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“I understand,” Speed said, resigned but also relieved that it was finally out of his hands. Speed had taken a bullet and tried to protect him but it was over when Francis had crossed Blink. Now he’d gone and brought Lavender’s pride and reputation into it.
“Are you sure? I’ve done my best to do this the way you wanted.”
“I know. Thank you. I told Declan to get to Chicago and that I’d send someone to get him. He’s in a lot of danger now because of me.”
“I’ll make sure he gets here safely. Toly?”
“I’m on it and talking to Denver as we speak. We’ll track Declan Leary’s movements and Denver will be there when he lands.”
“Thank you, Toly,” Speed said before excusing himself so he could run across the street and tell Blake just how badly he’d screwed things up with Francis. “Blake?” Speed called when he burst through the front door and found the sofa unoccupied. No one answered but a note was taped to the banister.
Speed,
The print shop called and everything’s ready! Be right back!
Love,
Blake
“Shit!” Speed grabbed his car keys from the bowl by the door and was reversing out of his driveway a few moments later.
ChapterEighteen
“What do you think?” The young man at the printer’s counter asked. Blake hummed thoughtfully as he stared at the announcements. There were matching envelopes and an assortment of cards and fancy inserts along with assembly instructions from Kat.
“I think…” They were never going to find the right song lyric or font to convey the excitement and joy Blake and Speed felt about their future. How could you turn ink and paper into a feeling?
Kat had come pretty close, though. The embossed leaves and the leaf-shaped “save-the-date” cards would feel like an invitation to an intimate celebration of their love in the country when their friends and family opened their envelopes. Especially with the photos of Blake and Speed at the ranch. Kat had caught them staring at each other while she was taking pictures at Henry’s party. They were holding hands by the fire pit as the sun was setting and everyone agreed it was the perfect picture for the announcements. Blake and Speed hadn’t meant to but they’d chosen coordinating plaid shirts in soft greens and the evening sky was beautiful behind them. “I think these arebrilliant, Charles,” Blake said and held up his hand so Charles could slap it.
“I thought so too! The greens really pop against the natural paper and the little gold fireflies are cute.”
“Thanks. I thought they were fitting because we’re getting married in Sparks, at my parents’ ranch. We’re only inviting our closest friends and family but it’s going to be so over-the-top for a country wedding,” Blake said, then leaned toward Charles conspiratorially. “Do you have a sister?”
“Yes,” Charles replied gloomily and Blake sighed.
“Mine’s about as beastly as they come but she’s so good at this stuff,” he admitted. “I knew she was going to go nuts but she’s been running this like a military campaign.”
“She does have a good eye. Those came out really nice,” Charles said begrudgingly, as if he was giving his own sister a compliment. Blake laughed as he closed the box and got out his wallet so he could pay. He put his phone on top of the box and had to juggle everything to answer when Speed called.
“I was hoping I’d make it back before you noticed I was gone.”
“Hey! You’re ok? Everything ok?” Speed asked quickly.
“Of course! And everything’s perfect, Speed!” Blake made a giddy sound as he backed out of the store with his arms full. “You’re on speaker,” he warned.
“So I shouldn’t say that you need to hurry home so—”
“No you shouldn’t,” Blake said, cutting Speed off and smiling at the nice older couple getting out of their car. Speed’s laugh sounded strained and it got Blake just as hot as anything filthy he might have said. “Just be home when I get back. You know how nervous I get when you’re out of my sight.”
Speed’s laugh was weird again and it sounded like he was biting down on his lips. “You won’t have to worry about that, I promise. I just got into town but I’ll be right behind you. I thought I could beat you to the printer but I’m turning around.”
Blake shook his head as he went around his car and put the box in the passenger seat. “You should have waited for me there.”
“I know but I panicked.”
“Why?”
“I— I’ll fill you in when you get here. Hurry. I miss you,” Speed said.
