Page 54 of Festive

“Prinie, what’s going on?”

She disappears into the bathroom and comes back holding a breathtaking white-lace maternity dress, handing it to me with a grin so wide it’s contagious. I raise a brow, still trying to catch up. “Okay, aaand… what’s this for?”

She bounces on her toes like a kid on Christmas morning, considering it is Christmas morning, her actions are fitting. “You’re getting married today! Koda’s planned everything.”

My heart skips a beat, and anxiety tightens in my chest as I begin to rapidly shake my head. “W-wait, no, I can’t. Shotgun and Aver—”

The bathroom door swings open again, and Avery steps out, her face glowing with a warmth that instantly eases some of my panic. Her eyes are full of tears, but her smile is so bright, it makes my heart instantly swell. “We wouldn’t miss this for the world.”

For a second, I can’t breathe, emotions crash down over me like a tidal wave.

They’re here.

All of them.

I thought I had to face everything alone, but I don’t.

Bursting into tears, I wrap Avery in the tightest hug. “You’re really here? For Christmas? And for my wedding?”

A rush of warmth and gratitude surges through me. This is my family,my real family.They’ve always had my back, and now, they’re here for one of the biggest moments of my life.

Avery holds me tight, her voice soft but steady. “Of course, Thay. You need us, we come. That’s what family does.”

I cling to her, my emotions swirling between overwhelming happiness and this undercurrent of nerves that won’t leave me alone.

I’m excited—so damn excited—but terrified.

This is happening.

I’m getting married today.

Just then, the door to the bedroom creaks open, and Cherry steps in with Kenna and Kinzley by her side. The sight of my little girls in their flower girl dresses makes my heart feel like it might burst.

Cherry grins so wide, ushering my girls inside. “Here are your flower girls. It’s time to get ready.”

I glance around the room, my heart racing with love, fear, joy, and everything in between. My lips twitch into a nervous giggle. “I’mreallygetting married?”

Avery squeezes my hands, her touch grounding me. “Yes, youare.”

I let out a small laugh, really looking at her. “And Shotgun knows about this, right? We’re not ambushing him? He’s not going to end up shooting Koda while I’m walking down the aisle or anything?”

Everyone chuckles as Avery pulls me to her tight. “He knows, and he’s on board… this is it, Thayleah. You and Six. You guys were always meant to be... now let’s get you dressed.”

My hands shake slightly as I nod, overwhelmed but filled with this inexplicable joy. This is real, and it’s all happening so fast. Nervous energy buzzes inside me, but beneath it all, there’s an undeniable excitement.

My family is here, I’m about to marry the love of my life, and for the first time in what feels like forever, everything feels… right!

SIX

Nerves race through me like a raging inferno. I haven’t run any of this by Rebel. I wanted it to be a surprise, and I hope she is on board with it and isn’t furious at me for not letting her plan everything.

I just want it all to go smoothly.

I stand in Zero’s room, getting dressed. He tries to get me to calm down when there’s a knock at the door.

“Come in,” Zero calls out as I try to control my breathing.

The heavy thumping boots of Shotgun step inside the room, not making my anxiety any easier, and Zero dips his head at the Brothers by Blood president.

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