Sarah laughs, “Mia, we’ve talked about our dream days since we were thirteen years old. There’s nothing about this day that I don’t know.”
My eyes widen. “You? You did all this?”
She shrugs. “You’re my best friend Mia, I’d do anything to make sure that your big day is everything you’ve ever wanted.” Tears shine in her eyes, “Mia, you’ve been my rock, every single time I felt like giving in, all I had to do is call you. You’d remind me of everything I was fighting for, working towards. You are my sister and I love you with all my heart, I just wish you felt the same.”
My tears fall, I’ve been such a bitch, I’ve held so much back from her. “Sarah…” I croak.
“Mia, I know something happened to you, I can see it in your eyes.”
I wipe the tears. “I didn’t want you to think differently of me.”
She takes my hands, “Mia, that’s never going to happen. You are my guardian angel. Nothing you could tell me would ever, ever, make me think of you differently.”
“While I was in that basement…” I look to the floor, shame running through me. “Martin raped me.” I shudder at the words. “He shot Lacey, I was tied up, I couldn’t save her. By the time I got free, it was too late.” Pain bursts into my chest as I remember that day, the tears once again fall and I don’t think there will ever be a time that I don’t think about what happened to her and not shed a tear.
Arms go around me, squeezing me tightly. “I thought it was something like that. Mia, if I ever get my hands on that bastard I’m going to kill him. He’s hurt you and I hate that, but Mia, no one and I mean no one will ever think of you differently. You are amazing, strong, and beautiful, what he did to you, wasn’t a reflection on you but him. He’s an animal and the day he dies will be the day that we all smile.”
“I love you,” I whisper pulling her closer to me, I should have known that she wouldn’t have thought I was weak or stupid. Just as if this had happened to her, I wouldn’t have thought any differently about her.
“I love you too, but Mia we need to get you ready. You’ve got a wedding to get to.”
I smile, I can’t believe this is happening. “Okay, but I really do love you.”
She rolls her eyes at me. “I love you too doofus. Now get dressed.” She reaches for the dress. “We can’t leave Hudson waiting too long. He’ll be bursting through these doors soon enough.” Laughter bubbles up and I can’t help but laugh, I can just imagine him getting annoyed and coming to find me.
Sarah helps me into the dress, it feels amazing and fits perfectly. My mouth forms into an O shape when I look at myself in the mirror, I’ve never looked so beautiful. The dress fits like a glove, it accentuates each of my curves as well as showing off my bump. I sit while Sarah does my hair and makeup, each moment passes the more the anticipation builds, I’m about to marry the man I love more than anything in this world. My hair is down and curled, it’s something I’ve not done to my hair in a while, Sarah’s taken the hair that usually frames my face and pinned it to the back of my head with a diamante studded hair pin, it matches my dress. The makeup is minimal, which is good because I have a feeling that I’ll be crying throughout the ceremony.
“Ready?” Sarah asks once she’s finished getting me dolled up.
“So ready.” I breathe.
“You look beautiful Mia, your parents are going to be so proud of you.” She tells me, her eyes watery. “I know they’re looking down on you today, just as Lacey is.”
I nod. “I know, I wish they were here.”
She points to my chest, “They’re in there Mia. They are always with you. Let’s get you married.”
Walking out of the room, I’m pleasantly surprised to see Harrison. He has a smile on his face, and wearing a sharp looking suit. “You look handsome.” I tell him with a smile.
“Mia you look gorgeous.” He whispers pulling me into his arms. “Mia, I know that you’d wish to have both of your parents here today. If I could, I’d bring them back in a heartbeat.”
My heart melts, I know where Hudson gets his sweet side from. “I know, but having you here is like having a piece of mom with me.”
He gives me the saddest smile I’ve ever seen. “Mia, you can say no, but I was wondering if you’d like me to walk you down the aisle?”
The tears that haven’t long dried up, unleash again. “I’d love that, thank you so much.”
