“Ha!” He hands me a beer before clinking his bottle against mine.“I remember the day I married Julia like it was yesterday. Almost crapped myself waiting for her to walk toward me. I’m telling you, there’s nothing like watching the woman of your dreams choose you for life. It’s a high you’ll never forget.”
“How’s the weather outside? I haven’t even looked outside yet.”
“It’s a perfect summer day. I’m so glad she didn’t want to wait to get married. Winter’s fun for a lot of things, but not weddings.”
“Daisy always wanted a backyard wedding. I’m glad she wanted to do it at the clubhouse. How’s the yard looking?”
“Talon cut the grass before he went to bed last night. The catering company showed up with tables and chairs this morning. The tent’s up, and everyone’s waiting.”
“What about Daisy? Is she here yet, or is she still with Nina and the girls?”
“They’re all here. Daisy and Nina are in a room in the back. They don’t want you to accidentally see her before the wedding. Bad luck or some shit.”
“Nothing’s going to ruin today. I can wait another few minutes to see her.”
“Good. Let’s get out there and get this done so we can party. I’ll let everyone know you’ll be out in a few minutes.”
“Does the monkey suit look okay?” I gesture at the slate gray suit I’m wearing. I couldn’t decide how formal I wanted to go, but after discussing it with Daisy, she suggested a light suit. That way, I’d look fancy enough for a wedding without it being too stuffy. She promised I could take the jacket off as soon as we finished our vows.
“You look like a million bucks.”
“Thanks, pres.”
The door opens, and Reaper lumbers in.“Hey.”
“Hey, man.” I give him a bro-hug and slap him on the back.
“You ready to go? This shit’s itchy.” Reaper scratches at his starched collar.
The one thing Daisy insisted on was that everyone should look good for the photos. Once the party starts, she said we could strip down as much as we want. She might regret not being more specific about exactly how naked everyone can get.
“Almost,” I say.
“Hey, I almost forgot to tell you. That contract out on Daisy was canceled.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I had a little chat with a guy from the Demon Riders last night. She’s free and clear.”
“Did he say who issued the contract?” I ask.
“Nah, but my money’s on Blackstone.”
“Why would he cancel it after what she did at his house?”
“Probably to get the heat off him. If the Feds caught wind that he’s got a contract out on her, they’d want to know why. It’s better for Blackstone if he backs off right now.”
“That’s good to hear, but I don’t trust that fucker one bit.”
“Me either. Anyway, talking about that guy makes me want to break shit, and I don’t want to fuck up your wedding.”
“I hear you on that.”
“I’m going to wait in the living room,” Reaper says.
“Same.” Scar follows him, passing Talon, who is on his way in.
“Bro!” Talon gives me a bear hug.“You ready to get hitched?”