Ghostface Killer(76)

Frederick gives me away to Baz, with Gianni, Gianna, RJ, Bull, Gun, and Desmond all watching.

I hand my bouquet to Frederick as I step in front of Baz. As soon as my hands are free, he steals my wrists and pins them against his chest.

"Beautiful isn't a strong enough word to describe how you look," he whispers in my ear, "You are making me the happiest man on the planet today. I love you."

Baz has the ability to tap into my emotions like no other man. I am a sinner and a saint and a fool for him. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

"I lo-" I try to whisper back, but the minister starts. "Dearly beloved . . ."

I don't hear half of the ceremony as I swim in the amorous depths of Baz's green eyes. He holds my hands to his chest the whole time. Only when it's time to exchange the rings does his grip loosen.

"With this ring, I thee wed." He slides a thin diamond-encrusted band onto my finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed." I do the same with a black titanium band. As soon as the ring is securely on his finger, he pulls me back, repositioning his tight hold on my wrists against his chest.

"Do you think I'm going to run?" I giggle.

"Not at all. I just want you close."

"You may kiss the bride," the minister says cheerfully.

Baz and I both smile then share our first kiss as husband and wife at sunset on the pristine shores of Southampton.



After the ceremony, we all dine under the stars at an elegant table decorated by some elite wedding planner in the area. There are long rows of twinkle lights hanging above us, white and pink roses in small, square vases lined down the table like a runner, and three huge brass candelabras providing romantic candlelight. I never dreamed of having a wedding, but this couldn't be more picture-perfect.

There are waiters dressed in black tuxedos serving the seven courses as Frederick is part of the family tonight. It's nice to see the tables turned and Frederick be waited on for once. He's so committed to his job and this family.

Next to me, Baz and Desmond share stories about their childhood as my little mermaid does flips in my belly.

Baz is so relaxed and happy and free. He thrives in the presence of his family.

"Oh." I lean forward when she kicks me in the rib.

"Stevie, you alright?" Baz reaches for me.

"I'm fine." I catch my breath. "She's active tonight. She must know there's a party." I laugh. Eight-and-a-half-months pregnant, Baz jumps every time I sneeze. He's so excited and nervous and overprotective.

"Maybe she has Baz's uppity personality," Desmond remarks.

"Hopefully not." Baz punches him in the thigh, and Desmond laughs through the pain. Desmond and Baz have been nearly inseparable since we arrived. It speaks volumes about their relationship. Now that Baz's shoulder is better, they run on the beach every morning and spar in the gym every night when Desmond isn't running errands for Gianni. He's very much like his right-hand man.




 

 

He's young, like Baz, and extremely good-looking. Wavy black hair he wears in a low ponytail and big, bright blue eyes. He's also very charismatic and knows exactly how to play on all his charms. Sometimes I get the feeling I've seen him before. Which wouldn't be unheard of, we ran in sort of the same circles, attended the same parties, and our bosses are brothers. Well, were brothers. There's a chance our paths could have crossed. That face is sort of unforgettable.

"It will be fine if she does." I run my hand along Baz's arm. He rolled his shirt sleeves up after the ceremony, so I get some skin-on-skin contact. "Someone needs to keep up with him."

Gianni, Frederick, and Desmond all chuckle and nod.

"Desmond was the only one who ever could." Frederick recalls fondly. He's always good for a story about Baz.

"Barely," Desmond laughs freely. "He gave me a run for my money in everything. Sports, academics, target practice. He could always run faster and lift harder. Everything he touched, a bat, a football, a guitar," Desmond tosses out several examples, "He was instantly good at it. We all had to try like hell and this asshole was just like, whatever." He flips his hand.

Baz looks like he's going to slide under the table from embarrassment. "He's exaggerating. I wasn't good at everything."

"Please, name one thing you weren't or aren't good at." Desmond puts him on the spot.

Baz turns a brilliant shade of crimson.

"Girls." He admits. "I was never good at talking to girls. That was your thing."

"You did a good job talking to Stevie. She ended up marrying you and is having your kid." Desmond points out the obvious. "I'm not sure even I'd have had the balls to hit on her."