Page 62 of Entangled By You
“You know it’s going to be okay, right? You and Pierce rock the shit out of this parenthood thing, babe. And Si and I are here for whatever you two need. Study nights, I got you. Date nights, of course. Weekends at Lo Lo’s because I missed my girl? Please, like it’s a hardship.” She squeezes me and pushes me away with her hands on my shoulders.
I draw in a deep breath. “You’re right. It’s just, for once I’d like to have a baby on my own time, you know?”
“Eh, babies come when they want.” She shrugs like it’s no big deal.
“Is that so?” I quirk a knowing smile at my best friend, who remains adamant that she’s perfectly happy being an auntie.
“Don’t give me that look. You’re about to have another baby! You’ll need all my free time and hands.”
She’s not wrong. I don’t think I could have gotten through the newborn stage, the teething stage, and the sleep regressions without her.
“I need to tell Pierce. Go get him for me?” I plead.
“Absolutely not! He can’t see you in your dress before the altar.”
I scoff at my maid of honor. “When did you become so superstitious and traditional?”
“Well, only one of us is getting the wedding they deserve, so humor me. Just tell him after you say I do.”
“Fine,” I concede, standing back and doing a final once-over in the mirror. “How do I look?”
“Like the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.”
The sharp rap of a knock steals our attention just in time. I think the pregnancy hormones are starting up early because her words have tears welling in my eyes. I just spent an hour finishing my makeup, and I refuse to ruin it before my groom gets a look. Blinking quickly while staring at the ceiling to get them to go back to where they came from, a gravely “wow” filters through the bathroom.
My big brother looks handsome all cleaned up in a suit and tie. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so put together. Usually, it’s grease-stained jeans, his cut, and a pair of biker boots—not too different from Pierce’s wardrobe.
“You look beautiful, Lex.” He closes the distance between us and wraps an arm around Harlow’s waist, pulling her in tight to his side. “And you look absolutely edible, wildcat.”
“Gag,” comes my knee-jerk response to their incessant PDA. Years later, and they’re still on each other like a pair of newlyweds.
Apparently, her birth control works just fine.
She slaps him in the chest, but I know that gleam in her eye all too well. He captures her hand in his and brings it to his lips, kissing the place where his mother’s wedding ring with our father sits snug against her finger.
“You think it’s any better for me watching you with Pierce, baby sister?” he counters.
“Well, sucks for you, because I’m getting married today and there will be lots of kisses for my husband.”
My husband. I can’t believe this day is finally here. We waited because the moment Sienna arrived wailing in our lives, everything became about her. Marriage just seemed so trivial when it already felt like we were. But when Pierce got down on one knee at Christmas last year, surrounded by all our friends and family, there was no other answer for him but yes.
“Why don’t we get this show on the road then? I’m ready for the grub and drinks.”
Harlow grabs our bouquets, handing mine over, and kisses her husband on the cheek. She whispers something in his ear that I’m glad I can’t hear because even though the waves of nausea haven’t started yet, I know that would send me for the porcelain bowl.
Arm in arm, Silas leads me through his house and out to the back door. The wedding is small, just the guys from the club and their plus ones. My mom refused to come, which wasn’t a big surprise given she hasn’t visited once since Sienna was born. She’s too lost in her grief, even all these years later, after losing Dad.
I want to say I understand her pain and where she’s coming from. Losing Pierce would rock my world, but knowing I still had a part of him in Sienna, and now this new baby, I couldn’t ever imagine leaving them on their own to deal with the pain of losing a father like she did with me.
“You ready?” Si whispers as we wait for the music to start.
“Thank you,” I blurt out, turning to look into his eyes that always make me feel like I’m talking to our dad.
“For what?” His confusion casts across his face.
“For everything the last few years, but right now, forwalking me down the aisle. For stepping in since dad can’t. I really wish he were here today.” The damn tears threaten to fall again. It looks like today’s going to be one of those days.
“He would have been so proud of you, Lex. I know I am.” Si leans down, dropping a kiss to my forehead right as the music starts up outside.
