Chapter 21
SUTTON
Nerves and excitement flurried in my stomach as we made our way to Malibu in our black stretch limousine. No amount of calm breathing settled them. This was it. My wedding. Steven, my brother, sat beside me, handsome as ever in his black suit. The girls sat opposite us with their pale pink bouquets in hand. My gorgeous skirt filled the space between us like a big white fluffy cloud.
As we approached the mansion, the traffic bordered on chaos, but our police and security escort kept everyone moving. Vehicles occupied every parking space along the road. Paparazzi lined the sidewalk. Cameras flashed as we passed through the secure gates into Andy’s place.
It was no secret Flint and I were getting married today. Our wedding had been the headline buzz on celebrity news for weeks. Just the whereabouts had been kept private. We’d only texted our guests yesterday with the address. But clearly that information had leaked.
Flint and I had spent many days of our lives in the public eye, but this wouldn’t be one of them. The world could wait to see what we wore and who’d attended. Our guest list rivaled an entertainment industry awards show. The paparazzi would no doubt capture some celebrities coming and going. So be it. I’d originally wanted hundreds of people to attend and an exclusive magazine deal, but that had changed as our plans had unfolded. All we wanted was our closest friends, special colleagues, and family present to share our special day...all one hundred and seventy of them.
As the limousine drove toward the house, Ally, the videographer, braved and battled the elements on the driveway to capture our approach. Our chauffeur drew to a halt underneath the awning outside the front door. A temporary black barricade had been erected on the windy side, no doubt to help protect us. Quill had thought of everything. But in this crazy weather, I wasn’t sure anything would work.
I closed my eyes and placed my hand on my pounding chest. I took a deep breath, struggling to draw in full lungs of air thanks to my fitted bodice. I’d be fine once I stood.
Maddy reached forward and clutched my hand. “You okay? Are you gonna be sick? Pass out?”
“No.” I shook my head and smiled. “I’m excited. I’m resisting the urge to run in there, grab Flint, say ‘I do’ and get this over and done with. I’m trying to take things slow and savor every moment.”
“Good. But we might have to hurry inside to get out of this rain and wind.” Maddy pointed out the window. Every shrub and tree were being whipped about. Our security team’s jackets flapped in the gale, and their hair was a tussled mess.
Ava smirked. “At least the weather might keep the paparazzi in helicopters away...just not the ones standing on top of their vans outside the fence.” She waved to two people standing on top of their vehicles with long range lens aimed our way. Good luck to them.
Quill and two of his team, dressed from head to toe in fine black suits with EQuill Events embroidery in gold on the breast pocket, rushed out of the front door. Marlo, our wedding photographer, and Ally followed with their cameras in hand.
With his headset draped over one ear, Quill opened the car door and ducked his head in to talk to us. “Hi, everyone. Perfect timing.” Yes, we were ten minutes early, as planned...for hair and makeup touchups and a few photos before entering the tent. “Happy wedding day, Sutton. And oh. My. Gosh.” He exaggerated every word, scanning everyone in the car. “You. All. Look. Am-a-zing. Is everyone ready?”
“Yes.” My palm sweated around the stem of my bouquet, but I was set.
“Excellent.” Quill leaned against the door to stop it from blowing shut. He talked loudly over the howling wind. “We’re going to take you in, one at a time, into the office on the left. Liliana and Prue are there, ready for any touchups.” He waved over his shoulder. “Marlo and Ally will capture every moment, and my boys behind me are going to help shield you from the wind. It’s wild out here. But once you’re inside, you won’t care about the weather. The place looks magical, if I dare say so myself.”
“Thank you.” My breath skipped and danced against my ribs. “Let’s get this party started.” I wanted to get married. No delays.
“Absolutely.” Quill rolled his hand toward my girls. “Bridesmaids first. Let’s go.”
One by one, the girls hopped out of the car and were attacked by blasts of wind. In their best efforts to shield them, Quill’s team guided them inside. The girls’ dresses flapped and flicked against their legs. They held their bouquets close to their chest to protect them from the gusts. Their updos didn’t budge thanks to bucket-loads of gel and hairspray.
My turn.
