Here Comes The Bride…Hunter

 

 

“On a scale of one to ten…how angry is Cherry Pie?”

Dixon pauses from looping his tie, looking at my reflection in the full-length mirror. “Eleven.” Groaning, I tip my head toward the ceiling, wishing I had some scotch.

Today is the big day—the day my best friend gets married to the love of his life. Readers at home, I know what you’re thinking—about fucking time. But this story is about me, and my uncanny ability to create a shitstorm wherever I go.

Thanks to Dix being the chivalrous brute that he is, his nose resembles a potato. The swelling has gone down, but the bruising is every color of the rainbow. If you look over the rainbow, you just may see Dixon’s nose. The doctors said it should straighten, but I think from now on he’ll be known as Mr. Potato Head.

“Dude, I’m so fucking sorry. I can’t believe he fly kicked you in the nose. That takes some skill.” Dixon chuckles.

It goes without saying I am DONE with women. After the bachelor party from hell where us three amigos ended up in the ER and a cucumber wasn’t even involved, I promised myself that this was the last time.

This is for the best. I was crazy to think Mary and I would work. I mean, all we do is fight. She obviously thinks the same way, seeing as she’s now shacking up with the karate kid. I made Dixon promise to mind his own business and not go snooping. Sometimes, the truth can be so much worse than what you could ever imagine, and I have a feeling this is one of those times.

“Don’t worry about it. What’s done is done. Besides, it adds character.” I know he’s only trying to make me feel better, but when Maddy and him are old and gray, they will look back on their wedding photos remembering what a jackass their best man is.

Ugh, I need a drink.

“Have you got the rings?” Patting down my pockets, I open my mouth, faking horror. When Dixon looks about ready to cry, I smirk.

“Of course I have the rings.” I grip my crotch, while Dixon blanches.

“Please tell me your cock is not minding the ring I’m about to slip onto my beloved’s finger.”

“It’s the safest place to be. He hardly sees the light of day anymore, thanks to my newfound no pussy rule. Besides, your jewels next to my jewels. How fucking romantic is that?” Dixon shakes his head, not swayed. Fucking party pooper.

He reaches for his suit jacket, hinting it’s time to get this show on the road. “Let me take a look at you.”

Dixon grins, turning in a showy circle, but jokes aside, I think I’m about to fucking tear up. He looks like a groom from the gods, showcasing a rocking navy three-piece suit. A matching tie complements the crispness of his white shirt. A white rose is pinned to the lapel of his jacket. All in all, this entire ensemble represents just how far my best friend has come. He’s jumped many hurdles and he’s swam through tough tides, but in the end, he’s here, about to marry his soulmate, and I couldn’t be prouder to be standing by his side when he does.

“Are you fucking crying?” And just like that, I’m reminded why I love this man more than life itself.

“I’m not crying,” I claim, discreetly wiping my eye. “I have something in my eye.” Dixon laughs, slapping me on the back.

“Come on. We’re about to break tradition and be the ones who are late.”

Swallowing down my drama queen episode, I slip into my matching suit jacket, and if I do say so myself, we’re two fine looking cats. Dixon’s father comes into the room, making that equation three cool dudes.

“Ciao, Papa. Pronto?” Mr. Di Matteo nods, and I’ve never seen him happier.

We make our way into the living room, Dixon doing a last look around his home to ensure he has everything. When he’s set, he exhales. “Holy shit. I’m fucking nervous.”

“Don’t be. You’ve got this.”

Dixon nods, rubbing his hands together, appearing to take in the fact that when he returns here tonight, he will be a married man. “Thank you, Hunt. I couldn’t have done this without you.”

But what he doesn’t realize is that he’s been my rock as well. “You can make out in the car. Let’s go already.” The front door opens and in strolls my other half—Finch.

There was no way Dixon was only having one of us up there with him. In his eyes, we’re both his best men, so it only seems fitting that is reflected on the big day.

“Sorry, Mr. Di Matteo.” Finch quickly excuses his quip, while Mr. Di Matteo waves him off with a laugh. I can see where Dixon gets his sense of humor from.

