Page 159 of Bloom: Part 2

“You know what you have to say—”

“Baaaaaabe!”

I kissed him hard. “All right, go back in, then. Tomorrow I finally get to marry the crap out of you.”

Laughing, I clambered out of the car, this time from his side of the vehicle. “Drive safely.”

“Drive safely what?”

I rolled my eyes. “Drive safely,babe.”

“I will, sweetheart.” He turned on the ignition. “Listen, don’t do what those boys say and make me wait for hours at the altar.”

“I won’t.”

“Good, now hurry back inside and keep that ass warm until I can get my hands on it tomorrow.”

“Oh, you mean this ass.” I tugged down my shorts to flash him.

“Oh, Jesus. Bloom, come here a little, will you?”

“Not on your life. You can get acquainted with my ass on our honeymoon,babe.”

“I’m not sure I like this playful side of you,” he muttered.

“Get used to it!”

I wasn’t miserable anymore. I had friends. I had people who cared about me. And I was getting married to the man I loved in less than twenty-four hours. I had a whole lot more than I did when I just moved to Smoky Vale.

47

LOGAN

The hotel’s poolside was transformed into something out of a dream Bloom and I never knew we had but that Jamie helped us to realize. Twinkling fairy lights draped across trellises, casting a warm glow over the blue water of the pool. Rows of white chairs, their backs tied with black and gold ribbons, flanked a carpeted aisle leading to a simple but elegant arch adorned with fresh flowers. Soft music played from hidden speakers, a gentle melody that somehow eased and heightened my nerves all at once.

This wasn’t the small, intimate wedding Bloom and I had planned. It was bigger, louder, and filled with far more bikers than I’d ever imagined. Yet somehow, it was perfect. The raw, unapologetic energy of our friends and family made it uniquely ours.

I stood at the front of the aisle, adjusting my cufflinks for what had to be the tenth time in five minutes. My palms were clammy, and my heart thudded. Bloom and I had been talking about this day for what seemed like forever. I never imagined a scenario where I was nervous.

I glanced at my watch. It was time for the ceremony to begin, but knowing those boys and the party they’d had last night, they were likely running late. I had mentally prepared myself to wait.

“Places, everyone!” Jamie’s voice, sharp and commanding, cut through the soft hum of conversation. “We’re ready to begin.”

He strode toward me with a huge grin. “Bloom’s here?” I craned my neck to catch a glimpse of him. Was Jamie yanking my chain?

“Of course he’s here.” Jamie rolled his eyes. “He’s been up since nine, ready to marry you. It’s happening, Logan. Aren’t you excited?”

Excited didn’t nearly describe how I felt. The knot in my chest loosened, and I let out a breath. Of course Bloom was here. I should’ve known. He was always all in when it came to us. Long before me. I smiled, my nerves settling. I had nothing to worry about.

The music shifted, signaling the beginning of the procession. Jamie gave me a quick thumbs-up and darted off to his place in the line. I straightened my tie, inhaling deeply as the pairs began their walk down the aisle.

Fable and Zak came first, their steps perfectly in sync. Next were Miles and Rubble, followed by Cass and Mort. Booker walked with Max, since Crowe would escort Bloom. Grimm and Jamie were our best men. Mort’s daughter had done a beautiful job with the flowers, and the little boy—one of the bikers’ sons—who brought the rings took ages to make it down the aisle, but everyone smiled.

The music changed again. A hush fell over the crowd, and I turned to look down the aisle, desperate for my first glimpse of Bloom.

Crowe appeared, his imposing frame cutting a striking figure in his tailored suit. I’d been surprised at how quickly the bikers had agreed to dress a bit more formally for Bloom’s wedding.They’d been all in as if they wanted him to have the best wedding possible, which knowing them, they did.

Next to Crowe, Bloom walked, looking stunning in a long, flowing black tailcoat tailored to fit his slim build. Beneath the tailcoat, the black vest worn over a black shirt was a corset-inspired piece with damask patterns. A blood-red silk cravat at his neck added the only splash of color in his otherwise black ensemble that contrasted nicely with his pale skin. His beautiful blond hair was left loose in a tumble of curls down his shoulders.

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