Page 69 of The Last Strike

“Let’s,” Abi said with a nod.

Asher threaded his fingers through hers as they walked to the door. She was not surprised to see security on the other side. James Thomas turned, looked between them, then grinned. “Congratulations!”

Asher chuckled. “You kept that secret well today,” he said as they shook hands.

James winked. “Keeping secrets is my job. Congratulations, Abi.”

“Thank you for making this happen,” she said.

He nodded and Deacon stepped forward, congratulating them. Soon the hallway was full of people: Abi’s parents, Alistair and Emilia, Rachel, Lena, and Reed. They all rushed forward, congratulating them, but Asher never let go of her hand until he escorted her to the dining table and sat beside her.

Rachel sat on her other side. “You know you’re Queen Abigail now, right?”

Abi looked to her, trying not to laugh. “Yes, I do realize that.”

“Weird, right? By the way, at the next wedding I do get to be a bridesmaid, correct?” she asked with a cheeky grin.

“Maid of honor,” Abi said.

Rachel teared up. “I’ll be the best maid of honor, I promise.”

Abi draped an arm around Rachel and gave her shoulder a squeeze. “You’ve always been the best. Thank you.”

Wine was poured and food was served. Classical music echoed around them and there was not a worry in the world. Abi almost missed it, and part of her wished she had, but she saw James draw his phone, narrowing his eyes at whatever he was looking at. He turned to Asher and nodded.

She felt his body tense ever so distinctly and he held her hand a little tighter.

As if with an invisible flick of a switch, all their problems came flooding back.

“Are you okay?” Asher asked, leaning in.

“Sure. Are you okay?” she asked.

He searched her eyes, seeming to find the meaning behind her question. “Yes, everything is falling into place,” he said. He brushed his lips over her forehead. “I’m going to be okay, Abi,” he said.

She wanted him to promise her—to promise her he would come home to her after his meeting with Khalil—but he couldn’t promise that.

Asher cupped her face. “Tonight he doesn’t exist,” Asher said. “He has taken so much from me, but I refuse to let him ruin my wedding night. We’ll worry about tomorrow, tomorrow,” he said, brushing his thumb over her cheek. “But tonight is for us.”

Abi exhaled and mustered a smile. “Agreed,” she said and she meant it. She would do her best to push away all of her fears and worry for a few hours.

The sound of tapping on a glass drew her attention and her father stood.

“I’d like to say a few words,” he said with a warm smile as he looked at Abi and Asher. “This marriage is one of triumph, of breaking rules and feuds. I personally cannot thank you both enough for bringing our families back together, for bringing my wife and her best friend back together. I cannot speak for Martin, but I am confident that, if he is looking down on us, he is happy. And so proud,” William said, his gaze directed at Asher. “The two of you have shown that you can overcome much, and you do it as a team. As equals. You’ve had good role models in that sense, Asher, and I hope Abi has too. Nothing great is achieved alone and nothing is worth achieving if we lose ourselves and our family in the process. I wish you both a lifetime of great joy together and pray that your relationship continues to strengthen, even in your darkest days. On behalf of all gathered here tonight, congratulations on your beautiful union.”

A tear ran down her cheek as she looked into her father’s wet eyes. He rarely showed much emotion, but tonight was different.

“Thank you,” she said with a choked voice as Asher stood, walked to her father, hugged him, and whispered something that Abi couldn’t make out.

Her father looked at him, nodded, and patted his shoulder.

Abi stole a look at Emilia, who was watching quietly but had a nostalgic look in her eyes.

Emilia must’ve felt eyes on her, because she looked to Abi and beamed a beautiful smile not dissimilar to her son’s. There was sadness in her eyes, Abi thought, but the light in her eyes was brighter than the sadness.

Asher returned to his seat, refilled their glasses of wine, and stretched out his legs.

He looked to her, grinning. “I had no idea my wedding day would be so relaxing.”

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