I hang back, arms crossed, letting her have this.
They talk quietly. I only catch bits and pieces.
“I’m so sorry, kiddo. I swear I’m done. No more borrowing money.
No more gambling. No more O’Grady.”
“You always say that, Dad. I want to believe you.”
“I mean it. I’ll get help.”
I step forward and toss the envelope of cash onto the table. “This covers everything. You’re out. But here’s the deal, I’m going to pay for rehab. You’re going to go, get your shit together, or you’ll never see her again. You’re going to give Lennon fullaccess to all your accounts. I’ll be watching as well, keeping a record of all money coming in and going out. I see anything suspicious, or you gamble, you slip, so help me…”
He nods with tears in his eyes. “I’m done, Jack. I swear.”
Lennon hugs him tighter.
As we leave, she whispers, “Thank you. For not giving up on him. For not giving up on me.”
“Never.” And I mean it.
The rest of the day is a blur. After we left Lennon’s dad, I took her ring shopping, the second thing that needed to happen, letting her pick out whatever diamond she wanted. The rest of my time was spent on the phone with Trent, with every florist and caterer willing to take a stack of cash for a last-minute job. I shoot O’Grady a text and tell him where to send the priest and the paperwork. “You want blood and tradition? Fine. But this is my show.”
St.Patrick’s Day:
Don’t ask me how, but at the last minute, Trent was able to book the ballroom at the biggest hotel in the city, and the number-one wedding venue spot. And let’s just say, my boy didn’t disappoint. The whole place is dripping in white and gold, every table decorated with candles and wild clover, real Irish lace at the altar. Lennon’s friends arrive in waves, some still in shock, most teary-eyed when they see her. Even her dad is there, cleaned up, his hands shaking but smiling. And for once, it’s not about him or his bad business. Today is all about Lennon…her future, her happiness, everything she never thought she deserved. I want to give her this one perfect day, wiping away every shitty thing she’s ever been through.
She starts to head off with her friends to the bridal suite. But before she disappears, I catch her hand. “I’ll meet you at the end of the aisle, my soon-to-be wife,” I whisper in her ear.
Her cheeks flush. “You’re making it impossible to wait, Jack.”
I grin, brushing my thumb across her knuckles. “Good. That’s how I want you, impatient, hungry, and desperate for only me.”
She laughs. “Careful, or I’ll drag your fine ass upstairs before this little shindig gets started.”
I lean in, lips grazing her ear. “Promise?”
She shivers, and I notice the trail of goose bumps running up her arm. “You have no idea,” she says before turning and walking away, adding a little extra sway to her hips.
“You’re asking for it,” I yell after her, and she runs off giggling.
Trent appears, grinning, tie crooked. “Everything is ready. The priest just arrived, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here.”
I snort. “Let him stew. This day is for Lennon, not anyone else.”
When the ceremony finally starts, and Lennon walks in with her dad, every head turns.
“Damn.”
It slips out before I can stop myself, causing a chuckle from Trent and the priest, who is shifting uncomfortably.
“Sorry, Father.” I apologize before turning my attention back to my bride.
The simple but elegant white dress clings to her curves effortlessly. Her blond hair is pulled up, with tendrils of soft curls framing her face.
She joins me at the altar, eyes shining, as her dad gives her away. The priest starts, but I barely hear a word he says. All I see is her.
When it’s time for the vows, she takes my hands, fighting her emotions to keep a steady voice.
