Page 138 of Wild Card

She shakes her head. “I mean, you just told me I’d have the wedding of my dreams or someone would answer to you, which could mean a variety of nefarious things. Why would you think I’d freak out?” Even in tears, the woman throws sarcasm my way.

“Glad you’re not freaking.” I kiss her knuckles and smile, pulling into a reserved spot in the back of Clyde’s.

Her phone rings and she frowns at the screen.

“Who’s that?”

“My mother.”

“You want to answer it?”

She shakes her head, tossing the phone to me. “Will you hold this?”

The way she blows it off is too easy, and my instincts kick in. “This the first time she’s called since the hospital?”

“Nope, but I haven’t answered.”

“How many times?”

“Does it matter?”

“You don’t want to hear what she has to say?” I don’t think much of Stacy, but maybe she’s finally come to her senses and is ready to apologize. Or better yet, grovel for her daughter’s forgiveness.

“There’s a variety of things she could be calling about, and the range is too broad for me to deal with. For the first time in forever, my world is fucking amazing.”

Pride and protection blaze through my system. “Glad to be a part of it, baby.”

“She doesn’t get a piece of today. Maybe I’ll call her next week.” She doesn’t wait for me to get to her, meeting me in the front of the truck. “Outside of the glassy eyes, how do I look?”

“Better when you put on your jacket.”

The glossy sheen disappears and she huffs, “Fucking caveman.”

I take her off-guard, bending and swinging her up in my hold. “Put me down!”

“Nope.” I take off toward the employee door.

“Do not carry me in there.”

“Oh girl, this is not new to us. You won’t believe the things that happen within these walls.” Cruz swings the door open and steps aside. “Thank goodness you’re finally here. We have been waiting forever.”

“Sorry, but we don’t have long. I made plans for Talon’s birthday.” Willow struggles to get down. I follow Cruz through the store to the bridal area where Rowan, Ford, and Shayla are waiting.

Rowan and Shayla are sitting with flutes of champagne with Ember chatting away. Ford is waiting specifically for me, jerking his head in approval at our arrival.

“Oh, girlie, I like accessory. Navel rings are like a macho man kryptonite.”

“Thanks, I got the blue gem for Talon’s birthstone.” Willow beams.

“Now we know why you weren’t answering your messages.”

“What’s going on? I thought there was a situation?” Willow climbs out of my arms, ignoring Crew’s jab.

“There is! I need you and Shayla to get these dresses on ASAP!” Ember points to two dresses hanging on dressing room doors.

“Why?”

“Can you stop asking questions? Get dressed.” Shayla struts into the first room, leaving Willow confused.

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