Chapter Thirty
Charlotte
O h my God.
I can’t do this without crying.
“Don’t start,” Roux pleads. “I’m already a mess today. If you start bawling, I’m going to ruin all this hard work.”
Biting on my bottom lip to keep from crying, I nod quickly. I can’t speak yet, though. I’ll definitely cry.
Roux is the most beautiful bride I have ever seen.
Her simple, white, floor-length dress has a scooped neck that reveals her rose gold Little Hornet necklace. The dress cinches beneath her breasts and flares out, showing off her growing stomach. The beads are muted and understated, somehow bringing the focus back to the bride herself. I’ve done up her makeup to be striking for the day, highlighting her brilliant amber eyes since she’s chosen to wear contacts for the wedding, but still soft and natural. Jordy is going to melt when he sees her. Even her hair is perfect, pulled back in a loose bun with dark tendrils falling around her made-up face.
“You’re so beautiful,” I manage to croak out. “Jordy is lucky to have you.”
She grins. “I can’t believe I’m marrying that Hornet.”
“Only been secretly waiting for this day since you were like five?” I tease.
“Maybe.”
I pull her to me, hugging her neck. “Thank you for letting me be your maid of honor. Even after…”
“Hush,” she chides. “You were always my best friend, even when you didn’t think you were.”
I pull back and wave at my eyes to keep from crying. “How did your dad take it?”
“Surprisingly well. Supportive. I’d braced myself for him to be upset, but he wasn’t.”
Thank God.
I’ll have to make dinner for Jace one day as a reward. If he’d balked at Roux’s wishes to have Roan walk her down the aisle instead of her father, I’m not sure how she would have handled the guilt of having to tell him no.
“They’re playing creepy violins,” Penny says, popping her head in the bedroom. “Scared all the ducks away.”
“It’s wedding music. Beautiful. Not creepy,” I tell my sister.
“Try telling the ducks that,” she deadpans.
Roux laughs. “The ducks are probably scared of the Hornets.”
“Especially the ugly one,” Penny says. “I told him he should go as himself for Halloween for extra treats.”
“You’re such a bitch,” I say, swatting at her. “Also, when the hell did you grow boobs?”
Penny flips me off. “About five seconds before you did.”
“Seriously. Why don’t you show off your assets more? You might actually get a boyfriend,” I tell her. “Right now, I think all the boys are confused into thinking you’re really a guy under all that attitude.”
“Not having this conversation,” Penny gripes, turning on her heel to leave.
I wasn’t lying. Penny cleans up well. She’s wearing a matching dress to mine—pale peach—that hugs all her athletic curves. Who knew she had such a bangin’ ass?
“You ready?” I ask, handing Roux the bouquet Mom and Aunt Karen made for her with fresh flowers.
“So ready.”
I snatch up my bouquet and hook my arm with Roux’s. Together, we make our way through Mike’s house to the back door. As soon as we step onto the porch, Roan is waiting. My brother-in-law is incredibly handsome in his suit, though he looks completely uncomfortable having to wear it. When he sees his sister, he freezes, then he shakes his head, his jaw clenching furiously.
“Ready to pass the torch?” I tease.
He ignores me, stalking right up to his sister. “Dammit, Roux.”
“I’m going to be okay, big bro,” Roux assures him. “You made sure of that.”
Roan rubs at his eyes, his shoulders hunching. “This feels big. Too big. I…”
“Jordy is going to take care of me,” she assures him. “It’s okay.”
He yanks her to him, squeezing her in his arms. His shoulders tremble. Oh no. I could barely take Roux crying. But Roan? My makeup is destined to be ruined today. They whisper back and forth for the longest time, sniffling and laughing. I should leave and allow them their moment, but they’re blocking my escape. Finally, Roan pulls away and kisses his sister on the forehead.
“Tell Jordy I cried and I’ll send Sebban with you on your honeymoon,” Roan threatens.
Roux laughs. “Your secret is safe with me.”
I walk over to her and fix the slight smudge of mascara under her eye. “Get out there and marry that boy who’s crazy about you.”
I give her a kiss and then plant one on Roan’s cheek before walking around the house toward the pond. When Jordy and Roux were looking at places to get married, they decided on the pond at Mike’s house. Since her bedroom overlooked that pond for a few years, she said it felt like home and a place she wanted more good memories of.
