Page 24 of Holly's Valentine Vow

“Okay, so here’s how tonight’s gonna go,” Grammy announces while we’re eating. “It’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding. Now, I know y’all have been living together, but tonight, Paul is gonna stay here in case you need anything, Rebel, and all the girls are coming over to our house.”

I can see from Rebel’s expression that he’s not quite down with that prospect, so I say, “Honey, think of it like a gremlin bell for our wedding. We know there’ll be good times and bad, and if this is something that can potentially bring good our way, what’s the harm?”

“You’re right,” he finally says. “The brothers were coming over early to set up the chairs and shit, so if I need any help, I’ll have Paul or one of them here to give me a hand.”

“Mama’s gonna make our hair pretty, Daddy,” Mina says, grinning at him.

“You’re already pretty, baby,” he tells her. Then he looks at Ruby and adds, “You are too, pumpkin.”

Once lunch is done, the girls and I clean up the kitchen while Rebel heads into the living room for another of his therapy sessions. I can hear him grunting and groaning as she puts him through his paces and grin while on my way to the bedroom to pack my bag for the night, as well as gather what I’ll need to get ready tomorrow.

Chapter Thirteen

Rebel

“Holly’s goingto be so excited,” Paul says as I roll into the kitchen the next morning. He carries a mug of coffee to the table and asks, “Whatcha want for breakfast? I’m no Esther, but I can scramble up a couple of eggs and fry some bacon.”

“That sounds perfect,” I reply, taking a long sip of my coffee. I didn’t sleep as well without Holly beside me, and I hope she didn’t suffer the same. I look out the window and gasp. “Holy shit,” I murmur. The backyard looks like a winter wonderland with several inches of freshly fallen snow.

“Yeah, it’ll be a bit chilly outside but me and the boys’ll make sure we get the heaters going good and early.”

“Holly got the girls warm tights and something she called a shrug,” I tell him. “I don’t know if she’s got anything though.”

“You can bet my Esther thought of that already. This time of year is always sketchy with the weather, which is why we built the gazebo the way we did,” Paul says. “Got some of Esther’s biscuitstoo. She ran them over this morning so I’m gonna pop them in the oven to warm them up.”

“I’m gonna need to go on a diet when I’m more ambulatory,” I admit.

“I think you’re expending plenty of calories with all the exercises your therapist has you doing,” Paul retorts.

“Thank y’all for everything you’ve done for all four of us,” I say.

“You’re family, Rebel. You and them brothers of yours are mine and Esther’s now, too.”

I’m a fucking badass. Been through hell and back, especially with this fucking accident. But his words nearly bring me to my knees. Not only have they raised Holly to be a strong, independent woman, but they have so much love to give, they are taking on me and my crazy-ass brothers. I hope like hell they know what they’re getting into.

“You nervous?” Prophet asks as we stand inside the gazebo. We’re not too far inside, and the rest of the brothers and Esther, as well as Samuel, are close enough they can hear what’s being said. Before Prophet became a patched member of the Steel Raiders, he was a pastor at a small church. He became disillusioned when he found out that his deacons were corrupt and doing a bunch of sketchy shit that hurt a lot of people. When he found out Holly and I were getting married, he made sure his license was still good and offered to marry us, which we gladly accepted.

“For the first time in my life, yes,” I admit. “I mean, I know I’m the president of the club, and those responsibilities are tough at times, but we’ve got a tight group of brothers, solid businesses, and have our shit straight. What if I fuck something up as a parent? These are the most impressionable years if I remember correctly.”

Prophet’s face gets serious, and I know he’s probably going to pull out something from his background. “Rebel, Proverbs says children are a blessing from the Lord. All I can tell you is if you and Holly stand together in all things, whether it’s admonishing them when they’ve done something wrong, praising them when they’ve done well, and loving them no matter what, you won’t mess anything up.”

Even though he barely managed not to say ‘fuck’ which I am totally impressed by, what he says sinks deep into my soul. Those two little girls, as well as any kids we might have in the future,areblessings. While I may not share Prophet’s beliefs, I do know there’s a higher power of sorts, so once I finally process his words, I can do nothing except nod in agreement.

“Yeah, you’re right,” I admit.

Music starts to play, and I turn slightly, grateful for the weird seat that the brothers crafted for me. I’m able to stand without putting pressure on my left leg. My chair is nearby, but with the snow, they’ll probably use the side-by-side to get me back to Esther and Paul’s house. My breath catches as I see Ruby walking down the aisle, tossing out birdseed from the tiny basket she’s carrying. Behind her is Mina, doing the same thing between waving at every person she passes. Low laughter permeates the air as both girls end up standing in the middle.

“Hi, Daddy!” Mina and Ruby exclaim in unison.

“Hey, babies,” I reply, leaning down to kiss both of them.

They have on identical dresses that fall almost to their calves. I can see the tights Holly insisted on, along with the ‘fairy princess’ shoes as Mina called them, covered in a light sheen of snow. Their hair has been curled and is falling around their shoulders, and they both have tiaras on their little heads, with matching wrist corsages on their wrists, just below the shrugs that I’m glad Holly bought, since it’s cold outside.

“Mama,” Mina whispers, having turned to face where Holly will be walking.

My eyes move in the same direction, and I feel my heart start to pound as she gracefully strides toward me, her arm in Paul’s. She looks like a fairy princess, and I can’t believe she’s marrying me. Her hair is down but has been curled and I can’t wait to tangle my fingers in it as I show her how much she means to me. While the top of her dress is fitted, from the waist down, it’s huge. My gaze never leaves hers as she and Paul finally reach me.

“Who gives this woman?” Prophet asks.

---