Page 81 of Reckless Curves
“What night?”
“When I was in the hospital with cancer. When I was sick as a young girl, you held my hand and talked and prayed so much. I held on to your determination to make me well. You made me want to live so we could make more memories together. Thank you for helping me fight. If you hadn’t, I would’ve never met Tom, I wouldn’t have Connor, and we wouldn’t be getting married now,” she said. “So, thank you for always being there for me.”
Marcus’ eyes were a little too bright and a tear trickled from one. “And I always will be. Okay, let’s get out there before Tom comes looking for you.”
Walking down the aisle on Marcus’ arm, Kendra saw two familiar people near the front of the church on her family’s side. She still couldn’t believe that Tom had invited her parents, or that they’d accepted. Tom wanted them to work things out. Kendra didn’t know if that was possible, but they were all trying. Her father had twisted his knee at golf yesterday or he’d be walking her down the aisle, but somehow having Marcus do it felt right.
Tom looked fantastic in his tux, but she couldn’t wait to get it off him so she could see all his rippling muscles and tattoos; especially his newest one. It was the accompaniment of the one that now circled her left ankle. Hers read “Life is too short, so…” and his said, “…let those ponies run.”
The closer she came to Tom, the happier Kendra grew, and she couldn’t stop smiling. Tom’s smile didn’t dim, either. When he took her hands, she felt like all the pieces of her life were finally fitting together. She hadn’t been completely whole without Tom, and she’d cherish every day with him in the future.
* * *
Looking into Kendra’s luminous eyes, Tom could hardly believe this stunning angel in white was his. She was more than he deserved and he would strive to be the kind of man she and their kids could count on. Lowering his gaze to Kendra’s stomach, he hoped that they’d give Connor a little sister.
His smile widened as he thought about her new and only tattoo. They’d gotten the new ink together, and he’d held her hand the whole time. With her typical bravery, she’d only whimpered once, but the rest of the time, Kendra had bitten her lip and toughened it out.
Not used to speaking in public, Tom concentrated on not flubbing his vows. Zip was videotaping the ceremony and he didn’t want to look like an ass whenever they watched it throughout the coming years
Their gazes barely left each other, even during the ring exchange. The pastor gave them permission to kiss and Tom took her into his arms.
“I love you, Tiger.”
“I love you, too.”
Their kiss was slow and sensual, a promise of what would come later.
Just as their lips parted, the minister said, “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Vincent Lorde.”
Tom tightened his arm around her and sighed. “Ready for pictures, babe?”
She chuckled at his resigned attitude. “Cheer up. We’re preserving the memories of the happiest day of our lives.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.”
Tom secretly enjoyed the experience, but grumbled the whole time just to see Kendra’s emerald eyes shine with laughter. He wanted to always make her that happy. And then there was Connor. Over the last three months, he’d fallen in love with his boy a little more each day.
In one of the pictures, he sat with Kendra leaning back against him with his hand around her waist. He placed his hand over Kendra’s stomach and knew that it would be the same with the little life that grew inside her. He’d missed so much with Connor, but it would be different with this baby.
When the pictures were done, Tom picked Connor up and took Kendra’s hand. Together they walked outside to the new Porsche Cayenne Wagon that Tom had bought for Kendra. It was decorated with pink streamers and white balloons that said, “Just Married” in silver lettering. She handed Connor off to Vincent and got behind the wheel. She turned the ignition and the purr of the engine thrilled her.
Tom got in and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go party.”
Kendra put the car in gear and took off.
* * *
Sully pulled Marcus aside just as they were entering the reception. “I took a message from Kade Colter today. He said, he’d be in on Monday with a 1962 Alfa Romeo Spider that needs a complete overall and that you’ve agreed Lexie would work on it.”
At his raised eyebrow Marcus said, “And?”
“Does Tom know about this? I mean,Kade Colter—her ex-brother-in-law. What the hell is that about? Lexie will spit like a wildcat when she hears, and Tom’s going to have your balls on a plate.”
“It’s business, that’s all. If I can stomach a Colter then so can she. Colter insisted on Lexie working on his car. She is the best mechanic to work on the Italian vehicles. I told him that if he disrespected Lexie, I’d havehisballs on a plate.”
“Let me guess, he’s paying good for the privilege.” Sully shook his head. “I want to be around when you find something you care about more than making money. And I’m warning you now. Any funny business from Kade, if he upsets Lexie in any way, I’ll make sure he never bothers women again, and you can stick this job where the sun don’t shine.” With that, Sully stalked into the reception hall.
“Sully seems to be in a bad mood for someone at his boss and best friend’s wedding,” Stella said as she hooked her arm through Marcus’s and led him inside.
