Chapter 22
Prettyboy woke before Esme did, hoping she’d get some more sleep before she realized he was gone. He didn't want to leave her, but he felt there was one more area of closure that he himself needed before he took Esme as his own for good.
For good, for better or worse…
Sure, they weren't getting married any time soon, but taking her as his old lady was the closest a man like him had ever come before. Esme was his everything now, and he would protect her with his life…but not until he thanked the man before him.
The one who’d inadvertently sent her his way.
Prettyboy didn’t know if he deserved anyone as amazing as Esme, but he sure as hell knew he’d appreciate her even more because of that fact.
As he closed her bedroom door, he caught sight of Torch and Rider heading towards the bar.
“Hey, Romeo, how’d it go?”
He met Torch’s gaze with a smile of his own.
“She’s mine.”
While it was true that Torch had helped him set up Esme’s room the night before, Prettyboy still remembered what happened the last time the club trusted a prospect. He now understood how scared Fury must have been when Arrow betrayed all of them.
Torch didn't seem to need any more details however as they all filed into the great room of the clubhouse, Ox breezing through the front entrance just at they exited the hallway.
“Mornin' fellas. How’s it goin’?”
Prettyboy smiled as he motioned towards the doors.
“Got an errand to run, if my old lady comes lookin’ for me, tell her I’ll be back soon. Okay?”
Ox’s grin reached from ear to ear as he slapped Prettyboy on the back.
“Congrats, brother. You deserve it.”
Prettyboy didn't argue this time.
“I’ll be back in a couple of hours.”
“Okay, keep your eyes open for any Silver Bullets out there. Axel called earlier, told me they’ve been circling.”
Prettyboy nodded, although he didn't expect to see any so close to their own territory.
As Prettyboy headed outside, he could see that most of the crew was still asleep. Just as well, he didn't need any company for where he was going.
The graveyard was located just near the outside of town, closer to their clubhouse than not, and he knew that if he left now he’d make good time there. He could probably be back before Esme even knew that he was gone, and she didn't need to know that he was going to visit Chris Wilder’s grave.
Prettyboy didn’t know what compelled him to go, but he knew that he would feel better after he spoke to Chris. He couldn't have a man to man talk with him, but he truly felt that his words would reach Chris somehow.
The roads were clear as he headed towards the graveyard, a private little lot nestled close to the mountains. Many of his friends and family were buried in that cemetery. Same with a lot of the bikers in their area. It was a shared space for a lot of them.
The sun wasn't high in the sky yet, but it's light golden rays were bathing the asphalt in a healthy glow that brought with it a wave of contentment that washed over Prettyboy.
He could feel it deep down in his bones, that contentment. He silently praised whatever forces out there in the world that had made it possible to feel it again.
That had brought him Esme.
Prettyboy wasn't a very spiritual person, but had a feeling that the "forces" at work to unite him and Esmeralda Quinn had everything to do with the man he was currently on his way to see. As he closed the last mile between them, he slowed down so he could easily glide through the entrance of the cemetery. There wasn't anyone else around but Prettyboy didn't expect there to be. It was still early yet and a lot of the respective townsfolk didn't bother to wander this far into their territory. Not unless they needed a little work done on their cars.
He only took a couple of minutes to make his way towards a cluster of plots where he presumed Chris would be. Esmeralda and Axel held a small private funeral for him months back, but no other charter had been invited to that.
Just as well, Prettyboy was there now.
His boots were heavy on slick grass as he searched for his name. It only took a few seconds for him to spot the dark granite slab. The bright gold lettering spelled out a few things he already knew about him; Friend, brother, husband.
“Hey, man. Been a long time, huh?”
Prettyboy wasn’t quite sure what to say at first so he sat cross-legged in the grass and faced Chris’s headstone.
“This ain’t somethin’ I ever saw myself doin’, honestly. I didn't think I’d ever get a chance with Esme, and here I am, talking to her dead husband…I don’t know, maybe I just want some closure? I just knew I wouldn’t feel right until I talked to you,” Prettyboy admitted.
