Page 52 of The Eraser

We walk out of the room, and I'm not surprised to see Uncle Jer waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs. "You look beautiful, Jessie," he says thickly, a bright and wide smile on his face.

"Thank you," I say as I join him and loop my arm through his. "Thank you for doing all of this and being here," I say. He'll never know how much it truly means to me.

"I should be the one thanking you for letting me. I know we fucked up as a family and that's not something we can ever change, but I swear to you, Jessie, I'll never let anything happen to you again."

I believe him. I know that he, Stephen, Maverick, and Freddie are doing everything in their power to find Dad, and I hate that when they do, they're going to kill him. I don't want another death on my conscience, but the men I'm closest to, they're killers. It's what they do and I'll never change them. I wouldn't even if I could. It's who they are. It's ingrained in them.

"Thank you," I say softly.

"He's antsy as fuck waiting for you. That boy loves you something fierce, Jessie. I would never have thought that Stephen was capable of love. But with you, it's clear for everyone to see just how much he does."

My heart warms at his words. "I think I love him too," I whisper.

Uncle Jer laughs. "That's clear too." He grins. "He'll never hurt you, Jess. You're the only person in this world he'd never hurt. Now, let's get you out there. I don't need him coming to find you."

I laugh. It's something I could imagine him doing. He'll either get worried or bored of waiting and then come to find me.

Walking outside, my breath is taken away when I notice how beautiful it looks. Uncle Jer and Mallory went all out. There's a gorgeous white and blue garland that's entwined around an arch at the end of the garden. There's blue and white petals scattered along the grass, and a white carpet runs from the back door of the house to the arch, where Stephen stands waiting for me. It's so picturesque and beautiful. I never expected this. It's stunning.

As we walk closer to Stephen, I can see how intense his gaze is and it's solely on me. My body heats at the intensity of his stare. God, the man has no idea how he makes me feel. Whenever I'm around him, I feel beautiful. For years I felt as though I was hideous. The scars I have are bad. They've always made me feel ugly. But the moment Stephen's eyes landed on them, I saw them differently. He wasn't repulsed, and he didn't turn away in disgust. Instead, he made me see my scars as badges of my past and what I've overcome. I don't dread taking my clothes off anymore. I don't hate that he can see them because he's the reason I am now starting to love my body.

"You look beautiful," Stephen rasps the moment I'm standing in front of him. "Fuck, Jess, you're so fucking beautiful."

My cheeks flush with heat. I love the way he looks at me. The way he views me, it gives me such a confidence boost.

"You look handsome," I say, my voice soft.

"You ready?" he questions, and I know that if I were to say no, he'd make sure that I felt good before we got married. I nod and watch the slow, satisfied grin form on his face.

The officiant steps forward, a bright smile on their face, and begins the ceremony. I stare into Stephen's deep brown eyes, and I know that this is the right decision for me, for us. It's soon, it really is. While he's been watching me for years, I've only known him for weeks. But I know, deep in my heart, I'm making the right decision. No matter why we're getting married, we both care for one another, and I'm hoping we’ll be happy.

I just wish there wasn't this dread looming over us. My dad isn't going to stop. He'll come back and try to take me. I just pray that Stephen's here when it does and my dad doesn't get the chance to hurt me, to take away my happiness.

The ceremony passes in a blur. I'm so focused on Stephen that I go through the motions of it, loving the way he's watching me as I say my vows.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the officiant says, and Stephen doesn't hesitate. His arm slides around my waist and he hauls me close to him. The second our bodies collide, his mouth slants over mine and he kisses me. I cling to him, my heartrate spiking.

I'm kissing my husband.

Oh my god. I'm married.

When Stephen pulls back, his eyes are filled with lust and he gives me that heated look that promises me all the good things for later on.

"Let's get this party started," Freddie shouts. "It's time to celebrate."

I smile. God, we're married and I'm falling in love with him.

“Wife,” he growls, and I shiver at his tone. God, I love that. “All mine.”

I pull in a sharp breath. “Yes, yours, husband.”

His grin is salacious. “Fuck, I can’t wait to get you home.”

I shiver once more. I’m so looking forward to tonight.

ChapterTwenty-Two

STEPHEN

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