Page 63 of Reckless Forever
She was already dressed, and a smile spread on my face as soon as I caught sight of her. She came in a floor-length black gown, diamonds dancing in her ears, hair pulled back into a bun so sleek that not a single hair looked out of place. Everything about her said that she was the wife of a boss, and she gave birth to them too.
“Oh my gosh,” She gasped at me as she brought her hands to my chin. I smiled at her as I gave her another glance. That dress she was wearing was jaw-dropping, and I wouldn’t miss the chance to tell her that.
“You look great, that dress is to die for.”
“Storm’s mother, Yandi, designed it for me. I can give you her contact. I hope you don’t mind me coming in,” she said softly.
“It’s fine,” I told her honestly. It was more than fine; over the last month, she had been wonderful company. She made sure that my adjustment to the states was seamless. When Judah was out working, if I wasn’t at the estate, I’d be with her.
“Good, because I know it’s usually the mother of the bride who helps her get ready. If you don’t mind, I can step in for you.” Her smile softened as she set her clutch on the edge of the vanity and waited for my response.
Her words hit me instantly. A tear broke loose before I could stop it, running hot down my cheek.
“Aww, I didn’t mean to make you cry,” she said quickly, shooing away the stylist with the mascara wand so she could lean in and console me. The hug was so motherly that it instantly calmed me. It was comforting in a way that I didn’t know I needed.
“That means a lot to me, thank you.” My voice cracked as I tried to pull it together.
She pulled back and gave me a look that said she meant business.
“Girl, we are celebrating love today. You and my youngest headache are getting married. No time for tears.” She grabbed a sponge from the makeup artist’s hand like she wasn’t even standing there and dabbed my makeup like she had been paid to do it.
Everything about it, the words, the gesture, the consideration, was just so genuine. Everybody always talked about the importance of a village. And in this moment, it solidified that I had mine now. The only thing was that my “village” didn’t look like other people’s.
The makeup artist sprayed my face and gave me a fan to hold. Then my coordinator gave the photographer the okay to come up.
Me and Ms. Meena took my first set of pictures together. There were shots with her helping me into my dress, adjusting my hair, and putting on my veil. I was touched by the moment. But as soon as I got dressed, it was go time, and I had to be downstairs so we could drive to the venue.
I was less nervous, and I guess it came from the fact that Judah and I had already gotten married in private. If not for that, I would probably be a mess right now. It was crazy how even when I didn’t speak about things, he always found a way to know exactly what I needed.
The truck didn’t have long to drive before we reached the venue. Even I sat up straight when I looked out of the window. The Cartel was here.
Armed guards in tailored suits stood by every exit. Black SUVs lined the perimeter of the street, tinted windows rolled up tight. Security had been doubled for the day. Men littered the outside, and I saw weapons underneath their blazers and some in plain sight.
This wasn’t just a wedding. It was a summit.
The mafia families. The cartel bosses. The “businessmen” who had traveled from overseas and foreign countries. They weren’t just here for vows and cake. They were here to witness the union that would bring two worlds together as one.
Storm joked about it last night, somewhere between tequila shots and dancing on a velvet couch.This ain’t just a wedding, girl. You’re about to sign your life away.
She wasn’t wrong.
My eyes landed on the bulletproof Hummer fleet, and my heart smiled because I knew that Padrino was here.
Ms. Meena took my hand and squeezed it once. I had forgotten that she was in the car with me as I took in the scene. I turned to her, and she smiled. “You walk out there, and youremember who you are. You’re not just marrying into this life. You have to own it. Understand?”
I nodded.
Hollow opened the door for me, and we stepped out of the truck. I was greeted by many of the familiar faces of the Cartel as the coordinator guided me to the bridal room. She opened the door, and there sat Padrino, dressed in all black and twisting his ring around on his finger.
When I went in, he stood up to greet me. I rushed into his arms and hugged him.
“I told you I was coming. I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to walk you down the aisle if my life depended on it.” He said in Spanish.
“Thank you, I love you,” I said as I kissed his cheek, and we caught up while the coordinator got the ceremony underway.
“Alright, Mrs. Jennings, it’s your time to walk out. Let’s go.” She called for me, and I waited for Padrino to fix his suit before I took his arm, and we walked to the door.
This wasn’t just family. This was power, gathered under one roof, watching.
