Page 5 of Without Bound
I roll my lips between my teeth and giggle to myself. I feel likeshe’s initiating me into their little girl gang, and I couldn’t be more giddy about it.
Cami moves in to hug me and wish me congratulations as does Vaughan, leaving Uncle Nix for last.
“Congratulations Ana,” he says hoarsely, and I’m not positive but I think he may be crying.
“Why’re you crying?” I ask for only him to hear.
He snakes his arms around my waist and lifts me high, leaving my feet to dangle and my heels hanging on by my toes.
“I just can’t believe you’re all grown up. I swear it feels like yesterday that I was teaching you how to hit a ball.”
“Yeah. I know what you mean. It feels like yesterday that I was soaking up the blood from my busted lip from said baseball lesson,” I tell him, pointing to the small scar that remains from my very first set of stitches.
He gives me a crooked grin and sets me down on my feet. “C’mon y’all. We have reservations before Anais heads out with her friends to the grad party.”
“Yeah. I’m starved,” Vaughan whines, rubbing his belly.
“You are always hungry,” Cami tells him and smacks his arm.
“I’m a growin’ boy. What do you expect?” Cami and Viv roll their eyes, and everyone links arms as we walk towards the cars.
Dinner is wonderful and just like Viv promised, she, Cami and I have a private celebration congratulating me on my graduation, and welcoming me to the Magnolia Creek family.
3
Bishop
I stand in line behind Phoenix and Vivian with CeCe on my arm and waiting for the DJ to start announcing the wedding party before the new bride and groom, Cami and Vaughan.
The day went by in a flurry of emotion. From pre-gaming it in the barn apartment, to tears during the vows –yes, I cried. I’m strong in my masculinity and not afraid to shed a few tears. I couldn’t hold them back as I watched my two best friends promise each other forever. A moment we all thought we’d never witness.
“Let’s hear it for the groomsman and bridesmaid, Phoenix West and Vivian Kelley,” the DJ calls out over the loud speaker inside the tent.
The crowd cheers, shouts and whistles ringing out, and Nix looks down at Viv and says, “C’mon, Peaches. Let's show ‘em.”
Without skipping a beat, he grabs her by the waist and hefts her up, setting her on his shoulder and walks through the tent door. Viv’s hands fly up in the air, waving to the crowd like a pageant queen, and Nix flexes his other arm because, well…he’s Phoenix fucking West.
A moment passes and the jeers quiet down enough for the DJ toannounce CeCe and me. We pass through the tent but without the fanfare of Nix and Viv. Instead we smile and dance out onto the floor. I hold up CeCe’s hand and spin her around and look out to the sea of faces watching.
Dozens upon dozens of people are here, most I know but some I don’t, and acknowledge each one. Then my eyes land on her and my heart skips a beat.
Her eyes are bright as she stares right at me. Our gazes lock and I feel my smile fade. Not because I don’t like her, but because Ido. I’m transfixed by this woman who’s barely a woman and it’s a struggle just not to tell Phoenix that his niece sends my body buzzing with need.
Anais stands in the crowd next to her mother and claps along with everyone else. She doesn’t blink or look away, and that plump lower lip finds its way between her teeth.
Goddamn. This girl knows what she’s doing to me and my will is holding on by a finger.
We stop circling the dance floor and stop next to Nix and Viv and wait as Hayes and Cat are announced followed by Dagen. Then the lights go down and a spot light begins flashing around.
Music booms through the speakers andSave a Horse, Ride a Cowboybegins serenading the happy couple.
“And now for the main event. Put those hands together and give a bigyeehawto Mr. and Mrs. Vaughan McCallan!”
I bring my fingers to my mouth and blow a loud whistle. The moment the two of them enter, Vaughan scoops Cami into his arms and struts in, happy as a teenage boy in a whore house. Cami’s equally as happy, her big smile stretching from ear to ear. And once again, fucking tears cloud my eyes.
Thankfully I look over to find all my friends in the same boat, along with Vaughan’s and Cami’s parents. It’s difficult to find a dry eye in the house.
The music drops to a more acceptable volume and we follow the bride and groom to the large banquet style table where the parents,and Cami’s brother and sister-in-law sit, waiting for us so that everyone can begin eating.