Steven hopped out of the car, seeming undeterred by the wild weather hammering us from every direction. He took my bouquet in one hand and held out his other one for me to take. Quill came in beside me. We took handfuls of my huge skirt and held it up to avoid the dirty, wet ground.
I stepped out of the car. The wind whipped against my face, blasting me from every angle and blowing my veil out to one side. My loose curls slapped my cheeks. This was crazy. Certainly memorable. I laughed and hollered over the wind. “I’m good. Let’s get inside.”
We dashed through the front door. In the center of the vast foyer, I let my skirt fall to the floor, as did Quill. It floated into place and cascaded behind me. The rhinestones in the center of each chiffon rose glistened in the soft light. I truly felt like a bride.
Quill fluffed out the bottom of my train. “Sutton. This dress is stunning.”
“Thank you.” I smoothed my hands over my bodice, loving the feel of the gorgeous beading beneath my fingertips.
“Sutt, you’re exquisite, but you need to fix your hair.” Steven waved toward the office. “Go. I’ll wait here with these.” He smelled my bouquet and scrunched his nose. The roses did have an overpowering, strong perfume, but they were gorgeous and perfect.
“Thank you.” I gave him a kiss on the cheek and a quick hug.
I loved my brother giving me away. We’d grown closer now our father was out of our lives.
But just as I was about to join the girls, Liliana rushed out of the office with her makeup apron around her waist and a portable flat-iron in hand.
As she redid my loose curls and coated my hair in another cloud of hairspray, Chloe and Duke arrived with Winter. They were babysitting while Lewis and Tia performed bridal party duties. Tia gave Winter a quick kiss on her forehead before they wheeled her stroller through the house to join the guests.
“Auntie Sutton!”
I giggled at the sound of Charlotte’s voice and looked up. She stood at the top of the grand marble staircase with Josh and Celina, Ava’s sister, and waved.
Celina took the kids by the hand and headed down the steps. Cole’s daughter wore a princess-inspired flower-girl dress made in the same pale pink fabric as my bridesmaids’ gowns. Josh, our ring bearer, looked super smart in a handsome black suit. Totally adorable.
Charlotte ran over to me and gave me a big hug. “Wow. You look so pretty, Auntie Sutton.”
“And so do you.” I tapped the tip of her nose with my fingertip. “Have you been practicing?”
“Uh-huh.” She gave me a big nod. “Me and Josh are ready.”
“So am I.” I straightened the bow in her hair. “Let’s get some photos first.”
After I had a lipstick touchup, we shuffled into the living room for some quick snaps in front of a wall of pale pink roses. Me with Steven. The girls. The kids. Then with everyone. So cool.
Before I could take a breath, Quill clapped his hands. “It’s time.”
Whoa! A hot wave rushed over me. My heartbeat jumped again. This is it. I’m getting married. It’s happening. Was it possible to be too excited? Nope. Never.
Quill pressed a button on his headset. “Wil, are we good to go?” Quill nodded yes . “Are all guests seated?” Yes ...“Is the officiant ready?” Yes ...“Are the guys in position?” ... Yes ...“Excellent. Bridal party is on the way. Clear the path. We’ll be there in one minute.”
Steven stepped in beside me and held out his bent elbow. “Sutt, we doing this? ”
Happy tears stung my eyes, but I wouldn’t let one fall. Butterflies danced in my belly but didn’t flood me with nausea. My heart thundered against my ribs, but I was calm. I was more than ready to marry Flint. “Yes. Yes, we are.”
I hooked my arm around Steven’s and held my beautiful bouquet in front of me. I filled my lungs with air and drew my shoulders back, and we followed Quill outside. Instead of a vast expanse of manicured lawn, a newly erected clear tent formed a long corridor across the garden, keeping the rain at bay. Sturdy white flooring kept our feet off the wet ground.
The rain poured, pattering hard against the tent.
The wind gushed, flapping the side panels.
But we were dry.
My gorgeous bridesmaids followed me, past the dazzling array of flower arrangements and white candles that lined the way. Small silver chandeliers hung in a line along the roof. Quill had outdone himself in getting this prepared on short notice. It was the perfect pathway to my future.
Flint and I could handle any storm, any drama, any issue...together.
The girls and I gathered outside the closed-curtain entrance to the main tent. Prue and Liliana did one last check. Hair? Check. Lipstick? Check. Flowers? Check.
