Chapter Twelve
It’s been fifteen years since I got off that bus here in Bismarck. I lived with Emily until I got back on my feet, which took a while. I slipped into a deep, dark depression soon after I arrived because I missed my son. Emily set me up with a therapist, the same one she used when going through her divorce from Wyatt, and with many sessions and the proper medication, I started to be able to function like a normal person again. Therapy helped me realize that how my mother treated me was never my fault, and that I steered more towards people that treated me just as bad. I had to learn how to love myself and, within that, I found that people make mistakes.
Lord knows I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, but I’m talking about Snake’s mistake with Marie. Learning that maybe it really wasn’t his fault brought some resolution to me. I should have stayed and listened instead of running away, but we were so young back then, I think we needed to go our separate ways. If I would have stayed, I don’t think I would be the woman I am today; the hardships I’ve had to endure have made me so much stronger. And I’m ready to face my past.
Over the years, I stayed in contact with Josie and she gave me updates on Dominic throughout his life. The call came in about three years ago that Bulk and Ryder were killed and, as much as I missed my son, I wasn’t ready to come back and face him. I tried to protect him the best I could from what went on with Bulk, so I never let him see the fighting, the violence. I wanted him to believe we were a happy little family, but me returning would bring up a lot of bad memories, and I would potentially destroy his respect for Bulk. I would also be taking a chance that he wouldn’t believe me, and wouldn’t allow me back into his life.
When Josie called and told me that Zoey was having the twins, I knew this was my time to go back. I have already missed so much time with my son, but maybe if I can get him back in my life then I can at least be there for my grandbabies.
I pack up my Buick with as much as I can and then hit the road. In under thirteen hours, much shorter than the bus, I arrive back in Wichita, Kansas. I stop at a gas station, buy a newspaper, and end up renting a small furnished two-bedroom house.
I unpack my belongings, go to the grocery store to stock up my refrigerator, and settle in for the night.
I wake early the next morning, get ready, and prepare myself to go to the hospital. I’m not sure how this will go, so I am nervous.
I walk into the hospital room and Dominic recognizes me immediately. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Hi, Dominic. You’re so grown up now.” He turned out to be such a handsome man.
“Yeah, because you haven’t seen me in how many fucking years? And Mother, it’s Hanger now,” he says with so much anger. Dropping my head, I nod and take a deep breath. “You wanna tell me what the fuck you’re doing here, and how you knew I was here.”
I meet his angry eyes. “Gunner’s mom told me.”
“Get out. Get the fuck out of here,” he growls at me.
“Domin...” I don’t get to finish saying his name before he interrupts me.
“I said it’s Hanger now, NOW...GET...THE...FUCK...OUT...!” He yells loud enough to wake Zoey up.
“Baby?” she questions sleepily.
His attention goes to her. “I’m sorry, babe.”
I see the way he looks at her, and it’s just like how Snake used to gaze at me. My chest tightens at the thought of the man I loved and lost, but still deeply love.
“Can I help you with something? Who are you?” Zoey questions, narrowing her eyes and looking me over.
“I’m Victoria Black, Hanger’s mom.” Sadness overwhelms me. I’m not sure if it’s from calling him Hanger and knowing he took Bulk’s place in the club, or that he doesn’t want anything to do with me.
Honestly, it’s probably both.
Zoey focuses on my son, then back to me. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“Thank you, it’s nice to meet you too,” I tell her, and I’m so happy that Dominic found a woman with a kind heart.
His hardened stare turns to her. “No, Zoey. Stop. She needs to leave now.”
She doesn’t back down. “Hanger, maybe you should hear her out.”
“No, fuck no. Zoey, she needs to leave.”
“Hanger, it’s your mom. Hear her out.” After they go back and forth, Zoey ends up winning and I want to hug her.
“Fine. I’ll hear her out, and then she can get the fuck out like I’ve been telling her to. So, Mom, what do you have to say?” he asks sarcastically, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Where would you like me to start?” I’m not sure what I should tell him first.
“Why don’t you start with why you left?”
“I left because I was never in love with your father.”
“Why did you leave me and never come back to see me?”
“When I told your father that I was leaving and that I was taking you with me, he wouldn’t let me take you.”
“You’re fuckin’ lyin’.” I expected that he wouldn’t believe me. It hurts, but he has no reason to trust what I’m telling him right now.
“No, Hanger, I’m not. He said if I left that I couldn’t take you. He said you had to be raised in the club, and that if I did leave, then I was never allowed back there. That, if I showed up, he would have me taken out.”
“How did you know I was here?”
