Page 102 of Dare to Dance
“Let’s talk about you, man,” I said to Kody. “Mom and Dad will be on your back, asking when you’re going to find a steady girlfriend.” He’d only taken out our former teacher, Ms. Sharp, a couple of times, but it wasn’t serious.
He grinned like an ass. “When I’m ready.”
“Oh, yeah. How’s the older women pool looking?” I teased.
Everyone quieted before Dillon spoke. “Older women know what they want.”
Norma lightly punched him. “Hey, don’t judge. Us younger gals are just as good.”
Norma had a thing for Dillon, and although I hadn’t seen him with any women for as long as I’d known him, I knew Norma was definitely his type, especially with her blond hair.
Liam came running down. His brown hair was slicked back, almost sticking to his head. He’d accompanied me on some of my boxing matches when he could. Behind him, Jay strutted leisurely down.
“It’s time,” Liam said. “Your mom said to get into positions.”
Mom stood near the garage, holding Raven’s hand. Mom’s hair was tied up into an up-do of sorts, and she was wearing a light-blue sundress. Raven had the same hairstyle and wore a yellow and white polka dot sundress. They both had flip-flops on too, sporting smiles.
My brothers scrambled into position with their backs to the lake. Dillon sidled up to me on one side, and Norma stood on my other side since she was the maid of honor. Coach, Liam, Lizzie, and Lacey all found spots behind me.
Dillon tapped me on the arm. “Turn this way.”
I did and found my mom slowly walking down while Raven plucked flower petals from the small wicker basket she was holding and sprinkled them in front of her. Liam began filming the ceremony with my cell phone. Lizzie and Lacey were snapping pictures with theirs.
My heartbeat rammed and pounded against my chest as I kept switching my gaze between my mom and my little girl to the garage, where at any moment, my beautiful bride would emerge. Dad was giving her away. Ruby had cried last night, sad that her mom and dad couldn’t be there. At least we would be able to send the video and pictures to her parents in jail.
When Mom and Raven were halfway between the garage and me, Dad and Ruby made their entrance. I faltered where I stood.
“Easy, dude,” Dillon said as he grasped my elbow.
“I can’t breathe, man,” I whispered. I couldn’t get enough oxygen in my lungs.
Ruby wore a strapless, cream-colored dress that hugged her body and draped to her toes. Her auburn hair was pulled up in a messy style with wisps of hair framing her delicate features. She smiled, and my chest clenched. That fucking smile was what had snagged me back in high school. Only now, it did more than snag me. My entire body was on fire.
As Ruby glided down like the angel she was, Raven tugged on my hand, breaking my concentration. It was probably a good thing since my groin had a mind of its own.
I met her dark-blue eyes. “Yes, bumblebee?”
“I love you, Daddy.”
I swayed then smiled at the beautiful girl I’d created. It was still mind-blowing that I was actually a father.
“As big as the universe?” I asked.
“Bigger,” she cooed then stepped behind me to hold my mom’s hand.
Ruby and Dad then settled in front of me. Dad hugged me. “I’m so fucking proud of you,” he said in my ear. “Treat her with the utmost respect.”
Tears stung my eyes. I wasn’t going to make it through this ceremony.
He joined my mom as Ruby hooked her arm with mine.
I ogled my stunning bride as she flashed her big blue-green eyes at me. We turned to Kade, Kody, and Kelton, both of us trembling.
Kade began. “Marriage may be the union of two people, but in my book, it is the union of family, growth, happiness, and a deep sense of love for each other, no matter the circumstances. Never forget that family is the most important thing in life.”
Ruby and I squeezed hands as Kelton spoke. “Love grabs your heart. Love tickles your soul. Love is family. Love is friends. Most of all”—he glanced past us to no doubt Lizzie then back to us—“love is never-ending. Embrace life with love and respect, and never, ever lose sight of family.”
A tear slid down Ruby’s cheek.