The group is small—all close friends and family. Mom sits on the first row with Mike’s arm possessively around her. Hollis sits between Kelsey and Garrett with Sebban in his lap. Jace sits next to Garrett, close to the aisle. Everyone is dressed so nicely. My heart hurts a little because the moment is perfect, exactly what the bride and groom deserve.
Oh, the groom.
He looks pissed.
A hard, jaded scowl on his face.
I’ve known Jordy long enough, though, to know it’s a look of determination. He’s going to marry that girl and love her until his dying breath. The wedding is all for show. He already made the vow in his heart and will never break it. He’ll be the best husband and father to their little girl growing inside her.
He stands at the arch—another bad boy uncomfortable in a suit—beside the preacher. Cal, Penny, and Trey linger toward the back. My gaze catches Cal’s and I smile. His green eyes drink up my approaching form.
“Always trying to kill me, English.” He pins me with a hot glare. “I cannot wait to rid you of this dress later.”
I laugh as I take his elbow. “There are children present.”
“Sorry, Penny,” Cal deadpans.
She elbows him. “Fucker.”
“Go,” I tell her. “Both of you.”
Trey has the unlucky task of escorting Penny down the aisle.
“Quick, close your eyes,” she whispers to him. “Maybe they won’t see you.”
He snorts. “You’re such a mean bitch.”
They start down the aisle. As soon as they reach the end, Cal and I retrace their footsteps. Cal slaps Jordy on the shoulder and gives it a squeeze once we part ways and stand on opposite sides. It grows eerily quiet—thanks to the disappearing ducks—as we wait for the bride. The song switches and the familiar medley of piano and violins lets us know it’s time. Everyone stands and turns to look.
As soon as Roux and Roan round the corner, Jordy curses under his breath.
It makes me grin because I know he’s blown over by how beautiful she is. Her eyes are locked on her husband-to-be as Roan walks her toward us. Roan can barely keep his shit together because his face keeps pinching like he’s in pain. I guess letting go of the little girl you practically raised will do that to you. When they reach the end of the aisle, Jace stands and kisses Roux and then Roan, telling them how proud he is of them.
“Who gives this woman to this man?” the preacher asks.
“Her brother does,” Roan says, pride in his gruff voice. “And that man better be good to her or I’ll whip his ass.”
Everyone chuckles as Roan reluctantly lets go of her to stand beside Cal. Jordy crowds Roux, his hand holding hers and the other cradling her stomach. My heart leaps in my chest. He looks at her like they’re the only two people in the world. Everything blurs as the tears shamelessly fall. The vows are recited. The rings are exchanged. I’m an emotional wreck as I watch my best friend promise her life to the man in front of her.
“You may kiss your bride, Mr. Martin,” the preacher says with a smile.
Jordy’s big hands cradle Roux’s face and he presses the sweetest, most delicate kiss to her lips. “Love you, Little Hornet.”
She smiles. “Love you too.”
The second kiss they share is a little more sinful.
When the preacher pronounces them husband and wife, everyone cheers and claps. I can’t believe she’s married. My best friend is married and will be a momma very soon. A pang of sadness twists at my gut, but I force it away, not allowing my sadness to creep in and take away from this day.
“You okay, Charlie girl?” Cal asks, wrapping his arms around me from behind and kissing the top of my head.
“I will be. You, on the other hand, have some explaining to do in three, two, one…”
“Cal Hutton,” Aunt Karen admonishes. “Not happening under my nose. You are a teacher and she is a student. I will not sit by and watch this behavior.”
He groans as he releases me. “Is that permission to do it behind your back, Ms. Frazier?”
“Keep it up,” Aunt Karen warns.
“Are you going to fire me?” he taunts because he’s a mouthy-ass mean boy who loves to push buttons and question authority.
“No, Cal, I’m going to put you to work. I’m pretty sure my attic could use a good cleaning.”
“You’re a hardass, lady,” he gripes. “Fine. I’ll leave your precious niece alone.”
He shoots me a devilish grin that says he’ll do everything but that.
I’m content and tipsy. My feet hurt from dancing all night, but my heart is full. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Roux smile so much. Jordy stays glued to her side, kissing her any time he can. They’re so sweet.