He holds out his arm for me to take. “I’m honored Mia. You have made my son happier than I have ever seen him. I know that your mom loved you very much, you were her pride and joy. As much as she griped about Hudson and his job, she loved you two together.”
I take his arm. “I’m not sure about that.”
He pats my hand. “Mia, I was with your mom the night before she died. I went to check on her, as much as your mom and I argued we loved each other very much. That night we finally had a heart to heart, everything that was on our minds we aired.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat. “You two were getting back together.”
He nods. “Yes, we were. Your mom admitted that she was jealous, she missed so much time with you. When you came home this summer, it was supposed to be a way for the two of you to get closer. But you found Hudson again and your mom didn’t know how to handle it. Everything she had planned vanished. She watched her baby girl grow into a beautiful young woman right before her eyes and she couldn’t deal.”
It hurts knowing that he and mom had gotten things patched up, that they were happy and ready to work through everything. Knowing that she was happy for Hudson and I means the world. “Was she happy?” I ask through the limp in my throat.
“Yes, she really was. She told me that she was going to apologize to you and Hudson, find a way to make it up to you both. Mia, your mother made mistakes but never ever doubt that she loved you more than anything.” He kisses my cheek. “Now let’s get you in there before my son sends out the search party.”
I face forward as Sarah walks ahead through the double doors and into the church. The wedding march rings out and I smile. An instant calm washes over me and Harrison and I take a step into the church. My gaze immediately goes to Hudson. He’s staring at me, his entire body tight as I walk toward him, not once tearing his eyes off me. His drinking me in and I love the carnal look in his eyes, a look that he has only for me.
Harrison kisses my cheek as I take Hudson’s hands. “We’re already family Mia, you’re my daughter. I’ll do everything in my power to protect you.”
“Okay old man, can I marry her now?” Hudson grunts, he’s still tense.
“Relax, she’s here,” Harrison says in a low voice so that only Hudson and I can hear him.
I squeeze Hudson’s hands, wanting him to look at me. Immediately his gaze returns to me. ‘I love you.’ I mouth to him and his body relaxes. Harrison walks away, leaving me and Hudson standing here.
When the priest begins to talk, I listen intently all the while keeping my gaze on the man that’s about to become my husband. The way his dark brown eyes look so light, so happy, so full of love. The priest talks about the holy sacrament of marriage and what it means, I let his words wash over me. I want a marriage where we’re both equals, where our love can conquer anything. I don’t want to be the woman, I want to be his woman. I want the world to know that while Hudson rules the criminal underworld, I’ll rule by his side. I will stick by him with everything he is, he is my all and I’ll protect that and protect us. In just five short months, we’ll go from newlyweds to newlywed parents. It’s going to be such a drastic change but one that I’m looking forward to, I can’t wait until we hold our little boy in our arms.
When it comes to the vows, I’m shocked that Hudson has written his own. As soon as he begins my heart fills with so much love and hope.
“I’ll love you till the day I die.
I’ll protect you with my very last breath.
I’ll cherish you until the end of time.
You are
everything I could have ever wanted
With you I am stronger than ever
Forever you’ll be my queen.”
Tears fall at his words, he’s so sweet. I reach out and take his hand, squeezing it letting him know just how much he means to me, how much his words meant.
“I didn’t know, I don’t have any vows written.” I whisper, feeling inadequate, he’s spent so much time writing those vows and here I stand before him with no words.
“That’s okay, Princess,” he replies, bringing my hand to his mouth. “You can do the regular vows.” He tells me.
I shake my head. “No, I’ll just wing it.” he laughs but I ignore it and begin to say what I feel.
“You’re my biggest protector.
My biggest supporter
With you I feel loved, cherished, and wanted.
With you, I have no fear, no anger, no pain.
You are without a doubt the best man I have ever met.
You are my world, my love, my happiness.
You are my King.”
