Chapter 35
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
THANE
“Why are you running?” Charlotte asks, tugging on my hand so I’ll slow my stride.
I’m so antsy, I’m about to jump right out of my skin.
“We’re not due in court for another forty-five minutes, Thane. We have time.”
“Yeah, Brad. Chill, man.” Kara shakes her head in what she calls her “duh” expression.
It’s even more annoying today than the day she explained it to me.
I study Charlotte’s feet as we walk and attempt to keep to her pace, but I’m nervous. Scared even.
What if this all goes sideways?
We arrive at the courthouse on Center Street, and I focus on the breathing techniques my therapist taught me. Originally, I hated the guy, but he’s slowly beginning to grow on me. And he doesn’t kick Hercules out of the sessions, so that helps.
Slowly, we climb the steps until we reach the platform, where people scuttle about all around us.
Charlotte squeezes my hand with hers, then she must do the same to Kara’s with her other hand because Kara drops her gaze, and her dimples appear.
When Kara’s ready, she turns to me for her cue, which I give with the slightest nod of my head.
“Lottie.” Kara tugs on her arm, forcing my fiancée to turn toward her, and I release Charlotte’s hand. Tears form in the corner of my sister’s eyes, and I stare at the cement steps so I don’t fuck everything up. “I’ve never really had a mom, and I was sure I didn’t need one. I got myself ready for the sixth-grade dance all by myself. I’ve signed my own permission slips for health class.”
Jesus, kid. You’re killing me over here.
“I’ve made excuses for mother-daughter days at school and thrown away father-daughter dance invitations. I’d make Mother’s Day gifts and then give them to the school nurse.”
“Kara.” Charlotte isn’t facing me, but I somehow know she’s crying.
“But then…” Kara hiccups, and I bite back a curse. “Then you took me to get my nails done for the first day of school. You took me shopping to get an outfit for a birthday party I really wanted to go to. You showed up for a parent-teacher conference. No one has ever shown up at a parent-teacher conference for me, ever. But you did.”
I chance a peek at my sister and immediately wish I hadn’t because matching tears stripe my cheeks now as well.
“You do all this stuff for me, and you don’t have to. I—I wanted you to know how much I love you.”
The two most important people in my life collide in a crushing hug.
“Kara, I didn’t have to do any of those things, but I wanted to, I was happy to. I don’t even know what I’d do without you. You’ve brought so much joy and happiness to every part of my life. I love you, sweetheart. And I will always be here for you.”
I take that as my cue to fall into position.
“Thank you, Lottie,” Kara says. “There’s just—just one more thing we want to ask you before we go inside, and it’s a pretty big ask. It’s a lot to take on, but it’s also a pretty big deal.”
“What, sweetie? You can ask me anything.”
Kara slowly turns her toward me, down on one knee, with a perfect oval-shaped diamond in my hand.
Charlotte sways a little, causing Kara to frown and grip her arm a little tighter.
“Geez, Lottie. Don’t pass out. I’m probably not strong enough to catch you.”
My girl laughs, then presses her hands over her mouth.
“Now it’s my turn, and I won’t be as poetic or flowery as Kara was, but she’s right, this is important.”
I hold out my other hand and allow the locket to swing from my fingers while I slip the diamond ring into my pocket for safekeeping.
“Today is a special day for all of us, Kara.” She shakes her head, but I continue to beckon her forward with my fingers. “Today we all officially become a family.” I clasp the delicate oval locket surrounded in tiny diamonds around my sister’s neck.
She opens it immediately and laughs. On one side is a picture of the three of us, and on the other side is a photo of Hercules.
“I knew you’d never be able to give her up,” Kara says through watery emotions.
I shrug. “The mutt loves me. What am I going to do?”
My girls beam at me with happiness shining on their faces.
“It’s important to me that you know whatever happens today, you’re an equal member of this little family we’re creating, okay?”
She barrels into me like a freight train and wraps her arms around my neck. “This is supposed to be for Lottie, Brad.”
“I have two girls who mean the world to me. This day is for the both of you.”
She steps back and rolls her arm in a get on with it motion while clutching the locket with her free hand.
Slowly, I retrieve the ring from my pocket.
“I told you a long time ago that I was going to marry you.”
Charlotte nods, causing tears to fall faster.
“But a very smart woman told me that I never actually asked you to marry me, so I thought today, the day we legally adopt Kara, would be the perfect time to correct that. I’d love nothing more than to have Thane and Charlotte Wilder on her adoption papers. What do you say, sweetheart? Are you willing to marry me and put up with my nonsense for a lifetime?”
She steps forward, grabs my face, then crushes her lips to mine. “Yes,” she says against my mouth. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
I push to my feet a moment later. “Yes. She said yes.” A flock of nearby pigeons take flight, irritating other court dwellers, but I don’t care. Nothing will ruin this day.
