Chapter 2
“O kay, just a few more photos of the girls and then we’re done here,” the photographer directs, and we shuffle into position. Talk about awkward group photos—with his arm around my waist and my face forced into a smile. I ignore the heat from his touch for getting photos with my girls that I will treasure forever; a price I’m willing to pay.
“How do you feel, Mrs Graham?” Cora quirks an eyebrow as she leans in close for the photo. Lily, on my other side, looks as invested for my answer.
With an eye roll, I reply, “The same as half an hour ago, except now I know I’ll be moving to Scotland. Could be worse, I guess.”
We fall silent for a photo, then turn to toss our bouquets in the air at the same time. I’d seen the pose on Instagram once and became obsessed with the idea of recreating it.
“I mean... it probably doesn’t hurt he looks like he belongs in a motorcycle gang. Big dick energy for sure,” Lily drawls, making a crude gesture with her free hand.
“Oh honey, that definitely doesn’t hurt. But if he thinks he can stand me up for the best part of a year and then get married like nothing happened, he’s got another thing coming.” With a hair toss and a laugh, we chuck the flowers up, turning at the last second to look over our shoulders with wide grins.
I wish I had more time with them. But we don’t always get what we wish for.
Shaking off my sombre mood, we share a final hug, which the photographer snaps an impromptu picture of. Then we head over to where Logan, Owen, and another groomsman are chatting. He couldn’t be further from Logan’s twin with his hazel eyes, tanned skin, and bald head that showcases his tattoos. He’s sexy in a fuckboy way. Like you know he would break your heart if you let him, but you’d end up thanking him for it.
“Well, aren’t you the most stunning bride. Far too pretty for this asshole. What do you say we run off together?” he teases with a cocky smirk.
“Thanks but no thanks, Trouble. I don’t run away with men whose names I don’t know.”
“It's Alexander Knight, but you can call me later. Or Alex. Considering you married this guy without knowing him, I’ll take that for the gentle letdown it was. You’re so kind not to break my fragile heart,” he jests, clutching his chest in mock heartbreak.
“More like your fragile ego, wanker,” Logan cuts in with a dark look at Alex.
Chuckling, Alex shoulder-checks him. “Someone is showing his cards early.”
“Looks like Lo might not be the ice king, after all,” Owen chimes in, then whispers something to Cora that earns him a heated glance.
“While I’d love to hear you two assholes banter all day, there’s a party waiting inside,” Logan grumbles, tilting his head towards the doors.
Okay, Mr Impatient.
“Hold up, there’s a procedure to these things, you know.” I sigh at his blank face, before manoeuvring everyone into pairs. “We have to let the bridal party go first and then we make our grand entrance.”
Honestly, men would be lost without us here to tell them what to do.
Cora and Owen lead the way, looking every bit the sickly sweet in love couple they are. Lily links arms with Alex and they follow close behind, leaving us alone for the first time. His glance down at me sends a strange jolt through me, his slight smile surprising.
“Let's go, Viking. People to see, food to eat and all that.” I link arms with him, but he grips my hip, drawing me into him before leaning down so we’re at eye level.
“Let’s do this, wife,” he growls, spins me back round and leads the way inside.
My head spins, thanks to the scent of his cologne hanging heavily in my nose and the feel of his huge hand burning into my side. But now’s not the time to dwell on it. It’s time to head into the reception and play our parts in this masquerade.
Entering the grand wedding reception room, the reason for choosing this venue becomes clear—the sheer size of the space. It’s designed to accommodate a top table with a glowing “Mr and Mrs” neon sign and thirty surrounding tables, each seating six and adorned with floral heart centrepieces. As we make our way through the room towards the top table, a lot of hands reach out to pull me into hugs or even just squeeze my hand in support.
Yet, no one approaches my husband, and the lack of the Clan’s representation is glaringly obvious. As much as I don’t want to, a part of me aches for his loneliness. To only have less than ten people you want at your wedding speaks volumes for how he lives his life and not for the first time do I wonder what I’m walking into.