His eyes widen at my words, they’re bright and shining with unshed tears. My big bad man is showing his soft side for the world to see. His hand tangles in my hair and he pulls me toward him, his mouth descends on mine. As soon as his tongue sweeps into my mouth, I whimper. This kiss is hot and heavy.
The priest coughs and Hudson pulls away, his brown eyes dark and full of lust, his smile is wicked and salacious. My gaze is focused on him, I’m enthralled by him, like he’s hypnotized me. Once I hear the words, “You may now kiss the bride,” my entire body melts, I am his, just as he is mine. Hudson’s lips once again descend on mine. The cheers and hollers that go around the church are muted by our kiss.
“Mine,” Hudson growls against my lips. “All mine.”
“Just as you are all mine.” I breathe. “I can’t believe you did all of this.”
He smiles. “I couldn’t hold off any longer, I had to make sure you were mine Mia, forever.”
He takes my hand and we turn to face the crowd, everyone who we love is standing with us. Jagger, Sarah, Allie, Harrison, and Marline sitting in the front row. David and Aaron on the other side and all of Hudson’s men behind them. Every pew is taken up with a smiling face, each one of them happy for both Hudson and I. We walk out of the church, hand in hand, my heart is filled with so much love. I’ve never been as happy as I am in this moment.
“Mia, Hudson has one last surprise for you,” Jagger tells me.
Glancing around the reception, all the men have their heads bowed. They know what’s about to happen, they know what’s to come and I’m scared.
“Mia…” Just one word takes my breath away, looking to Hudson, I see that his eyes are on me. He reaches for my hand and I intertwine my fingers through his, squeezing hard as more words come. “I’m so proud of you baby girl.”
The tears fall. “How?” I gasp, unable to quite comprehend how he has my father’s voice playing right now. Something I have always wanted to hear again but never thought would be possible.
“Your mom had videos of you and your father. We managed to take the audio and make this,” Hudson whispers, “Keep listening princess, there’s more.”
“I love you baby girl, you’re always with me.” Warmth runs through me at listening to the words he always used to say to me.
Mom’s laughter fills the air and I look to Harrison, his hand goes to his chest and he rubs, almost as if he’s trying to ease the pain. “Always with us. Both of us,” she tells me and I shake my head, that’s what she would say whenever my father would say that he loves me and that he’ll always be with me. It was something they would laugh about.
“Mia, you have turned into a beautiful young woman. I am so proud of who you have become.” I frown, I don’t remember my mom saying this, when did she? “You and Hudson are perfect together. I know that you two are going to be extremely happy together.”
My tears fall and I let them, why have I not heard that before? Where did it come from?
“Always remember that we are with you. We love you.” Both mom and dad say in unison.
I hear sniffing and turn to see Sarah crying too. I didn’t think that Hudson could get any sweeter than he was, but this, this is more than I could have ever imagined.
“Princess,” he says and I try my hardest to pull it together, the tears are falling thick and fast, I’m trying to make my breathing even but it’s no use, I’m sobbing and there doesn’t seem to be any let up. “Fuck.”
“Told you, they’d cry,” Jagger says, as Hudson pulls me into his arms,
“By the way, where’s the food?” Jagger shouts.
“Jagger!” Sarah yells, “Don’t be so selfish.”
I laugh, those two are so loud but yet so beautiful together. I’m glad they’ve gotten back on track.
“That’s what I like to hear, I didn’t intend to make you cry,” Hudson whispers in my ear.
“They were happy tears. I’ve always wanted to hear my father’s voice one last time and you gave that to me. It was the best present I could ever have. Not only that, you gave me my mom’s laughter, you gave me her happiness.”
“You have to thank my father. He and your mom had a conversation, and she recorded a message for you afterward, dad said she was practicing what to say to you. I think that having her last words to you was fitting.” He kisses my head, “I have it saved onto a flash drive, if you want it, we can transfer it to your phone.”
