Total pages in book: 29
Estimated words: 27552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 138(@200wpm)___ 110(@250wpm)___ 92(@300wpm)
I nod. “I didn’t want you to think I was weak,” I finally admit.
He cradles me in his arms. “Weak? Because you’re going through a rough patch? You think what you did by saving Max was weak? You think delivering your own kid is weak? You think by trying to be the hero in our everyday lives while walking around with this internal burden is weak? Pup, you’re the strongest fucking person I know. We’re in this life together.”
I nod and allow him to press me into his chest where my tears soak his already damp skin. “Together,” I repeat.
“When you’re feeling weak, I’ll be strong for you. If you can’t see, I’ll be your eyes. If you can’t hear, I’ll guide you. We’re only weak when we’re not a team. Together? We’re un-fucking-stoppable.”
My heart constricts in my chest. “You take my breath away.”
King holds my gaze. “You are my fucking breath.”
Chapter 10
Ray
Although King and I are legally married and bonded to each other in every way, today is our wedding day.
It will be a simple affair that will take place in a field on the farm where Nine and Preppy operate their weed business. Twinkling lights and picnic tables. A no-frills affair followed by a party with friends, family, and a buffet catered by Billy’s Crab Shack.
I watch the scenery of Logan’s Beach pass by through the window from the backseat of Preppy’s Cadillac. He insisted that he and Dre drive me to the wedding, and I couldn’t deny him when he seemed so honored to be the one to bring me to King on our wedding day.
I smooth out my dress and pull it out from where it’s trapped between the back of my legs and the seat to avoid wrinkles. I dress to avoid it wrinkling. It’s not white but blush. No lace or beading for me, just spaghetti straps with a low V in the front, then straight all the way to the floor. I loved it the second I saw it and knew it was what I wanted to marry King in. My platinum hair is straight and parted down the middle with a crown of small flowers that match the color of my dress. The only sparkle is the rose gold leaves surrounding the flowers. Dre did my makeup, and although it’s heavier than I normally wear, especially around my eyes, it’s still me, just a dolled-up version.
Preppy pokes his head between the front seats and smiles. “You ready for today, kid?”
“Been ready,” I reply.
He winks and cuts the engine.
He opens the door for Dre, then runs back around the car to open my door. He’s wearing a tan colored tux with a blush pink bow-tie, and I realize why he insisted on seeing my dress the day I bought it.
Preppy offers one arm to Dre and one to me. He leads me around the small one-story office building, and when we round the corner, I stop and unhook my arm from Preppy’s to cover my mouth with my hand.
I’m shocked at what I see before me. There are no simple twinkle lights hanging from the trees or picnic table benches lining an unlined aisle.
It’s a carnival.
And not a small one either.
It’s complete with spinning rides, games with prizes hanging above the carnival workers calling out the low chances to win, and best of all…there’s a Ferris wheel.
“What? When? How?” I ask, unable to form a coherent question.
Preppy takes my arm again and leads me forward. “King. It’s all King.”
King recreated the carnival.
I have happy tears in my eyes as he leads me and Dre to a tent set up in the back. “You look beautiful,” Dre says, unhooking her arm from Preppy’s. “I’ll see you both inside.” She ducks inside.
“I’m sorry your pops couldn’t be here.”
My happiness is temporarily replaced by the sting of not having my dad here. He’s recovering from pneumonia and the trip was just too much. Although I did video chat with him after I got ready, so he got to see me in my wedding dress, and he insisted I make sure someone videos the ceremony so he can watch it later.
“It’s okay. These things happen.”
Preppy shoves his hands in his pockets and rocks on his heels. “So, what would you say if I offered to stand in to substitute.”
“I…” I sniffle. “I would like that very much.
His smile beams bright. “I know I’m not your first choice to walk you down the aisle, but sometimes, the second one can surprise you. Like your second choice in an orgy.”
I burst out laughing. The music starts to play, and Preppy pushes the tantalizer flap aside. My laughing ceases, and my heart stops when I see King waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
He doesn’t take his eyes from me. So much passes between our locked gazes. Love. Lust. History. Future. And although the seats all around us are full of people, it’s just me and him in this moment.