Chapter 25 #2
“It’s New York, baby. This city never sleeps. I also have a lot of connections. Might as well use them.” I see the black car I hired pull up to the curb and guide her to it. I open the door, and she slips inside. I lean down but don’t get in. “I’ll see you back here at one forty-five, okay?”
“Wait.” Stopping me from closing the door, she asks, “You’re not coming with me?”
“I have a few errands of my own. I’ll be right here at this very spot waiting for you, though. I promise.” Dipping down, I steal a kiss. “Call me if you need anything. Oh, it’s all covered so don’t worry about money. They’re taken care of.”
Her palm is still pressed to the door when tears flood her eyes. Threatening to tip over her lower lids, she tilts her head back. She takes a breath, then looks back at me. “Thank you.”
I nod and shut the door. Rubbing my chest, I try to loosen the knot that’s formed.
Weddings are supposed to be emotional, but I didn’t expect it to hit so hard.
I twist my wrist to check the time. I throw my arm in the air to hail a cab.
As soon as one pulls over, I hop in and say, “The Diamond District.”
An engine and four tires just got delivered. You sure are fucking confident.
I read the text from Tagger again and chuckle as I reply: It’s in the bag .
I look at the rings again before telling the salesperson, “I’ll take them.
” I have no idea what kind of rings Lauralee would want, so I went with something that reminded me of her.
Dropping my credit card on the counter, I’m buying all three—her engagement ring, the wedding band, and mine. I’m showing up prepared.
I turn back to my phone when the screen lights up again.
Tagger: Pris hasn’t said a thing, so I find it hard to believe anything is in the bag. Also, Lauralee is out of town partying. She probably met some guy in Austin.
Me: I’m not afraid of competition. Never have been. Remember in tenth grade when Sara Kinsey ? —
Tagger: Stop right there. Sara Kinsey played you, dude, so don’t go dragging her into this.
Me: Truth hurts sometimes.
Tagger: You’re the one who will be hurting when I’m driving that car. Thanks for buying the new engine and tires.
I know him. It doesn’t matter if I win or lose this bet, he’d make sure I got the car. But he sure does like to fuck with me. Touché.
I take the ring boxes and tuck them in my pockets. No need to advertise that I just spent a shitload of money when walking in this part of town. I catch a cab and head to the next stop to get my suit that I sent out to get pressed while we were at the courthouse earlier.
After changing at my office, I grab a bagel to eat on the way back to meet her. I want to be standing there when the car arrives to deliver her. I made her a promise I intend to keep, knowing I’m about to make another I will always honor.
I stand on the sidewalk for a few minutes, getting stares from passersby. One woman even asked for my number. “I’m taken.” That was the easiest phrase I’ve uttered recently.
Spying the car coming from around the corner, I straighten my stance and wait. The car stops, and I don’t wait for the driver. I pull the door open myself, too anxious to stand by.
She comes from the shadow of the back seat, her feet landing on the pavement as she takes my hand. When I see her, my whole world stops.
Her hair is down with shiny, soft waves framing her face, the depth of colors on display.
The light makeup accentuates her natural beauty instead of detracting from it.
The dress fits her ribs and chest but flares out from there, and when the wind blows, the skirt flutters.
It’s her, all of it. Knowing she didn’t change who she is at heart makes me love her even more.
With a smile, she rests her hands on my shoulders. “You clean up real nice, stud.”
I slide my arms around her waist, unable to say much except, “You’re breathtaking.” Holding her hand, I take a step back. “Let me look at you.”
Her cheeks blush, and she giggles, giving me a little twirl. “You like what you see?”
“Fucking love it.”
“Oh.” She turns away and dips back into the back seat to grab something. “I almost forgot.” She pulls out the bouquet I gave her yesterday. “I tied a white ribbon around them. Aren’t they perfect for the occasion?”
I never could have guessed the flowers I bought on a whim because they reminded me of her would end up being her bridal bouquet. “Meant to be.” Nodding behind me, I ask, “Want to get married?”
She laughs. “We got all dressed up, so we might as well.”
A cool breeze r eaches us at the top of the steps. I’m drawn to stop and take it in, closing my eyes to feel it against my face. A sense of peace runs through my body, and when I open my eyes, she says, “I think your mom is with us.”
“I think so, too.” Lauralee is on my left, and comfort walks beside me on my right.
We aren’t kept waiting long and are led down a hallway to the judge’s office. When he joins us, our witness walks in with him. Mickey comes to shake my hand but gives that up to meet Lauralee.
“Thanks for coming,” I say after quick introductions to both. “Figured since you’d find out tomorrow anyway, it would be good to have you here.”
“It was not a text I was expecting.”
Lauralee laughs . . . a little too hard. “I’m sure.”
I say, “People can change. I’m standing here ready to marry this beautiful woman.”
The judge says, “Are we ready to get married?”
My girl steps up next to me, and says, “We are.”
“Let’s get started then.” It’s then I notice the photographer tiptoeing in behind us.
The judge reads the usual vows, though he veers sometimes into a modern version that I appreciate.
When Lauralee and I are facing each other, I slip the rings on her finger, which causes her to take a staggering breath. I think I did good, judging by that reaction. Still holding the rings on her finger, I say, “I choose you, Lauralee Knot. Today. Tomorrow. Forever. I do.”
Tears fill her eyes, but the smile contradicts any sadness.
She even laughs to herself, which lightens the mood for all of us.
Taking my hand in hers, she slides the ring I bought in platinum to match hers on my hand.
Looking me in the eyes, she says, “I choose you, Baylor Greene. Today. Tomorrow. And forever. I do.”
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The judge grins. “Go on and kiss her. Let’s make this official.”
I caress her jaw, holding this stunning human in my hands, and take a moment to look into her eyes. “I love you, Lauralee. With all my heart.” The words feel natural, like they’ve been on the tip of my tongue waiting for this moment.
“I love you, too, Baylor. So much.”
And when I kiss my wife, my heart confirms that when I said forever, I meant it.