Page 69

CHAPTER

FIFTY-TWO

HOUND

Standing in front of my woman, holding my baby, a preacher beside me, I marry Keely. I repeat the vows, my gaze focused on hers. I slip the ring I bought after my meeting with Dare onto her finger.

My wife.

My old lady.

Officially.

And the mother of my daughter.

She’s holding Thea when he announces that I can kiss the bride—my bride. A woman whose last name I didn’t even know a few weeks ago. A baby I didn’t know existed. And now they’re mine. Her last name is mine, and soon, Thea’s last name will be mine, too.

Wrapping one arm around Keely’s waist, I lift my other hand and cup her cheek before I lean forward. Touching my mouth to hers, I kiss her. It’s not deep, but it’s long and hard.

She’s mine now.

I shift backward without moving my arm from her waist, but I do lower my head, touching my lips to the top of Thea’s head. I’m marrying Keely, but I’m also bringing Thea into my protective arms, because she’s mine, too. Not just biologically, but by choice.

My girls.

When someone calls out for us to look and smile, I lift my head and look down the aisle. There is someone at the end with a camera, and it’s pointed directly at us.

Smiling, I watch as she clicks the buttons on the device.

We’ve taken a few pictures, but now it’s time to do the bulk of it. I’m trying really fucking hard to be here and be happy about every second of this moment. I could take or leave the picture part, but I know it’s what Keely wants, even if she hasn’t voiced it. I watched her eyes light up at the sight of the chapel and the photo ops.

The pictures don’t take long: a little white chapel and a pink Cadillac. I’m not sure it could get any better, to be honest… and my girls.

When we’re finished with the pictures, we choose all the shit that are add-ons, and then we leave for dinner. The Top of the World restaurant at the top of the Eiffel Tower is where we head next. I’m sure they’re going to frown at the sight of the baby, but I don’t really give a fuck. Thea is not going to be out of my sight, not today, and maybe not ever again.

I called and made reservations, which cost me more than I wanted to, just to bribe them into letting us dine on such short notice, considering I called this afternoon. But it is worth it. Anything is worth it when it comes to Keely.

“I can’t believe this is real,” she whispers as we sit across from one another.

We’re on the outer part of the restaurant. It spins around slowly, showcasing all of Vegas for our viewing pleasure. Keely’s eyes take in the entire night sky, the twinkling lights and the city below us.

“It’s real,” I murmur, my gaze focusing on her.

I’m not even sure I taste the dinner in front of me. I eat it, but my focus is on my woman and baby. Watching them, taking Thea from Keely’s arms when she needs me to so she can eat her dinner.

When we’re finished, we gather our shit and head toward the hotel. The Bellagio waits for us. It doesn’t take us long to get across the street to our hotel and then to our room. The staff has already set up the crib in the second bedroom of our two-room suite.

After opening the door, I turn to Keely. Slipping Thea from her arms, I hold up one hand. “Don’t move,” I state.

I turn away from her, walk over to the crib, and gently place a sleeping Thea down. I know she still needs a bath and to be changed into her pajamas, but there is something important I need to do first.

I walk back to the door, then, without a word, I bend and slide one arm behind Keely’s knees. The other I slip around her waist, picking her up, carrying her over the threshold of our home for the next few nights.

“Wow,” she breathes.

Our bags have been brought in, but we hadn’t seen the place yet. Everything was booked over the phone, and I have to confess, they did a damn good job doing what I asked. I set her down so her feet touch the floor, but she keeps her arms around my neck.

“You didn’t wear your vest thing,” she murmurs, her gaze searching mine.