Page 38 of Highball and Chain

“The crowd’s a little rambunctious.” I would have told her more if I’d I known for certain I’d seen a gun and not some schmuck’s watch reflecting the sunlight.

The twin wrinkles between Maggie’s brows deepened, but she didn’t press for more information.

I couldn’t tell what was happening outside. From the looks of it, the crowd had doubled in size, but only a handful of people remained close to the limo.

The side door open and most, if not all, of us screamed.

Chuckling, Enzo placed his hand on my shoulder. “It’s all right. Everything’s under control.”

“Are you sure?” I swallowed hard.

He leaned into the limo, likely to get a look at the rest of the women. “Security is holding everyone back, but we should get inside now.”

Maggie nodded.

Chloe grinned at her uncle. “You saved us.”

“Shanna did the saving.” He helped her from the car and knelt to eye-level. “Are you ready to be the flower girl?”

She threw her arms around his neck and my freaking ovaries went into overdrive. Not only did I hear the telltale tick, tick, tick of my biological clock, the damned thing rang like an old-fashioned telephone—and I didn’t want kids. Ever.

I stood and smoothed my rumpled dress.

“Good job getting her out of the fray. You’re stronger than you look. She’s nearly as tall as you are.” Enzo smiled at me like I’d descended from heaven in a golden chariot.

“Thanks. I think.” I had to look away before I said or did something entirely inappropriate. “Enzo, I’m pretty sure I saw an F-I-R-E-A-R-M.”

Chloe rolled her eyes. “I can spell you know.”

Enzo’s expression sent a shiver down my spine. He pressed his lips into a tight line, nodded a fraction of an inch in the girl’s direction, then locked eyes with me.

Message received.We’d talk about it later.

Maggie stepped into the bright Sicilian sunshine, and the crowd cheered behind a wall of openly armed security guards.

The diamonds around her neck and in her veil blazed against her pale blonde hair. Her dress was a classic mermaid style, ruched down the sides and accented with an antique brooch on a white satin ribbon. The chiffon jacket she wore gave her an elegant, almost demure look.

Enzo cleared his throat. “I’ll take Chloe inside.”

“Ready to get married?” I handed Maggie a slightly bruised bouquet.

“Yes, and then I’m dragging his ass back to New Orleans as soon as possible.” The bride plastered on a smile and waved to the crowd.

* * *

Enzo

I stoodbetween Leo and Dante at the altar.

“What the hell happened out there?” Gabe whispered.

“Crowd got out of hand. Everyone’s okay.” I’d tell them everything, but not in a church. I had a feeling there’d be cursing, and we weren’t lightning-proof.

He reached behind Leo and tugged my arm. “Are they okay?”

“Yeah. Four of the strongest women I’ve ever seen.” I meant it. My hands hadn’t stopped trembling, but the girls had pulled themselves together in no time. Even Chloe had seemed to take it all in stride.

Jessie walked down the aisle first.

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