“Hey, I’m the best man, that’s not fair,” Jett said.
I’d talked to the guys and none of them were upset or surprised when I told them I wanted Jett to stand beside me when we said our vows. As close as I was to the guys, Jett and I also had a special bond. And the look on his face when I’d asked him made it all that much better.
We were keeping it simple so we each only had one person next to us during the ceremony and nobody was upset about the decisions at all. Ruby had gotten close with all the ladies too so she struggled with hurting anyone’s feelings, but the women were as understanding as the men.
Since her and Patience had been getting closer all the time, she decided to ask the young girl. That would also give her and Jett a special moment together before he left. Something they were both having a hard time processing for different reasons. Their friendship was strong and Jett felt as if he was leaving her in a time he should be standing by her side. And I knew Patience would be lost without him but she wouldn’t allow him to change his future because of her.
They both were outstanding young people.
“Give the boy a shot, put some hair on his chest. He’s safe at home and leaving soon for the military, he can have one,” Gramps told the group.
Nobody argued and Kace poured one shot each and then everyone lifted their drink.
“To Lyric and Ruby,” Kace shouted. “May your day be merry and every day after bring you the joy you both deserve.”
Everyone yelled, “To Lyric and Ruby,” in unison and then downed their shot of whiskey.
When Jett started coughing and looked as though he might start breathing fire, I pounded him on the back and everyone burst into laughter again.
It was going to be a good day.
ChapterThirty-Six
RUBY
This was it.
I never thought I would ever get married, but then again, I had never met Lyric.
He changed everything but he made everything better.
Life with Lyric over the past months had been eventful, sometimes even scary. But they had also been the best times of my life because he was in it. I was looking forward to the future ahead and couldn’t wait to get started.
When he stayed away the night before so I could ‘get the real experience’the girls had said and couldn’t be with the groom until I walked down the aisle, I panicked. After I had been taken captive, I hadn’t wanted to spend another night away from him.
I missed him even though he was right down the hall in another room getting ready.
Maybe I can sneak out just for a second?
“Not much longer, girl. Don’t go getting any bright ideas to sneak off to see your man,” Brinley said, coming up beside me.
A giggle bubbled up inside me and I let it rip free.
“Did the guys teach you ladies how to read minds once youall got married?”
Brinley laughed along with me.
“Nah, we all just know what it’s like to miss our guy and the anticipation that goes along with the moments before we marry him. Right ladies?”
Everyone agreed with Brin.
Lyric’s mom walked over and the laughter vanished. Tears big enough to ruin my makeup flowed. I couldn’t help it, her words meant the world to me.
“You are absolutely stunning today,” she said, placing her soft hands on my cheeks and looking into my eyes. “I am so lucky my son found an amazing woman like you to share his life with and I am just as lucky to be gaining such a remarkable daughter. I’d be honored to have you call me mom one day if you ever wish to do so.”
She leaned in and kissed my cheek. I closed my eyes and let the warmth of her hands sink into my skin. When I blinked them open I knew I’d need to fix my makeup but I didn’t care.
“Thank you, I would like that. Mom.”
