I stop noticing anything else once Janelle comes into view. Even if she weren’t the only one wearing a veil, my entire body responds and orients itself towards her once she enters the room. I want to love this woman for the rest of my life and I have never been more sure of anything.
Her white dress looks incredible on her. I don’t know where the hell Zayna got that dress, but every last one of Janelle’s curves are highlighted. It’s one of those princess dresses thatwomen like and men love, because Janelle’s ample chest points towards me pressed together in plump pillows I can’t wait to bury my face in once we’re done here.
I love this woman more than I thought possible.Her boobs might be perfect, but what I really want to see is Janelle’s face. I want to look into the eyes of the woman I love and promise to be there for her no matter what happens – no matter how far she tries to run from me. Rana links arms with Janelle, dressed in a much plainer gray dress to lead her down the makeshift aisle.
Zayna, Vickie Shaw, Owen’s wife, and Keyshawn, Deacon Hollingsworth’s wife, comprise the rest of the bridal party. Janelle stands at the altar in place right in front of me, allowing Rana to sink back and sit on a chair in the front row. It’s just me, her, a priest, and Ruger standing behind said priest for a reason that I probably don’t want to know.
Keyshawn joins Deacon and takes Eden onto her lap. Zayna sits in the front row with Talitha. I lose track of the other witnesses and wedding guests because the most important person in the world stands in front of me, and I know I’m making the right choice to spend my life with her.
She’s smart. She can handle herself on the road. And I know from the way she took off on me that there’s a part of Janelle that will always be independent. Her grit makes me love her more. She balances me and challenges me at once.I need her.
The priest says all the religious stuff he’s supposed to say, and I try to listen, even if I could have written my own vows if given enough time. I repeat the words that I’m supposed to say and eagerly lift the veil over Janelle’s face when I receive my instructions. My heart thumps in my chest once our eyes meet. It’s the same way I felt the very first time I saw her.
There’s just something about her that sinks its hooks into me and rips all my emotions out from the very depths of my core. I mouth the words, “I love you,” to her, and I mean them. I seehow scared she is over everything that happened in the past, but just getting her here with me and getting this chance at a lifetime with Janelle… I would never screw up and disappoint her.
I’ll make sure she doesn’t regret this – even if she might get mad over the tattoo later.
Janelle repeats her wedding vows after our officiant. He instructs us to kiss. I touch Janelle’s cheek, edging closer to her with a deep appreciation for this moment standing in front of her that we will never have again. I want to savor it.She’s just so fucking beautiful.Our lips meet and Janelle devours me right back. I don’t feel alone on this rock.
The women in the room start cheering and carrying on. It’s easy to get swept up in the moment. I dip Janelle close to the floor and they only cheer for us louder.She deserves to feel special.My hands tighten around her waist and I hope she knows just by the way I’m gripping her tightly that I won’teverlet her fall.
Everything about this woman is precious to me.
Once Janelle stands steady on her feet again and we are officially married, I feel the uncertainty flowing between us at our joined fingertips.
“We’ll have your witnesses sign the documents,” the priest says. “And then, the two of you are married. Congratulations.”
The witnesses sign our marriage documents in quick succession. My fingers interlace even more tightly with Janelle’s. What’s next after this? Finish my business out West and take her back to Boston…
But what about Janelle? She ran from me for a reason. As much as I might not want to admit it, therearethings she wants out of life aside from my love and companionship. Whatever itis Janelle was riding away towards, I’ll ride with her. I just want her to know that.
“I love you, angel,” I whisper, giving her another kiss on the cheek. “I’ll make your wildest dreams come true… I promise.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
Janelle
A few days later…
Ifeel like part of the family already. Even the ass tattoo Zeb gave me is growing on me a little bit. I always thought a tattoo on my butt would look cute, and Zeb chose beautiful calligraphy and artwork for his traditional biker tattoo. I wasn’t a fan of the whole “property” thing at first, but he explained the deep tradition this has in biker culture establishing long-term relationships via tattooing in a way that would ensure my protection no matter what happened to me or to Zeb – the club will always take care of me now.
Our last night at Ruger and Zayna’s house feels like the last day of a Disney vacation. Zeb and I are going back to Boston to live the life we want together, but he has to wrap up all the loose ends with his club duties tonight before we get to leave.
I want him so badly it hurts.
Keyshawn, Vickie, Rana, Zayna and I play gin rummy at Zayna’s coffee table while we stay up late waiting for the guys to get back. Eden stayed up the latest out of all the kids, but even she sleeps in a giant sleeping bag pile over in Zayna and Ruger’sgiant kids room. I’m not winning – Vickie is. She’s very lucky, judging by her winnings from the last few rounds of the game.
I’ve spent the last few days learning more biker lore than I ever thought possible. I try not to ask the obvious question – why are so many of the bikers in this club married to black women? It seems inappropriate to bring it up and I don’t really want to question it, because I’m appreciative for this little secret that Zeb never once hinted at.
Rana won’t be riding back with us to Boston – I can’t blame her for taking a flight – but she wanted to spend the last night out west with us.
“Are there any other single bikers?” she asks, throwing down a two. “I’m a defense attorney. I feel like I need a bad boy.”
“Be careful what you wish for,” Vickie says, grinning as she wins the whole round. She is way too good at this.
“I’m up for another round,” Keyshawn offers.
“Wait,” Zayna says, tilting her head to the side. “I hear something.”