We take our seats, and my father rises to speak. “When I found out I was having a little girl, I knew this day would come. The day I’d trust another to guard her heart as much as her body. Logan, remember whose daughter you just married before fucking up, yeah?”
If someone had told me my dad would use this time to make a public threat against Logan, I would have said pigs would fly. I always pegged my dad to be the type to pull him aside and do it in low, threatening tones. Maybe even delivered with a bruise to two. Yet here we are. One very public threat issued, and all eyes pinned on my husband to clock his reaction. When he tips his head in acknowledgement with a soft, genuine smile, my dad turns his attention to me and continues, “Abbie girl, you’ve been the light in my life since you came screaming and kicking into this world and anyone who gets the privilege to see that light is lucky. Always remember that and don’t let anyone dim your light.”
I’m a mess of tears as I hug him tight. After we part, Logan clears his throat and stands.
“I assure you, Jack, that no harm will come to her under my watch. I look forward to her shining her light on dull and dreary Glasgow.” That draws a few laughs from the crowd before he continues, “I’d like to thank you all for being here today, to celebrate this union with us. Here’s to new beginnings.” He toasts, then sits beside me.
Soon, the waiters start bringing in the food and the room breaks out in chatter.
“You should feel proud.” That deep voice breaks my trance of taking in the excellent décor we made possible.
“Hmm?”
“Pulling this off in such a short timeframe.”
“Well, it would have been easier with some input from you, but I did my best.”
His arm drapes behind me as he leans close, his scent enveloping me. “Is that what’s bothering you, Princess? Upset we couldn’t meet sooner?” he murmurs in a low Scottish lilt that makes me clench my thighs.
Oh, he’s going to be trouble.
“I doubt anyone enjoys being stood up for a year. But don’t worry, Viking. I’m tough,” I manage to say, trying to keep my voice steady and not make it obvious how his closeness is affecting me.
“What if I said it was for a good reason and I promise to make it up to you?” Goddamn. If this man doesn’t give me some room to breathe, I might just pass out. From overheating. No other reason.
“I’ll believe it when I see it,” I tease, leaning in, our words hanging like a thread between us.
“Challenge accepted,” he rasps, his gaze darkened but playful. He keeps his arm around the back of mine and draws circles on my shoulder, chatting with others casually.
A hand on my knee nearly makes me jump out of my skin. Twisting round, I meet Mum’s concerned green eyes.
“Are you okay, Abbie? You look flushed.”
“I’m fine, Mum...just, is it hot? I think it is,” I stutter as I fan myself and ignore the chuckle from Logan. Thankfully, she drops it as the waiters arrive with the main course.
As the plates are cleared the man on Logan’s right clears his throat and stands up, tapping a knife against his glass to get everyone’s attention.
“I don’t know about you folks, but I’m ready to get this party started. But before we can. I just want to raise a toast to my nephew and his new bride. To Logan and Abigail, may your life be full of laughter and there never be a dull moment. Welcome to the family.” Raising his glass at me with a welcoming smile the man takes a seat.
Leaning into Logan, I ask him, “Who is that?”
“My uncle Peter, he’s harmless.”
Before I can ask him anything else my attention is drawn to Cora standing from her seat beside my dad. With a watery smile, she looks at me, love pouring from her in waves.
“If you had told me that the wild child, I met ten years ago would turn into this beautiful woman sitting here today, my best friend for life, now a married woman, I would have had so many questions about how we got here. But I’m so glad I have witnessed every second of it all unfold and I couldn't ask for a better friend. A better godmother to my little girl and I can't wait to hold your hand through this next phase of life. Logan, if you hurt one precious hair on her head, I’ll fuck you up personally and don’t doubt that I can. Abbie, if you ever want to run away, ditch the boys and get married just let me know, I’ve got your back for life babe.” Getting up and hugging her tight, as if I can meld us into one and not be separated, is as natural as breathing air.
The room breaks out into laughter and cheers behind us, but I just bury my head into her shoulder for another heartbeat before pulling back, wiping the tears off her cheeks as I say, “I love you too, babe. Forever.”
With that I take my seat beside Logan again as one thought rings true: The Four Points have always been a family and today that couldn’t be clearer if they tried.