Page 80 of Asphyxia
“You’re done for the day, kid. I’ll check in with the Sergeant for you. I know you’ve got somewhere to be.” Dennison slapped me on the back of my shoulder as he took the sniper rifle from me, and I couldn’t help but smile.
“Thanks for rescheduling today, man…”
Even though he called me a kid, a nickname I fucking hated—today, of all days, was one where I wouldn’t let my emotions get the better of me.
There was nothing to be angry or pissed off about today.
I changed out of my running clothes and stuffed them into the gym bag I had brought with me. Then, I picked up my phone to check the time.
Eleven. I had roughly an hour to spare.
Slinging my bag over my shoulder, I rushed out of the range and hopped in my car, making a beeline to the venue Atlas and Chyler had booked for their wedding ceremony and reception.
When I pulled up to the stunning historic building, I was pleased to see Dean already standing outside the main entrance. After getting out of my car, I tossed the keys to the valet and swaggered over to where Dean had been waiting.
“Almost thought for a second that you were going to be late.”
“And miss out on this? Fuck no. Drake and Dennison would have to strap me to a cement pillar if they wanted to stop me from being here.” I chuckled lightly as I slung my arm over his shoulders, and we made our way inside.
“Are you two sure about this?” Derek approached us as we entered the pre-decorated ballroom.
Chyler had called their wedding coordinators to set up the space to preview what they wanted for their ceremony.
“Sure as I’ll ever be,” I nodded, flashing a wolfish grin at Dean, who returned the sentiment.
“You know she hates surprises…” Alexis sang in a lilting tone from behind Derek, crossing her arms over her chest with a devious smirk. “Let’s hope she doesn’t rip either of your heads off. My best guess is she’ll start with blondie first, since dark and stormy tends to be her favorite.”
I don’t know how Derek puts up with that bratty attitude…
“She won’t. Not if Chyler has anything to say about it.” Atlas smiled wide as he entered from one of the side doors, unable to contain himself. “What can we do?”
“I just need to make a few minor adjustments for Mads before they arrive. Follow me,” Alexis instructed, leading Atlas and Derek to the far end of the room.
Dean and I stood beside each other ruminating in silence, taking a deep breath before releasing a long exhale as we admired the extravagant layout—the perfect setting.
Derek dimmed the leading lights, and as we looked up, we admired the hundreds of tiny LED fairy lights embedded in the ceiling tiles, which gave the enchanting illusion of stars.
“Five minutes!” Atlas called out across the room after checking his phone.
“You ready, bro?” I huffed with a smirk before giving Dean one of the tightest hugs I could muster.
After today, Dean and I would be more than just best friends.
EPILOGUE 3
Dean
MarcusandIhadspent the past three months planning this surprise for Madison.
It took us a good while to decide how we wanted to handle it, and honestly, we came to the best arrangement possible.
“Chyler, why are we even he—” Madison froze dead in her tracks, stopping just inside the ballroom doorway where Marcus and I had been waiting for her. “Here…” Her voice drifted off, eyes fixed on us as she gaped in utter shock.
Chyler whispered something into Madison's ear before giving her a gentle shove forward. Madison stumbled over her feet as they approached us, but she did not once tear her gaze away from ours.
When she stopped again, less than a few feet away from us, Marcus and I held our hands out, and Madison, accepting the gesture, slid her sweaty palms against them. She was still wide-eyed and confused as to why we were all here.
“I don’t—I don’t understand… What’s going on?” She quickly snapped her head towards Chyler. “Chy? What—what is this?”
