Page 54 of Taming Hawke

I smile and watch as she takes slow and steady steps, just like we practiced. I look ahead and see Hawke at his place beside Quill, standing proudly as Quill’s best man. He stands strong and tall under the marquee, and I inhale deeply. The image of raw but refined perfection has goose bumps covering my whole body.

Hailey enters the marquee and smiles back at Tess and I. Tess takes her turn walking down the aisle, and once she’s at the marquee she nods at me, as if to let me know it’s my turn. Walking toward the marquee I feel nerves in the pit of my stomach. Trying to concentrate on my steps so I don’t trip, I listen to the words of the song playing. They’re beautiful.

As I get closer, Hawke steps forward and holds out his hand to me. I raise my eyebrows at him, wondering what he’s doing, but he ignores my look of confusion. His warm hand grasps mine, and he walks with me up the steps to the marquee, escorting me to my place beside Hailey. His scent hits me and I look into his light blue eyes. I smile. “Thank you.”

He leans in and whispers in my ear, “You look beautiful, Lu”. I blush and take a minute to admire how his strong arms are stretching the material of his jacket, and how he’s trimmed his whiskers so they only cover his jawline. He looks good enough to eat.

“Uh-hum. Sorry to interrupt, but I’m getting married here.”

I look over Hawke’s shoulder and find Quill watching us, smirking.

“You’re just jealous I look better than you,” Hawke says to Quill, and takes his place back beside him.

“You wish, brother. You know I’m better-looking.”

Quill and Hawke laugh, then Quill freezes when his eyes land on Jasmine, taking her first steps down the rose-scented aisle.

I watch Quill’s facial expression shift, and my heart warms watching him follow his bride’s progress down the aisle toward us. He’s biting his bottom lip, inhaling and exhaling deeply. His eyes are shimmering with unshed tears, and I feel one of my own roll down my face. Just seeing Quill like this, it makes me realize how much I want the same from Hawke. Quill loves Jasmine. You would have to be blind not to see that. But now, observing Quill become undone as he gets closer to marrying the love of his life, only shows how deep their love is for one another. It doesn’t matter that his club is here watching him, right now it’s about them. I almost feel like we’re intruding as I witness this intimate moment between them.

Quill reaches for Jasmine as soon as she’s near. Jasmine’s dad whispers to Quill, “Take care of her, son.” Quill nods, and helps Jasmine up the steps to the marquee where the marriage celebrant is waiting.

Just as the celebrant is about to speak, Quill holds Jasmine’s face in his hands and kisses her. Hoots and whistles from the crowd surround the garden, and I giggle as I turn and look out at the guests. My laughter soon ceases when I notice Hawke watching me, desire evident in his eyes. They sweep over me, then stop to linger on my mouth. To tease him, I bite down on my bottom lip, and smile when he discreetly adjusts himself.

My attention returns to the bride and groom when I hear Jasmine say, “Quill, stop it, we’re getting married.”

“Don’t care, Jazz. That dress is coming off as soon as I get you to myself.”

I cover my mouth, laughing behind it, and watch as the celebrant begins to speak.

It’s not long before Quill and Jasmine are saying their vows, and I have to admit, Quill sure knows how to bring a tear to a girl’s eye. I can hear sniffles from the guests, and I try and hold back tears when Quill tells Jasmine she’s the reason he breathes every day, how he loves her, and will always protect her until his last breath. He also speaks of their unborn child, and how it is the greatest gift she could ever give him.

Damn it, Lu, there goes your promise not to cry anymore.

Once Quill finishes his vows, he looks to Hawke for Jasmine’s ring. I don’t know what’s said, but I see Quill elbow Hawke. Hawke laughs whatever it is off and grabs a velvet-covered black box out of his breast pocket.

Quill places the ring on Jasmine’s finger continuing his vows, and once it’s on he lifts her hand to his mouth kissing her there.

It’s now Jasmine’s turn to say her vows, and I quickly walk up to take the bouquet out of her hands. We’re all listening intently as Jasmine begins.

“Quill, you came into my life at a time I wasn’t expecting you. You have taught me love has no boundaries, and that when you find your true soulmate, nothing else matters.” She sniffles, but continues. “You have given me your love, and proved how much I mean to you. You make me feel safe and whole, and I can’t imagine life without you. I promise that I will be here for you, and love you until my last dying breath.”

Jasmine takes a moment to breath. “You have given me life again, and although you’re a little bossy”—laughter erupts all around—“I wouldn’t want you any other way. I can’t wait for us to begin our future together as a family.” Her hand reaches down and rubs her belly, and a tear falls from Quill’s eye. “I know you will be the best father our baby could ever wish for, and I thank God for the day he brought you into my life. Thank you for not giving up on us, Quill. I love you, and will cherish you with my body and soul for the rest of our lives.”

Yep, that just did it. Hailey and Tess both join in, and as we cry I accept a tissue from Tess that she’s pulled out of the top of her dress. “I knew we’d need these.” I laugh and quickly straighten myself. Jasmine turns to me and holds out her hand for Quill’s ring. I undo the ring tied to Jasmine’s bouquet and hand it to her. She smiles then faces Quill and places the ring on his finger, also lifting his hand to her mouth and kissing it.

The ceremony comes to an end when the celebrant says, “Quillentine and Jasmine, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The happy couple turn to face everybody, and cheers and clapping surround us. I move in quickly, and kiss Jasmine and give her a hug. “Congratulations, Jazz. That was beautiful.” I dab at my eyes and move to Quill, and give him a hug and kiss too. “Take care of her, Quill, she’s special.”

Quill pulls back and smiles down at me. “I intend to do exactly that, Lu. I got her.”

I smile back, and then I’m pulled back against a very hard body. “Hawke,” I whisper over my shoulder.

“Wait here, I’m just gonna go and congratulate them.”

Hawke walks up to Jasmine and hugs her, lifting her up off her feet. I laugh when I see him twirl her around. “Put her down, man, she’s pregnant,” Quill orders, and grabs Jasmine, keeping her close to his side.

Hawke pats Quill on his back and shakes his hand. “Congratulations, brother. I wish you guys the best.”

“Thanks, man.”

Quill and Jasmine make their way down the steps after the bridal party have offered their congratulations, and are stopped by Jasmine’s mom and dad with more hugs and kisses. Quill’s mother is here and she embraces her son. She clings to him, crying in his arms. “Hijo, I’m so proud of you. If only your papa was here to see you.”

Quill’s face straightens at the mention of his father, but he soon masks his hatred for the man, and smiles at his mom.

Hawke wraps his arm around my waist, and whispers in my ear, “Baby, have I told you how beautiful you look?”

I smile up at him. “Yes, you did, but you can say it again. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

“I do scrub up well in a suit, don’t I?” he states proudly, looking down at what he’s wearing.

“That you do.”

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