“But we would have to be married for me to have the name Wilder on her adoption papers, Thane.”
Oh, my beautiful bride. Leave that to me.
“Do you trust me?”
She narrows her eyes, then stares at Kara with suspicion too.
“What did you two do?”
“Well, I know you have a lot of people you’d probably want to invite to your wedding, but how do you feel about a courthouse ceremony with whatever type of party you want after?”
“But…” Her attention bounces from my sister and back to me. “But we need a license, and someone to perform it. What about witnesses?”
“Those have been taken care of,” Rowan says, stepping out from behind the pillar with Sebastian and Elijah.
I hadn’t wanted to invite Elijah, the prick. I still don’t believe he did enough to protect my Charlotte, but Rowan insisted, and she’s annoying when she wants to be.
“Oh my God, Thane.” Lottie’s words rise in volume as she runs toward them, hugging Rowan first.
“You really want to do this?” Elijah asks. Stupid motherfucker.
Kara elbows me in the ribs. “Fix your face,” she hisses, as though I’m the problem here. “You can’t scowl at her brother for checking in with her. Plus, you look like you’re ready to rip his head off. So, again, fix your face.”
“First I have to fix my tone, now you’re telling me to fix my face? What’s next, my word choices?”
“That would probably be a good idea,” she mutters.
“For fuck’s sake.”
“I can’t believe you’re all here.” Lottie’s voice soothes my rough edges, and I release a fraction of irritation with her brother.
“Are you kidding? We wouldn’t miss it.” Yeah, Rowan’s voice hasn’t gotten any easier to tolerate. Sebastian must wear earplugs at home.
Sebastian hands Rowan a garment bag that she gestures with to Charlotte.
“You’re already beautiful in what you’re wearing, but I did grab a few options in white if you want to change.” Rowan is an impossible meddler. Then she turns to my sister. “I got a couple for you too, if you’re interested.”
What the hell? I just bought Kara three dresses back in the apartment.
Both of my girls turn to me, and I grudgingly admit that Rowan may have been correct in her meddling. This time.
“If you’re going to do girly shit, you’d better do it quickly. We have an appointment in fifteen minutes.”
Rowan jiggles the hangers in her hand while Charlotte clasps Kara’s hand.
“You wanna do this, kiddo?”
How did I get so lucky to fall in love with this woman?
“Yes. I can’t wait to see what she brought. If it’s anything like Seren’s recital dress, I’m going to love it.”
Charlotte meets my eyes and fills me with her calm. “We’ll be right back. Where should we meet you?”
“No, I’ll come with you and wait outside…wherever you’re going to change.”
“We all will,” Sebastian says, clapping me on the back.
The last thing I want to do is be alone with these two idiots, but I keep a smile plastered painfully to my face. I’ll do it for Lottie. I’ll do it for Lottie.
As if she can hear my thoughts, she winks, then hurries into the building with Kara and Rowan.
I’m right behind them, with Sebastian flanking me on one side and Elijah on the other.
We’re silent as we follow them to the restroom. I can’t believe they’re getting changed in there. The germs will be everywhere.
“Treat her right.”
I slowly turn my head to find Elijah standing too close for comfort.
“I’m not the one you should be directing that statement to.”
“Listen, I don’t want to have an issue with you, Thane. My sister appears to be happy, and that’s all I’ve ever wanted, but she also deserves to be treated like a queen. Do you plan to do that?”
I shake my head at his stupid audacity. “I already do.”
He claps me on the shoulder in that annoying way men do when they think they’re buddies. I loathe it.
“Then congrats, man. And great job with the parental figures in your lives.”
He’s talking about my father and his.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Sebastian’s laugh sounds like a barking dog. Perhaps he and Rowan are perfect for each other after all.
“Sure, you don’t,” Sebastian says. “Anyway, I’m happy for you too. And I’m beyond impressed with what you’ve done with the Fitzgerald Group. I thought for sure you’d swallow it into Wilder Minds though.”
“Why would I do that? It’s your kids’ legacy. We talked about this.”
Why does everyone have to talk everything to death?
“Yeah, I know. I just…I don’t know. I suppose I envisioned something different. You’re making a lot of money for a lot of people when you could be doing it under your own umbrella.”
I wave him off. “I’m not my father. I don’t need the recognition or the money. All I care about is that Charlotte’s IP is used correctly for the betterment of all.”
Both men are silent. I secretly hope they walked away, but once quick glance tells me that’s not the case.
“You’re a good man, Thane.” Sebastian’s tone is different than before, but I don’t know him well enough to understand his meaning.
“Thank you.”
