Page 118 of Rebellious

I kiss his cheek and he groans, folding me into his embrace. “Promise me you’ll stay cool; the Jamesons are such bores.”

I snuggle in his shoulder. “I promise, I’ll always be a Von Bremen.”

He nods, but never lets go. It’s not until Cade knocks on the door, telling us it’s time, that he lifts, glaring at the intruder. “This is all your fault,” he grits. “If you would’ve had a girl, this would have never happened.”

Cade chuckles. “I know, Von Bremen. I know.”

Squeezing my dad one last time, I look up and ask, “Walk me to my husband?”

Pulling away, my father’s eyes well with unshed tears. “Can I say no?”

I laugh. “No, you can’t.”

He nods, taking a deep breath. “Okay, Angel. Let’s do this.”

Looping my hand through his arm, I grab my bouquet from the vanity and let my father lead me through the house and out the back door where the pasture has been set up to accommodate three hundred guests. They all stand when we make it to the beginning of the aisle; smiles and throat titters are in abundance, but I can’t be bothered to see who they belong to. My eyes are solely focused on the man who waits for me at the altar with a smile bigger than I’ve ever witnessed.

I take a step, just as the music starts, nearly tugging my father beside me. After what feels like a million years, we make it to the preacher, my brother and Drew next to Bennett, and Vee on my side. She’s already crying when I hand her the bouquet.

“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” The preacher’s voice rings out over the crowd, only to be met with silence.

I nudge Dad in the ribs, his only reaction is a clenched jaw and a silent glare aimed at Bennett.

“I promise,” Bennett starts, his eyes locked on my father, “I won’t let you down, sir.”

This isn’t going well. “D—”

Avoiding my second elbow, my father tips his chin at Bennett and stands tall, his voice full of conviction when he declares, “Her mother and I do.”

The Family Rule

Girls will always rule

Theo

Five years later…

“Best two out of three.”

Cade side-eyes me with a smug look. “No. I won. I’m not playing over and over until you finally win.”

“But you didn’t win.” I scoff. “You whined about how this game was childish, and you were driving.”

He nods. “Right. And when you called me a pussy, I reluctantly played.” His jaw twitches as a dumbass grin emerges. “And won—fair and square.”

I swear if he weren’t driving, I would punch him. “Jameson, all I’m hearing are excuses. Be a man and accept my challenge.”

I know he’ll cave. He always does.

Sighing, he catches my gaze. “This is the last time. If I win, it’s over.”

I lift one shoulder. “Understood.”

Which is a lie. If I lose again, I’ll nag him for another ten miles until he breaks.

Nodding, Cade rests his Hulk-sized hand on the steering wheel, waiting for me to start the chant.

He’s such a sucker.

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