Page 92 of We Are All Sinners

I’ve been doing this a lot lately with the ones I love. Trying to appreciate every moment I get with the people that matter most.

I pull back from Christan’s arms and lean into Brixon’s side, taking in his one-of-a-kind mouthwatering scent as he wraps his arms around me, kissing my temple.

“Alright fam-bam, it’s time for the bride and groom to enter for their first dance. The rest of you file out in your couples behind them, showing unity. We want to send a message to whoever is fucking with our family.” Mia gets a mom voice going that is not only demanding, but absolutely downright vicious.

Fuck I thought she was just a sweet wedding planner. She is a beast.

“That includes you all. I get that you are king shits with the Saints, but I don’t give a fuck about titles at my weddings. I care about my family, that now includes all of you. Fall in line and show your support for Alec and M.J. You all know him taking this stand puts a mark on his back.” She lets us know she means business, and I am now even more excited to have her as my wedding planner, and as part of my family.

I honestly believed at one point that it would just always be me and Emily, getting old and having midnight margaritas and reading sprints with Lily to pass the time. Now my family just keeps growing by the minute.

I can’t get my hopes up that this will change my fate, but I can enjoy it while it lasts.

Mia places each couple where she wants us. When we are all situated appropriately, she takes her place next to Nick, takinghis arm. I watch him lean down and kiss his wife sweetly on top of her head, then whispering something in her ear, making her laugh.

I watch Mia press the button on her earpiece, giving instructions for each event that takes place. The double doors opening just as the music starts, Taylor Swift strums her guitar, signaling everyone to start walking out into the ballroom. We follow, arm and arm. People gasp when they see the Deities with their chosen women on their arms, showing that we are now their family.

Alec and M.J. take the center of the dance floor, dancing their first dance as husband and wife to, “Today Was a Fairytale.” They look so in love, gazing into each other’s eyes as he spins her on the shiny light wood floor, dipping her, then planting a soft kiss on her lips as the song ends. Everyone cheers as Alec lifts M.J. back up, making her giggle.

The rest of the ball styled reception is absolutely perfect. We watch as they are sweet, feeding each other a small bite of cake without getting it on their faces, then encircling their arms to drink champagne.

Brix and I have a few drinks, dance, laugh, and enjoy everyone’s company throughout the night.

We are slow dancing to Ed Sheeran’s, “Perfect,” holding onto each other as the lyrics set in. Brix whispers the lyrics in my ear as he keeps our steps slow and steady. I love the way he knows what music means to me.

“I remember you singing this to me once.” I smile up at Brix, remembering such a special moment of our history.

“I will sing it to you over and over if that is what you want.” He kisses my forehead.

A song can tell an amazing story if you just listen to the lyrics, the tone of the artist’s voice, the emotion they put into their words. A song can be a beautiful love story, if you just listen to the words.

“This is the song I want for our first dance as husband and wife.” I tell him as he turns us into a circle, avoiding bumping us into anyone else.

“I love that. See, all the wedding things will come. You have been so worried about every little detail. Let’s take a break after today, let Mia do her job. She is obviously very good at it.” Brixon almost pleads, letting me know he is worried.

“Well, I already accepted an invite to my brothers tomorrow. We are all going to his place for lunch, then us girls are going to have some witchy time in the woods.” I explain, watching his eyes narrow.

“Fine, but after that, we need to make some time for just the two of us, before the wedding.” His words hit hard. He is worried that after that our time may be up. I see it in his eyes, and it breaks my heart.

“I promise.” I tell him, going up on my toes to give him a kiss as the song stops, needing to take a break.

Just when I think I’m going to get to sit down, they announce all unwed ladies to the center of the dance floor for the bouquet toss and Brix tries to take me back to the dance floor.

I stop in protest, holding up my ring finger, “Already taken, see.” I remind my fiancé.

“No, you are going to want to see who catches it.” He says sweetly, pointing out, to Emily, who is dragging lily out with her.

I watch as M.J. winks out to the crowd before turning and tossing the pretty pink and white bouquet behind her into the sea of girls, all with their hands up, wanting that trophy.

It comes down hard, hitting an unexpecting Lily, who isn’t even paying attention, in the face. She bats it away just after the flowers assault her, into Emily’s hands before placing a hand over her right eye and running in the direction of the bathrooms.

I watch Noah let out a sigh and go after her. I think I’ll let my little brother take care of this one. Emily and I make eye contact as she rushes to me with the pretty bouquet in her hands. Liam is fast approaching as well.

“Congrats girly! Did you see that, muscles for brains? It’s your move by the way.” I chastise Liam, knowing he is proposing soon, but can’t let that be known to my bestie.

“We are still taking things slow. Marriage isn’t even on our radar. Except for helping to plan yours. Lily and I told Mia that we would help her with anything she needs, only gettingclarification on what we don’t already know. This is your time, Eves. Enjoy it and let us take care of everything.” Emily replies sweetly, hugging Liam’s waist while his arm holds her closer.

“Every one line up for Mr. & Mrs. Alec Landry to make their exit for their honeymoon.” Someone announces over the loudspeakers, cutting off Stevie Nicks, singing, “Crystal,” which irritates me a little. He could have waited till the song was over.

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