The breeze was crisp this early in the morning, and he welcomed it.
“I truly think that everything happens for a reason. It took me a while to accept the truth of that, especially after my accident. I’ll tell ya, after my face got burned up, I didn’t even want to wake up in the morning. Took me weeks to finally look into a mirror. I was on top of the world for so long, and then all of a sudden…I wasn’t.”
Prettyboy took a long, shuddering breath.
“You know Esme just as well as I do. You know how fuckin’ amazing she makes a man feel. She’s kind and thoughtful, and just when you think you’ve got her figured out…she surprises you. I like that about her, the not knowing. She's just so…real,” Prettyboy whispered.
It was true.
He loved that about her. Loved that she made him feel whole and sexy again, and wanted.
The woman could barely keep her hands off of him, as if he minded. He could barely take his eyes off of her.
He used to hate watching Fury and Rayna together because he couldn't understand how some slip of a woman could make someone as hard as Fury go so damn soft, but now?
Now he was in the same boat.
“It’s taken her a long time to find herself, Wilder. I don’t doubt you’re up there in the sky watching over her, so I guess you know what I mean. When she first came to us she was inside out. She wasn’t right. We’ve all watched her, I’ve watched her, come into her own again and let me tell you…it’s a fuckin’ beautiful sight. I love her. I really love her. So, I guess I came here to tell you that you don’t have to worry. I’d die for her,” He said honestly.
He didn't get a response, and he didn't expect one; but the sunlight did come through the trees at just that moment, bathing his face in a sudden warmth he hadn't felt in a while.
Okay.
He heard me.
Prettyboy wasn't quite ready to leave yet, so he sat back on his hands and kept talking.
◆◆◆
Rayna and Esme were sitting with Fury, all of them crowded around a very familiar wedding dress.
“You haven't tried it on yet?”
“No. I wanted to, and I just…wanted to wait until you were ready. I hope that’s okay?,” Rayna asked.
Fury smiled as he ran a hand along the curve of her spine.
Esme nodded.
“Of course, I’m humbled you’d want to wait for me. You didn’t have to.”
Rayna shrugged.
“I know, but it didn't feel right. I wanted this to be a happy moment for the both of us.”
Esme smiled, leaning back against Fury’s bedframe.
“Well, what are you waitin’ for?”
Rayna’s grin was beautiful as she turned towards the full length mirror, holding Esme’s wedding dress up to her chest.
“Look, before we get all caught up in your chick flick moment, I want to thank you.”
Esme didn't realize Fury was talking to her until he placed a hand on her shoulder.
“Thank me? For what?,” She asked.
Fury cleared his throat and glanced at Rayna.
“Rayna told me that you offered to carry our baby if it turns out you’re capable of doing so. You have no idea how much hope that gave us. We both want a baby so badly, and neither one of us know what the hell we’re doin’…but if it turns out you’re a good candidate, we’d like to take you up on the offer,” Fury said.
Esme’s heart almost exploded with joy.
“Really?”
“What you mean, really?! Of course! We’re so honored you’d give us that chance,” Rayna said softly.
Esme’s eyes welled.
“It’s the least I can do. You guys are sharing your home and your family with me. I always wanted babies, but it wasn't the right time for me. I can’t imagine what you two are going through,” Esme said.
Fury patted her shoulder and she saw him smile.
“We can talk about all of that at a later date, I just wanted to thank you personally. It means a lot to the both of us.”
“And Esme? This is your family now, too. You don’t owe us anything.”
While Rayna’s words made her feel better, she couldn't help but feel indebted to the sassy blonde. She’d gone out of her way to make Esme feel welcome, even when Esme had gone out of her way to push them all away.
What a mistake that would have been, huh?
The thought brought a smile to her face and she rushed to assure both Fury and Rayna she was genuine with her offer.
“Whenever you two are ready, just say the word. Now, let’s see you in that dress!”
