Chapter 71 Beatrice
BEATRICE
My baby daddy is really fucking hot.
As I sit in a white chair wrapped in Vipers-green organza, surrounded by the most important people in Parker and Linc’s lives, I can’t take my eyes off Everett.
He’s standing up there looking hotter than I think I’ve ever seen him in the most incredibly fitted black morning suit. The tailor who handmade them for the groomsmen needs a raise or something; that fabric hugs Everett’s thighs and ass to perfection.
My thighs clench as I watch him chat with a nervous-looking groom.
It’s ridiculous. I woke up this morning with his head between my thighs, and not long after, he took me from behind in the bathroom, leaving me with weak legs and the need to go back to bed for a nap. There was no time for that, though. I was officially heading up the hair and makeup for today.
I’ve worked tons of weddings over the years and experienced a whole range of brides and bridesmaids, but this morning was my favorite. And I’m not just saying that because the women we were working on are quickly becoming incredibly important to me.
It was an honor to do Parker, Casey, Alison, and little Sutton’s makeup for today.
I also loved having both elements of my life.
Watching my girls laughing and joking with the women in Everett’s life was like watching the coming together of two families.
I might not have parents or siblings to introduce to his family, but I have Sienna, Lessy, Savvy, and Rachel.
To see everyone getting on, well, I’m sure it’ll come as no surprise to hear that it ended in tears.
And something tells me those were only the first of many that I’m going to experience before the day comes to an end.
Everett claps Linc on the shoulder, both of them smiling, making me wish I could hear the whispered words between them.
Growing up, I never had a real best friend.
One you trust everything with, do everything with.
One you grow with and embark on as an adult.
Sure, I have Sienna now, but there is something so incredibly special about having that one person who’s been there through everything.
But Everett does. Seeing the two of them together, it’s clear how much they love each other.
They really are each other’s cheerleader, and while Everett might pretend to hate the idea of his best friend and his sister, deep down, I know he’s incredibly happy they found each other.
There isn’t another man on the planet that he would trust Parker with.
His eyes scan the waiting congregation until he finds me. There might be twenty feet or so between us, but it doesn’t matter; the air crackles as if he’s standing right before me and we’re the only two people in the room.
His lips pull into the most incredible smile that I can’t help but return.
“You’ve whipped him up good, huh?” Cole mutters loudly enough beside me to ensure chuckles ripple down our row.
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Lies, you let him fuck you in—”
“We’re at a wedding,” Hailee snaps, cutting Calvin off. He scowls at her.
“Right? What do you think the bride and groom are going to spend all night doing?” he deadpans, earning himself another glare.
“Any news on Monroe’s flight?” Kodie asks, glancing at the empty seat beside him.
I pull my cell from my purse as Calvin and Cole tug theirs from their pockets. My heart sinks when I find nothing. “Nope.”
He was meant to get in yesterday. Parker had him down for making at least twenty favor bags. He missed his flight and couldn’t get another out until today. But he should be here already.
I spin around and look toward the back of the room, searching for him. But there’s nothing—just the wedding planner running around like her ass is on fire, barking instructions into her headset.
“He’ll be here,” Calvin says confidently, tucking his cell away again.
I open my conversation with Hayden and find that my most recent message to him has been read. Does that mean he’s landed?
A heavy sigh falls from my lips.
“Everything okay?” Hailee whispers.
“Yeah,” I lie, closing down my cell so she can’t read anything she shouldn’t.
Over the past few weeks, Hayden has started opening up about what’s been going on with him.
And honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if he doesn’t make it today.
I’d hardly blame him if he avoids it. Being around so much hope and happiness after everything he’s just been through will be incredibly hard.
All I want to do is pull him into my arms and hold him. But I can only do that if he shows up.
Hailee studies me, not believing me, but also aware that I’m not going to say anything else. When Hayden is ready for everyone to know, then he’ll tell them. Everett knows, of course, but as per Hayden’s wishes, I haven’t said a word to anyone else.
I glance back again, but still no sign of him. There are others gathering, though: two incredibly beautiful bridesmaids and Alison, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief. At least I won’t be the only one sobbing through the ceremony.
A few seconds later, after taking a moment to compose herself, Alison makes her way down the aisle, heading straight for Linc.
Concern floods his features as if she’s about to deliver some bad news, but the second Linc is in reaching distance, she throws her arms around him, holding him tightly as her shoulders shake.
My nose itches as tears burn my eyes.
“Bea,” Calvin hisses from Hailee’s other side, forcing my eyes to him. “Rett said to make sure you were well stocked,” he says, holding out a packet of tissues for me.
A laugh spills from my lips as my eyes find my man. He smiles knowingly at me.
‘Thank you,’ I mouth, holding up the tissues.
When I packed my small clutch, he looked at me like I’d lost my mind, because he knew I’d need more than the few tissues I’d packed. Apparently, he ensured there was a backup plan.
“Do you need more?” Cole offers, holding up another packet.
Laughter bubbles out of me.
“I have some too,” Kodie supplies.
“And me,” Freya adds, “But I’m gonna need some of mine,” she confesses.
No sooner has Alison taken her seat than the music changes.
