Page 24 of Worthy: Cassius and Faith

“You may now kiss the bride.”

I bent and put my lips against Faith’s, and she put her arms around my neck. It was a joyous moment for me. I’d never intended for Club 444 to lead me to this, but there I was.

A husband. Soon to be a father.

I closed my eyes and kissed my wife again.

The “reception” lasted for an hour in Lucas’s room until he needed to rest for his treatment. We had cake and sparkling cider, and some of the nurses and medical staff joined us. Sterling played upbeat music, and the bridesmaids and the nurses began to dance. Lucas had a smile on his face the whole time.

“I can’t believe you’re married,” I overheard him say to his sister.

She smiled at him, but her brow creased in worry. “Are you doing okay with all of this?”

He grinned. “Are you kidding me? Cassius is the goat! His brothers are cool, too. They suck at video games, but whatever.”

“You shouldn’t say ‘suck.’” But she smiled at him.

“You didn’t invite Mom?” Lucas asked.

Faith stiffened. “No, I didn’t. This was all pretty last minute.”

He shrugged. “She’d probably like to be here, though.”

“Probably,” she agreed. “She likes cake.”

“Yeah, so… Will you guys come back and visit me soon?” Lucas asked, sounding hopeful.

I went and joined Faith at his bedside. “Actually, I just bought a condominium next door. Faith and I will come visit whenever you every week.”

Lucas’s eyeballs got huge in his face. “Seriously?”

“Seriously.” We reached out and gave each other knuckles.

The wedding coordinator appeared at my side. “Mr. Blackwood, I hate to interrupt, but it’s time for your flight,” she said. “I’ll meet you downstairs with your luggage.”

“Thank you.” I turned back to Lucas. “And thank you for making today special, Lucas.”

He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. “No problem.”

Faith changed into a white travel outfit that Leesa had thoughtfully packed, and we said our goodbyes. Lucas gave us another thumbs-up, Tate and Macy were tearful, my brothers were jubilant, and the center’s staff cheered us as we walked down the hall.

Holding hands, the new Mrs. Blackwood and I stepped into the elevator.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

make it stop

Faith

I entered the elevator, gripping Cassius’s hand. I felt like I was dreaming. I was married, and the ceremony had gone better than I’d dared hope. My brother seemed happy. My friends had attended as my bridesmaids. Cassius’s brothers were friendly, welcoming, and upbeat.

Cassius had arranged for my friends to join me. He’d hired a wedding coordinator to ensure every detail was attended to. He’d bought a suit for Lucas, and all three Blackwoods had spent time getting to know my brother.

I glanced up at Cassius. “Thank you for being so kind to my brother.”

“It’s my pleasure. Lucas is a fine young man.”

“It was really nice of you to buy a condo here,” I said, my voice small. ‘Really nice’ was a gross understatement. “That was incredibly generous.”

---