Chapter Thirty-Two
ONE MONTH LATER.
This is really happening and I’m about to marry Kaven. I’m the happiest woman in the world right now. “There, Hadleigh,” Mom said, tugging at the waist of my wedding dress. “Thankfully, you’re a thin girl, and your pregnancy isn’t that noticeable with these pleats down the front.”
“I have to say, Hadleigh, you’re glowing, and I envy you finding your true love,” Lizzie said from where she sat on the windowsill, careful not to wrinkle her bridesmaid dress.
“It will happen for you too,” I assured her. “Just don’t settle for less, no matter what happens.”
She gave a soft laugh. “I doubt that. I’m hearing Grandfather is now using me for an alliance in the Flavio organization, and not with Samuel.”
“Stand your ground, Lizzie,” I said right before Grandfather walked into the room, looking handsome in his tuxedo and all smiles. Kaven had confided in me the relationship between his mother and my grandfather; now I understand why this wedding is going forward, not just for me but for him. It explains a lot. I’ve never seen him so relaxed and happy.
“We’re ready to begin,” Grandfather said, taking my hand. “You look beautiful, Hadleigh, and whether you believe it or not, I only want to see you happy.”
“I believe you,” I replied, taking his hand and letting him lead me out of the room.
As we stepped into the corridor, the soft strains of the wedding march reached my ears. My heart pounded with a mix of excitement and nerves. Grandfather gave my hand a gentle squeeze, a silent reassurance.
The doors to the ballroom opened, and all eyes turned towards us. The room was a blur of familiar faces and flowers, but my focus was solely on Kaven standing at the altar, his eyes locked onto mine. He looked incredibly handsome in his tailored suit, his expression a mixture of love and awe.
With each step down the aisle, memories of our journey together flashed through my mind. The laughter, the tears, the promises whispered in the dark. This was our moment, the culmination of everything we had been through.
As I reached the altar, Kaven took my hand from Grandfather, his grip warm and steady. He leaned in slightly, whispering, “You’re so damn beautiful.”
“Thanks to you,” I whispered back, feeling tears prick at the corners of my eyes.
The ceremony began, the words of the officiant a soothing background to the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. Kaven’s eyes never left mine, and I felt an overwhelming surge of love and gratitude for this man who had become my everything.
When it was time for our vows, Kaven spoke first. His voice was steady but filled with emotion. “Haddie, from the moment I saw you standing by that waterfall, I knew my life would never be the same. You’ve shown me what it truly means to be in love to the core of my soul. I promise to love you, protect you, and cherish you for all the days of my life and never make you regret you chose me that night.”
Tears streamed down my cheeks as I began my vows. “Kaven, you have become my everything, and my greatest love. With you, I’ve found my home. I promise to stand by you, to support you, and to love you fiercely and unconditionally, and I will never regret choosing you.”
The officiant smiled warmly. “By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Kaven pulled me close, his lips meeting mine in a kiss that was sweet and full of promise. The room erupted in applause, but all I could focus on was the man holding me, the man I would spend the rest of my life with.
As we turned to face our family and friends, I felt a profound sense of peace and happiness. This was our beginning, and I knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, we would face them together. With Kaven by my side, I was ready for anything.
The end for now, the story continues with Valley, and I have to tell you he’s a tough one. Valley’s handling of women is not like his friend Midnight. His story won’t always be pretty and at times you’re going to hate him, but hang in there. His demons are deep and to him very real and it takes losing Madeline to make him face them. The last book in this series is going to be one to remember.
JARROD WARNER, KNOWN as Valley to his club The Devil’s House MC, is a man haunted by the shadows of his past, a ghost that literally won’t let him move on. Working at the stripclub owned by The Devil’s House MC, he unexpectedly reconnects with Madeline Wolfe aka ‘Mandy’ as she’s known at the club, a dancer with a sweet nature that captivates him just as it did in high school. By day, Madeline is a dedicated dance instructor, supporting her disabled father and two-year-old daughter, and by night, she dances to make ends meet.
Jarrod’s demons keep him from forming deep connections, yet Madeline finds a way to his heart no matter how hard he tried fighting her. Despite his desire to be with her, he pushes her away, leaving her heartbroken. Madeline, scarred by past hurts, refuses to endure more pain and protects herself from further heartbreak pushing forward, vowing to forget Jarrod, who treated her so horribly.
As Jarrod battles the past that haunts him and Madeline grapples with her feelings, an unseen threat looms over them. Someone is determined to stop and destroy the bond that is growing between the two, despite them trying to fight it and threatening to tear them apart forever.