Celina handed my bridesmaids a little satin bag for them to hook over their wrists.
Surprise? Check.
With a lit smile, Maddy bumped her hip against mine. “Are you ready to blow Flint’s mind?”
I certainly was. “Yes.”
The butterflies that were in my belly swooped and soared like excited sparrows. I leaned against Steven to steady myself and peered through the crack in the curtains. Row after row of guests sat chatting, waiting for us to arrive .
Oh. My. God. This is it!
Josh, Charlotte, and the girls lined up before Steven and me, ready to enter the tent.
“All good?” Quill fussed with my veil, making sure it was perfectly in place.
“Yes.” I nodded.
“Alright. Let’s get you married.” He glided over to the curtain and pressed a button on his headset. “Team, we are ready. Cue music. On three. Two. One. Bridal party are go.”
Traditional wedding march music boomed through the mounted speakers hanging around the tent. The shuffle and commotion of guests standing filled the air. Quill opened the curtain. Josh and Charlotte led the girls down the aisle, throwing rose petals from their baskets. Steven drew me forward. Step. Step. Step.
Everything was surreal. Like a dream.
The twinkle lights. The pale pink flowers. The sea of guests.
But then I saw Flint...standing at the front with Cole, Slip, and Lewis.
Oh, my! Flint stole every ounce of breath from my lungs.
His black hair was styled, swept back off his face for the first time since I’d known him. His glistening, ice-blue eyes held me captive, making the world around me disappear. He radiated pure sexiness in his black suit, shirt, and tie. His charismatic smile claimed my heart.
His hand shot over his chest, and he mouthed, ‘ Wow. ’
My heart defied gravity. All my nerves vanished.
But after the girls took a few more steps, and I’d reached the back row of chairs, the music skipped and scratched. Then stopped. Silence hung in the hair. The girls halted. So did the kids. Daunted looks passed across the faces of the concerned guests.
Panic flitted across Flint’s face .
I just laughed.
Charlotte struck a pose, hand on hip. She ripped out a pair of sunglasses from her petal basket and put them on her face. Josh grabbed a pair out of his jacket and did the same.
Ava, Tia, and Maddy shrugged, then pulled out sunglasses from their satin bags and put them on.
Steven smiled, blew on his fingertips, then pulled out two sets of shades from his jacket—one for him. One for me. We put them on as “One Way or Another” by Blondie blasted through the tent. The hard-rock beat reverberated through my soul and soared through my veins.
The kids, my girls, Steven, and I strutted down the aisle, did some fancy steps and spins, struck some sexy poses, and played it up to the crowd. We’d been practicing our moves in secret for days. I flicked my skirt. Shimmied my shoulders. Showed off my long legs. The guests cheered and clapped along with the music.
Flint gaped and laughed and bobbed his head.
But then Cole slapped him on the shoulder and led Lewis and Slip down the aisle. The guys grabbed their partners around their waists. The girls did a sexy wriggle in front of the guys, then circled around them, flicking their hair in time to the wild rock beat. With a twirl and a skip, they made their way into position at the head of the aisle.
Steven and I grabbed each other around the waist. We held one arm each out in front of us and clasped our hands together. We danced down the aisle and stopped by the front row. I pointed and waggled my finger at Flint. Yep, one way or another, I was going to marry my man.
Flint’s smile was everything. His palm splayed over his heart, and laughter made our surprise entrance worthwhile. He stepped forward and took my hand, nodded to Steven, and led me to stand in front of Milford, the officiant .
“Sutt, that was so fucking cool.” Flint chuckled quietly. But then he took a deep breath and scanned me from head to toe. “And wow. You’re so beautiful. I didn’t think it was possible to fall more in love with you, but I just did.”
“I’m struggling to breathe just looking at you,” I whispered. “I love you so much. But can we get married now?”
“Yeah.” His eyes glistened with warmth.
I handed my flowers to Maddy, then turned to Flint. I entwined my fingers with his. Just breath. Time to say, ‘I do.’
Milford greeted everyone; no one objected to us getting married... I’d freaking kill them if they did ...and he said a few words about what a marriage meant. Commitment. Love. Family. Support. Flint and I had that and more.
