“I don’t know what else I can say,” I whisper, still at a loss.
“There’s nothing you can say. People at the office were right to gossip about you and call you a fucking whore.” His words tear at my heart and I bury my face in my hands.
“That’s enough!” Zach’s voice cuts across the lot and I suck in a quick breath. “Don’t you say another goddamn word to her or so help me...”
Isaac laughs. “So help you what? She’s my date. I can say what ever the fuck I want to her, so butt out!”
“She is mine,” Zach growls as he steps between Isaac and me. “And she’s been mine long before you ever came into the fucking picture. She’s only with you because I couldn’t get my shit together. You were a distraction.”
Isaac’s eyes narrow. “Whatever. You’re probably right. She’s not worth it anyhow.”
Without warning, Zach draws back and blasts Isaac square in the nose with his fist, shattering Isaac’s glasses. Isaac grabs his face as blood pours from his nose while shock registers on his face. “Don’t you ever talk about her like that again you son-of-a-bitch.”
“Not a problem.” Isaac’s watering eyes flick to mine. “Aubrey, you’re fired. Don’t bother coming back to the office. I don’t ever want to see your face again. I’ll have your personal belongings shipped to you.”
I nod as the realization I’ve lost more than my companionship with Isaac hits me hard and tears flood down my face.
Zach watches me cry and he growls, “Shut the fuck up and leave already you fucking Ken doll want-to-be or I’ll make sure you never speak another word to her or anyone else ever again.”
Isaac shakes his head and throws his hands up in surrender, clearly not wanting to test Zach’s threat.
The tension in Zach’s drawn fists relaxes as Isaac heeds his warning and walks away. Tears keep falling as I hate myself for being an awful person, but know deep down being with Zach is the right thing to do.
“Don’t cry.” Zach pulls me into a tight hug, wrapping his strong, tattooed arms around my small waist. “I’m sorry you had to go through that.”
I sniff. “Me too, but if that’s the price I have to pay to be with you, I’d do it all over again.”
“I want you to know, I meant what I said earlier. I love you with every inch of my broken soul. I know it’s a mess, but I’m giving you all the pieces, hoping you can make sense of it. I love you, Kitten.” He kisses my lips and warmth surrounds my entire body and a sense of security flows through me as we stay wrapped in one another’s arms.
Chapter 23
AUBREY
I fluff out Lanie’s wedding dress as we stand in her kitchen waiting for the signal it’s time for her to walk down the aisle. Her dress is bell shaped, showing off her naturally tiny waist and slim arms. The side of the dress has black designs in the tulle and looks very befitting for a rocker wedding.
This is the most beautiful I’ve ever seen her. She’s practically glowing.
“I wish they’d hurry up. I’m starting to sweat,” Lanie complains as she fans herself with her hand to keep the newly applied makeup from melting off.
I lift an eyebrow because I think the temperature is perfectly fine. “It’s not hot in here. You’re nervous.”
She shrugs. “It could be, I guess. I’m thinking it’s because my hormones are all out of whack.”
What dumb luck. “Oh, damn. Did you start your period? That will so suck for the honeymoon.”
She shakes her head and giggles. “I won’t be having another one of those for a long time.”
My eyes widen as a grins spreads across my face. “You’re pregnant? I knew it!”
“Shhhh!” She laughs. “Yes! But no one knows except for our parents and now you.”
“Oh, my god!” I wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tight. “I’m so happy for you. I’ve been having the feeling you were. No wonder you wanted to rush this wedding along.”
Lanie steps back and pats her flat stomach. “Who knew I would be the one having a shot-gun wedding.”
To say I’m stunned is an understatement, but I’m still ecstatic that everything is finally working out for them. I know she’ll be a great mother.
A throat clears behind me and I turn around.
Noel’s father and Zach walk into the kitchen together both sporting black tuxedos. Zach is dapper with his hair styled into a short all-black Mohawk to match his outfit. His eyes rake over me and linger on my chest a few seconds too long before we lock eyes.
He lets out a low whistle. “You two look amazing. Lanie, Noel is going to lose his shit when he sees you.” He leans in and gives Lanie a peck on the cheek. “I’m really happy for you guys. You’re perfect for each other.”
Lanie smiles and touches his arm. “Thank you, Riff.”
Zach steps back and wraps his arm around my shoulders, tucking me into his side.
Noel’s father takes his turn hugging Lanie and whispers into her ear. I think it’s sweet of Noel’s father to walk Lanie down the aisle since her own father had passed away last year. I know she would give anything to have him here today.
Mr. Falcon pulls back and kisses her other cheek. “You’re father would’ve loved to be here.”
A tear leaks from her eye as she quickly grabs a tissue from off the counter and blots her face. “I miss him so much.”
“I know you do, kid,” he tells her.
Emotions flood me and a lump in my throat builds but I swallow it back to keep her from turning into a complete mess five minutes before she says her vows.
Lanie smiles at Zach and me with tears still in her eyes. “I’m glad you two have finally come to your senses and stopped all this craziness and admitted you have feelings for each other. It’s good to see that you’re finally together.”