With nothing but the road ahead, we make our way toward the car. When Dixon sees the beast in front of him, he stops and turns to me with a grin. “Your doing, I assume?”

The sexy ass, stretched, Hummer limo, is begging I take her for a spin around the block. “Damn straight. I’m getting hard just looking at it.”

“I’m going to have to get those rings sanitized.”

The driver arranges the ramp so we’re able to wheel Mr. Di Matteo into the limo. We follow once he’s settled in. Move over, Kitt, the inside of this thing is a disco on wheels. The moment the engine roars to life, I holler and crack open the good stuff.

“Champagne is the more traditional drink,” Finch says as I pour a decent helping of scotch into three glasses. Dixon reaches for a bottle of water for his dad.

“Champagne can suck a dick. My best friend is getting married and he’s hitting the hard stuff before he officially surrenders his balls.”

As I pass around our drinks, I decide to call a toast—one of many, I presume. “Here’s to you, Dix. I’d say good luck, but you don’t need it.”

“Cheers!” Finch says as we smash our glasses and throw back our drinks. The venue is about thirty minutes away, so we have a lot of drinking time to spare.

I’m onto my third scotch when Finch says, “You going to be okay, Hunt?” I don’t need a roadmap. I know exactly what he’s asking. I could brush it off, but sitting here in my Sunday best has me feeling like a fraud if I don’t confess that I’m fucking nervous.

Considering the last time I saw Mary, I pretty much hinted she can fuck off and never be found, I don’t know how she’ll react to being my partner for the day. I’ve missed all the rehearsals, but how hard can it be? Stand by the big man, produce the rings, sign some shit, then we’re done. This is going to be a breeze.

“I’ll be okay. I promise to be on my best behavior.” Dixon’s dad is the first one to snort in laughter, while the other two chumps follow suit.

When we pull up to The Ivy, Dixon rubs his palms onto his legs. “Fuck me, this is really happening.” It’s almost unheard of to see him nervous, but one can’t blame him for wanting to shit a brick.

“It’s okay. Just breathe. Think of Maddy,” Finch wisely says. My words of wisdom are to pass Dixon the bottle of scotch, which he happily accepts.

Once he takes a decent gulp, he nods. “Let’s do this.”

The moment the driver opens the door, we’re assaulted by flashes from the wedding photographer, who is photo happy. He has us posing in every position possible, and after a while, we go a little stir crazy and the last photo he takes is of me carrying Dixon over an imaginary threshold.

We walk into the grand foyer, where we’re greeted by an overzealous man in a bright orange suit. “You look absolutely ravishing,” he says to Dixon, kissing both his cheeks. When he sets eyes on me, he winks. “You too, handsome.”

“Thanks, Thomas. Thomas, this is my other best man, Hunter.”

Thomas puts a hand to his hip. “You’re the one I’ve heard so much about.”

“Trust me, it’s all lies,” I reply with a grin.

“That’s a shame then,” he counters with a sly grin of his own. “Come on then, I’ll show you where to stand.”

Taking a look around at all the white, I realize this is really happening. Just beyond those double doors is where Dixon will be saying I do. Without further ado, I clap my hands together and smile. “Let’s get this show on the road.”

Thomas nods happily, pushing open the doors to reveal a fucking Garden of Eden. The ceremony is to be held outdoors, so the backdrop is green and lush. A white curtained arch is yards away, and on top sits an array of roses. A white, makeshift aisle has rose petals scattered on and alongside it, where white chairs, filled to the brim with people, are lined up either side. Bouquets of colorful flowers are attached to the end chairs, a white curtain sash draped between each. The final touch is the lake behind the archway. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this.

“Like it?” Thomas asks when we’re standing around, dicks in hand.

“You’ve outdone yourself,” Dixon says in awe.

We walk down the aisle, Dixon shaking hands with family and friends, while Finch, Mr. Di Matteo, and I follow behind. It’s a full house and the excitement is palpable. I forget my Mary woes and concentrate on what’s important, and that’s standing by my brother.

Thomas arranges us, changing the angle of our bodies until we’re perfect. When he dallies a little too long, hands around my waist, I know he’s sweet on me. “Save me a dance?” he says light-heartedly.

