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“Is this…” Fresh tears spring to her eyes. “What did you do?”
Cupping her cheeks, I gently rub my thumbs beneath her eyes. “Can’t very well go on tour without a fucking tour bus, now, can you?”
“But I have Stella,” she cries. “How did you… when did…”
“Yes, you have Stella,” I agree. “And now you have Stella on steroids.” Her chin wobbles, and I frown. “Don’t you like it? If you hate it, I’ll buy you a new one. I’ll make it right, I sw—”
Apple jumps up, wrapping her legs around my hips. Her lips find mine, and she kisses me with passion, with love.
“I fucking love it,” she says breathlessly when she pulls away. “I just… wow. Thank you, Malice.”
“It was my pleasure.” I lean forward and nip at her collarbone. “Now, how much time do you really need to get ready?”
She grins. “I think I can spare another few minutes.”
“Few minutes?” I arch a brow. “Babe, what I have in mind is gonna take more than a few goddamn minutes.”
Apple presses her lips to my ear.
“Prove it.”
* * *
Apple
“Are you ready?”
Standing in Jez’s spare room, the one I stayed in when I was sick, I look out over the backyard. The men are standing next to Soul by the wedding arch, which is beautifully wrapped with purple orchids and lilies. The prospects built the mini stage beneath the arch, and that’s where I’ll sing before I take my place as a bridesmaid.
Cece and Soul compromised on the wedding attire for the groomsmen, and they’re wearing black jeans with dark purple Henleys under their cuts. And the bridesmaids have on matching purple dresses with a lace bodice and hanky hem.
Malice’s eyes roam around the yard and then to the windows until he finds me staring at him. He winks, and I blow him a kiss before turning away to face Cece, who looks gorgeous in white.
Cece takes a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
Carmella takes a moment to touch up Cece’s makeup. “You’re a vision,” she says as she pulls Cece in for a hug and wipes away the one tear that slipped onto her cheek.
Carmella was able to come to town a few days ago, and it’s been fun having her around. Since both of Cece’s parents are deceased, Carmella’s walking her down the aisle and giving her away. Jez is Cece’s matron of honor, and Heather and I are bridesmaids.
Jazz music fills the air.
“That’s my cue.” I hand Cece her bouquet. “Wait until you hear the second verse start before making your way down the aisle.”
I head outside to take my place on the stage and grab the microphone. I’m singingFrom This Momentby Shania Twain which is what the bride and groom want.
The words flow smoothly, and just as planned, Cece emerges from the back door, her arm linked with Carmella’s, when I hit the second verse.
As soon as the song ends, I take my place beside Heather, who hands me my bouquet. Breathing deeply and soaking up the beauty of the day, I glance around at the club members, prospects, and other close friends in attendance. And then I notice heads peeking above Jez’s fence.
“Looks like you drew a crowd,” Heather snickers, nodding at the neighbors who seem to have come for the show.
I duck my head as my face heats up. Thankfully, before anyone else can comment, Frenzy steps up to the microphone to officiate the wedding. Cece and Soul didn’t want a traditional wedding, so Frenzy got ordained online.
Throughout the ceremony, there’s not a dry eye in the crowd. Frenzy describes Cece and Soul’s love for one another and the importance of family, and when he finally announces them as man and wife, cheers erupt throughout the backyard.
After the newlyweds move to the concrete patio and the prospects make the necessary adjustments from ceremony to reception, Mark comes to stand next to me and bumps my shoulder.
“Are you and Malice ready for the tour?”
