Page 11 of Whiskey

“How far Whiskey’s tattoos go down on his chest and exactly what is on there. The most we’ve seen are some black lines in the v of his T-shirt.”

She blushed because this wasn’t a real marriage but what she’d seen of Whiskey’s tattoos had her wanting more. Would they sleep in separate rooms, or would he want to sleep beside her? He’d said he didn’t expect sex in exchange for the marriage, but he’d mentioned he was attracted to her.

“Girls, leave Vivi alone. Let’s get you married.” Stella held her hand out to help Vivi up. Rose grabbed the bouquet to carry while Tasha opened the door. Vivi walked out and saw Whiskey’s dad, Peck, waiting by the stairs in dark jeans, shined cowboy boots, and a white collared shirt. He’d dropped by along with his brothers a couple of evenings and had supper with them.

“I pulled rank, Vivi. My stupid brothers thought they’d try to escort the most beautiful woman to the first wedding in our family. Pshaw. I didn’t wait this long to let them steal the limelight. You look radiant, Vivi.”

Vivi took the arm Peck held out to her. Tasha opened the door to the stairs, and Peck gingerly walked them down. She was really doing this. Marrying Whiskey to keep her and her family safe. She hoped Whiskey didn’t end up regretting this, but she wouldn’t. He was the embodiment of every hero she’d ever read. The coolest thing was he didn’t even realize he was. They reached the bottom of the stairs and Whiskey’s Uncle Burt held the door for them. They stepped out, and she stared at the transformed room. Edison light strings had been hung from the ceiling. A wooden arch had been set up on the dance floor. Tables had been cleared and there were rows of chairs facing the arch.

Whiskey stood at the front underneath the arch and Ezra stood beside him. Both had on starched dark jeans and white collared shirts like Peck’s, but Whiskey and Ezra had the addition of dark blue vests. Even though it was the afternoon, the room was lit by the Edison lights and candles on the tables at the side. The dark curtains were down on all the windows around the front of the bar. It was such a different experience from her first wedding. She had a choice in this one and Whiskey had tried to make it perfect.

Whiskey smiled at her, and Vivi knew everything would be all right. She’d made the right decision by running. Whiskey and his family would do whatever it took to make sure she, Ezra, and Little Tot were safe.

Whiskey paused to take in the moment as his dad led Vivi through the door. The white dress dipped to a V at her neck, showcasing her lush figure. She glowed. The women had styled her hair, but he loved it just as much when it was loose around her shoulders or pulled up in a messy bun on her head.

Vivi tentatively smiled at him, and he grinned back. She was beautiful. He wasn’t sure how long he’d have her in this marriage, but he was going to make sure she knew how special she was. Watching her this last week, he realized she had no clue about the strength she had. She minimized everything she’d done because she compared it to what she hadn’t done.

She didn’t get it. She’d bided her time until the opportunity presented itself, then she’d grabbed on with both hands. The fortitude it had taken for her to say yes to running away amazed him.

Crewe, Hennessy, and Gaines started the music when they saw her. His family was showing Vivi she was special the only way they knew how. By giving her a special song at the wedding. She picked a country song to walk in to. She had no idea she’d picked one of his favorite songs when she chose Luke Combs’ Better Together.

Since Vivi had crashed into his life with Ezra, he’d realized he’d been existing, waiting for what was next.

He wasn’t a prize, but he was Vivi’s only option. He’d fight like hell to keep them safe. Ezra tugged on his vest. Whiskey turned and leaned down.

“You okay?”

Ezra nodded. “Mom looks pretty. Are we almost done? I need to pee.”

Whiskey hid a smile at Ezra’s shifting from one foot to the other. He looked like there wasn’t any waiting for the wedding to pee. “It will take a little bit. Go ahead and run into the bathroom, then hurry back. Your mom will understand.”

Whiskey nodded his head to McClure to make sure Ezra got back okay. His dad led Vivi right to him, placing Vivi’s slender hand in his. He warmed her hand in his. Vivi deserved a life free from fear. Maybe he needed to find out more about the man who helped Vivi. If he could help, Whiskey might decide to take a more offensive position.

“Vivi, if Whiskey isn’t pulling his fair share, you let me know, and I’ll take care of it.”

Leave it to his dad to make Vivi smile at his antics. “Thanks, Peck, but I’m sure we’ll be okay.”

Whiskey gazed into Vivi’s eyes and waited for the judge’s words. They’d told him to do the basic ceremony, but Whiskey had chatted with him ahead of time. He wasn’t letting anything mar Vivi’s wedding day. He verified that the judge’s words listed nothing about obeying. Vivi had spent entirely too many years obeying men. It was time she made decisions for herself and felt powerful and in control of her destiny.

The judge paused as Ezra rejoined them.

Whiskey repeated I do after his parts and listened to Vivi’s clear voice repeat the same. Her hands warm in his, he slid his ring on her finger, and she slid one on his. His cousins had come through helping to pick up the rings he ordered.

“You may kiss the bride.”

Whiskey leaned toward Vivi. Their first kiss and it was in front of everyone. Not how he imagined it, but he’d take any chance to have his lips touch hers. He closed his eyes as he got closer to her lips. He smelled the fresh, light scent he’d come to associate with Vivi and touched his lips to hers.

He debated tasting her more, but it was their first kiss, and he didn’t want Vivi to be uncomfortable. He pulled away as the crash of breaking glass filled the room. Immediately, a whoosh heralded the front curtains catching fire. He needed to get Vivi and Ezra safe. He turned to Erza right as Hennessy picked him up.

“I’ve got him.”

Whiskey picked up Vivi and ran toward the office, following behind Hennessy. The bar could withstand a lot because although the furnishings could burn, their walls were cinderblock and built to withstand a great deal.

Hennessy stopped in the office, pausing beside the staircase.

“I think this is to get us all to rush outside to make it easier to look for Vivi and Ezra. I think we need to go down,” Hennessy suggested.

“Down? Down where?”

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