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Gage burst out laughing, as did most of the guests. Even Vada let out a soft snort and shook her head. This was light and easy, just what her life would be like with Hades, Allie, and the Ghosttown Riders. Everyone settled, and she grabbed Hades’ hand, moved closer, and looked up.
I get to marry you.
****
Fuck, she’s beautiful.
And mine.
Hades had always considered his heart hardened. Vada changed that. Still, he wasn’t the type of man to give in to his emotions. But there was something about seeing her when she stepped through the door. It wasn’t the dress or the flowers. It was her smile. He’d never seen her this happy. When it faltered slightly and her gaze moved to the empty seats, he searched for someone who could remedy the situation.
It was a miracle he’d even made eye contact with Grain in the sea of people. But when he did. Like a true brother in need, all Hades had to do was lift his chin. Grain knew what he was asking. There was history between Grain and Vada, an unbreakable bond between those two. If anyone could fill parental shoes for Vada, it was Grain. A fact that had been proven when she saw Grain and Regina take the front seats.
The ceremony was only meant to be about fifteen minutes. Traditional vows and exchanging of the rings. Unbeknownst to him, Vada had gotten Allie a ring of her own. Vada called her up to the altar and presented a small, fitted ring for Allie. It was a sweet gesture, and Hades wouldn’t mention that in a few years, she would grow out of it. He wouldn’t have to. Vada had thought everything. She pulled out a chain from the small box.
“And when it no longer fits around your finger, you can put it on this necklace and keep it close to your heart.”
Fuck, this woman. That sentiment had every woman at the wedding dabbing tears. Hades expected Allie to walk back to her spot near Emme, but she glanced up at him.
“Can I give her my present now?”
It took a few seconds to register what Allie was asking. But when it finally did…
Shit. Hades had totally dropped the ball. How the fuck did he let this happen?
Hades squatted down, putting him at eye level with Allie. “I messed up, sweetheart. I left it at home.”
Allie smiled. It was not the reaction he was expecting.
“I took it from your drawer this morning.” Allie dug to the bottom of her basket and pulled out the small box. “I know you said you would keep it so it didn’t get lost, but I wanted to give it to Vada today. So can I give it to her?”
The corner of his mouth spiked, and he nodded. Allie spun around, offering up the box.
“This is what I forgot this morning.” Vada was clearly confused but bent down and took the box from Allie. This was definitely off-script from how the ceremony was supposed to go. Vada didn’t seem to mind. She opened the box, and her eyes immediately watered. Her features softened as she stared down at the necklace.
Allie leaned closer. “Do you like it?”
Vada pressed her lips tightly, and she slowly nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“I-I,” Vada was clearly overcome with emotion. She cleared her throat and whispered. “I love it.”
Allie reached out, hugging Vada quickly, then rushed back into her spot on the other side of Trista near Emme. Hades and Vada straightened, and she reached out, grabbing his hand. He closed the gap between them and wiped the tear from her cheek.
“You good?”
Vada nodded. All that was left was the pastor pronouncing them husband and wife. This was the part he was looking forward to most. I wanna kiss my bride.
“It’s my honor to officially announce…”
“Wait,” Vada blurted and pulled away as her cheeks turned a dark shade of pink.
What the fuck?
“I’m sorry,” she said to the pastor, then shifted her eyes to him. “I know we agreed to go with the traditional vows, and they were perfect, and I know that part is over, but um…” She paused, and he squeezed her hand, forcing her to look at him.
“But what?” he whispered.
“I wrote my own. Can I say them?”