“The couple have written their own vows.” He nodded to Flint. “Flint? When you’re ready.”
Flint adjusted his grip on my hand and cleared his throat. His vows rolled off his tongue like warm honey. “Sutton, I couldn’t breathe before you came into my life. You brought me back to the light. Dragged me out of the darkness. Helped me find music again. Nothing in my past scared you away. We have survived the highs and lows in a ruthless industry... just . With you by my side, I know we’ll handle anything the future throws our way. In this crazy life, you are my constant calm. I fell in love with your kind heart, good soul, patience, and wicked sense of humor. You’re beautiful inside and out. I want to continue to grow and be a better man for you each day. You are my rock, my muse, and my reason for living. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my days with you. I promise to love you forever.”
I dabbed a tear from my eye with my fingertip. Flint’s vows had been etched into my heart.
I rejoined my hand with his and recited my vows. “Flint, we had a connection from the moment we met. We helped each other through difficult times and found new paths forward. You restored my faith in love and showed me the true meaning of family. Your dedication to music and your friends is beyond commendable. Your talent is inspiring. Most of all, you’re always there for me. You’ve kept me grounded when I needed it most. Kept me from drowning in this city that can give you the stars and strip them away just as quickly. You showed me what is important and changed my life. Our love grows stronger and stronger every day. I can’t wait to see where our future takes us. I will be by your side each step of the way. I promise to love you and be yours forever and ever.”
After we exchanged rings, Flint dipped me backward and gave me a breathtaking kiss. My feet didn’t retouch the ground until we’d signed our marriage certificates and were pronounced husband and wife...Mr. and Mrs. Glover.
YES!!!!
To a sea of cheers, hollers, whistles, and claps, Flint and I ran down the aisle and waited in the corridor tent for everyone to join us.
With aching cheeks, unable to stop smiling, I fell into Flint’s embrace and kissed him. “We did it.”
“We certainly did. I love you.” He kissed me, long and hard, stealing the air from my lungs. God, he could kiss me like that for the rest of the night...no, my life. But Cole broke us apart, and the congratulations started as guests streamed out of the main tent and crowded around us.
Following photos with and well wishes from family and friends, Flint and I headed upstairs with our bridal party to have photographs while everyone else enjoyed pre-dinner drinks and appetizers, and mingled. We had formal photos, fun photos, a few sexy ones, and some candid snaps. We made the best of being indoors.
Everyone was seated by eight o’clock for our reception.
With another grand entrance, this time floating on Flint’s arm, I entered the main tent, swirling my skirt around me. Our friends waltzed in behind us and we took seats at the bridal table. Strands of twinkle lights covered every inch of the roof. A gazillion pale pink flower arrangement stood throughout the tent. Round tables set with black tablecloths, crystal glasses, white plates, and centerpieces of pink flowers and a tall candle filled the floor. Friends and family filled the chairs.
The venue had turned out better than I’d ever imagined.
A smile never left my face, nor Flint’s.
We drank fine champagne, ate exquisite food, and laughed with our friends.
Hunter, from Everhide, hosted the evening. I didn’t know who was more of a show pony...Flint or him.
He took to the mic at the top corner of the dance floor.
“Evening, everyone. I’m Hunter Collins. I’ll be your master of ceremonies tonight. It is an honor to know The Flintlocks, to call them good friends, and to be here to celebrate Flint and Sutton’s wedding.” He tilted his head toward Flint and his groomsmen. “I met these guys several years ago at an awards show in Vegas...where they lost Best Band, and we won. I’m not sorry about that.” He threw them a shit-eating grin. “But it has been exciting to watch their career grow and to be a part of their continued success. On behalf of my fellow Everhiders, Kyle, Gem, and Hayden, and our partners, Flint and Sutton, we wish you a lifetime of happiness. The way to do that is to always make each other laugh, make time for one another, talk about anything and everything...and fuck every day.” An even bigger smile lit his face as everyone laughed. “Right. Let’s get this evening on a roll. Flint, the mic is yours.”
With champagne in hand, Flint made a speech, thanking everyone for coming. Cole had everyone in fits of laughter as he spilled dirt on Flint. Maddy did the same when she talked about me. I said a few words, reiterating Flint’s thanks to everyone for not being deterred by the weather and making our day special.
