Page 279 of Wild Card

“Aunt Lolo looks… well,” he struggles for the words, and I wait him out with my heart racing. “She looks stunning.”

“Doesn’t she always?”

“Yeah, but they did something to her today. It’s different and it’s…”

“How about you let her surprise me?”

“Good idea, but can you promise me something?”

“I can try.”

“If there’s another wedding, don’t make me hang with the women. They aren’t as fun.”

I glance at Chase, who’s holding back laughter. “I think your dad’s the next up. It’s his promise to make.”

Chase doesn’t even blink, tousling his son’s head. “Let’s get ready.”

Cruz appears at the door, ushering us out with the same instructions he’s been repeating since last night’s rehearsal.

Does he really think I’ll fuck up walking down an aisle and waiting for Willow?

I’d march my ass to the bridal suite and carry her if she’d allow it.

Sterling veers off to meet Willow and Mom joins us, giving me a quick kiss with a teary smile.

“So happy for you.”

“Me too, Mom.”

Dad walks her down first.

Chase follows with Stacy.

One by one, we follow the prompts from Cruz and Alex until I’m in place and the women appear.

Shayla, Jewls, Harley, Rowan, and Bex make their way down, the doors shutting behind them.

When the music begins and everyone stands, I move to the center as the doors open.

Time stands still as I take in the gorgeous vision standing too far away. She takes the first few steps and there’s a commotion. Her eyes go over my shoulder and her body buckles over with a high-pitched squeak.

I twist to find a twin mattress lying on the ground behind me. Robbie and Finn dart back to their seat next to their cackling wives and an overly amused Max. Hugo, Blade, and Rand lift small pillows in the air.

“We didn’t want you to crack your head open if you fainted again,” Ace explains with a shit-eating grin.

The whole church bursts into laughter, but the sound that floats above all is Willow. Her cheeks are pink and I know she had something to do with this.

Fuck it. I take off down the aisle and heave her into my hold, slamming my mouth to hers. Her laughter dies as her tongue curls with mine.

I ignore the throats clearing and whistles from the room, kissing her until her heart is racing against my chest.

When I tear away, she’s dazed, her eyes glossy and lips swollen. I step to her side and escort her the rest of the way to the waiting preacher.

With each word and vow, a new sense of peace settles over me.

When it’s time for the rings, her eyes glitter at the new ink on my finger.

Then it’s finally official.

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