I nod. “You better have packed your dancing shoes.”

When we’re arranged with military precision, Thomas runs off, gesturing for something to commence. I find out what that is soon enough when a soft piece of music sounds over the speakers. Dixon stands tall, all nerves long gone, because in mere minutes, his soulmate will walk down this aisle and be his forever.

Finch beats me to the punch and blows his nose. “I always cry at weddings.”

As we’re waiting for the girls to arrive, Mr. Di Matteo wheels his chair over to Dixon and gestures he’s to come close. Dixon does, and when I hear why, the waterworks threaten to start early. “Sono fiero di te, mio figlio.”

Tears prick Dixon’s eyes as he kisses his dad’s forehead. “I’m proud of you too, Papa.” Oh my god. I need to pull it together because one blubbering best man is enough.

Dixon stands back in line and the doors open to reveal Heidi. Finch snuffles when he sees his wife looking more beautiful than I ever remember seeing her. She’s wearing a soft lavender dress, which makes her look angelic. She smiles at Finch, shaking her head at his inability to hold back the tears.

She stands to the side, opposite Finch and mouths, “I love you.” I’m pretty sure he can fill the lake behind us with his tears.

I know what’s going to happen next, but even though I know, it does not make it any easier to accept. In seconds, Mary will be following in Heidi’s footsteps, and I will be following in Finch’s. I know I convinced myself that she’s toxic, no good for my health, but tell that to my racing heart and sweaty palms, because I’m moments away from imploding. The music picks up and then, the doors open.

My heart stops beating.

Mary stands at the end of the aisle, her eyes ahead and focused on…me. I thought I’d see hate, anger, but instead, I see relief and a glimmer of a smile. I’m too far gone to even dissect what that means, but Dixon turns over his shoulder and smiles. “You’ve got this,” he mouths, and his faith in me has me standing tall.

Mary commences her graceful walk down the aisle, and if this was a perfect world, she would be walking toward me, ready to say I do. But that dream is long gone.

Her dress matches Heidi’s, and the color brings out the fiery red in her hair. She doesn’t just look beautiful, she is a vision, one I will never forget. I want to pretend she isn’t looking straight at me every step of the way, but she is, and I don’t understand why. Only when she takes her place near Heidi does she lower her eyes, and my heart commences beating once more.

The guests stand and the music suddenly changes, the traditional wedding march announcing what’s about to happen. Dixon inhales, and the doors open and an angel is delivered.

Madison stands in the doorway, her arm looped through her father’s as she locks eyes with Dixon. This moment is one you see in the movies, or read about in books because it’s absolutely perfect. There is no doubting their story ends in a happily ever after, and after all the turmoil they’ve been through, they deserve nothing less.

Maddy begins her walk, owning every step as the crowd coos and the photographer captures every moment. Dixon shuffles, running a hand over the back of his neck. He’s nervous, not that I can blame him. So just how he has done time and time again, I step forward, placing my hand on his upper shoulder. No words are spoken, because none are needed. I’m here for him and I never plan on leaving his side.

Finch does the same, and we support our friend as he watches the love of his life seal their futures forever. Maddy stops when she’s a couple feet away. Her father lifts the veil from her face, kissing her cheek. He shakes Dixon’s hand, nodding his approval.

Finch and I retake our places, but Dixon seems transfixed, unable to tear his gaze from Maddy. Not that I can blame him. She looks beautiful.

The priest behind us shuffles from the sidelines to stand under the arch, hinting Maddy and Dixon are to follow, but Dixon has other plans as he swoops forward and kisses Maddy. The crowd laughs and claps.

“I’m pretty sure that happens after you’re pronounced man and wife,” I state with a chuckle. In response, Dixon, still lip-locked with Maddy, flips me off.

Once they’re done, Dixon looks like a new man and smiles broadly. “Hello, Angelo.”

“Hi, Dixon,” she replies, her cheeks a bright pink as she touches up her lipstick.

“Whenever you’re ready,” the priest says with a smile.

Dixon and Maddy make their way to where he stands, while Finch and I wait eagerly to see our boy bring this home.

