Page 311 of Romeo

Something tightened in my chest.

I kissed her forehead because if I kissed her mouth, Father Benoit might have to wait until I remembered why everyone was standing around us.

Mama cleared her throat anyway.

“Jasper.”

“Yes, Mama.”

“Get where you belong.”

Fiona laughed as I let her hand remain in mine and moved with her to stand in front of Father Benoit.

There weren’t rows of chairs or a proper aisle. Half the Bourbon Kings were still standing around the bar, and I was pretty sure Worm had a whiskey glass tucked behind his back because Mama had already threatened anybody who started drinking before the vows were finished.

Gator stood closest to me.

Devlyn stood beside Fiona.

Mama and Aunt Marabella stood together near the front, both looking entirely too proud of the chaos they’d created in less time than most people took to make brunch reservations.

Father Benoit looked between Fiona and me.

“Before we begin, I want to make certain both of you understand the commitment you are making today.”

I almost told him my family had spent my entire life making sure I understood it.

Instead, I looked at Fiona.

She was watching me.

No uncertainty.

No fear.

I squeezed her fingers.

Father Benoit spoke about marriage, love, faith, and choosing each other through whatever came next. I heard most of it. Probably. The problem was, Fiona kept looking at me like I was something she had chosen instead of something fate had dropped into her lap, and after a while, the priest’s voice became background to the fact that she was standing there.

Mine.

Not because of a curse.

Not because I decided it a year ago.

Because she had said yes.

When Father Benoit asked for the rings, Mama stepped forward and placed my father’s ring into Fiona’s palm.

Fiona looked down at it.

Then at me.

I saw the question before she asked.

“It was my dad’s.”

Her fingers closed carefully around the gold.