Page 47 of Wine & Whiskey: Everything for You
The same hands that pull the trigger to end men’s lives. Which curl into fists to protect her. Three men dead. That she knows about. Maybe there are more. Maybe he’s killed others or put out hits. Yet, his promise to spare Evan provides the proof of his commitment to no longer let the brutality of his business be a part of their life together. Final confirmation of his love for her, of the change he makes in himself for both of them.
“Are you ready?” Carrie’s voice floats to her from the doorway.
Shae smiles and laces their arms together. “Let’s go.” As they walk down the hall, her phone buzzes, and she smiles at Nick’s number before putting it to her ear. “You didn’t change your mind, did you?”
“I was calling to ask you the same thing. I told you a long time ago, I would slow down, and I never seem to keep my promise. If I’m rushing you, if this is too fast, just say the word. We can wait.” Concern fills his soft voice, making her heart constrict. He gives her an out she doesn’t need and never plans to take. An answer she wishes she could give him in person to erase all of his doubt.
“No, I’m ready. More than I ever thought possible. For so long, I was scared to say ‘yes,’ and now, I can’t get to you fast enough.”
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ve been in love with you since the first time I saw you. A few more minutes won’t change anything.”
“Okay. I’ll see you soon.”
She smiles at Max waiting for them as they climb into the limo. Nick’s best friend as well as best man, he still protects them even when the threats are gone. Between him and Carrie, she’s blessed to have their friendship supporting her relationship with Nick.
Carrie slides in next to her before Max sits down across from them. She squeezes Shae’s hand. “This is it.”
“I know, and in a few weeks, it’ll be you.”
“Are you sad you’re not having a shower and bachelorette party and all of that?”
Their spontaneous ceremony eliminates the opportunity for any pre-wedding festivities. Yet, she isn’t missing out. All that she wants happens tonight. “No, this is perfect.”
“Not me. I want my strippers.”
Shae laughs at Carrie’s priorities. “Don’t worry. I’ve got naked, dancing men arranged for you.”
“See, now this is why I love you. You make sure I have…” Carrie tilts her head as she thinks. “What’s the plural of ‘penis’?”
Max clears his throat. “You know, I’m sitting right here.”
Carrie waves her hand at him. “Nah, you’re just one of the girls when you’re with us.”
“Well, that’s something I’ve never been called before.”
They laugh as the gates open, and they pull up the driveway. Nick stands at the bottom of the steps, his gaze never leaving the car. Before Max can climb out, Nick opens the door and offers her his hand. Warmth engulfs her body at his protective touch. Carrie’s teasing advice about their wedding night isn’t going to happen. She needs him. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony?”
“There’s no such thing with you, sweetness.”
“Okay, you two. Break it up.” Carrie pushes between them and separates their hands. “She’s mine until I give her away. If you want it to be to you, then get your ass inside and wait until we’re ready.”
She covers her mouth to keep from laughing as Carrie stares Nick down. He shakes his head and steps back, giving her a small bow before walking back into the house with Max.
“You’re so mean to aggravate him like that, especially on his wedding day.”
“Well, I had to give you one last chance to escape. I’ve always wanted to steal a limo.”
She shakes her head and smooths down her dress. No more running. “It’s not necessary. I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Carrie holds out her arm. “Then let’s get you some shoes so you can get married.”
Max rubs his finger over the tiny platinum band covered in huge diamonds tucked into his pocket, confirming one last time it’s still there. Fuck. What’s the matter with him? He’s actually kind of nervous. And it’s not even his wedding. But his friends are finally together, finally happy, and he refuses to allow anything to ruin their ceremony. Including him. Especially him.
Nick blows out a deep breath, the calmest he’s been all day, after spending the afternoon barking out orders and jetting to the jewelers and florist. Making sure everything is perfect. For Shae. For the woman who asks for nothing. Yet it never changes the fact Nick wants to give her everything.
At the creak of the French doors, Nick’s sigh turns into a curse under his breath. Yeah, she is fucking breathtaking. Glowing, not just from her natural beauty, but from her happiness. Her gaze only breaks from Nick’s to kiss Jacks’ cheek after he opens the door for her and Carrie. A soft laugh floats over to them from whatever the chauffeur whispers in her ear. After she shakes her head, the girls slowly make their way down the improvised aisle, created by Marta between baking and frosting Shae’s favorite cake.
The minister clears his throat and smiles at the bride. All of the man’s qualms from earlier seemingly vanished. Hesitant to perform the ceremony without counseling the couple on the trials and tribulations of marriage, he agreed to officiate after accepting Marta’s sincere vouching for them. Max rolls his eyes. Oh yeah, that, and Nick agreeing to bankroll construction on the new church for the growing congregation helped a little bit too. Even a man of the cloth has his weakness.