“Your sister and my sister are lucky to have you,” Elijah can’t help but chime in. What would be an acceptable amount of time before I send them all home?
I’m saved from having to answer him when Kara steps out in a simple purple dress that floats around her knees. She twirls in place, and it shimmers in the light.
It’s perfect.
“You’re absolutely beautiful, Kara.”
“I know. Isn’t it amazing?”
I roll my eyes. It’s happening more frequently, especially as Boone gets closer to finishing our new home. He’s been killing me with design questions.
“I believe the correct answer is thank you,” I say.
She grins widely at me. “Wait until you see Lottie. The Scuttlebutts are going to be pissed they missed this.”
Inwardly, I groan at her choice of words, but she’s gotten so much better and rarely curses anymore, so I let it go.
Rowan exits next, wearing a similar frock to the one Kara has on, but it doesn’t look half as good as it does on Kara.
“Why are you copying Kara’s dress?”
“Geez, Brad! She’s not copying, she’s a bridesmaid. I’m the maid of honor, how cool is that?”
I don’t like the sound of that.
“I thought that was for churches. Do we really need that here?”
Kara props a hand on her hip. “It’s Lottie’s day, Brad. Let her have it.”
“Yeah, Brad,” Elijah parrots. I’m going to punch him in his stupid face. “But don’t worry, Sebastian and I are fully prepared to be your groomsmen. Even numbers and all.”
“No.”
“Brad, you have to.” I hate when Kara looks at me that way. It makes my resolve crumble faster than an Oreo you forgot you dipped into your milk.
I bite back a lot of sharp words when I realize Sebastian and Elijah are wearing ties the same color as Kara’s dress.
But it all slips away the second Lottie walks through the door.
A sense of peace I’ve never experienced wraps around my limbs, swirling through my body, causing my skin to tingle from its magic.
She’s an angel, my angel.
She’s saved me from a life of loneliness and given me the courage to step outside my castle walls. Lottie Sinclair has single-handedly changed the course of my life, and I don’t ever want to fall off this track.
“You. You’re stunning, Charlotte. Absolutely fucking breathtaking.” I hold out my hands, pleasure zipping through my bloodstream when she reaches for me.
I hold her at arm’s length to fully take her in. Her dress is simple in its beauty. There are no embellishments or fancy netting making it puff out like a cupcake. It’s clean lines that form to her shape as though it were made specifically for her. Lace covers her arms and shoulders with shimmering silk in a square shape that starts at the top of her breasts, then clings to her body as the fabric falls to the floor.
“Thane.”
I blink to bring Charlotte’s face into focus.
“If you keep standing here staring at me, we’re going to be late.”
Late. Right. We have an appointment.
Oh God. I’ve forgotten how to swallow, and my eyes burn. Did someone fill the space with poisonous chemicals?
“Are you okay, Brad?”
I nod then shake my head until it’s rolling in a circle. I don’t know what the fuck I am.
“It’s okay,” Sebastian says. “It happened to me too when I saw Rowan on stage with my daughter. You’ll remember how to function in a few minutes. For now, turn left and walk.”
Clutching Charlotte’s hand with a vicelike grip, I follow Sebastian’s directions. People stare as we walk by, and I wrap a protective arm around her.
“They just think she’s beautiful too. You don’t have to go all caveman on her.”
I fire a glare in the direction of Kara’s voice, but it fades when she grins at me.
At least I have all my faculties again.
“It’s in here. Room number two hundred and thirteen.”
“Oh, not thirteen,” Rowan whines. Too bad you can’t put a muzzle on people. “Of all the numbers, it has to be thirteen?”
“Good thing I don’t carry your superstitions.” Charlotte pats her friend on the shoulder, then takes both my hands in hers. “You’re sure about this?”
The warmth from her hands seeps into my bones. “One hundred percent. I’m ready to marry you, and then together, we’ll adopt my sister.”
“We’re getting married.” If her smile gets any bigger, it will swallow her entire face.
“Let’s go.” I lead her through the double doors and down the aisle, with Kara and the assholes following us, then we all squish into a row and wait for our names to be called.
“Rafe is going to be so mad that he missed this,” Kara whispers at my side.
“Who do you think is in Sweetbriar planning the party with the Scuttlebutts?” I whisper back.
Charlotte leans over my lap. “You were both so sure I’d say yes?”
Kara snorts. “Lottie, you already said yes. This is just a formality.”
She stares up at me. “Rafe didn’t want to be here?”
I shake my head. “He’s had enough courtrooms lately. I did invite him though, and he said he’d rather plan the party because he won’t be able to contain his emotions. And I know the party will be something from my nightmares, that’s why he wanted to do it while I was away so I couldn’t say no.”
My future wife pats my knee as if she’s consoling an errant child. “Sounds like it’ll be perfect then. A neat and tidy wedding to represent you, and a wild all-night celebration to represent me.”