Rayna giggled, her blue eyes twinkling with pure happiness.
“Okay! Let’s do this!”
The dress was a beautiful confection of lace and satin, covered in sparkling jewels. From the minute Esme had laid eyes on it, she’d known it was special. There was no need for her to even get it altered, and although Rayna was slightly thinner than her, she hoped it would be the perfect fit for her.
It would be a shame for something so beautiful to go to waste.
Rayna didn't seem to mind getting naked in front of her, so she didn't bother covering her eyes. Rayna had her own sundress off in record time.
As she stepped into the mermaid style gown, Fury moved to zip it up the back for her. It was strapless with a sweetheart neckline covered in sparkling stones that caught the light whenever she moved.
As soon as it was zipped, Esme moved to stand on the other side of her. Fury’s dark eyes met hers in the mirror, and he grinned like a madman.
“You’re the most gorgeous woman I’ve ever seen,” He muttered.
Rayna smiled up at him before she turned back towards the mirror, her hands running along the length of the lace. She took a deep breath before her face crumpled and she pressed her palms to her eyes.
Stunned, Esme moved to hold her.
“Rayna? What’s the matter?”
Rayna choked out a laugh before she shook her blonde head.
“Nothing! God, it’s…the dress is perfect. Better than anything I could have commissioned, Esme. It’s…thank you,” Rayna said as she hugged Esme tightly.
Esme, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged her back.
She hadn't imagined her wedding dress would ever be put to use, but it looked amazing on Rayna, and from the dreamy way Fury was watching her, he thought so too.
“No need for thanks. You look…way better in it than I ever did,” She said with a smile.
Rayna turned to face the mirror, and her smile said it all.
She looks so fucking happy!
“I don’t know about that baby, but I do love this dress.”
Esme fingered the little promise ring on her hand and thought about Prettyboy. She hadn't seen him all morning, but she knew that he was out running an errand. She was kind of glad that she got to share this moment with Rayna and Fury though, because it was like a little bit of closure she hadn't expected.
“So, we can keep the wedding date?,” Fury asked wryly.
Both Esme and Rayna glanced at each other before they burst into fits of giggles.
“Yes! Yes, baby. I love it.”
Esme nodded. She felt like she’d done a good deed, even though it was nothing compared to the friendship and love they’d shown her.
“Even though I’ve helped you plan everything from the invitations to the flowers and even the centerpieces, you never told me a date. When is the wedding?”
Rayna sighed breathily as she felt along a strand of beads near the waistline of the dress.
“July twenty-second.”
Esme’s eyes widened. She hadn't realized it was so soon, only a few months away, but she was so happy for the both of them that she clapped her hands together.
“I’m so happy for you two, really.”
Fury’s dark eyes appraised her.
“You’re okay with being a bridesmaid, then?”
Esme’s mouth fell open.
Rayna smacked Fury’s hand.
“Baby! I was supposed to ask her, not you. You stole my fuckin’ thunder, you ape.”
Fury snorted before he stepped back so Esme and Rayna could speak amongst each other.
“So, will you consider it?”
“Nothing to consider, Rayna. I would love to!”
Rayna hugged her again.
“Good, because you’ll be the only one. I think maybe Axel’s sister is coming too, but I don't know about her being a bridesmaid,” Rayna said with a small laugh.
Esme shrugged.
“What about Green?”
Rayna rolled her eyes.
“He’s my best friend and has demanded to be my groomsman of honor,” She said with a laugh.
Esme knew that Green was serious about that too, because he’d already implied that she was not allowed to be the maid of honor- he was going to fill that role.
“Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less from our wily irishman.”
Fury’s booming laughter rilled the room, causing both women to turn around.
“What’s so funny?”
Fury motioned towards Esme.
“He’s our wily irishman now?”
Esme shrugged.
“Well, I am Prettyboy’s old lady. Doesn't that mean we get to share him?”
Rayna wrapped an arm around Esme’s shoulders and laughed.
“We’re a family, baby. We share everything.”