Page 93 of Damascus & The Wildfire
Hatchet’s wicked grin grew. “From what Merci told me, it was pretty scandalous. And I can be creative and fill in the other details.” He stroked his short beard, eyes glinting with mischief.
Kenna sighed dramatically. “You’re not going to let up on this, are you?”
Hatchet shook his head.
“Fine. You know, I would have never become involved with the Mavericks had I known you would all be so bossy.”
We chuckled as she stomped away, muttering to herself.
“Thought you’d never ask her,” Hatchet harped. “When’s the big day?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “After planning your circus of a wedding, she wants to elope.”
“You’re already in a tux and everyone’s here. Get married tonight.”
My brows jumped. I didn’t hate the idea.
Kenna approached, hand outstretched as if to prove to Hatchet she’d slid the ring onto her finger. The sunstone glittered as it caught the light of the nearby fire.
“Merrick says you don’t want to plan another wedding,” Hatchet said.
Kenna shook her head. “Between work and opening the center next week, I don’t have time.”
“Then get married now,” Hatchet schemed. “Everyone’s already here.”
Her jaw dropped. “What? No,” she protested. “I can’t steal your day.”
“It’ll be perfect,” he promised. “Then Merrick and I can remind each other of our anniversaries. My bride’ll loan you her ‘something blue.’ Merrick’s age covers ‘something old,’ and this bouquet works for ‘something new.’” He shoved the flowers into her hands with a smirk as hestrode away.
Kenna’s wide eyes flicked to me. “You want to get married tonight?”
I smirked. “It’s a good idea. Almost everyone we care about is here.”
Before she could argue, Hatchet climbed onto a chair and clanged his fork against his beer bottle. “Listen up, assholes!” he bellowed. The bride glared at him. “I mean, wonderful guests. Shut up for two seconds.”
The crowd quieted.
“First of all, I want it on record that I never thought I’d choose marriage as a life sentence.”
“Neither did we,” Fuse hollered.
Laughter rippled through the small crowd. “I found my match. But tonight ain’t just about us. It’s about love, family, second chances, and the people you’d lay down your life for. Like Kenna and Merrick. Who, by the way, are going to get hitched right now.”
The backyard erupted in cheers.
Less than five minutes later, Everest walked Kenna down the aisle. Hatchet stood beside me, and Eva stood in as Kenna’s maid of honor. Merci and Reaper each cradled a sleeping newborn in their arms, smiles wide on their faces.
Thane officiated our wedding before our family and friends, and they cheered as we sealed our improvised vows with a kiss.
Hatchet lifted his beer. “So, here’s to the Mavericks. The family we’ve found and the friends we’ve lost. Here’s to all of you who are there for us even when the roads get rough.”
“Or when one of you crashes,” Merci added with a laugh.
“Yes, to those who lift us up when we crash. Literally. I’m going to try not to do that again. I promise. So, here’s to love and family.”
The toasts echoed as I leaned down to kiss my wife, claiming her in front of our family and sealing my promise to love and protect her.
The scent of rich coffee and spice filled the bedroom, stirring my senses from a deep, dreamless sleep. Warm sunlight fanned across my bare shoulders wrapped in the tangled sheets. Heavy boot steps echoed down the hallway, followed by the clicking of Brisket’s nails on the wood floors.
