Ever, however, is in her head. She’s been staring out the window watching the dark storm clouds rolling in the entire ride. The only time she turned her head was when I put my hand on her thigh and gave it a squeeze. She frowned but hasn’t moved my hand away. A small win, but I’ll take it.
“What’s got your pretty little head spinning over there?” I ask, pretty sure I know the answer.
“We’re fucking married.”
As soon as Everly got their shit together, we drove to the courthouse to see Judge Harper. I paid him the cash, and he ran through the ceremony. I was almost certain that Everly wasn’t going to go through with it, but I’m pretty sure when she saw who our witnesses were, she thought better of it. When Vincenzo said witnesses would be provided, I had no idea it would be him and Dr. D’Angelo. They were waiting in the judge’s chambers for us.
“Swear jar,” Kaylie interrupts.
“How about I just put twenty bucks in the jar then you won’t have to worry about reminding me anymore today. Deal?” Kaylie pumps her little arms in the air with excitement. This kid is a riot. “I’m pretty sure you’re about to hear a lot worse at the clubhouse anyway.”
“Lovely,” Ever grumbles.
“You didn’t seem too worried about the guy’s language when you were here before. Kaylie made a killing with her swear jar over Christmas,” I say, trying to lighten her mood. Ever glances at me out of the corner of her eyes, not looking the slightest bit amused by my joke.
“Sissy says I almost have enough for my new bike.”
I shake my head, laughing. “Good to know, Squirt. But you need enough for a helmet, knee pads, and a bell before you can get your new bike,” I tease, but I mean every word.
“Oh, she knows.” Ever adds. “And training wheels, and whatever else I deem necessary.”
Kaylie sighs loudly. “Ugh.” Then adds, “Can I sit by Hawk and Sadie for dinner? They always say bad words when they argue, and that’s like all the time.”
Smart kid.
“Come on, Ev? What’s got you so wound up over there?”
She shrugs. “Well, let’s see. Sadie hates me and has already made it a point to let me know. She’s about as close as you can get to everyone else in that clubhouse. They all love her.” Her shoulders drop as well as the tone of her voice. “They’re all going to hate me, Mason. They wouldn’t be wrong to. I was out of line and a complete bitch.”
“No argument there,” I tease. Everly flips me off.
“And let’s not forget how excited I’m sure they’ll all be to learn we’re fucking married.”
Kaylie giggles again.
“Plug your ears!” Ever shouts, causing Kaylie to laugh harder but do as she’s told.
I scrub my chin. “First things first. All you have to do is apologize and explain you were pissed at your mom for all her shit and lashed out at me. If Sadie doesn’t want to accept that, then too fucking bad. That was our argument, not hers.” She looks at me confused, though I don’t know why. Does she think I don’t know she’s taking on her mom’s sins and using them as a shield to keep Kaylie safe?
“Everly. You may have a fucked-up view of bikers because of your mom’s choices, but if you really felt that strongly about it, you never would’ve let me anywhere around Kaylie, or you forthat matter. Yet you married me.” I grab her hand, bringing it to my lips and kiss it. “I’ve been by your side since you came back into town. You trustme. Maybe not the club or their way of life, butme.I’m asking you to lean on that trust now and let me help you. We can figure out everything else with the club later.” I smile wide, pinching her chin between my fingers. “Then I’m going to enjoy consummating our marriage,” I wiggle my brows.
“Ugh,” Everly huffs, slumping in her seat. “We’re notreallymarried.”
“Weare. I have the judge's signature to prove it. I bet I could even ask Mili for a copy of the photos she took if you need more proof.”
“You’re crazy,” Ever accuses. “And we both know once this guardian thing goes through, we’ll be getting this marriage annulled anyway. None of this is real.”
“Bullshit!” I growl. “You’re right about one thing. I am crazy, but that’s your fault.Youdrive me crazy,” I reply. Kaylie giggles in the back seat, her ears no longer covered.
“Traitor,” Ever teases her sister, who only giggles louder.
“But we arenotgetting an annulment. I don’t care what that old bat or anyone else thinks. This is the perfect solution to a lot of things.”
“For example?” Everly’s eyes are narrowed and her brow raised.
“For one, you’re finally mine, right now, only in name, but …” She goes to say something but stops herself. I lean toward her and whisper, “By the end of the night, you’ll be mine inevery way.” I stare into her eyes, gripping her hand tightly in mine.
“Eyes on the road, Mason. You have my sister in the car.”
