Page 10 of Eagle

“Well, change of plans. Sort of,” Daisy called. Her heels click-clacked over the tile flooring as she dragged Falcon toward us. She had a dress similar to Lacy’s but it was light pink and the material in the skirt swayed as she hustled closer. She hugged Mama Hen and gave an acknowledging nod to Hawk. “Falcon got too wrapped up in the romance of it all apparently and didn’t check the details. We have the license but the judge who performs ceremonies only does them at noon and six p.m. daily.”

Hawk looked down at his watch. “Not quite nine. Why don’t we go catch a bite?”

“There’s a nice little spot around the corner,” Mama Hen said with a big smile. She actually had on a dress. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her in anything but jeans.

“I’ll go pull around for you,” I said to Lacy before I took off for the parking lot. Falcon was right behind me but seemed more worried about what he was doing than me. “You good man?” I asked.

He let out a growl then said, “I didn’t think it through. I called Scar and asked if he’d check our schedule and make sure appointments were notified.”

“I think I only had a small piece around lunchtime. I’ll text him. I’m sure we can get it all sorted out.”

“Thanks. I appreciate you being here, man.”

I gripped his shoulder as we made it closer to the trucks. “I wouldn’t miss it, fucker.”

“She makes me crazy. I never used to overlook shit, man. I don’t know how I fucked this up.” He pushed his fingers through his hair.

“Hey man. Nothing’s fucked up. Just a little out of order, that’s all. You said license, hitched, then meal. We just shuffle it around a little. No big deal. Let’s get the girls before they get into some shit.”

We parted ways and grabbed the girls then we all went to the quaint little restaurant around the block. It was pretty full but we were seated in a few minutes. All the chatter and packed bodies made it easy to ignore what was going on between Lacy and I.

Our breakfast was full of talking, lots of coffee, and plenty of laughs. Mama Hen was telling stories of when we were younger, and Daisy was getting a kick out of it. Lacy was laughing and smiling, but she was tense and reserved.

Falcon looked down and said, “Shit. We gotta make our way back or we’ll miss the noon ceremony.”

Hawk stood up, “I’ll get the tab. Leave the server some cash, will ya?”

Mama Hen finished off her coffee and we all jumped up. Falcon and I pulled out our wallets and threw some cash on the table for our server and Lacy was stacking plates and organizing our mess.

We all headed out to hustle back to the courthouse. The race to get back and through security on time didn’t leave much time for whatever tension we had. I didn’t know what I was going to tell her earlier. I wasn’t such an ass that I would have that talkthere. I was thinking maybe tell her sorry if I was in my head and try to put her mind at ease, at least until later. But then we got interrupted, twice. Probably for the best because even if I tried to smooth this over for now, she’s not dense. She had to know something was up, even if she wasn’t sure what it was.

We hustled through security and raced to the courtroom where the ceremonies were held. We made it with a few minutes to spare so Lacy and Daisy went to the ladies’ room to freshen up and we waited outside.

Once they were done, we all piled inside. The bailiff called up anyone with a marriage license and asked that everyone else stay seated. Six couples stepped up and handed over their IDs and licenses. The bailiff showed them where to stand, then a woman with short brown hair and deep red lipstick came out and took her place. The bailiff handed over all the documents and asked that the ceremony participants stay standing and repeat after the judge.

The judge looked over the documents then smiled up at everyone. “Beautiful day for some unions. As he explained, just repeat after me with your right hand raised, please. Once I get through that, I’ll sign all these and the bailiff will then return your documents and IDs. Anyone have any questions?”

They all shook their heads. Most of them were holding hands and Falcon and Daisy were making googly eyes at each other. The vows were short and to the point. Definitely not as in depth as the few church weddings I’d been to.

After just a few promises, the judge stopped talking and grabbed a pen. After scribbling what was probably her signature a few times and adding a seal, she handed all the documents back to the bailiff who then passed them back to the twelve people who stood before them.

The judge rose and smiled down at everyone. “I now pronounce you husbands and wives. If it suits you, you may kiss.” And with that, the judge exited through the door behind her while all of the couples kissed. Falcon grabbed Daisy by the face and practically devoured her. She even raised one foot up. I was thinking how great of a pic it would be when a flash temporarily blinded me. Blinking wildly, I turned to see Hawk of all people snapping pictures with his phone. Mama Hen was grinning from ear to ear and Lacy wiped a single tear away from her cheek.

A pang shot through my chest as I watched Lacy smiling at her friend. Glancing back to the front, Falcon had grabbed Daisy’s hand and was leading her down the middle of the benches. We all filed out behind them. Once we made it to the atrium, Lacy and Mama Hen doted on Daisy while Hawk and I gave some hearty handshakes to Falcon.

“Old ball and chain, how does it feel?” I asked.

Daisy’s icy blue eyes shot in my direction and if looks could kill, I’d be dead. I shrugged with a grin but Falcon answered, “Feels fucking great. I’m gonna go consummate then I’ll be at the shop.”

We all had a good laugh and Daisy gave a sly grin to Falcon. I looked over at Lacy. “I have an appointment in a few. I’ll take you back to the clubhouse.”

She gave another forced smile but hugged Daisy and Mama Hen said, “We’ll see you back there soon. We have a few things to pick up for later.”

Lacy hugged her, too, and told her, “I’ll change then come find you to help.”

As we walked out, I grabbed her hand without thinking. It was soft and cool, fitting perfectly into mine. I helped her intothe cage, and we shared a long look before I closed the door.

What the fuck is wrong with me?This woman is literal perfection. Maybe I should just get over myself. But I wasn’t sure I could.No. I’m just being selfish again.But Falcon is selfish with Daisy, possessive, and borderline crazy when it comes to her.

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