Page 114 of Sugar and Skulls

We walk down the path, the little woodland creatures I painted peek out at us. He squeezes my hand when he notices them. Before long, the path opens to a spectacular view of the Sierra mountains. Our friends are all gathered around. My dad walks us up the isle they have formed.

When we reach the end, I see Raffe standing, with crutches, by Dirk. He gives me a dazzling smile and winks. Dirk nudges him in the ribs. Raffe only smiles brighter. Then I let my eyes fall on Dirk. Mr. Scary, Tattoo Man. The man who stood in front of me and told me it was okay to be mean. It was okay to protect what was mine. The man who saved me by teaching me how to save myself.

His tongue snakes out to flick his lip ring making me thank Gabriel’s god for giving me such a sexy man. My dad takes my hand and gently places it in Dirk’s. He leans over and whispers, “Take care of my baby girl, Dirk, or I’ll break every bone in your body.”

“You know I will.”

“I know. I know.” My dad pats Dirk on the back before going to stand with Candice and the girls.

I turn towards the minister noticing Dan standing by my side. He blushes and looks towards the sky.

My eyebrows raise in amusement. “Hey, big guy.”

“Shut-up, you needed a maid of honor.”

I smile big. “And, you make such a pretty one.”

He grumbles before leaning over and giving me a peck on the cheek.

I snag his hand before he pulls away. “I wouldn’t want anyone else.”

His cheeks turn full out crimson. He clears his throat and straightens his jacket.

The minister begins. I couldn’t tell you what he says because I’m lost in mood ring eyes. The same ones that made my heart gooey all those years ago. Only difference is this time we don’t have to go our separate ways.

Before I know it, Dirk is kissing me passionately in front of all our friends and family. My dad coughs loudly and Dirk pulls back giving me his trademark smirk. He enjoys making people uncomfortable, especially Bill. That’s okay, I wouldn’t trade this asshole for anyone.

Good news is we are now one, forever bound to protect what’s ours...together.

Bad news, well in life there will always be bad news but now that I’ve found my family I will never have to go through it alone.

The End

Epilogue

Dirk ~ 5 Years later

???

My eyes follow Raffe as he chases his son around the room. Good god that little fuck has a lot of energy. Yeah, you guessed it, I’m still the same fucking asshole I was five years ago.

Katie and Ally come out from the bedroom where my wife is. “Do you want us to take Jackson for a little while so you can go see Jesse?” Katie asks Raffe.

“Yeah, that would be great. Rachel will be here in about thirty minutes.” He pats me on the back as he passes me to go in to see Jess. I watch the girls play with Jackson for a few minutes before heading back into the bedroom.

We have temporarily moved back into the warehouse because of Jesse’s condition. She wanted to be near her dad. Understandably so. She’s scared. Shit, I’m scared.

When I open the door, I find Raffe sitting in the chair by the window, Jesse kneeling in front of him with her head in his lap. He runs his fingers through her hair, speaking softly over her. Dan is crouched behind Jesse rubbing her back.

I flex my fists reminding myself that everyone here loves Jesse.This is innocent. This is innocent.Nope, can’t do it. “Everyone get the fuck out.” I spin towards the older woman in the room, pointing at her. “You too.”

Jesse chuckles but back away from Raffe. Dan helps her to her feet. “Why do you have to be such an asshole. That felt good.”

I narrow my eyes at her and she narrows hers right back.

Raffe, Dan and the old woman don’t even try to argue with me. They all walk out closing the door behind them.

Jesse makes her way to the window, pushing the curtain back so she can look down at the lake.

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