“Today is a celebration. A celebration of love and commitment. It’s evident that these two are the perfect examples of what that represents.” The crowd laughs as their PDA also represented their wedding night is going to be a celebration of something else.

He goes on with his heartfelt speech and I listen, too afraid to do anything else. I can sense Mary, and I know that’s fucking creepy. I was expecting a wave of hostility, maybe even a flying bouquet at my head, but for once in my life, I can’t read her.

She’s conflicted, that much is true, but why? I thought we were a done deal—last week’s news. But I don’t get that from her. I rub over my chest, the heartburn returning.

“Hunt…the rings.” Finch’s whisper wakes me the fuck up.

When I come to, I realize everyone is staring at me, Dixon included, who looks at my groin, shaking his head. I reach into my inner breast pocket and produce the rings. Surprise, fucker.

“I thought they were in your pants,” he whispers when I hand the rings over to the priest.

“What kind of pervert do you think I am?” I admonish with a smirk. I give Maddy’s cheek a kiss. “You look beautiful, Cherry Pie.”

She smiles, giving me a tender hug. “You’re still not off the hook.” Fair call.

The priest blesses the rings and then the vows are to take place. “Dixon…”

Dix reaches for Maddy’s hands and interlaces them tightly. In true Dix fashion, he wrote his own vows. “Angelo…saying I love you isn’t enough, because what I feel for you…it extends past anything I’ve ever known. From the moment I met you, I knew you’d change my life, I just didn’t realize how much so. You’re the strongest person I know. We’ve overcome leaps and bounds and the fact you’re standing here, willing to marry me, makes me the luckiest son of a bitch in the world. Sorry, Father,” he adds, excusing his blasphemy.

“I choose you because there is no other choice…you’re not the missing piece of my heart…you’re the entire thing. My heart beats for you. Always. I love you because you are simply you. My Angelo.”

Finch bursts into tears, and I pass him a handkerchief. The entire audience has teared up, me included, because those words are everything I feel for Mary. I may not be able to express them as eloquently as Dix, but I feel every single thing he feels.

I risk a look at her because my convictions are thrown to the wind, sinking to the bottom of the lake. I want to forget her, but how can I forget someone who gave me so much to remember? I know she’s moved on, and here’s hoping one day, I will too. But for now, I lower my guard and let go of my anger and allow her to see that I fucking miss her, and I probably will for the rest of my life.

Tears roll down her cheeks, but she quickly brushes them away. I openly look at her, knowing that in seconds she will mouth what a disgusting creep I am. But holy fuck, it’s a miracle when something called a smile plays at her lips. The sun beams down, a sign from the heavens, and in response, I smile in return.

“Dixon and Madison have formalized the existence of the bond between them with those beautiful vows and the exchanging of rings. Therefore, it’s my great pleasure to now pronounce them husband and wife. Now you may kiss your bride.”

The air erupts with catcalls and cheers as my best friend takes his now wife and kisses the living shit out of her. Dixon’s wedding band catches the sunlight, and fuck me, my heart swells. He did it. New York’s former manwhore is officially off the table. But the way he’s kissing Maddy, there definitely will be some on table action tonight.

Once the kisses and cheers are done with, the music plays and we’re to sign the marriage certificate. Thomas runs over subtly and nudges me when I stand, rooted to the spot. Mary walks to the table, taking the pen to sign her name. I, on the other hand, have forgotten my name, because all I can center on is her.

Finally, after Thomas shoves me with all his might, I move, almost falling on my ass as I attempt to play it cool. Once Mary is done, she glances up and passes me the pen. I forget why I’m here. “Hi.”

She blinks once. “Hi.” I’m waiting for a string of expletives to follow, but none do. “I like your suit.”

“I like you.” It’s out before I can stop myself. The mother of all slip-ups. But I’m surprised once again when Mary laughs. Has she always been this beautiful? I know the answer is hell to the fuck yes.

Finch clears his throat behind me, snapping me into the now. I smile and she smiles back, before taking her place next to Heidi. Too much is happening and my brain is short-circuiting. I’m supposed to be done with her, but I feel like things haven’t even begun.

Dixon looks at me, his arm wrapped tightly around Maddy as he nods. A simple look can convey a million words they say, but this only suggests one—fight…for the one you…love.