I laugh and try to lighten her mood. “You’re just happy we’re not going to make your wedding all tense.”
“That, too.”
Zach clears his throat again. “They sent us in here because they’re ready to start.”
Lanie raises her eyebrows and smiles so wide I can nearly see all of her teeth. “Let’s do this.”
“Shall we?” Zach pokes his elbow out towards me.
I tuck my arm through his and stare down at my black bridesmaid dress as I make sure everything is in order before he opens the door and leads us through. The humid evening air of the Texas summer blasts into me as we walk down the hill to the dock and I’m glad I chose an up-do for this event. The sun set in the horizon is the perfect backdrop to make the ceremony magically. Candles flicker all around, providing light while accentuating romance. The sound of Noel’s voice signing a pre-recorded acoustic version Faithfully covers the landscape as it plays through the surrounding speakers.
Nearly one hundred wedding guests line the flower covered path at the bottom of the hill. The dock was too narrow for all the guests to sit on, so the wedding planner set up most of the white folding chairs on the grass just before the entrance to the dock.
Trip and Tyke grin at me from the dock entrance, manning their positions as ushers to make sure we don’t trip and bust our faces walking over the threshold. Tyke’s blond hair is styled back off his face while Trips shaggy, black hair falls into his, making his green eyes really stand out. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen Trip without something covering the top of his head. If I didn’t know better, I would think there’s a real gentleman inside that tux.
White and red roses line every inch of the wood railing all the way to the end of the dock. A small landing sits at the end, allowing enough chairs for Lanie’s and Noel’s immediate family an intimate seat at the union. A beautiful floral archway filled with more roses creates a backdrop for the ceremony with Noel in his traditional black tux standing underneath it. The pastor stands next to Noel with a Bible in his hand ready to officiate the ceremony.
Zach places his free hand on top of my hand that’s looped through his arm while we walk slowly down the dock. “I can??
?t wait to do this with you someday.”
I swallow hard and my eyes grow wide. Something so romantic coming from him takes me back.
Zach chuckles as he takes in my shocked expression. “I mean, way in the future, of course.”
A light breeze scoots across the lake and blows my dress around my feet as I peer up at him and smile.
The thought of being with him forever causes my heart to pause for a split second. While we’re nowhere near being ready to make such a huge leap together, it’s nice to know he’s taking our relationship seriously this round.
At the end of the dock, we part ways, and Zach claps Noel on the shoulder as he stands next to him.
I settle into my spot, and the wedding march begins to play. Everyone stands and turns around, directing their line of sight to the top of the hill.
Lanie makes her way down the path in her breathtaking gown, clutching Mr. Falcon’s arm tight. The wedding guests all gasp and let out a collective “aww,” as she comes further into sight. Her mom sits a couple feet away from me in a wheelchair with her injured leg in a cast straining her neck to get a better look. She blots her eyes and lets out a quiet sob as she takes in how beautiful her little girl looks.
Noel’s face lights up as he refolds his hands in front of him while he anxiously waits for Lanie to join him by his side. I smile, knowing he’s perfect for her.
Riff catches my eye and mouths, “I love you,” to me.
The caring part of him is what pulled me in. I knew it was in there, and it’s my job as the woman in his life to help him explore it. I grin at the thought of how special those tender words are coming from him before mouthing it back.
When Lanie makes it to the end of the aisle, Mr. Falcon gently unfolds her hand from around his forearm and guides her hand into the crook of Noel’s arm.
Noel’s gaze never leaves Lanie’s face. It’s in that moment I truly see how much love he has for her. While their relationship has had a rocky path to get to this happy point, kind of like Zach and me. Things for them will work out because they love each other, and as they say, love conquers all.
Lanie hands me her bouquet and joins hands with Noel.
“Dearly beloved. We are gathered here together in the presence of family, friends and loved ones to unite Noel Falcon and Lanie Vance in holy matrimony...”The pastor proceeds with the ceremony while my best friend stares into the eyes of the man she loves.
A tear wells up in my eye and before I know it, I’m batting them away like crazy. I’m happy for her, but it also saddens me to know that our friendship will now change. We’re growing up and she and Noel are starting a family of their own.
Noel grins as he answers, “I do.”
The same vows are directed to Lanie and she half laughs while crying as she answers, “I do.”
The pastor points his gaze at Zach. “The rings?”
Zach fishes them from the inside pocket of his tux and places them in the pastor’s outstretched hand.
The rings are held up for the crowd to see as he says, “The rings you chose are made of one of the strongest, and most precious minerals our earth has to offer. These rings will withstand the test of time and symbolize the love you two have for one another. Noel will you take this ring and place it on Lanie’s left hand and repeat after me.”
Noel slips the ring on Lanie’s dainty ring finger and says, “With this ring, I thee wed all my hearts affection, all that I am, all that I ever shall be, and everything that’s apart of me, I give to you now, my wife.”
Lanie and I both sniffle along with most of the crowd as Noel gets a little choked up at the end as his emotions flood him.
“Lanie, repeat after me...” the pastor has her repeat the same vows as she places a silver band on Noel’s left hand. Her fingers shake a bit as she shoves it the rest of the way on his finger.
