Page 108 of Out of the Blue

“Seriously, dudes? My wedding?”

Dwight passes Joey his twenty and offers me a scowl. “I can’t believe you did it without us. Or, at least, me.”

“Dude, this was for Cordy and me only.”

“I get it.” Eyes downcast, he mutters, “But, I wanted to be there to celebrate with you. Seems like I’ve been replaced.”

His comment makes me feel like a selfish asshole, and I don’t like it. First the revelation about Brax and now this. My gaze meets Cordy’s. We’ve been so wrapped up in each other that we didn’t even consider how it would make others feel. Hell, we haven’t even told Auntie Gloria or Juanita yet. I need to make this up to everyone.

I stride over to my wife and bend to her ear. “Reception in New Jersey?”

“My thoughts exactly,” she whispers.

I clap to gain everyone’s attention. “Here’s some more exciting news! We’re going to have a reception back in New Jersey when we have a break in the tour. All the trimmings.”

A collective cheer goes up, and my wife relaxes into my side. We may have done everything backward, but it was right for us. Hell, we started with a literal bang before we found out each other’s names. Why would our wedding be any different?

I kiss my wife and join the guys by our instruments. We rehearse “Cordy.” I resisted giving this song to the band for a long time, but its namesake wore me down. She loves it so much and argued the whole world needs to hear it. Now we’re trying to figure out where to put it in our gig’s lineup.

When we finish, Cordy joins us. “Posted some great photos today, guys.” Her eyes dart to mine, and I’m on instant alert. What’s she up to? Don’t have to wait long. “I think you should release ‘Cordy’ as your next single.”

Before I can even open my mouth, Maurice replies, “Hell, yes. It’s our best one yet.” Joey agrees. Damn them.

Dwight hops in. “I love it. The beat’s rockin’, and your vocals are the real deal.”

Cordy comes over to me and places her bejeweled left hand on top of my heart. “This song is going to be huge. I can feel it. When you’re on stage, close your eyes and sing it to me.”

How can I deny her anything? Even this. “One condition. If we do a video for it, you’re my love interest.”

Her face lights up, her bottom lip coming between her teeth. “I can do that.”

I seal her promise with a kiss, then agree to our decision. Feels like this is our new path, the new way we’ll be dealing with obstacles. Together.

And I love it.

Epilogue – Cordelia

My hands sail down the white dress Juanita forced me to buy. It’s been two months since Trent and I said “I do” in Las Vegas, and today’s our reception. After much debate, we decided to hire another officiant to oversee a second wedding so all of our friends and family can bear witness.

Not up for debate, however, was my decision not to invite my mother. Once I told Juanita what went down with my father, my sister cut her out of her life as well. And we’re both okay with our smaller tribe by blood, as Trent’s friends and family have made up for our lack. They’ve welcomed me and Juanita into their homes and lives, and I couldn’t be happier. They even made Juanita the official hairstylist for the band. She’s been on cloud nine since they offered her the job—which includes taking care of all of their wives’ hair when they’re on tour with us, too. Joey’s out-of-control style could be a full-time job in and of itself.

Rita floats into the room carrying my bouquet of wildflowers. So different from the commercial one I had in Vegas. “Here you go, honey. Thought you might need this.”

“Thanks.”

The woman who’s been like a mother to me places the bouquet down onto a table. “You look beautiful.”

“And so do you. You’re all badass in the palazzo pants.”

She smiles, her eyes crinkling behind her glasses. At this moment, I’m positive I’m making the right choice. “These old things?”

I laugh. “Oh, Rita. I’m so happy you’re in my life.” My laughter dies. “But I do have a favor to ask of you.”

“Sure thing, honey. What do you need?”

Here goes. “I would like for you to walk me down the aisle.”

She raises her hand to her face. “Me?”

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