What?
Shaking my head, I ask chuckling, “Why would I cry? I’m so effing happy, you dork!”
“Yeah, well-” Nox looks passed me and smiles, “Yeah. You’re gonna cry.”
Turning, I gasp in shock.
No way. No way!
Rock and Boo stand there , dressed to the nines, ready to celebrate with us.
And, of course, it happens.
My eyes tingle for a whole second before I cover my mouth with my hand and burst into tears.
Boo rushes forward, dressed in a long tawny-pink number. She looks great. Taking me in a warm hug, I feel her body shake with mine. Crying happy tears.
Rock pulls her away from me a second, only to wrap me up tight. He looks good in slacks and a grey shirt. Wiping my tears away, I announce, “You two look so effing hot!”
Boo barks a laugh, “Damn, Deedee. Never thought I could see someone look so beautiful before, but…” She motions to my very plain wedding dress and shrugs. Rock finishes for her, “You look like an angel, babe.”
My heart warms.
I’m so happy right now!
Clare comes forward with her hands on her hips and wide eyes, “Adam, we’re going to have words later. Why didn’t you tell me they were coming?”
Rock smiles big and opens his arms to her, “Mama!”
Boo knocks him aside, “Wait in line, bub!” Then she runs to Clare, “Mama!”
I should’ve known they’d met before. Mama talked about them when we went to visit her that first time, but had never said she’d actually seen them in person.
We approach our table, and everyone is introduced to each other. We spend the next hour chatting away and having a great time.
It’s relaxed and low key.
And I love it.
Nox and I decided to go against tradition. We wanted a small wedding and we wanted to pay for it ourselves. I know I come from money, but this was important to me. My independence means everything to me.
Everyone orders what they want for dinner (which is something my dad insisted on paying for and Nox agreed on) and I sit back a moment, taking in everything around me.
Looking around, I smile softly. Terah and Jon talk closely together, holding hands. Boo and Rock talk loudly and animatedly, obviously arguing about something stupid. Like always. Mom and Dad chat away to Clare. And Nox…
I turn to my husband.
I find him watching me with that gorgeous crooked smile in place.
Leaning close to me, he says, “Hey.”
Moving even closer to him, our noses touch, and I whisper, “Hi.”
He kisses my lips gently, and my eyes close in sheer delight. I sigh through my nose and kiss him deeper. Pulling away gently, he asks on a grin, “So when are you gonna give me babies?”
Almost choking on my tongue, I laugh quietly, “Not anytime soon. Maybe in a couple of years. You know, when I’ve had enough time to enjoy you.”
His hand rests on my thigh and he squeezes. “I’m down for that.”
Smiling like an idiot, I rub my nose against his. “Good. Because even though I love kids, I’m not ready for them yet.”
Kissing my lips once, he utters, “That’s fair, baby. Whatever you want, I’m good with.”
Suddenly, he asks seriously, “Are you happy?”
My heart expands and warms.
“Yes. Completely.” I lose my smile. “Are you?”
He thinks a moment, his brows furrowed. “Can’t think of a time I was even half as happy as today.”
My heart stutters and I get dreamy-happy.
I watch as he looks around the table and smiles. Turning back to me, he wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. Kissing the top of my head, he utters, “Nothing’s gonna beat today. Got everyone I care about close, and that’s never happened in my life. I hate to say it, babe…” Looking at me with dead seriousness, he continues, “Never thought I’d be glad about having to protect someone. But, fuck me, I totally am. Hate what we went through to get here. But…we’re here. And that’s all I care about.”
Leaning my forehead into the side of his chin, I say softly, “Love you, Nox.”
He sighs, “Love you more, princess. You have no idea how much.”
I close my eyes tightly, put a hand to his thigh and squeeze.
Yeah.
I’m pretty sure I do.
Epilogue
Two years later…
Nox
Coming back from my run, I huff and puff while I make my way into our house.
My heart pounds.
Today was a good one. I beat my personal best and I managed that on my new prosthetic running leg.
It’s so fuckin’ cool. It’s an L shaped piece of carbon-fiber that makes me bounce more than run.
And I’m loving it. But I’m tired as hell now.