Chapter 21 #2
I can’t help but notice how seamlessly Callie fits here.
She interacts with my family like she’s known them her whole life, and they respond like she’s already a part of us—a part of me.
I shouldn’t be surprised. My family has always welcomed people with open arms. Ryan once had a seat here, too.
He’d love Callie—hell, he might’ve tried to shoot his shot if she gave him the time of day.
Once everyone has eaten, Liv clears her throat, drawing the attention of everyone around the table. “We have an announcement to make.”
Griffin barks out a laugh. “Holy shit. Again?”
Emmy holds out her hand, palm up. He slaps a one-dollar bill down, and she slips it into her pocket with a grin—her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk from all the food she’s shoved into her mouth.
“I’m not pregnant,” Liv says defensively. “It’s about the wedding.”
Mama tosses her napkin down on the table. “It’s about damn time.”
“Gigi!” Emmy says, disappointment dripping from every syllable. “Not you too.”
Mama pats her pockets. “Can anybody spot me a dollar?”
Pops pulls out his wallet, hands over the money, and turns to Liv. “You were saying?”
“We decided on a small ceremony in June. Just our closest friends and family at the wedding barn. I already checked with Ruby. She has two months off from touring, so it works out perfectly.”
Wilder’s affectionate gaze stays locked on Liv as she slips her hand into his. He brings their joined hands to his lips.
“That sounds wonderful, but that only gives us two months to plan,” Mama says. “I’ll put a call in to the florist and get started.”
Griffin opens his mouth to speak, but I cut him off. “Dibs on best man.”
He elbows me in the ribs. “I’m older. I should be the best man.”
“You were the best man last time.”
Wilder’s first wife, Jess, was taken from us in a tragic accident four years ago.
We never thought we’d see Wilder happy again, but Olivia brought him out of the darkness.
I think we all fell a little in love with her before Wilder realized what was happening.
She’s a good woman. Having her in his life healed a part of him we thought would never be repaired.
Wilder whispers something to Emmy Lou. She reaches into the pocket of her overalls and pulls out a quarter.
“Call it,” he says seconds before he flips the coin onto the table.
“Heads,” I shout at the same time as Griffin yells, “Tails!”
When the quarter lands heads up, I fist pump the air.
“Don’t worry,” I tell him. “I’ll let you be my best man someday.”
“Liv? Do you mind?” Griffin nods in Emmy’s direction.
Liv rolls her eyes and cups her hands over Emmy’s ears. Unbothered, she shoves one of Mama’s chocolate chip cookies into her mouth and shimmies her shoulders.
“Good luck finding someone to marry your ass,” Griffin says.
Liv sighs and releases Emmy.
“Are you two finished?” She doesn’t wait for a response and hands Callie a small box with an envelope.
“What is this?” Callie asks, her brow furrowed.
Liv gestures to the box. “Open it.”
Callie pulls out a small note card and reads it to herself. Her throat constricts as a line of tears forms on her lashes. “You want me to be a bridesmaid?”
“Maid of honor. If you want. No pressure.” Liv smiles nervously. “We’re not really doing bachelor or bachelorette stuff, so you won’t have to plan anything. It’s more of an honorary title.” She takes Callie’s hand and squeezes. “You’re important to me.”
Callie blinks rapidly. “I’d be honored.”
She opens the small box next, gasping. Inside is a tiny, jeweled daisy pendant. “Liv. This is beautiful.”
“I got one each for Ruby and Sarah, too. They’re my other two bridesmaids.”
“Thank you. I love it,” Callie says, her voice thick with emotion.
I don’t know what’s going through her head right now, but fuck if it doesn’t make me want to pull her into my arms and comfort her. Liv gets there first, pulling Callie in for a tight hug. She whispers something, and Callie lets out a watery laugh, swiping under her eyes before any tears can fall.
“We’re going dress shopping next week,” Liv says. “I have some colors in mind, but you can pick your own cut and fabrics to fit your vibe.”
Liv swipes over to a vision board, and Callie leans in to get a closer look.
While our women get swept away with the wedding planning, Griffin hands me and Wilder another beer.
“So, who’s the third groomsman?” Griffin asks.
Wilder chuckles. “You think Liam would let anyone else walk Ruby down that aisle? I’m not willing to risk a fist to the jaw.”
Liam is my sister’s fiancé. It took them damn near ten years to get their shit together, but they’ve never been happier. I couldn’t have picked a better man for my baby sister.
My phone vibrates in my pocket with an incoming text. A message from Callie appears on the screen with a photo attached.
Callie and Liv exchange a look like a couple of co-conspirators, piquing my curiosity.
I tap on the message, and my jaw hits the floor. Callie’s on her knees in the middle of my bed, legs spread wide, thick, dimpled thighs on full display. She’s wearing the black bodysuit I caught a glimpse of earlier, and her perfect tits are popping out of the top.
I shift in my chair as my cock hardens beneath my jeans. A muscle ticks in my jaw as I struggle to keep my composure. Goddamn, she's gorgeous. Without glancing up, I type out a response.
Jaxon: It’s rude to play with your food.
Callie: Are you saying you want me to eat you?
Jaxon: Say the word and I’ll have you on your knees before dessert.
Callie: Prove it.
“Would you look at the time?” I round the table and tug on Callie’s hand. She stumbles into my chest, laughing. “I’d love to stay and chat, but we have somewhere to be.”
Liv snorts, and I narrow my eyes at her.
Did she have a hand in this? If she did, I’ll be sending her a massive bouquet of flowers when I’m done with Callie.
Liv lifts her hand and waggles three fingers at us. “Have fun,” she sing-songs.