 

 

“I’m proud of you,” Dixon whispers into my ear as I guzzle my beer. I’m glad someone is, because after Dixon’s heartfelt speech, all I can think about is forgetting everything I thought I knew and telling Mary this is not over for me, it never was.

But every time I get within three feet of her, I choke up and then run and hide. I know this isn’t the time nor the place, but each drink gives me balls I’ve lacked this entire time. Verbal diarrhea is lapping at the surface, so when the emcee says it’s time for speeches, I know this will only end one way.

I slam my lips shut and shake my head, staring wide-eyed at Dixon. If he gives me that microphone, I’m going to declare to the world that I love Mary and I want her back. But Dixon doesn’t seem to care. “Since when have you held back? Don’t disappoint me now.”

Why is he goading me?

“Dix…” I protest, waving my hand. “I’m fucking…scared.”

Dixon smiles, wrapping an arm around my shoulder. “It’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something brave.” My giblets are on the cusp of sobbing like a baby, but Dixon puts us back on track. “So stop being a pussy and go get your girl.” This speech is reminiscent of the one I gave him.

Right on!

Standing, I accept the microphone, which elicits a roar from the guests. I roll up my sleeves. Game on. I take a moment to look into the sea of faces. The fact they’re here, happy to celebrate the union of two people, spurs me on.

“Hi, I’m Hunter. The best man. As you can see”—I point to Finch—“there are two of us, but we all know I’m the better man.” The crowd laughs, while Finch slow claps with a smile. “So, we’re all here to celebrate the marriage of Madison and Dixon. I won’t lie, there was a time when I wanted to marry Dix. I mean, look at him.” I turn over my shoulder to blow him a kiss. “But if anyone else was going to marry my best friend, then I couldn’t think of a more suitable partner than Maddy, aka Cherry Pie.” The crowd coos, while I reach for my beer, needing the Dutch courage. “I won’t go into detail because it could be used against me in a court of law, but Dixon has been there for me through thick and thin. Not once did he give up on me…even when most people did.” I clear my throat, the air thick with anticipation. “Truth is, I look up to Dix, I always have. He’s been able to turn his life around and find his forever…”

Oh, sweet Jesus, give me the strength.

Turning around, I look at Mary, who is sitting quietly, eyes lowered. Just the sight of her provokes me to spill my heart and soul. “I found my forever too…” She slowly lifts her eyes, her mouth parted. “But I fucked up. I’m sorry for the profanity, folks, but there is no other way to explain it. That amazing woman right there…” I point to Mary, who shakes her head, begging I stop. “She drove me crazy from the first moment I laid eyes on her. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. I miss you, Mary. Truth is, I miss you all the time. Every second, every minute, every hour, every day. I know you don’t feel the same way, but that’s okay. I just need you to know that I’ll be here waiting for you, because honestly, I don’t want anyone else. You’re it for me, Shortcake. You’ve ruined me, but I embrace the chaos because…” here goes nothing… “love is chaos, and I…”

I never get to finish my speech however, because Mary shoots upward and almost topples over her chair as she runs from the table and out the back door. I don’t even think twice as I drop the microphone and follow in hot pursuit.

She’s fast, running past the chairs which still stand from earlier and ducking under the arch. She continues sprinting toward the lake. The full moon provides the light I need to follow, and although she’s quick, I’m quicker. I catch up to her in moments.

“Mary! Please, stop!” My pleas only motivate her to dash left. There is no indication she’s going to stop, so with no other choice, I use my football skills and tackle her from behind. She falls with a thud, but I break her fall as best I can.

“Get off of me!” she screams, but I only hold on tighter.

“Not until you calm down!”

“I am calm. I was fine until you had to embarrass me like that. How could you?”

My arms are locked around her heaving chest as I press my trunk to her back. I can feel her heart is as frantic as mine, and I can only hope it’s not only the chase which has left her breathless. “I’m sorry, but I had to tell you.”

“And you thought a good time would be at our best friend’s wedding, in front of hundreds of people?”

