Page 118 of Property of Bones

I’m getting married today.

Even just thinking it feels unreal…like a dream I was too scared to imagine until it was standing right in front of me. Untilhewas.

“Are you sure you’re okay with wearing my wedding dress?” Mama asks… again.

I glance at her in the mirror, her fingers fidgeting with the delicate lace at her neckline, nerves spilling out in the form of motherly concern.

“It’s perfect, Mama,” I say, my voice thick as I fight the wave of emotions rising fast in my chest. “Youwore this dress when you married Daddy. There’s no dress in the world I’d rather wear.”

And it’s true. The gown is simple but elegant, vintage in the best way with soft, fluttering lace sleeves that kiss my shoulders and a sweetheart neckline that makes me feel both beautiful and strong. The bodice hugs me just enough, while the flowing skirt falls in layers like whispers of silk down to the floor. Abby helped add a few modern touches…a satin ribbon at the waist, and a barely-there gold thread woven into the hem that glints when I move. A hint of something new inside something treasured.

Riley steps up beside me, adjusting my veil with the same care she uses to tuck her son in at night. Her smile is quiet, but her eyes are full of pride.

“He’s going to lose his mind,” she says, smoothing down the fabric once more. “You look like the kind of woman men fight wars for.”

I let out a watery laugh. “You think he’ll cry?”

“Oh, he’llcry,” Abby says from her seat near the window, where she’s twisting her hair up with a silver clip. “But only after he glares at everyone in the room for staring too long.”

That makes us all laugh…because it’s true. Bones is going to go full Enforcer mode if anyone so much as blinks at me the wrong way today.

Mama reaches over and squeezes my hand. Her eyes are already glassy. “I knew the second I met him… that man would never let you go. He’s scary, sure. But he looks at you like you’re made of starlight.”

I nod, unable to speak for a second.

Because she’s right.

Because Ifeelit.

Because today, despite everything we’ve been through…every scar, every shadow…I get to marry the man who sees me.Allof me.

And somehow still thinks I’m worth forever.

“They’re ready for you,” Aunt Molly says from the door.

We’re inside Jack’s…our…house and the ceremony is outside in the courtyard.

“Okay,” I smile at the beautiful ladies in my life. “Time to get married.”

***

The soft chords of a guitar float through the air as the club…my family…rises to their feet. I grip Mama’s arm a little tighter,my other hand clutching the simple bouquet Riley made from desert wildflowers and a few roses Abby snuck in from her own yard.

“It’s okay, honey,” Mama whispers, her voice watery. “I’ve got you.”

My feet move without my permission, step by careful step, down the aisle made from worn rugs and scattered petals. The compound has never looked more beautiful. Rough edges softened by the presence of candles, draped lights, and the presence of people who love us.

And him.

Jack.

He’s standing tall at the front beneath a wooden arch draped in fabric and wild greenery, in his all-black suit and neatly fixed beard…though the scars still give him that dangerous edge. His eyes never leave mine. His mouth twitches but doesn’t quite smile.

“Who gives this woman away?” Maverick asks, voice solemn but warm.

“I do,” Mama answers, her voice catching. “Her very proud mama.”

She places my hand into Jack’s, her touch lingering just a moment longer than necessary. As soon as his fingers wrap around mine, something in me settles. I haven’t felt this steady since waking up in that cold, dark cell.

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