Then Bruce, Flint’s dad, spoke.
“As a father of two boys who dreamed about being rock stars, I was always worried. The gigs, the booze, the drugs, women, and parties turned my hair gray well before my time. Trying to keep them in line was often a lost cause. Audrey, my wife, and I had to trust them to find the right path. Let them follow their dreams. Support and love them. Be there when they needed us. We didn’t always manage to do that. When we lost our youngest son, Phil, we failed Flint on an epic scale. For that, I am truly sorry. I’ll spend the rest of my days making up for that mistake. But today we stand here, proud. Proud of the man he has become. He’s a leader. A talented star. A good man. He turned out alright. Flint, you have found a beautiful woman who loves and supports you. Sutton, you are a delight. Flint adores you. And I wish you both a lifetime of happiness. Welcome to the family. Cheers to the happy couple.”
Wow. I sniffled and dabbed the tears from my eyes with a napkin. Flint’s dad was sweet. My dad? Far from it. He was somewhere in Mexico, no doubt gambling his life away. No loss he wasn’t here.
After Flint and I cut our huge, tiered wedding cake with roses billowing down one side, and fed each other a mouthful of fluffy chocolate goodness, Flint took my hand and drew me close. “Surprise time.”
“What? What surprise?” We had nothing planned. I balked as he dragged me toward the dance floor.
Hunter dragged a chair out into the middle of the area and handed Flint the mic. Cole, Slip, and Lewis scurried over to Duke’s band’s instruments and took charge of them before Duke and his guys played their first song.
I clutched onto Flint’s hand.
Oh shit. He wasn’t, was he? But . . . yay !
I’d secretly hoped Flint had written a song and would sing.
He never disappointed me.
“Sutt?” Mischief flared to life in his eyes as he tilted his head toward the chair. What is he up to? “Please take a seat?”
Oh boy. What am I in for? But I was game. I flicked my skirt behind me and slid into the chair. All eyes were on me... us . Every guest looked intrigued. Good thing I liked being on show. As did my husband.
He spoke to the crowd. “Okay, folks. You know I love to write love songs and pour my heart and soul into my lyrics, so I had to write something for Sutt. But this...is a little different.” He unbuttoned his jacket and loosened his tie. “A little bird, being Maddy, told me Sutt was very, very well-behaved at her bachelorette party...Well, don’t be fooled. She is far from innocent.” He winked at me, then pointed toward the guys.
What? Oh, my. Heat flushed my cheeks.
Cole, Slip, and Lewis played, but rather than rolling out a romantic slow tune, they struck a sexy, loud rock beat. Flint turned his back to our guests, swayed his hips, leaned toward me, and cradled my cheek.
You may have everyone fooled, girl. But oh no, not me
I saw it in your eyes on the very first night that we met
You wanted me so badly, oh yeah, I knew that you did
He spun around and thrust his butt toward me. I burst out laughing as he continued to sing:
I saw you checking out my ass, girl, as you bit your lip
When I brushed against you, I heard your hot breath hitch
He straightened, crossed his ankles, and flicked open one side of his jacket .
I couldn’t deny it. My heart skipped a full beat
Heat rushed through my body; did strange things inside of me
He slid his hand down and across his stomach as he swayed his hips from side to side. Oh, wow...so sexy .
Butterflies took flight in my stomach, yeah
Something was happening to me
I thought it was the vodka
But then you looked at me
With a spin and a flick of his foot, he straddled me and slowly lowered onto my thighs. He took my hand, slid it down his chest, and injected a sultry rasp into his voice.
You wanted to take me home, girl
Do dirty things to me
Now I’m a gentleman, dear lady
But you brought out the bad boy inside of me
I had to take you home, girl
And see what you did to me
He glanced over his shoulder at our captivated, laughing audience and threw them a sexy smirk.
Oh yeah, we went too far
All the way, in fact
He grabbed onto the back of the chair, half stood, and thrust his hips against me. He rose up and down slowly and seductively, giving me a lap dance. Was it wrong that this turned me on? So hot! I giggled and clutched his butt. He caught my hand and held it there.
