Page 50 of Mic Drop

I kiss her, much to the encouragement of our guests. “I got the better end of this deal.”

All of my bandmates huddle around us. We don’t say anything, simply hold on to each other. I’ve never felt so much unity, happiness, kinship from my band. Ever.

I’m brought out of my head when Trent steals the mic I forgot I was holding from my fingers. He addresses our guests. “Great new chart-topping song, guys. Let’s give it up for Untamed Coaster!” Everyone roars, and we turn the stage back to TLR.

We dance and eat and talk with everyone throughout the early evening. When I take to the dance floor with my new mother-in-law to Cole Manchester’s hit, she kisses my cheek and says this is the happiest day she can remember in a long, long time.

There’s nothing more that I could’ve asked for from our wedding.

Jenna and I deliberately planned the day to end around eight because UC has to leave for our next gig in the morning and I wanted to be sure I’d have at least a little bit of alone time with my new wife before that happens. I survey the backyard and find Faith sitting and chatting with a man I don’t recognize. She appears animated, but I can discern the strain the day’s taken on her.

I dance with my wife. “Think it’s time we cut the cake and bow out?”

Jenna’s fingers play with the back of my neck. “What do you have in mind? It’s still light out.”

My grin turns wolfish. “Keeping my wife up and screaming until the sun comes up.”

“I like your plan. Your wife’s a lucky girl.”

I pick her up and slowly drag her body down mine. Into her ear, I agree, “She sure is.”

When the song ends, we make our way to the double-tiered cake. The Light Rail strikes up “Speak Softly Love,” the theme fromTheGodfather, which makes Jenna giggle. I could live on this sound for the rest of my life.

After we—politely—feed each other, a delicious concoction of vanilla cake with cannoli icing, we say our goodbyes to everyone. She lingers with Court and Kara plus her niece and nephew. I take my time with Luke, who agrees to make sure Faith is brought home soon.

Then the rest of the band rushes over to give me their last bits of advice. “Make sure she comes first,” Río offers.

“And often,” Coop clarifies.

Not to be outdone, 007 says, “Shower off the cooties and wash in all the crevices. Then use soap.”

Tris grabs my shoulder. “Don’t go to sleep until you’re back on the plane with us.”

This feels likemoreto me. Much more than we’ve ever shared. Perhaps it’s the setting in my new home, or the fact I’m now a husband, but the way these men have rallied around me mean the world to me. “You guys...” I can’t get out any more than that, but they seem to understand.

Río pronounces, “Group hug!” The six of us smother each other.

Coop’s the first to break the group. “You’ve got all of our advice. Now go consummate this marriage. We’re gonna stay and trash your new house.”

With these parting words, I join my wife and kiss her hand. Which is cold. I tilt my head. “Ready?”

Jenna’s face is frozen as her eyes fix on a man sitting at the back of the gathered crowd. She whispers, “My father is here.”

Chapter 14

Jenna

Sound whooshes through my ears. The only reason I recognize him at all is because Ma and I were looking through some old photos and I asked who he was. After all, I was in kindergarten the last time I saw him. Why would myfatherchoose today of all days to show up? I squeeze Bennett’s hand.

Bennett’s voice lowers. “Your father is here?”

I nod, using my chin to point to Ma. And the man next to her.

“Do you want to talk with him?”

“No.”

His hands press down on my shoulders. His green gaze sears into my soul. “Then don’t let him ruin our perfect day. I married the woman of my dreams. All I want to do is make her scream out in pleasure. The rest will take care of itself.”

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