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“Have I thanked you for letting us have the wedding at the clubhouse?”
She had. Quite a few times, actually. Vada always struggled to talk with Kase. He was intimidating, to say the least. The only time she felt at ease was when she’d had too much to drink. And in her drunken state, she usually annoyed him.
His scowl deepened. “Yeah, like ten fucking times, and if you do it again, I’m taking back permission. We fucking clear?”
Well, that backfired.
Vada quickly nodded. “Yes.”
Kase knitted his brows. “Where you going now?”
Vada had no idea what came over her. Maybe it was her excitement or the fact that Kase Reilly was like a truth serum. Whatever it was, Vada blurted out the secret she’d kept from everyone until now.
“I’m going to the yard to ask Gage to walk me down the aisle.”
Kase was hard to read on any given day, but today was particularly difficult. His glare had eased, and something softer flashed across his features. Not a smile. Vada didn’t get many of those from Kase. But there was something. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished, and he was scowling at her.
“Go.” Kase lifted his chin, and she did as she was told. Just as she made it to her car, she looked back at the store entrance. Kase was walking inside with undoubtedly a smile.
*
Gage and Dobbs’ junkyard was only a few miles from Main Street. As she pulled into the long driveway, her nerves amped up, and butterflies raced in her belly. She wasn’t sure if it stemmed from excitement or nervousness.
She pulled in front of the building and got out, eyeing the parking lot. There were quite a few trucks and two motorcycles. Dammit. She was hoping for a little privacy when she asked Gage. She hadn’t come up with any type of speech. But she wanted to express how much she appreciated his friendship and their sibling-like relationship. Gage had really come through for her when she needed someone. She couldn’t think of a better person to walk her down the aisle.
The bell sounded when she opened the door, getting the attention of Gage, who was behind the counter, and Dobbs near the side exit.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Dobbs said, smiling over at her.
“Hi.” She gave a short wave and looked over at Gage. “From the parking lot, I thought you’d have more customers.”
“They’re all out back.” Gage walked around the counter, sidling up next to her. “What are you doing here?” He asked, taking her in for a side hug and kissing the crown of her head. It was proof enough that she’d made the right decision when she’d chosen him.
“Last minute wedding prep. I was just on Main Street picking up the ribbon for the favors.”
It wasn’t entirely a lie.
“Vada,” Dobbs said. “Airplane bottles of liquor make great favors.”
Vada knew better than to give in to the teasing and simply smirked, then shook her head.
“Yeah, so just a few more things to do.” Vada swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to build up the nerve. She could’ve asked to speak to Gage privately, but there was no reason Dobbs couldn’t be there. They were family, after all.
“Like what?” Gage walked to the counter, rested against it, and folded his arms.
Vada knew neither man would be interested in any details of the wedding. But they asked. For her.
“As I’m sure you know, my parents won’t be coming to the wedding.”
Gage and Dobbs shared a look. Vada shifted on her feet and clasped her hands, twisting her fingers. “So, my father won’t be there to walk me down the aisle.” She glanced up at Gage, waiting. She was hoping he’d take the cue. He didn’t.
“I mean, lots of women walk down by themselves, but…”
“Damn, fucking straight Vada,” Gage blurted with so much passion she was caught off guard with his voice booming off the walls. “You don’t need anyone walking you down. You got this.”
Oh…
Vada cleared her throat. “Yes, but…”