“Aww, does the princess need a prince to come and sweep her off her feet?” Cal teases as he swats at my ass.
“I’m no princess,” I say, leaning into him.
“Oh yeah? What are you?”
“I’m a Hornet, Hornet.”
“Damn straight.”
He pulls me to a dark corner of the yard, away from the twinkling lights, to kiss me until I’m dizzy. “A Hornet can still sweep a girl off her feet,” he murmurs against my mouth. “A Hornet can still be romantic.”
I let out a shriek when he scoops me in his arms and starts for Roan and Hollis’s garage apartment. We make it to the stairs, but Cal stops abruptly.
“What? What is it?” I ask, craning my neck to see what has him stopped.
“Can I help you?” Cal demands, slowly setting me to my feet.
“Just came to see Charlotte,” a familiar, deep voice mutters.
“Loden!” I rush over to him, throwing my arms around his neck. “What are you doing here? Are you okay?”
“I’m okay now, baby.”
I expect Cal to explode, but he remains quiet. I give Loden another squeeze before pulling away.
“Loden, this is Cal, my—”
“Boyfriend,” Cal interjects. “Her extremely possessive boyfriend. So help me you better still be gay because I’m seconds from giving you a black eye for calling my fucking girl baby.”
Lo barks out a laugh. “Still love dick, man. Speaking of, I hear yours is pierced. Can I see?”
I smack Loden’s arm. “Stop, brat.”
“I had to try, baby ,” Lo taunts. Then, to Cal, he offers his hand. “Don’t worry. Vaginas are sweaty and gross. Charlotte just gets me. I don’t have many people who do.”
The vulnerability in his voice has worry niggling at me. Cal shakes Loden’s hand and then tugs me back over to him.
“I’m going to go steal a dance with Roux to see if I can get Jordy to lose his shit,” Cal says, kissing the top of my head. “Come find me when you’re done.”
I gape at my boyfriend as he saunters away, looking all too yummy in his suit.
“You have it so bad for him,” Loden states. “I don’t blame you. He’s fucking hot.”
Turning back toward him, I frown. “What’s going on? Under all those jokes, you’re upset. What happened?”
He walks over to the steps and sits down. “I told the label I quit.”
“What?” I rush over to him and sit next to him. “Why? Can you even do that?”
A ragged sigh escapes him as his tattooed hands cover his face. He shrugs. “I don’t know. Everyone’s pissed at me. The band, the record label, the band manager, Dad.”
“What about Mena?”
He moves his hands and looks my way. “She told me to come here.”
Smart girl.
“Let’s be logical about this,” I say, clutching his knee. “What happens if you quit? Do you want to quit? Really?”
“I’ll be in breach of contract, which will really fucking suck.” He buries his face in his hands again. “I’ll owe them a shit ton of money.”
“But…”
“But, I’ll be free.”
“I wasn’t chained to a label, but I was chained to something else,” I say slowly, “and breaking free of that very thing I hated was the turning point in my life.”
“I hate my life,” he whispers, his voice breaking. “So fucking much.”
“What about your music?”
“I’ll always have music. Music is my only friend when I’m alone at night, overwhelmed by life.”
“What makes you not feel so overwhelmed?”
He throws a hand up in the air. “This place. It’s quiet. No one knows me. I can just be me and fucking breathe, baby. I need to breathe.”
I lean my head against his shoulder. “Then do it. I’ll be here. We’ll figure it out together.”
We remain quiet for a while, listening to the sounds of the reception not far away. They’ve been failing miserably at karaoke for a while now. The music stops and a loud voice booms over the speaker.
“Five minutes, English, and I’m coming for you.”
Loden laughs. “Guess we know whose wedding will be next.”
“Stop,” I say, swatting at him.
“We should make out and see if he’ll join.”
“Try it and I’ll rip your tongue out,” Cal states, sauntering over to us, the moonlight illuminating his devious features.
“Five minutes, huh?” I tease, holding out my hand to him. “More like five seconds.”
“I’m a liar, loser. You know this.” He tugs me into his arms and kisses me hard. “Besides, I couldn’t wait five more minutes to kiss your pretty mouth.”
“An insult wrapped in romance,” Loden says, laughing. “You really know how to choose ’em, Charlotte.”
“I chose you for a friend,” I argue.
“Like I said, baby. You really know how to choose ’em.”