“I don’t see a better time. Please, just let me talk to you.” Her breaths slow down, but the anger never leaves her, not that it ever does whenever I’m involved. Once I think it’s safe to let go, I loosen my hold, pushing off of her and sitting.

She launches off the grass and slaps my cheek. This woman has some right arm.

“I deserved that,” I say, rubbing my stinging cheek.

“Yes, you did.” The act of violence seems to have calmed her somewhat.

We both catch our breaths, waiting for the other to speak. Seeing as I started this, I suppose it only seems fitting I end it. “Mary, I’m sorry for embarrassing you. I’m sorry for a lot of things. But I’m not sorry for the way I feel.”

A gasp escapes her.

“I know you’ve moved on, and as much as it pains me to say this, if you’re happy, then I will have to just accept it and hope I can be happy one day too.” I swallow down the taste of defeat. “I’m sorry for implying you were some bedhopping…”

However, when Mary laughs madly, tears leaking from her eyes, I think I’ve missed a chapter somewhere. “What’s so funny?” I ask, watching on confused as she clutches her side, wheezing.

“You…” she manages to choke out. “Sometimes…you just need to shut up.” I open my mouth, offended, but she raises her finger, hinting this is one of those times. I comply.

Once she’s done cackling like a mad woman, she reaches into her clutch, producing her phone. I watch with interest as she begins to FaceTime. When I see who it is, I’m tempted to smash her phone to smithereens.

“You couldn’t wait to talk to your boyfriend until after I left? Here, I’ll do you a solid…” As I attempt to stand, she latches onto my bicep and sits me back down.

“Hello, Jim.” So, karate kid has a name.

“Hello, Mary.” When she turns the screen so he can see I’m sitting near her, he has the gall to smile. “And if it isn’t the infamous Hunter O’Shea. How’s the throat?”

“Fuck you, man. You got in a lucky shot.”

Jim laughs, rubbing my nose in the fact he’s a Kung-Fu ninja Jedi who is fucking the love of my life. “Whatever makes you sleep better at night. I have someone here who wants to speak to you.”

Screw you, smart ass.

“I’m pretty sure whoever it is, I have no interest in talking to them.” However, I actually choke on air when Jim passes the phone to the man who sits beside him. “Mr. Yeong?” I wish I didn’t sound like a little girl, but I do.

“Hello, Mr. O’Shea. You’re a hard man to track down.” I open my mouth, but nothing except a strangled wheeze comes out. “I’m sorry about my son breaking your friend’s nose.”

“Your son?” Okay, now I just sound like I’m singing soprano.

Mr. Yeong nods. “Jim is my son.”

So, Mary is dating Mr. Yeong’s son. This day just gets better and better. “Well, you’ll be pleased to know your son has chosen wisely. Mary is a great catch.” Mr. Yeong’s face twists into a confused frown, while Mary sighs, slapping her forehead.

“We’re not dating, you idiot.” Jim’s face is back on my screen. “Don’t get me wrong, she’s…”

“What in the holy fuck is going on?” I exclaim, feeling like the stinky kid in class. Everyone is in on this secret, except me.

“You remember the fortune cookie, Mr. O’Shea?” He really wants to talk about this now? All I’m capable of doing is nodding. “It was empty because life is what we make it. There is no one fortune because of the many decisions we’re faced with. You were given a choice to honor my request, or you could have told me to stop being a stupid old man and moved on to someone else. But you never did. I respect that. A man with convictions, determination, and strength is someone I want to give my business to.”

“What now?” My mouth hangs open very unattractively.

“I have a confession to make…there is no watch.”

“Get the fuck out of here!” I very ungracefully shout.

“Well, there is, but the reason you couldn’t find the buyer was because the buyer was me.”

Now…don’t I feel foolish.

“This was about honor—who was the better man. But more importantly, an honest man.”

Words are coming from Mr. Yeong’s mouth, but there is no way they can be true.

“Hang on…” I raise my finger, needing a minute. “Are you saying I went on a wild goose chase for nothing?” Mr. Yeong nods with a smile. “Fuck me sideways,” I gasp, running a hand over my beard.