There’s not a chance in hell we’re partying all night with the Scuttlebutts or anyone else. We have a baby to make, or at least to practice for, and I’m looking forward to all the practicing.
Before I can say anything that will probably get me into trouble, our names are called. We rise as one and walk to the front of the room.
“It is my understanding that you are here to be married and for an adoption. Is that correct?” The judge’s voice is a slow roll of words that grate on my last nerve. When I originally met with him it was an exercise in patience waiting for him to finish one fucking sentence.
But it was worth it, and all it took was a donation to his son’s election campaign. Luckily for both of us, his son appears to be one of the good ones, so it wasn’t an issue.
“Yes, sir.” Charlotte beams at my side. I might be seeing things, but I could swear she has a glittering halo all around her.
“And is it true, Mr. Wilder, that before we proceed, you would like to offer your future bride a gift?”
Lottie stiffens next to me as I release her hand. My neck is hot, and my tie seems to be pinching tighter, but I nod.
This went a lot differently in my head. I forgot that there would be all these people around.
“Thane? W—what’s going on?” She casts a curious smile around the room as I reach into the interior pocket of my suit jacket and retrieve the folded letter.
“Charlotte, I’ve been screwing up since the moment I barged into your life. I will most likely always act first and think later when it comes to you, and that’s a trait I’m still not sure how to handle. But more than anything, I want you to know that I respect you.”
“Thane.” Tears pool at the corners of her eyes, and Rowan sneaks up behind her to hand her a tissue.
“I love you, Charlotte. You’ve opened the box I had shut myself in all my life. You lifted me from the darkness and showed me that someone could love me exactly as I am. You’ve never tried to fix me. You’ve never made me feel broken or like half a man when I get overwhelmed. You’re the first to guide me to gentleness when my tone doesn’t fit the situation, and I’m so very sorry that I ever made you feel as though I didn’t believe in you.”
“What are you talking about? I’ve never felt that way, Thane.”
“I shouldn’t have interfered in your company, Charlotte.” My palms sweat, and I glance at the judge. I wasn’t exactly on the right side of the law when I hacked into her company, but the judge has no way of knowing that. Hopefully. “From this day forward, I promise to communicate with you to the best of my ability. I promise to always try to be a better man. I promise to apologize when I make a mistake.”
Jesus. My skin is shrinking around my bones, but I grit my teeth and push on.
“I’ve been making lists, Lottie. Lots of lists, actually, because I want to show you that we will always be partners. I will always see you as an equal, and I will always support you and your dreams as you have supported me. I wanted to give you something. Something that shows you more than my stunted words that your dreams are my dreams.”
She reaches up and cups the side of my cheek. I lean into her warm, soft palm, soaking in her strength, her kindness. Her love.
“Nothing seemed big enough or good enough though. So, I want to give you my baby.”
“Ah. What?” The judge blusters, and I shoot him a glare.
“Thane, what are you talking about?” she whispers. Her eyes flash from side to side. Is she panicking?
“Um, Thane?” Kara nudges me in the side. “I think ‘your baby’ needs a little clarification.”
I replay my words in my mind and groan. This is why I don’t use words. My actions will always speak better than I can, so I thrust the papers into her trembling hands.
Jesus fuck. I hope I’m not screwing this all up.
I don’t even breathe while she reads, I just stare at her face. The tiny line forming between her brows has a direct connection to the volcano in my chest. And when her chin wobbles, I think my knees will give out.
“What did you do?” she whispers.
“The best way for me to show you that I’ll always see you as my equal, as my partner, is to make you my partner in every way possible.”
“Thane Scotland Wilder. What. Did. You. Do?” Each of her words is punctuated by a shaky breath. “Why is my name listed as an equal partner in Wilder Minds?”
I allow my smile to finally break free. “I told you, Charlotte. You’re my partner. In business, in life, and in love. Now and always.”
“Now and always,” she mumbles. “Thane.” She grabs my tie and tugs me down, so we’re eye to eye. “Wilder Minds is a billion-dollar entity. You just casually gave me half of a billion-dollar company? This is exactly the kind of thing we need to communicate about first.”
I pull her close and whisper in her ear, loving the way she shivers against me. “I promise to do my best, sweetheart, but don’t even think about fighting me on this. I did this as much for me as I did for you. I never thought I’d have a partner, someone I trusted more than myself. And now that I have you, I want this partnership in every way I can get it.”
Kissing the top of her head, I take the papers from her hands, smooth out the edges that she’s crumpled in her grip, then tuck them back into my pocket. With her hand in mine, I turn us back to the judge as she mutters about boundaries.
I’m about to be a married man, and I know my life will never be the same again.