“Griffin.”
“Oh,” he held his hands out, “oh, what a divine hunk of man.” He shivered. “He gives me chills.”
“Me, too,” she admitted.
A frown gathered between his brows. “You two are hot, I mean really H-O-T together, some kinda sizzling energy just standing next to you guys. But, girl, are you sure? I thought marriage was the last thing on your mind. And who am I going to drag along to parties now?”
“Rico? Is that you?” Francine called, peeking around the corner. “Priscilla? What are you doing here? I got a call. Last- minute wedding. Did someone call you, too?”
“Francie, who are you talking to?” Charlie asked, coming up behind her.
Her sisters stopped asking questions and gawked at her. “Where are Alex and Marcus?” Priscilla asked.
“Right here,” Alex said.
Marcus whistled when he saw her. “Prissy, what’s going on here?”
“Honey?” Dolly asked, standing in the doorway with Eddie close on her heels.
Priscilla swallowed hard. Rico slid beside her, squeezing her hand. She gripped it as she faced her family. “Peg called you all here, not knowing what was going on.”
“Well, hell’s bells,” Peg said, pushing through the couples near the door. “Let me in, will ya?” She pulled up short when she saw Priscilla. “Mamma mia, what a spicy meatball!”
That caused everyone to laugh, easing the tension.
“I’ll explain, as best I can.” Priscilla took a deep, cleansing breath. “I’m getting married. Tonight.”
“Now?” Peg asked, holding her ever present clipboard to her chest. “You’re the bride? Well, holy macaroni, who’s the gro—” She clapped a hand over her mouth and shook her head.
“Peg, what is it?” Charlie asked.
Priscilla glanced at Peg and nodded. “Yep, that’s him.”
“Who, him?” Francie asked.
“Griffin James.”
Silence reigned. Then they all began to speak at once. Questions flew. Charlie and Francie stepped near, confronting her.
“You just met him,” Francie said.
Rico chimed in, “That didn’t stop you and Marcus.” He pointed a finger at Charlie, saying, “Or you and Alex.” He shrugged. “So what’s the diff?”
Marcus said, “I’m going to find Griff.”
“I’ll go with you,” Alex said.
“Me, too,” Edward agreed.
When they exited, Priscilla looked from her stepsister to her sister. “I can’t explain it any more than either of you could, too. I just know it’s right.”
“Oh, no,” Charlie groaned. “There’s no turning back now.”
Francie sighed. “Nope. No way out.”
“Isn’t that wonderful?” Priscilla asked, smiling as they realized the truth. The King daughters were destined to follow their hearts, wherever that may lead. She crossed her fingers, praying hers wouldn’t come out tattered when her three months ended.
***
With the ring of flowers settled on her head and a bouquet of flowers in one hand, Priscilla tucked her arm through Rico’s. “Ready, friend?”
“Girl, promise you won’t change on me?” He sniffled, dabbing his eyes.
“Never,” she said with a fierceness from inside.
“All right, but you have to swear you’ll give me away someday, too.”
“Try to stop me.”
She was still smiling as they made their way down the chapel’s small aisle. Looking up, she gasped at the sight of Griff standing at the altar, waiting for her. Tall. Powerful. Sexy.
***
Griffin stilled. Priscilla took his breath away. The fairy dress, the flowers, the dainty heels were perfect for his sexy, strawberry blonde, green-eyed girl. He knew for the rest of his life he’d remember her like this. His beautiful pixie.
When she drew near, he held out his hand. Rico took it instead, asking, “Why couldn’t it be me?”
The guests laughed.
Chuckling, Griff shook his hand and relaxed. The grilling he’d taken from her brothers-in-law less than a half hour ago had him rethinking the last-minute invitations. However, Priscilla refused to get married without her family by her side. He’d relented.
“Pixie,” he said in a soft voice as she stepped toward him.
“Griff,” she whispered, a ghost of a smile playing on her lips.
Those eyes, wide and lit from within, held light and hope.
He only wished he could live up to those expectations. Somehow he doubted it.
Chapter 14
The minister, who came with the chapel, performed a heartfelt ceremony, making Griff wonder what in the world he was doing. A spark of guilt flashed, and then extinguished.