Page 7 of Misrule
“No! No!” Knox protested. “Absolutely not.”
“Guess what, son?” Mortician grinned without warmth. “You don’t have a choice.”
“Or what? I won’t marry Roxanne?” He narrowed his eyes at her. “You won’t marry me?”
“Of course I’ll marry you,” she told him, frustrated. “Maybe, just not as soon as we intend to now. You can’t threaten Bailey and then think things will be honky-dory just like that.”
“Bailey’s a grown woman. If she wanted a big wedding, she should’ve opened her mouth and told Mortician. This is aboutyou, nother.It’ll beourwedding day, Roxanne. Not theirs. I want a grand wedding with the focus onus.”
“Listen, Knox. I don’t mind sharing the spotlight.” At Knox’s scowl, Roxy planted her hands on her hips. “There’s nothing wrong with a double wedding, and don’t tell me how the fuck to deal with my baby. Bailey wants a big wedding. This is a way for all of us to be satisfied.”
“No!” Knox managed. “I’m putting my foot down. Bailey and Mortician can get married some other time. This will be your day.”
“I’m about to raise my foot up and stick it the fuck up your ass,” Roxy yelled, losing her temper. “If it’smyday, I should be able to spend itmyway!”
“Mama, no!” Bailey rushed to her and hugged her. “Knox is right. I’ve had my day. Your wedding is about you and Knox.” Her voice caught and she cleared her throat. “Don’t argue over this.”
Kendall stepped closer, bit down on her lip. Looked at Roxy. Then Johnnie. And back to Roxy again.
“Say your piece, sugar,” Roxy encouraged.
“Knox doesn’t want Bailey to have her wedding with you because he knows a lot more of the bikers will be in attendance.” Sending him a sugary smile, Kendall shrugged. “In his mind, how would it look with all those bad bikers mixing with his privileged family?”
“That isn’t true!” Knox protested. “And frankly, I’m fucking insulted that you’re even commenting on this. Who asked you?”
“She’s my wife,” Johnnie said. “She can comment on what the fuck she wants to.”
Fuck, this was getting out of hand. If they couldn’t get through the engagement without arguing, how would they ever make it to the altar?
No, she was making too much out of this. Quarreling amongst them was nothing new. It was how they showed affection. She really had nothing to worry about. As long as Bailey was happy, Mortician was happy. Outlaw’s sanity had returned now that Meggie was back and safe. Meggie was dealing with the aftermath of her kidnapping like a trooper. Johnnie was finally getting a grip on his reality with Kendall and learning how to handle her. Kendall was working to overcome all her demons. Everyone else was living their best lives.
She had nothing to worry about, except the here and now.
Deciding to take control, Roxy placed two fingers between her lips and whistled. Immediately, the room fell silent. “Enough!” she said.
“Enough like hell,” Knox said. “Stand with me on these issues—Kendalland yourwedding—or I’ll move out myself until our big day.”
Roxy narrowed her eyes. “You fucking threatening me now?”
“What?” Knox widened his amber gaze. “Of course not, Roxanne! I’m just saying—”
“Fuck all,” Roxy finished.
“I’ve had it!” Knox shouted. “You’re either my fiancé, Bailey’s mother, or Kendall’s crutch.”
“I’m all three,” Roxy said. “And if you don’t understand that, kiss my fucking ass.”
Knox scowled at her, then turned and stalked toward the door.
Roxy watched him go, angry in her own right. She’d been married three times before and had four baby daddies. The one man she should’ve married—KP—she hadn’t. She’d be damned if she’d make another mistake.
She glanced at her engagement ring. They’d be nothing but happy, Knox said, because of how happy his great-great grandparents had been.
She sighed. The disagreements were just par for the course, she reminded herself. Nothing to concern herself over.
Yet, she knew. Shefeltshit going sideways. Already Knox had some atoning to do, or she’d give him his ring back and tell him to shove it up his fucking ass.
Maybe, it was bad ju-ju swirling in the air because of superstitions turning into reality. Or,maybe,Knox was just a spoiled motherfucker, who had no clue about how to share the spotlight with anyone else.