As I got to know you and all the things you like d
I fell in love with you, girl
And you know what I just might
Keep being bad for you, yeah
So we can make sweet love every fucking night
He drew my hand around to the front and crushed it against his crotch. I arched an eyebrow. I was more than happy to hold him. Grinning, he leaned forward, nuzzled into the side of my neck, and nipped my skin. He wriggled lower and buried his face between my breasts. His soft lips touched my flesh, heating my insides. But then he drew my hand to his mouth and kissed it. Too much flirty fire flared in his eyes as he put the mic to his lips.
’Cause I like that look you get
When I make you . . . oh . . . at night
You may have everyone fooled, yeah. But oh no, not me
They all think you’re innocent and sweet
But girl, I’ve seen you down on your knees
He stepped off my legs. Still holding my hand, he kneeled on the floor.
Good thing I married you, ’cause baby when you do that
Oh yeah . . . I know we’re meant to be
You wanted me so badly, oh yeah, I knew that you did
I couldn’t deny it, I felt the same way
I fell in love with you girl, yeah, I’m in ecstasy
I get to call you mine forever
Yeah, this is destiny
He jumped to his feet, then sat sideways on my lap. Gosh, he was heavy. He brushed his fingertips down my cheek.
I’ll always be a gentleman, yeah, I’ll always treat you righ t
But keep loving me like you do, girl
I’ll keep being bad for you, all day and every night
Oh yeah . . . I’ll keep loving you . . .
For the rest of my damn life
“I love you, my beautiful wife.” Chuckling, Flint cradled the back of my head and kissed me on the lips. Perfect. Slip, Cole, and Lewis ended the song. The crowd erupted with laughter, loud claps, and hollered woohoo s.
Flint stood, drew me to my feet, and bowed to the guests.
“That was awesome.” I giggled as I slid my arm around his waist. “You’re such a show-off.”
He nudged his hip against mine. “Yes. But you love me.”
“I do.” I loved saying that today. “With all my heart.”
Hunter came over and stole the mic off Flint. “Well, folks. Flint has another talent we didn’t know about...or maybe some of us did. Lap dancing is a future career yet to be explored. But right now, before we hit full party mode, please let Mr. and Mrs. Glover take their first spin around the dance floor. Let’s pray it’s just a waltz.” It will be. “Join in when you’re ready.”
As Duke and his boys reclaimed their instruments and played “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding, Flint and I had our first dance as husband and wife. My head still spun with an intoxicating high. Our bridal party joined us, twirling across the floor. Flint’s parents ventured onto the dance area shortly after them, as did other guests.
At the end of the song, Duke and his band dialed up the volume and the dance beat. More people left their seats to join in, dancing and jumping around.
Halfway through the night, I discarded my detachable skirt so I could move around easily and party with our friends. Flint and I rarely left the dance floor. We were having so much fun.
I didn’t want today to end . . . but it had to . . . for Flint and me anyway.
We had a plane to catch.
Flint swept his fingertips down my cheek and met my gaze. He sucked in a deep breath and smiled, like he was absorbing every last moment of our wedding into his memory, just like I was. “I love you, Sutt.”
“I love you, too.” I linked my fingers behind his neck and raised my eyebrows. “But now I’d like you to show me how much. It’s almost one. We have to get out of here, so we don’t miss our flight.”
“Are you ready for me to whisk you away on our honeymoon?” Hot sexiness shimmered in his eyes.
“Yes, please.” Tahiti, here we come.
After a slow, panty-dropping, languid kiss, he eased back just a fraction. “Hmmm. Before this gets X-rated, Mrs. Glover, we’d better go.”
We nodded to Hunter. He dragged himself away from the bar and grabbed the mic. “It’s that time in the evening, folks. Can everyone form a line near the entrance? The bride and groom are about to leave.”
Quill jostled around, shuffling people into some form of organization.
Flint took my hand. We ran beneath everyone’s arms as they threw flower petals over us, clapped, and cheered. We didn’t stop. We ran out of the tent, through the house, and into our waiting limousine. As my heart raced, we headed for the private airport.
It had finally stopped raining.
We boarded our chartered plane and took off.
Over kisses and hugs, I couldn’t stop smiling.
I was so freaking happy.
I’d had the best day.
I was married.
I was Mrs. Glover.
Finally!
Let the honeymoon begin.