Marcus
Today has been perfect. Jade and Hunter looked positively stunning as they said their vows in front of all their family and friends.
The love radiates off those two. But when Hunter saw his bride for the first time, I honestly thought the man was going to faint.
He dropped his head and wiped away tears as she made her way down the aisle with her mum.
And when she reached him at the altar, he kissed her passionately, and the vicar had to tell him it wasn’t time for that yet.
But all Hunter said was “he didn’t care” and kissed Jade again.
I get it. Jade looked breathtaking in her white satin and lace dress with a veil that trailed behind her the same length as her dress. She looked like the picture perfect bride. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place when they finally said, ‘I do’ and Hunter was officially allowed to kiss his bride.
But my eyes were always on the vision in forest green, who looked like the ideal garden nymph.
Her red hair was curled and pinned off her face, but small tendrils trailed down her back.
And the glow in her cheeks, I know I put there.
She looks absolutely radiant, and she’s all mine.
The green satin dress hugs every inch of her curves.
I can’t wait to undress her later on tonight, where I’ll spend hours making sure she’s completely satisfied before I tuck her into my side, knowing we both have found our safe space.
All the formalities are now out of the way, and the dance floor is packed with everyone throwing some random moves but having the best time.
This past year, I’ve been welcomed into a friendship group that I never thought I’d have or need.
Because, with Lily came Jade, who brought Hunter, who seems to always be followed by Leo and Deacon.
Hunter’s older sister, Ria, has become one of Jade’s closest friends since they started working together, which meant Lily was going to insist they become friends.
Then, of course, there’s Beck, who to this day I can’t thank enough for what he did that night for me and for everything before with my girl.
But Trixie, we’re seeing less and less of these days, as Ezra monopolizes her time.
I know it upsets Lily, but until Ezra does something to upset Trixie, Lily will hold off, but I know, given half the chance, she’d kick him in the balls and feel zero remorse.
And I can’t forget Kai. I mean, I literally can’t forget him.
He’s still constantly at my side, which meant he became a regular member of our boys’ nights, and he’s now close friends with everyone.
But him and Leo together is a recipe for disaster.
Let’s just say the stag party was a whole new form of chaos I never imagined.
It’s one big happy family.
“Ladies and gentlemen.” Leo’s happy, carefree voice fills the room.
“It’s time for the bouquet toss.” Cheers erupt around the room as women of all ages head to the dance floor.
“Now our beautiful bride, Mrs. Jade Stone.” Cheers and hollers come from everyone, and Jade blushes in the center of the room as Hunter stands proud, smiling at his bride.
“Sounds good doesn’t it, brother?” He winks, and Hunter’s smile grows even bigger as Jade blows him a kiss.
“As I was saying, the new Mrs. Stone will throw her bouquet, and we all know what it means for the lucky lady who catches it, so get ready, ladies. And gentlemen get saving.”
Every eligible woman stands behind Jade, including my girl. She stares right at me, grinning, before getting into a wide stance, wiggling her hips like she’s getting ready to tackle anyone who gets in her way. I can’t help but laugh at her antics that are just all her.
“Okay, are we ready? Three… two… one”
And as Jade throws her bouquet over the top of her head, Lily jumps to catch it. It’s sailing straight towards her.
Everyone moves out of my way, parting like the Red Sea as I sprint into the crowd and jump right in front of Lily and catch the bouquet.
There are gasps and cheers, but Lily is scowling at me. “What are you doing, Diaz?” Her hands on her hips.
“Catch, Chambers.” I throw her the bouquet, which she catches effortlessly.
“This better not be your way of proposing to be, Diaz?” She points the bouquet at me as she stalks toward me, the music starting again and everyone returns to the dance floor.
“Nope.” Winking, I pull her into my body and start to dance with her. “I mean, I caught the bouquet, should I wait for your proposal?”
“As much as I love being on my knees for you.” Her fingers have made their way into the short strands of hair at the nape of my neck, the bouquet dangling down my back. Tugging gently, she pulls my face down to her and whispers in my ear, “I prefer it when you’re on your knees for me.”
“Trixie, now.” Ezra’s booming voice snaps both of us out of our daydream.
“I’m not leaving my best friend's wedding early just because you’ve decided you’ve had enough,” Trixie barks at him. We halt our dancing and quickly, along with everyone else, we are surrounding the couple.
“I think you are.” He grits out as he looks around, noticing he now has an audience. “You’re making a fool of yourself. You've had too much to drink, it’s time we left.” He pulls on her arm, making her stumble on her heels.
“Let go, Ezra.”
“You’ll come with me now,” he growls in her face. Beck’s fists clench at his side, and I know he’s caught between wanting to punch this prick and not cause a scene.
“Leave her alone, Ezra.” Ria places her hand on his to try and pry him off Trixie. “She doesn’t want to leave, but there’s nothing stopping you.”
“You stay out of this.”
“I will not stay out of this. You’re hurting my friend and causing a scene at my brother's wedding. Let her go.”
Ezra releases Trixie but steps into Ria’s space, and I feel the Stone brothers tense next to me and step forward. “Look, Ria. Your brothers have come to your rescue again.” The feral grin that graces his face makes me step forward to show my support. “You never did get over me, did you?”
“Oh, I definitely got over you.” Her shoulders straighten as she fixes her icy stare on him.
Leo stands next to her and wraps his arm around Ria, pulling her into him protectively while grinnng at Ezra, before he says calmly, “I think you need to step away from my wife, St Claire.”