“I don’t think this is the time to hold down a conversation, but when the time is right, we need to think about attacking the Barricade and making it hurt.”
“I’m on the same page.” I dot a string of kisses to her temple.
“And then there’s saving Gage from himself. We will need a plan of attack for that one, too. Do you think there’s a possibility we can convince him to be for us? For Celestra? Maybe he’s the key to getting my standing back?”
I growl without meaning to. “From here on out, I don’t think we can depend on Gage for anything. He’s in too deep, skidding out of control. It’s almost as if he’s incapable of helping himself—let alone us.”
Skyla bites down on her lip. “His coronation is coming up in a few weeks.”
A slow breath expires from me. “Gage has mentioned it in passing, but Emma—she can’t stop talking about it.”
“I don’t see why her enthusiasm would wane,” she says. “This is exactly why she slept with Demetri to begin with. It’s dark and twisted, but it did give us Gage, who in turn gave us the boys.”
A thought comes to me. “His word says He will make everything work for the good of those who love Him.”
Skyla works my dress shirt off, and I ball it up and toss it across the room.
She nods up at me, her gaze magnetized to mine hypnotically. “And they certainly are good, aren’t they? And if they’re not, they will be.”
“Oh, they will be.” A dark laugh rumbles deep inside me.
We are good.
16
Wesley
They say there’s no time like the present, and knowing what massive misstep my brother has most likely entered into last night, I’ve chosen to embrace the moment.
I’ve taken Laken, Tobie, Charlie, and Eli down to our home in the Transfer. I’ve invited Demetri, Gage, and Chloe—Skyla for Laken. Ezrina and Nev to help watch the kids, and, of course, I’ve extended a personal invite to Cooper Flanders himself. He’s not fooling me. I know who that warbling routine was supposed to impress last night. And truth be told, Laken was smitten. But today she’s mine. And perhaps after we’re through here, he might be inspired to warble out another tune, one that my new wife and I can dance to.
“What’s going on?” Laken bounces Eli while I hold Charlie. “Why is Demetri here? Ezrina and Heathcliff? I mean, I know she has a special bond with Tobie, but this feels like something more.” She shakes her head, but those denim blue eyes never leave mine. “Wait a minute. You’re up to something, aren’t you? Why are all these white roses suddenly adorning the living room?”
“Because they reminded me of you.” I can’t hide my smile any longer. Just as I’m about to spill the matrimonial beans, in stride Gage and Chloe with Skyla and Coop hot on their heels. I thought about inviting Logan. He’s been an odd friend to me, but I didn’t think it was necessary. And that’s my new MO—cut out everything in life that’s not necessary sans my family, the Barricade.
“Skyla?” Laken speeds over and embraces her friend, my own enemy, and the irony isn’t lost on me.
Coop and Gage head this way while Chloe bitches to Ezrina about wanting to vomit.
Gage slaps me on the back. “What’s going on, man? It sounded urgent.”
“It is.” I open my arm and Laken fills it. “Charlie, Eli”—I look to the two of them before zeroing in on Tobie as she runs my way—“princess. Today I am going to marry your mother.”
Laken gasps. “A surprise wedding? Is that what this is?” She squeals with delight. “Wes, that is so romantic.”
Chloe gags. “Most women would hang you by the balls for even considering the notion.”
Coop’s face bleeds out of all color. If I’m lucky, he’ll drop dead from shock. An early wedding gift from him to me.
Laken spins into her old friend. “Skyla, you’ll have to help me get ready. My dress is in the master bedroom. I picked it out for the New Year’s wedding and it’s been taunting me ever since.” She cocks her head as she inspects her good friend. “Skyla, I don’t know what you’re doing, but you’re genuinely glowing.”
Chloe scoffs. “More likewhoshe’s doing.” She cuts a giddy look to Gage before running off with Laken and Skyla. “Wait for me. I’m not missing the fun. It’s not every day a girl gets to help her ex-husband get hitched. Come on, Tobie. I’ll make sure you upstage the bride.”
“Great.” Coop tips his head back.
“What’s the matter, Coop? You’re not happy for me?” I can’t help but swallow down a laugh.
“I’m freaking ecstatic.” He heads over to the bar and pours himself a stiff one. He’s going to need it.
