Page 101 of We Are All Sinners

“Oh good, I wanted to get a few bottles of the golden honey peach wine I like for tomorrow night with the girls.” I smile wide mentally checking off something else I would have had to do tomorrow.

“Rouses or Quarter Deli?” He asks.

“Let’s flip a coin,” I grab a quarter from the center console, “Heads Rouses tails Quarter Deli.” I smile as I flip the coin up, grabbing it and slapping it on the top of my hand, “Tails.” I say smiling, letting fate decide.

“Wait we still have to drop off the stuff to the church. We can just go by the one on Decatur.” Brix replies, reminding me I forgot something.

“Shit, drop me off at the grocers, it’s right by Jackson’s Square, you go drop off the decoration stuff, then swing back to get me.”

“Sounds like a plan baby. Teamwork makes the dream work.” Brix smiles as he pulls back onto Decatur, stopping in front of the little market.

I give him a kiss and hop out of the SUV, hurrying into the little grocer. I grab a cart and go in search of my wine. I find the Stella Rosa section and start adding several of the golden honey peach into the cart. I decide to grab a few other flavors just in case some of the girls don’t like my favorite.

I move back towards the cashier, seeing Brixon’s favorite bourbon on the top shelf behind him.

“Can I get four bottles of Blood Oath Bourbon please?” I ask as I approach the counter. Thinking this is a great gift from me to the guys, including my brother.

The cashier whistles, “That’s an expensive bottle. Special occasion?” The nice-looking older man asks, giving me a warm smile.

“I’m getting married.” I reply excitedly.

“Well, that is a special occasion. Congratulations, let me get my ladder, I don’t get up there much.” The old man replies.

“Thank you.” I reply as he pushes the large metal ladder on wheels hooked onto a metal pole that goes across the entire top shelf where he needs to get to.

I’m startled by three men wearing ski masks, dressed in all black, waving guns around, coming through the sliding glass doors of the store.

My heart pounds as I put my hands up, keeping my cart between me and them.

“Everyone stay where you are! Hands up! Don’t Move! Give me the money old man!” One says as he rushes the counter pointing his pistol in the old man’s face.

Another comes towards me with his gun pointed at me. He bypasses me and I can’t help but turn, my lower back hitting the counter behind me. I watch him turn back towards me, while the other moves to the back of the store pointing his gun at other patrons.

“Everyone stay calm, and no one will get hurt. Make a wrong move and I will shoot you dead.” The man behind me says as he starts taking bottles and chips from the shelves, not paying as much attention to me anymore.

Chapter 34

Brixon

Evie leans over the middle console giving me a quick kiss. She looks so beautiful with her messy bun, zero makeup, emerald sweatshirt and black joggers.

I watch her hop out of the oversized SUV. She has a bounce to her step as she quickly enters the little market.

I take off, circling around to the back of the church, backing up to the double doors.

I raise the back of the SUV, before getting out and hurrying up to the doors, opening them without an issue. Father Harold had told Evie he would keep them open for her.

I carry the boxes of decorations into the back of the church, only having to make four trips. Father Herald stops me before I exit, halfway shutting the double doors.

“Awe Mr. Blaze, I expected to see Miss Evie today. I’m sure the bride has a million things to still get done. Give her my best. I’ll see you both on Sunday.” The gentleman smiles and shakes my hand.

Unfortunately, the church said no to a Fat Tuesday wedding, so we had to compromise on the date. Evie didn’t even mind.

“Will do Father.” I reply, letting him finish closing the doors.

I hurry back to the SUV so that Evie isn’t waiting on me. I can’t contain my happiness. Everything is falling into place.

I circle back around to Decatur and see a spot in front of the store. That never happens. I pull into the parking spot, not seeing Evie anywhere.

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