Page 119 of Off the Record
“We don’t,” I say firmly. “We’ll do whatever we need to. Whatever he needs. He’s family.”
Mercs leans closer, his voice dropping low. “Well, for tonight, we’re not thinking about that. Tonight, we think aboutus. And about how in half an hour, I don’t care what anyone says, I’m taking you home and getting you out of that fucking gorgeous dress. I love it on you. But fuck if it wouldn’t look better in a pile on my floor.”
A shiver runs down my spine at the way he says it, and my body reacts instantly, heat pooling low in my belly.
“Well, Mr. Mercury,” I murmur. “Why wait? Let me say my goodbyes, and you can take me home.”
His grin is wicked. “Yes, ma’am.” He kisses me quickly before I slip away toward Kristy, Andi, and Casey, who are mid-laugh with the rest of the crew.
“Hey guys, I’m going to head off soon. It’s been a big day and—”
“Oh yeah, heading for some wedding night bliss more like it,” Tank calls out loudly, drawing everyone’s attention.
I laugh as Kristy stands and loops her arm through mine. “Shut up, Tank. She’s a married woman now. It’s all legal, and she’s allowed to be completely slutty with her man.”
“Exactly my thoughts,” I grin.
Laughter ripples around us.
I squeeze Kristy’s hand. “Thank you for today. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically. “What are best friends for?”
I glance around. “Have you seen Alana? I want to thank her too.”
Kristy nods toward Kammie’s diner across the street. “Pretty sure she ducked in there. Bathroom break. Let’s go. I gotta pee anyway.”
We cross the street, arms linked, slipping into the diner where a few stragglers linger over coffee. Not spotting Alana immediately, we head down the dim hallway toward the bathrooms. As we turn the corner, I catch sight of a couple pressed against the wall at the end of the hall. He’s leaning into her. She’s gripping his shirt, and they’re kissing like they’ve forgotten the rest of the world exists.
I giggle.
Kristy raises a brow.
Then I notice the yellow dress.
My gasp escapes before I can stop it, and they pull apart.
He turns, and my jaw drops before breaking into the widest grin I’ve worn all day.
Alana.
And Luke.
Luke’s eyes widen in shock.
Alana chews her bottom lip… then shrugs slightly and smiles.
I look between them, my heart soaring for reasons that have nothing to do with me.
“This…” I declare, my hands flying to my chest, “… is the best wedding presentever.”
And somehow, in the middle of everything we’ve survived, in the town that’s become our sanctuary, with my husband waiting to take me home…
It feels like the perfect ending.
Or maybe…
The perfect beginning.
THE END
