Scorched(50)

“Not necessary, but thanks. I’ll call soon,” she said. And with one final wave, she disappeared around the side of the house.

Resuming their seats, Devil shook his head. “Not sure how I feel about that,” he said, nodding to where Viv had just disappeared.

“She’s smart, Dev. If she needs help, she’ll sing out,” Sami assured him, sneezing three times in quick succession and glaring at the orchid centerpieces. “Aren’t those supposed to be roses?” she asked as she lifted a hand to rub her itchy nose.

“Shhh, don’t say that too loud or….”

“Or what, Devil?” Molly asked, appearing out of nowhere behind him and smacking her husband on the shoulder. “Or I’ll lose what little is left of my mind? Is that what you were going to say?”

Smiling at his gorgeous wife over his shoulder, he shook his head. “Of course not. Saying something stupid like that might cause you to force feed me that sandpaper tasting thing masquerading as a wedding cake,” he reasoned, scooting his chair back and pulling Molly down to sit on one of his legs. “Take a load off, beautiful. It’s all over except for the cryin’,” he soothed, rubbing a hand up and down her back.

“I swear, I’m gonna sue both the florists and the baker,” Molly vowed under her breath, glaring at what was left of the surprisingly pretty wedding cake. “Who the hell would order gluten-free for a wedding cake? I think I’d remember if I’d asked for that! And to answer your question, Sami – yes, they were supposed to be roses. Evidently something happened to the florist’s shipment and this is what we got,” she said, nodding toward the elegant centerpieces. “Freakin’ orchids.”

“As Mannie has already said, ‘Chill, chica! It’s all good!’,” Sami said, repeating one of the groom’s earlier words right down to the accent. “Seriously, Mols. You got ‘em married off. Your work here is DONE.”

“Not quite,” Molly moaned, eyeing the back door nervously.

“What do you mean ‘not yet’?” Devil growled, shifting the baby into Molly’s arms when she reached for the dozing child.

“Our grooms of the hour are still inside. Fighting,” Molly shared with a heavy sigh.

“Over what?” Sami asked blankly. “Did you tell Nick that you knew what kind of pistol Mannie was packin’? I told you, Molly. Honesty isn’t always the best policy.” the blonde model chastised with a disappointed shake of her head.

“No! Not about that!” Molly hissed as her cheeks reddened. “And I told you, that didn’t happen. I’ve now formally blocked those horrible minutes from my memory. The latest argument is about the honeymoon. Or, more specifically, what the destination of said honeymoon will be. See, they both bought tickets to surprise the other. Romantic, right?”

“I’d think so,” Sami replied, propping her chin in her hand.

“You’d be wrong,” Molly grumbled, holding Devlynn closer as she settled back against Devil’s chest.

“So, what are the two destinations up for decision?” Devil asked, sliding his arm around Molly’s waist as he brushed a kiss against her neck and ogled the lovely expanse of creamy skin bared by her strapless dress Damn, she was beautiful. Right now, he wanted to give the designer a cash bonus.

“We’re going to Aruba!” Mannie shouted as he slid open the sliding patio door and stepped outside into the sunny afternoon. “Sun, surf, and sand, Nicky! Those are key ingredients to a happy honeymoon!”

“Armando, I rented us an entire Swiss chalet,” Nick countered, ready to state his case. “Hot cocoa snuggled by the fireplace on a bear rug….”

“I would rather be naked and swimming in the ocean,” Mannie yelled passionately, stomping down the stone steps.

“Never mind, I think I got it,” Devil mumbled into Molly’s neck, watching the newly wedded couple head their way, both of them stone-faced and ready to do serious battle.

“Molly, we need an impartial party to help us,” Mannie yelled at Molly. “Tell this foolish husband of mine that Aruba is much more suitable to a honeymoon destination. One week on the sandy surf is much more romantic than shivering to death in the Alps! Tell him, chica! Tell him!”

“We are NOT going to freeze, you drama queen! The chalet has heat – and a hot tub!” Nick spat, dropping his hands and propping them on his hips.

Shifting Molly off his lap and into the seat beside him, Devil rose, put two fingers to his lips and whistled sharply. “Okay, enough,” he growled. Taking a deep breath, he looked at the two men he considered family. “Okay, you got a week on the beach, right, Mannie?”