“I want,” I whisper, more than anything.
“First thing tomorrow morning I’ll do it. Tonight, I have more important things to do.” His hands slide across my stomach, his dick hard against my ass. “I need to take care of my wife.”
I bite back a moan, “I like that.”
“What? When I call you my wife?” I nod, resting my head against his shoulder. “My wife.”
“My husband,” I whisper back, loving how the word rolls off my tongue. “Mine.” I breathe as he kisses my neck, right beneath my ear.
“Yo Hudson, do you think we can be fed?” Jagger shouts, interrupting us.
“I should have put a bullet in him.” He murmurs as I get off his lap and sit back down in my chair. He waves his hand and within seconds, the food is being brought to everyone.
I glance at Hudson and blow him a kiss as he winks at me, this right here is going to be one of the best memories I’ll ever have. So much love and support under one roof and they’re here for me and my husband.
Twelve
Hudson
The files transfer from my computer to Mia’s cell. As soon as we arrived back from the hotel this morning she asked me to copy them to her phone. She’s currently sleeping, recovering from yesterday and last night. There’s something very different about having her as my wife, something she felt last night, when I kept her awake most of the night. No matter how many times I had her, I needed her again, I couldn’t get enough. Not only that, she couldn’t get enough of me. I’d love nothing more than to go to bed and lie beside her but I can’t. I have a meeting with Coby. He’s late, that’s just put me into a bad mood.
“Son?” Dad says knocking on my office door.
“Yeah?” I murmur distractedly as I finish off transferring the files.
“Where the hell is Coby?” He demands coming to sit down in front of me.
“Since when did I become his minder? I have no idea, he was due here ten minutes ago and he’s not here. I’m giving him five more minutes before I lose my damn temper.”
He chuckles, “You’re in a good mood today.”
I glare at him. “Is there a reason as to why you’re here?”
The fucker chuckles yet again, “Yes, I wanted to know what Coby’s going to do to help.” I narrow my eyes at him and he holds his hands up. “Look son, Mia is my daughter now, she’s carrying my grandchild. When you’re gone I’ll be the one to be here protecting her.”
I shake my head. “You’re a damn fool. Who else is going to be here w
ith her when I’m gone? Since Mia and I got together, you’ve seemed to mellow. I actually can stand to be around you.”
He laughs. “Yeah, since Mia came into your life you’ve not been such an asshole.”
“Shut up old man, what’s happening with you and mom?” Yesterday at the wedding they seemed to be getting along really well which is a huge fucking relief, I’m sick of their arguing.
“Your mom no longer wants to gut me while I sleep. She’s got a new man and I’m happy for her.” He smiles, it’s a genuine one. “I have no idea who the man is, but he treats her wrong then he’ll have the both of us to deal with.”
I nod. “That he will. So how are you holding up?”
“I’m fine.”
“Bullshit,” I fire back, Mia told me about the conversation that he and Tina had the night before she died. He never mentioned anything to me about it, so I know that he’s hurt even more about her dying. I thought it was over between them and now I find out that they had reconciled only for her to die the next day.
“Look son, there’s nothing I can do about it. She’s gone, I’m going to protect her daughter and our grandchild,” he tells me, and I realize that’s what is keeping him going.
A knock on my office door has both dad and I looking up. “Yeah?”
“Sorry I’m late.” Coby’s deep voice calls out, and the door opens. “Traffic is a fucking nightmare.”
“Damn, you’ve been hitting those weights a bit hard,” Dad says as he looks at the six-foot-five Coby, the man has bigger muscles than The Rock.
Coby ignores him and sits down beside him. “Any word on that asshole?”
“Nothing, he’s in hiding,” I say through clenched teeth, this should have never gotten this far.
Coby shakes his head. “After killing Tina and shooting your mom he ran like the fucking coward he is.”
Forever Love (Kingpin Book 3) Page 10
