LUKE

With my heart slamming in my chest, I take my spot in front of Max, Sofia’s cousin, ordained as a Minister for this purpose since most of the Cockers aren’t all that religious, but they love family.

Sweeping a slow glance over my view of both of our families, I nod to some I don’t know, wink at ones I do. They’re seated under strings of twinkle lights that Nancy Cocker demanded we hang in our backyard. Place looks fucking fantastic. We even got new mesh walls for our screened-in porch out here. Special occasions call for special renovations, my mom said. The agreeing vote was unanimous.

Everyone’s in separate conversations that quiet as Atlas appears with Celia on his arm at the end of a long black carpet. They make their way over scattered red rose petals, Ceels with her cheeks pink from happiness, and my brother looking damn good, even if he is a dick.

Tonk Jr. is next, my sister on his arm. Sage beams at me, not even seeing the crowd until Mom whispers, “You look beautiful!” She grins at her and stands a little taller, long red hair draped over her shoulders.

Tyler walks Hannah down, her blonde hair up, heels high, so that with her tall height she’s at his six-one inches, if not past that.

Emma slips her arm through Sean’s, says something in his ear that makes him grin, and they walk just as slowly as the others.

I never understood the rituals until now. The time they’re taking builds up suspense for me to see the one I’m dedicating my life to. My heart is pounding and I’ve gotta fight the urge to go get her myself.

The music changes. We hired a band, and the keyboardist takes over, expertly playing Here Comes The Bride. Everybody stands except for Sofia’s great-grandmother. May Cocker is in the center aisle seat, front row, on two floral cushions I’m guessing she brings everywhere. She cranes her neck, white hair curled, her hands folded as she waits with everyone.

I stop breathing, swallow hard, hoping Soph didn’t run off and change her mind. Some days I’m convinced none of this is real, that I’ll wake up. This is one of those times.

But the screen door opens, Luna stands back, holding it. Sofia Sol appears on Jett’s arm, in a dress so made for her body my mouth slackens. I’ve never seen her hair curled, never seen her in heels, and the blush in her cheeks is for me.

How can one man be so lucky?

She loops her other arm through Luna’s and people react with surprise, enjoying the break from tradition with murmurs of appreciation, nods of approval.

We wouldn’t be Ciphers if we didn’t do things our way.

Her parents walk their only child down the aisle to me, and Soph’s grey eyes sparkle under the softened light. She grins, then bites her lip as they slowly make their way past our families. Her rockstar cousin, Gabriel, whistles through his teeth and she laughs a glance to him, shushing him with a wink like she loves it.

As she passes her grandparents, Michael and Nancy Cocker tip their heads with love to her. Her grin is different for them, filled with pride and respect. She sees May Cocker and melts, waving, “Hi Grams!”

Blue eyes, sharp and happy, crinkle up. “You look beautiful, honey!”

I step toward them, eager to get her to myself. Removing Sofia’s hand from his arm, Jett places it in mine, as Luna steps back, with tears hovering in her eyes.

Jett clears his throat, saying loudly enough for everyone to hear, “You’re a man worthy of our daughter, Luke, and I’ll be happy to call you my son.”

Luna shakes her head like she can’t believe she’s emotional in front of all these people. “When you were gone, Sofia mowed the lawn. We can’t have that happen again, you get me?”

“Loud and clear. Don’t worry…” My gaze slips away from her parents and lands on my beautiful, badass bride. “I’m sticking around.”

They step back, take their seats next to Grams, and I pull Soph closer, clasping her hands and staring at the woman I can’t believe is mine. She’s got her heart in her eyes, but then her face changes, “Oh!” and she turns toward her great-grandmother. “Grams! You haven’t officially met my future husband, Luke. What do you think of him?”

Under my breath I chuckle, “Little late now.”

Soph cocks an eyebrow at me. “Grams has to approve.” Of her cousins Hannah and Emma she asks for confirmation with a single look. They nod, stifled amusement in their eyes.

As everyone is silent, centenarian May Cocker tilts her head, shamelessly raking an inspection down then back up my body. She points at me, wriggling her finger. “He’s a wild one, Sofia.” Folding her hands again, she winks, “You’re a lucky girl.”

Sofia grins, “He’s hot as fuck, right?”

For the first time ever the Ciphers are shocked.

Maybe even appalled.

Here these bikers are on their best behavior for this upper-class—many of them famous—family who came all the way out from Atlanta, Georgia. And Sofia went and swore at her great-grandma who looks like her face should be on a box of cookies, she’s so cute.

But for some reason the Cocker Family flies into total hysterics.

Grams shakes her head, grinning as she shouts, “Language!” joined in by at least eight of them.

Even ex-Congressman Michael Cocker is grinning next to his laughing wife.

What. The. Hell.

Sofia Sol smirks at me, “You’re approved.”

We face Max who’s wiping his eyes from laughing so hard.

I mutter under my breath, “You going to explain that to me later?”

“Nope.”

“You know I like challenges.”

She whispers, “Yep!”