Page 182 of Unexpected Redemption

My love.

Instead of trying to express my gratitude, I hold and kiss her. Greedily, I let the warmth of her lips seep into my soul. Her sweetness balances my essence. While her love shines a light into my heart.

This time, when we break the kiss, I keep my eyes closed for a few extra seconds, letting the moment linger. Cherishing every heartbeat. Exactly how she taught me to.

Loving her the way she loves me.

A firm hand claps my shoulder blade, shaking me from my stupor. I blink and look around, finding a bunch of jolly assholes surrounding us, clapping and offering congratulations.

Our family.

Mia pulls Lettie away for a hug before passing her to the others. Klein does the same to me, then hands me off to Big Al and Sawyer. On down the line we go.

When I get to Sammy, I ask, “What the hell did you yell?”

She huffs and rolls her eyes. “Sigh. It was the line from the butterfly scene in Bridgerton. Have you no culture?”

Oh. That makes sense.

It also explains why Lettie understood the reference.

She, Sammy, and the girls had a Bridgerton marathon last week. Anything to break up the boredom and monotony of life in HQ. I’ll have to ask Lettie to show me the scene. Clearly, it was a hit with her. That’s all that matters. Like all good comedians, Sammy knew her audience.

Boss claps his hands, drawing everyone’s attention. “Well, kids. Our time here is almost up. Anything else before we leave this beautiful garden?”

Sawyer and Sammy trade knowing glances, their brows dancing with mirth.

“How much time until we have to be out of here?” Sawyer asks.

Boss checks his watch. “We’ve got ten minutes.”

“I think we can make that work.” Sammy shakes her shoulders then glances at Lettie. “May I borrow your bouquet?”

Lettie’s jaw drops, and she sucks in a huge swell of air. “You two want to get married now? Here?”

Sawyer jokes, “Itisa beautiful space, and the crowd would make acceptable guests.”

“Yes! Yes! Do it,” Lettie cheers.

Madeline jumps in front of her daughter, her excitement bursting free. “Are you sure? Really? Is this finally happening?”

“Well, we’re running out of time.” Sammy gestures to her belly. “We wanted a big wedding, but that will have to wait until after the babies come and the Lenkov mess is behind us. A few weeks ago, we went to the courthouse to get married. But there’s a dumb three-day waiting period after you get the license unless you do some bullshit online course. So I suggested we go back in three days. Then shit went sideways with the mafia. It didn’t feel right until now.”

Sawyer shrugs, adding, “The license is about to expire soon. They’re only good for sixty days. And we’d like to be married when the babies come.” He grins, his eyes surveying the group. “Anyone here a notary?”

Madeline sighs, adding a flamboyant roll of her eyes. “You know I am.”

Lettie grabs her violet bouquet off the ground, passing it to Sammy in a blur. “Heavens to Betsy. Butter my biscuits and snap my garters. This is so flipping amazing. Best night ever.”

The ladies share a hug before Lettie returns and burrows into my side. I kiss her head, inhaling her sweet scent and holding her close.

And right there, surrounded by our Redleg family and our still-fluttering butterflies, Sawyer and Sammy become husband and wife.

Lettie cries tears of joy as she watches.

But I only have eyes for her.

After the newlyweds kiss to rowdy applause, I guide Lettie to the side for some privacy. After cupping her belly with one hand, I tuck the hair behind her ear and gaze into her sapphire eyes. “Our wedding is going to be so much better.”

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