Everyone turns around to see Sutton make her way down the aisle, proudly wearing her Vipers-green dress. Her smile is infectious, and everyone beams right back at her.
“That’s my girl,” Kodie says, his voice cracked with pride as she passes.
Nova, Linc’s sister, is next.
“Oh shit, that’s my girl too,” he adds when Casey appears, looking like a knockout. “Christ. Should bridesmaids be that hot?”
“That’s my daughter you’re talking about,” Coach James scoffs from the row behind us, making the guys chuckle.
The second Casey joins Sutton, standing opposite Rett, her eyes find Kodie’s. And holy hell, the look they share threatens to engulf the entire room in flames.
I just about resist the urge to fan my face when the music changes again.
While everyone around me turns to watch the bride’s arrival, I keep my sights set on Linc and his best man.
Their expressions when Parker takes the aisle are something I never want to forget.
There is so much love, awe, and pride in both of their eyes.
And when Linc’s hand lifts to wipe his eye, my tears begin.
And they don’t slow when Parker gets to the front and Linc finally gets his hands on her.
Laughter erupts when he pulls her into his body and kisses her long before officially making her his wife, and it only gets louder when Everett gently slaps him around the head and mutters about that being his sister.
I sob throughout the entire ceremony. Tissues are constantly thrust at me from every direction, ensuring my laughter never dies.
By the time Linc and Parker are announced as husband and wife, I’m surrounded by crumpled tissues, and I have no doubt my makeup is nonexistent.
“And there I was, thinking Rett was taking the tissue thing a little far,” Calvin says, looking at the mess.
“Never doubt the abilities of a pregnant woman, Calvin,” Hailee deadpans.
“That was so beautiful. And look how happy they are,” I choke out, watching Linc and Parker practically float down the aisle together.
Sutton follows them out, waving wildly as she passes, followed by Everett and Casey. But as they pass us, and Everett gets a closer look at the state of me, I can see the indecision on his face. He wants to stop and come to me, but he’s under strict orders by the wedding planner to walk Casey out.
‘I’m okay,’ I mouth, wiping more tears away.
“Come on, Momma,” Hailee says once we’ve filed out of our row. “Let’s find the bathrooms and get you cleaned up before any more photos are taken.”
Freya joins us, and only a couple of minutes later, we find ourselves standing in front of a huge, gilded mirror, touching up our makeup. Some of us need more work than others. Hailee just refreshes her gloss.
“It was such a beautiful service,” Freya breathes. “I felt every ounce of their love as they said their vows. I can’t imagine having so many people watching, though.”
“Yeah, it’s daunting for sure,” Hailee says.
To Freya, I’m sure it’s just an innocent observation, but to me, there is so much more to it.
I can only imagine the size of the wedding Hailee had to endure when she married into the Jeffersons.
Her eyes jump to mine in a panic, but I keep my mouth shut.
Her past is her story to tell, not mine.
“I guess the guys are used to it, though. This is a tiny crowd compared to what they’re used to. ”
“You’re not going to have something this big?” I ask Freya.
“Not a chance.”
“You should elope. Disappear just the two of you and come back married. Sounds like the perfect way to do it, if you ask me. Removes all the pressure and stress.”
“Yeah,” Freya muses, deep in thought. “We have considered it. But we do want some people there.”
“Then take them with you. Do it on a private white sandy beach at dusk, somewhere exotic?”
Freya stares at Hailee as if she’s just learning something new about the Vipers PR Director.
“Hailee, are you secretly a bit of a romantic?” she asks.
The look of horror that passes Hailee’s face has me choking back laughter.
“What? No. Of course not. The photos would look nice, is all.”
Freya raises a brow. “Sure. The photos. Nothing to do with the man of your dreams staring into your eyes as the sun sets on the horizon?”
“There isn’t a man who would ever fulfil my dreams. They’re all…ugh. No. Just…no.”
“That’s what they all say,” Freya mocks as we finish up.
“What time is the food being served?” I ask as we leave the restroom. “I’m starving.”
“Here,” Hailee says, passing me a protein bar.
“Where did you get that?”
“You didn’t think that Rett only made us carry around supplies of tissues, did you? Girl, I don’t know what you’ve done to that man, but please, keep doing it,” Hailee begs as I rip into the packet and take my first bite.
“Mmm, so good,” I mumble as we head toward the bar where everyone has gathered.
The second I see Everett up ahead with two glasses in his hands, my speed picks up, and I notice Freya keeps step right beside me.
Hailee drops off, though, and when I turn to find her, she’s looking down the hallway, heading back to the ceremony room with narrow eyes.
“E-excuse me,” she stutters. “I’ve just got to…” Her words trail off as she races down the hallway and slips around the corner.
I’m about to comment on her disappearance when a dark shadow falls over me.
“Mocktail for the most beautiful girl in the room,” Everett rasps.
“Don’t say that in front of Parker,” I giggle, happily accepting the drink. “You did good up there,” I praise proudly.
Everett smirks. “I’m surprised you could see through your tears.”
“I couldn’t, but as far as I could figure, you handed the rings over at the right time, so well done.”
“Thanks, sweetheart. I can’t believe I just participated in my little sister becoming a Storm.”