Page 43 of China

“Aw, Oz,” she said. “You’re going to make me cry.”

“It’s true.”

“We’re both lucky, then. Lucky and happy.”

“With a wide-open future.”

“And a paid-for honeymoon. Can you believe it?”

“I can’t. Your parents are awesome.”

“They’re yours now too.”

She leaned on his shoulder as excitement wove through her. It was their wedding night, and she was officially married and mated to the most amazing male she’d ever known. She couldn’t wait to see what the future held.

Chapter Fifteen

*One Month Later*

China got out of her car at her parents’ house and shut the door. Her mom was on the porch, watering a large pot of burgundy and gold mums.

“Hi, sweetie.”

“Hi, Mom. The flowers look nice.”

“Thanks. They were your grandma’s favorite, so I make sure to plant some each fall. Your dad just got me the planter, it’s a wine barrel.”

“Pretty cool.”

“I did find the book you asked for,” she said as she finished draining the water from the can. “I found some other things too. Come on in.”

“Thanks for checking.”

“Of course.”

She gave her mom a kiss on the cheek and then followed her inside the quaint ranch she’d grown up in. Two weeks earlier, she’d been asked to cater an eightieth birthday party for a pride member at the end of the month. She’d never catered a big party before, and she was excited to give it a try. Oz promised to help her with cooking and setting up at the party, and Demi and her mates had offered to help if she needed it too.

For sure she was going to use the band’s panel van to carry the food to the event, which was taking place at the pride member’s home. China would be cooking a buffet meal for twenty-three people, by far the most people she’d ever cooked for at one time.

“How are things going with yours and Oz’s business?” her mom asked as she set the watering can on the kitchen counter.

“Great,” China said. “I just finished a custom portrait for Demi’s parents.”

“You did?” her mom asked, brows raised.

“It was from a photo of the two of them in their shifts. They had it professionally taken twenty years ago, and the photo was pretty faded so they wanted a painting of it. It was lots of fun.”

“That’s so neat.”

“Titus and Duke hired Oz to refinish the counters and tables in the bar, so he’s starting that project in a few days. It’ll keep him busy.” And her too, since she was going to be helping.

“It’s so wonderful that you can help with his business.”

“I love it. I never thought I’d get a chance to paint for a living, but it’s awesome. And the catering job is cool too.”

Her mom chuckled. “I’m so happy for you both. He’s a good male. I’m glad you found each other.”

“Me too.”

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