“Now, I want you two to look deep into each other’s eyes and think back to that moment when you knew this person was the one you wanted to spend the rest of your life with...” At those words spoken by the pastor, I stare at Zach who is watching me intently.
It’s hard for me to pinpoint the exact moment I knew he was the one, because I felt a connection with him almost immediately. When I saw all the layers under his macho exterior that’s when he really started tugging at my heart. His love is intense and passionate, and I’m ready to receive every bit of it that he’s willing to offer me.
“You have stepped into a deeper commitment today, and I charge you to keep true to the vows you’ve made to one another today. Noel, your bride commits herself into your hands for safekeeping, placing herself into your protection for the remainder of her life. So from this day forward let no word or deed of action cloud her with tears. If there are tears, may they only be of joy.”
Noel smiles down at Lanie and wipes his eye as the pastor recites a similar speech to her. “Lanie, you have won this man’s heart with your grace, beauty and intelligence. May you comfort him in times of need and remain true. And to the both of you...always remember you’re holding your very best friend by the hand right now. Always be quick to forgive one another and cherish the love you have for one another. If you both agree to all of these things, please say I do.” Lanie and Noel both answer at the same time before he continues, “By the power vested in me by the great state of Texas, I now pronounce you man and wife. Noel, you may kiss your bride.”
Cheers erupt all around as Noel leans in and lifts Lanie’s veil before wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing her lips.
Noel pulls back and gives her one last peck before she smiles at him and then turns to me for her flowers.
They face the crowd and the pastor says, “May I present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Noel Falcon.”
Another round of applause and hoots explode at the end of the dock as I watch my best friend walk down the aisle to become one with the love of her life.
Zach approaches me and I hook my arm through his. His grin as we follow Noel and Lanie down the aisle is as big a mine. It’s funny how our conceptions about a person can be totally off base. Never in a million years did I think a crude proposition from a rock star would lead me to love. He completely, and unexpectedly, stole my heart, and I was powerless to stop it.
I broke the last rule I put into place for our one-night stand, not to fall in love. It completely flew out the window the moment he opened up to me and showed me a side of him I never expected, but that’s okay. Life sometimes works out in ways that’s not expected.
The one thing I really thought I wanted was my job, but when forced to pick between my heart and my career, it was no contest. Nothing matters but being with Zach and I know somehow, some way, things will work out as long as we believe in on another and our love. Zach is my forever.
RIFF
I have to hand it to Noel. This reception by the lake is stunning. The white tent under the stars is perfect for their union. The stiffly dressed wait staff scurries about handing out drinks and appetizers while the live band keeps the party jumping.
I’m not one that gets caught up in wedding sappiness usually, but knowing what Noel and Lanie have been through to make it to this moment gets to me. It reminds me that no real love comes easy and I’m going to have to work at this everyday with Aubrey to make this love last forever.
I spin Kitten in my arms as we press close together during a slow dance. “Having fun?”
She grins up and me and trails her fingers at the nape of my neck. “A great time. I’m glad I’m here with you.”
I squeeze her tighter against my chest. “There’s no one else I’d rather be with.”
She raises her eyebrow. “Not even the two women you were with after me.”
I sigh. It’s time to come clean with that lie. “I was never with anyone else.”
There’s a puzzled look on her face. “You weren’t? So, you lied to me?”
I nod as we continue dancing. “I was trying to get you to see I was no good. I
said it to make you angry with me, so you’d move on before I got the chance to hurt you.”
She bites her bottom lip. “I never slept with Isaac, either. I only wanted you to think that because I was hurt.” She pauses for a moment. “I understand where all that angst is coming from. What happened to your family was a terrible tragedy, but you can’t let that rule your life. You deserve to be happy.”
“I’m trying to get there. When I found you, I found my heart, Kitten. You’re the one putting me back together. You make me feel alive. You’re helping me find my soul again, which is something I thought died years ago. It’s because of you I want to be a better man. I want to be there for you. I won’t ever be able to give you a family, because the accident left me sterile, but I’ll be there to love you forever if you let me.”
She strokes my cheek with her fingers. “I want to be with you, Zach. It’s you I love, not what you can or can’t give me. I just want you.”
“I love you,” I tell her before I kiss her lips and we start down the path to our forever. The instant the words leave my mouth something comes over me and I feel a mad rush to not only tell her, but the rest of the world, that I’ll do anything to keep her in my life. I pull away from her and hold up a finger. “Wait right here.”
The small platform the wedding band plays on is a far cry from the stages I’m used to, but I can’t think of a more appropriate place to express to Aubrey what she means to me. I gave Noel so much shit for doing this when Lanie came back to him, but I totally get it now. When you love someone, really love someone, you’ll do anything to show them how much they mean to you. I want Aubrey to know my words aren’t promises that I have no intention on keeping. I want her for the long haul.
I motion the tall, scarecrow looking lead singer with slicked-back black hair to the side of the stage. He bends down to me. “Hey, man. I hate to steal your show, but I need to sing something.”