“If I’m going to give you my business, you have to have honor. You had to prove yourself to me, and you did. You made no excuses for your behavior because there are no ulterior motives to your game, and I respect that. I wanted a man to show intuition, but most of all…heart. And yours is that of a true champion. Trust is something I don’t take lightly, Mr. O’Shea. I’m sorry for testing you, but I had to be sure.”

“Why was Jim in New York?”

The screen shifts. “Because I’m presuming you screened your calls because every time we called, we got a silent fuck you in response. I came to New York to find you, but I remember my father mentioning a redhead who worked in your office. That asshole, Gail, claimed she was his informant, but it took me a few seconds to realize her loyalties always lay with you.”

Looks like I got egg on my face.

“I tracked her down and we went out for drinks so I could explain everything. If it wasn’t for Mary, and the faith my father has in you, we would be giving our business to someone else. But it seems you grow on people like a benign tumor.”

“Thank you, I think.”

Mr. Yeong smiles. The first time I’ve ever seen him happy. That sneaky motherfucker. “I’ve just made you a very rich man. Don’t let me down.”

“I won’t. You’re stuck with me now.”

My head is reeling and I can’t keep up. But Mr. Yeong is a busy man and I know my two minutes are up. “There is an old Chinese proverb I want to share with you, Mr. O’Shea. He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever. You’ve got one shot at life…so make it great.” The screen goes blank before I get a chance to thank him and apologize to Jim for being a dick.

My brain plays catch up because there is a lot to catch up on.

So, this entire time I was chasing this watch which actually belonged to Mr. Yeong. It was a test of strength, determination, and loyalty because he’s right—his empire is worth billions and he needs to trust the person he puts his faith in.

This whole thing came down to one little word—trust. Something which was once foreign to me, now seems the ruler of my world. And that leads me to asking the one question on everyone’s lips.

“Why would you help me, Mary? After everything I did and said, after the way I acted…why?” She is silent, lowering her eyes as she plucks at blades of grass. “You could have told Jim what a fucking asshole I am. That his business is better suited with someone else, but instead, you saved me…again.”

Under the moonlight, I can see her lower lip tremble. She’s weighing up what to say. “Because…because I love you.”

I thought I knew what loving her entailed, but this…this is something else. A miracle. “You love me?” I ask, in case my imagination has slipped into fantasyland once again.

“Yes,” she replies, finally meeting my eyes.

I don’t know what to say or do. I’m alive, electric, my heart backflipping in utter delight. “Are you sure?”

She bursts into laughter. “Yes, I’m sure. I love and hate you all in the same breath at times. I’ve tried not to, believe me, how I’ve tried, but I just can’t stop… I think I loved you from the moment I met you. I mean, it’s perfect, like you said… the hunter and the lamb.” No more talking. I’m done for. Gone. Forever lost in this woman and I never want to be found.

I lunge for her once again, but this time, there are no more reservations, no more what if’s. This is real. And she…is…mine.

We kiss like starved animals, and in a way, I have been. She is my moon, my stars, my sun, and without her, life is not complete. I drag her onto my lap, owning that mouth and expressing just how much I’ve missed her.

She threads her fingers through my hair, pulling at the strands, tiny mewls slipping past her lips as I hold onto her and never intend on letting go. “I love you,” I mumble against her lips, over and over again. Now that I’ve started, I don’t think I can stop.

“I’m still scared you’ll break my heart…” she whispers, stoking my need to protect this woman with everything that I am.

Pulling away, I nuzzle her nose with mine. I do the only thing I can. I kneel before her, surrendering. “I’m scared of my heart breaking too. But as someone wise once told me…it’s okay to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something brave. I have no fucking idea what I’m doing, but I’m willing to try.”

Tears spill down Mary’s cheeks and she nods. “Me too.”

I can’t believe this woman is willing to take me as hers. After everything, she wants to try. What a fierce warrior I’ve come to love. “Are you sure?” I ask again, because once she says yes, this is really it this time. “I’ll probably fuck up time and time again. And we will no doubt fight, and you’ll question why the fuck you gave me another chance. I’m also a stubborn pain in the ass, who will make stupid decisions now and again. Are you willing to accept all that? Because, Shortcake, I’m a virgin when it comes to love. Be gentle with me,” I say in a rushed breath.

