Page 73 of Reckless (Adventures in Love 3)
“Maverick,” she breathes before turning around to face me, on her knees with her hands against my chest. “Are you sure about this?”
“Marrying you?” I cup her cheek, and she nods.
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life,” I say, right before she falls against me, whispering “Yes” against my lips before she covers my mouth with hers.
JADE
Nine months later
Standing in a cream off-the-shoulder lace dress with a very pretty bouquet of wildflowers in my hands, I give Margret a reassuring smile, since she looks a little nervous. Two days ago our entire group of friends flew into Vegas, where Maverick, Tanner, Blake, and Mason got together and rented us a ridiculously huge fifteen-bedroom mansion just outside town with a pool, spa, gym, playroom, theater, and live-in chef. Since we got here, we’ve had the best time—we’ve gone to shows, gambled, and just spent time together, with all the kids and without them, since Everly’s mom and Margret’s parents flew out to help with all the babies. It’s been a blast, but the real reason we are here is to witness Margret and Mason get married.
Months ago, when Margret came to me and asked if I’d be one of her bridesmaids, I of course said yes.
When Maverick and I were going through our thing, she was one of the people I leaned on and used for a sounding board, and since then I’ve considered her one of my closest friends—really, she, Cybil, and Everly each have a little piece of my soul. I never knew that I could be as happy as I am now, and part of that happiness is due to my friendship with each of them.
“Stop.” I grab Margret’s hands when she starts to fuss with my hair. “Today is going to be amazing. Relax,” I tell her quietly.
I mean, really, she looks as gorgeous as always. Me, on the other hand, I feel awkward as heck in the dress that I’m wearing. I’m the only one wearing anything close to white due to my dress being lost somewhere between Montana and Vegas, while she, Cybil, and Everly are all wearing dresses in varying shades of red.
The worst part is it’s my fault. When we arrived and I realized what had happened with my bridesmaid dress, Margret assured me that she would get me something to wear, and a day later she hung a garment bag in my closet. I should have checked it then, but being busy and distracted, I honestly forgot all about it. I let that bag hang there until this afternoon, when it was time to get dressed. Imagine my shock and horror when I unzipped the garment bag and found the lace masterpiece that I have on now inside. Really, the dress is something that I would have chosen for myself if I were getting married, but I’m not getting married today, Margret is, so talk about awkward. Not that Margret seemed to care at all, which just goes to show how distracted she’s been all day. I just know that when it comes time for photos, I’ll make sure that I’m either hidden behind someone or out of the shot completely.
“I know. I’m just a little nervous,” Margret admits.
“You have nothing to be nervous about.” I give her hand a reassuring squeeze, and then we both turn when the door is opened.
“It’s almost time,” a woman who looks like Marilyn Monroe says, looking through our group.
“Thank you,” Margret tells her, and then I turn my attention to Cybil when she comes to stand in front of me and takes both my hands.
“You know I love you, right?” she asks, and my brows drag together as I register the worried look on her face.
“Yeah, I know.”
“And you know that I would never do anything unless I knew it was something you wanted but were worried about doing.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Just promise that you’ll love me no matter what happens in the next few minutes,” she pleads, making me even more confused.
“You know I love you and nothing will change that.” I shake my head at her, then frown when the door is opened and my dad steps into the room. “Dad?”
“Christ, Jade,” Dad says gruffly as he walks toward me, and I look around at my friends, wondering if any of them can tell me what the heck is going on. But all of them are just watching me closely.
“What are you doing here? Where is Mom?”
“Right here,” Mom says, stepping out from behind him, and I watch tears fill her eyes as she looks me over.
“What are you two doing here?” I ask my parents as they both hug me.
“We wouldn’t miss your wedding day,” Mom says with a laugh, confusing me even more.
“I’m not getting married today; Margret is.”
