other, and any thought of singing left his head.
“Loving you,” Linc whispered with a sigh.
“You want Paolo Nutini?” He’d sing fucking opera if it made his man happy.
“Yes, sing it,” his man demanded.
“If you have a thing for pretty, skinny dudes, what the fuck you doing with me?”
“Shut up and sing for me. I’m going to turn into a very demanding husband.”
“As you wish.” And he sang as his man rode him slowly.
Some of the words came out as groans and others he forgot to sing at all, but what his man wanted, his man got. He sang softly into Linc’s ear as they lazily came together. No hurrying to the finish because they had all the time in the world to be together. He fisted his fingers in Linc’s hair and roughly tugged the man’s head back as he paused to suck at the strong column of Linc’s neck. He didn’t give a fuck that the song took three times as long, all he cared about was the sexy little whimpers and the pleas for him to love his man.
The slow pace took its toll, and he broke as he slipped his arm around Linc’s ass, then flexed to increase his man’s pace until neither of them could breathe. Linc’s lips came down on his, brushing as they moved. They gasped and grunted, clutched at each other as Linc’s cock, trapped between their bodies, jerked and heat spread between them. He let out a long moan as he took Linc’s hips in a bruising grip and forced the man to ride him faster and harder until he came with a shout muffled against his man’s mouth.
“Want another song?” he asked as he smiled against Linc’s lips.
“Give me a few minutes. I think my ass might need a break.”
“Well, Mr. King, whenever you’re ready for an encore you just let me know.”
The sound of Linc’s laughter made him hap
pier, and he’d spend the next fifty plus years making sure his man had all the smiles and songs he needed.
“I do love your encores, but let me get you cleaned up.”
He reluctantly let Linc go and couldn’t take his gaze away from his man. Ten years he’d waited for this and never once would he let his man regret saying yes.
Epilogue
Perfection in All the Broken Pieces Thanksgiving
“Put the turkey down, you heathens,” Lily yelled as she chased Rage and Gunner as they took off with the roasting pan held between them.
Linc jumped out of the way before the twin terrors could take him out at the knees. He spun the ring on his finger as he went in search of his new husband. Three weeks had passed since they’d said I do in Pelter’s front yard, and they were back because Pelter’s house was the only one big enough for all of them to get together for Thanksgiving.
The Crews were big on holidays, but they made sure they took the opportunity to get together every chance they got and holidays were a good time for that. All the couples and triads were cuddled up together as they waited for the turkey to be hunted down although no one was in much of a hurry.
As always, Peaches was perched on Gib’s lap, and he had his hand under her flowing linen skirt. He smiled as he shook his head. Gib’s touch wasn’t altogether innocent, and he knew they’d disappear before dinner, then wouldn’t show up again until Gib made sure Peaches was flushed and smiling.
Pelter was in the kitchen trying to keep Sin and Saint in line, but he told that man it was a full-time job. Pelter denied it was his responsibility. There was one thing the man couldn’t deny though; his gaze never left Sin and Saint. Sooner or later, Pelter was going to give in, and he hoped the pretty, blond twins could handle it. He headed for the front door because he knew that was where he’d find the Executioners.
He pushed open the door and found King, Joker, and Ghost playing and singing. Dem was tucked between Joker’s legs, his head rested on the man’s thigh, and he couldn’t be happier for Joker. The man deserved love.