She smirks, shaking her head at my idiocy. Settling on my lap, she places both hands against my cheeks. “Yes. It’s hard to resist a bad boy…who’s a good man, and you, Hunter O’Shea, are a Prince Charming in disguise.”

Be still my heart and loins.

“Then it’s settled…I love you, and you love me.”

“Looks like it.”

“I don’t think I can stop smiling,” I confess, sounding more like Finch as each second passes.

“I don’t think I can stop kissing you,” she counters, sealing her mouth over mine.

My dick throws confetti as the drought is finally over, and it’s over for good. Just as I’m about to throw Mary onto her back, a voice douses my raging need to seal the deal in every possible way there is.

“Excuse me, but if you two could please come up for air for a minute, we have a cake to cut.”

Mary chuckles against my lips, untangling her body from mine. “Sorry, Maddy. We got back together.”

God, that sounded good.

“I can see that,” she replies. “I can also see Hunter is quite happy with that fact.”

For the first time ever, I redden. Holy shit. What is this woman doing to me?

We arrange our clothes and I stand, offering Mary my hand, which she accepts with a smile. When she doesn’t let go, I want to beat my chest in pride. Walking to where Dixon and Maddy stand, I can’t help but think how perfect this picture is. We don’t need a photographer to capture this moment, because it’s one I will never forget.

“C’mon, let’s go to the bathroom before everyone knows you were rolling around in the grass with the best man.” Maddy loops her arm through Mary’s. She looks at me, biting her lip before pouncing forward for one last kiss.

I give what my woman wants, because who am I to deny her?

“Oh, god, you’re not going to be one of those annoying couples, are you?”

“Yes,” both Mary and I say from around each other’s lips.

When we’ve made our friends wait long enough, payback for all the times we’ve been subjected to their touchy-feely crap, Mary pulls away, blowing me a kiss.

“I love you,” I state proudly, while Dixon almost falls over his feet. “Get used to it, ’cause you’ll be hearing it a lot.”

“I love you, too.” Mary giggles, before she and Maddy saunter off, heads together as they no doubt gossip about the best day of our lives.

Once she’s no longer in sight, I take a deep breath, unbelieving how fresh the air is. I feel like a newborn. “So…”

“So…” I counter, unable to wipe my grin clean.

“This is really it? No more fucking around?”

I can’t help but laugh. “This is really it. This right here is a death of two bachelors.”

“About fucking time,” Dixon says with an exaggerated sigh.

“I thought I’d be mourning the day, but I’m not. I feel…”

“Like you’ve just learned how to breathe again?”

“Yeah.”

“It only gets better, man,” he confirms, reaching into his pocket to pull out a cigarette. When he offers me one, I accept, seeing as I feel like I’m celebrating a birth—the birth of me.

We’re both silent, no doubt cataloguing over events which got us here. At the forefront is the reason why I’m here. “Whatever happens…” I say, blowing a ring of smoke. “Remember, you’re always my soulmate, Dix. I love you, man.”

“I love you, too.”

The waterworks are bound to happen any time soon, but this time, I won’t hide because I’m full of love and rainbows and shit. Dixon butts out his smoke. Just as I’m about to get in touch with my inner Finch, he does something which just reiterates why I love this man.

“What are you doing?” I ask, watching as he begins to unzip his pants.

“Are you going to suck my cock now? I mean, that was some sentimental shit back there. I thought you were giving off a ‘I wanna suck your dick,’ vibe.”

“Fuck you, you asshole. How about you come up with your own jokes and stop using mine? I know I’m funny, but please, it’s all about the delivery…” I say, as his words were the exact ones I used when we were off to save Maddy…another harebrained adventure.

As he opens his mouth, I lunge forward and press my lips to his. It lasts for about two seconds, but when I pull away, he looks like I just deflowered him. “Delivery, Dixon, learn…”

I never get to finish however, because he flicks me in the nuts. “How’s that for delivery, jackass?” With balls in hand, we walk, well, I stagger back toward our women, changed men.

Who knows what’s next for us. Anything is possible. But what I do know is our women aren’t princesses that needed saving…they’re queens who saved us.