Page 41 of Our Promise
Benny pulled Lorielle to his side. She clung to him, and he smiled. His wife had a few shots of tequila, so she was feeling nice. He loved that for her and him. She got real nasty when she was off the alcohol.
“Hey, everybody,” Benny started, “I want to thank you for coming out to celebrate Elle and I getting married. I know a lot of you wish you could have been there, but it was perfect how it was. However, we hope this celebration makes up for it, and if it doesn’t…” He shrugged.
Laughter followed his statement, but he was serious. They had been married for three months and didn’t plan on having another ceremony until year one. Even Jo and his parents hadgotten over not being there, so whoever was still holding a grudge could kick rocks.
“I would like to say a few things to my wife before the show.” He faced Lorielle, taking her hands in one of his. “You made me the happiest man in the world when you accepted my ring, but when you took my last name, I knew nothing would ever top that moment. You are the love and light of my life. The best three months of my life went by so quick. The only thing I pray for these days is for time to slow down so I can spend more time with you. I love you, Lorielle Elise Collins.”
He pecked her on the lips. Everyone clapped and hollered around them.
It was Elle’s turn now. “Benny, my life is complete now that you’re in it. I’ve felt nothing but love from the moment I stepped into your family, thanks to Jo.” Elle winked at her.
“See, she’s your wife and you still can’t steal my best friend,” Jo taunted Benny.
He glared at his sister. “Whatever.”
The crowd laughed at their banter, but Elle got back to her speech.
“Honestly, I’ll love Jo and Trey forever for what they did for me, but I’ll love them more for introducing you into my life. I never knew a love like this, and now that I’ve found it, I’m never letting it go. These have been the best days of my life, and I look forward to more days, growing in life and in love.”
This time when they kissed, it was much longer and more passionate.
The event coordinator had to step in to tell them to prepare for the fireworks. It could only be delayed for so long.
“The show will begin in… five, four, three, two, one.”
Fireworks exploded behind them as they locked lips again. He made love to her mouth like he planned to do to her body thatnight. When he finally could pull away, he turned them to watch the remaining fireworks.
His phone vibrated heavily in his pocket. He checked and the unknown number had called him three times in the last minute. Just when he was about to tuck the phone away again, the same number popped on the screen. He answered.
“Hello?”
“This is a beautiful view.”
“Tara?”
That caught Lorielle’s attention. She pulled back and stared at him. Her eyes were like daggers, pinning him in place.
“That was supposed to be me, Benny. I was supposed to be your wife. Now you’ll suffer. You all will suffer.”
“What are you talking about?” He looked around, and when he didn’t see her, he started making his way around the house. Lorielle followed, and that caused Jo and Trey to move with them. “You better not do anything crazy.”
He turned on Elle abruptly. He motioned for her to hand him her phone. She pulled it from the pocket of her jumpsuit. He began to record the conversation after placing his phone on speaker.
“Are you threatening me, Tara?” Benny mouthed for Elle and Jo to get everyone in the house. Trey moved with him to the front.
There was no sign of Tara.
Where the hell is she?
“You want to know the view I’m talking about? It’s Cup of Jo. It’s burning to the ground as we speak. It’s such a beautiful view, Benny. Blending right in with the fireworks I’m sure is coming from your little celebration. Do you think the fire department will get there in time to salvage anything?”
Hearing that, Trey ran off. Benny was sure to alert his family of the new information.
“Tell me you’re joking.”
Benny was wondering why he wasn’t getting any alerts.
“You don’t believe me? Oh, you thinking about your little alarms? Well, your little wife isn’t the only one in tech. I know a guy. He shut all that down before I took a match to that bitch!” Tara snarled.