“I told you, Gunner’s mom. She’s kept me updated on you, and when she said Zoey was going to have the babies, I knew it was time to come back. I wanted to see them, and I hoped that you will allow me to be in their lives. She told me that your father died a few years ago, along with Ryder.”
“So why did you wait until now?”
“I had to get the courage to face you again.”
“You said you was never in love with dad; why did you marry him?”
“I think at one point I had strong feelings for him, but my heart was always with someone else. So I stayed until I couldn’t take it anymore.” I don’t want to tell him about the abuse yet.
“Did you remarry? Have any more kids?”
“No, Hanger. I didn’t.”
“Well, that’s all I need to know. You can get the fuck out now.”
“I’ll go, but here’s my number. Just in case you change your mind and want to talk.” He snatches the number out of my hand, then I walk away. I can only hope that he calls.
There’s a knock on the front door, and when I open it the smile on my face spreads. “Josie!”
“Victoria!”
We grab for each other, hugging tightly, laughing, and crying. “It’s so good to see you. Finally!” She pulls back and cups my cheeks with her hands.
“It’s good to see you too!” I reply excitedly.
“Here, I brought this.” She reaches down, grabbing a bottle of wine, and hands it to me.
“Come in.” I hold the door open, shut it, and then we go to the kitchen. Grabbing two wineglasses, I pop the cork and fill them, handing her one.
She takes a sip of the sweet red liquid. “How did it go at the hospital?”
Twirling the glass, I respond, “Not good. He doesn’t want to have anything to do with me.” I gaze at her, biting my lip to keep the tears at bay.
“Give him time. It was a shock, but Hanger will come around.” She grabs for my hand. “Well, I am happy to have my best friend back.” She smiles brightly.
“Thank you—I hope you’re right.”
We spend the rest of the evening drinking, eating junk food, and laughing as we reminiscence on old times we had.
It took a couple of months, but Dominic—or Hanger, as he goes by now—finally got in touch with me.
I sit in a small café, a latte I haven’t touched on the table in front of me. My anxiety is through the roof and my nerves are going crazy in my belly. I hear the bells on the door chime, and I turn to look. Dominic walks through the door and eyes the room until he spots me.
“I’m glad you called,” I tell him when he sits down.
“ You can thank my Ol’ Lady.” He doesn’t look happy to be here, so I’m sure Zoey is the reason.
“I don’t really know where to begin. I didn’t tell you everything at the hospital.”
“I promised her I would listen, so start talking.” He sits back in his chair and crosses his arms over his chest.
“I didn’t lie to you. Bulk said all those things to me the night I left, but I didn’t want to have to tell you this part. He was abusive, not only physically, but emotionally and mentally.
“I always wanted to protect you and not let you see what he did to me. Think back to when you were young. Do you remember all the times I sent you to your room?”
He’s quiet for a moment. “Yeah.”
“It was because we were fighting. And most of the time it got physical.”
“I remember hearing you crying and screaming.”
I nod. “I didn’t want to leave you. I was going to wait until he fell asleep that night, but he overheard me on the phone. That’s when he threatened me, then threw me out of the house and locked the door. I went to Josie and she got me a bus ticket. I have been in North Dakota for the last fifteen years. I thought about you every day. Josie would call me and tell me how you were doing. She told me when you went to prom. Said you looked so handsome in your black tuxedo. If you don’t believe me, then you can ask her.”
“What do you want from me?” He hasn’t moved a muscle since he sat down.
“I want a relationship with you, with my granddaughters.” My eyes tear up. “I’m sorry I left you.”
He releases a deep breath and looks away. “I don’t know you, so I won’t trust you to be around my daughters by yourself. You can come see them, but call first. And if you have any intention of leaving, then do it now instead of waiting. I don’t want to let you in my life or their lives if you are gonna take off again.”
A grin spreads on my face. This is a start. “I promise I am here to stay. I’ll do whatever you need me to do to gain your trust.
“I gotta go,” Dominic states, so we both stand. He walks over to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. “I missed you for a long time, until I got old enough to realize you weren’t coming back. Now here you are—don’t make me regret this.”
Placing my arm around his waist, I respond, “I won’t.”
I walk into Bear’s house for the playdate with my granddaughters. After being introduced to Bear’s wife, Jacey, my gaze immediately seeks out the man holding a baby boy. It’s like an invisible cord is pulling me in his direction, yet I stand frozen. “Snake?” I question quietly.
He obviously didn’t hear me, so I gather some inner strength and ask a little louder, “Snake?” My tone is unsteady and I cover my mouth with my hand in shock.
Those blue eyes I could never forget look up at me. He stares for just a second, and then it registers that I’m standing in the same room as him. “Vixen, is that really you?”
He sets the baby on the floor and walks over to where everyone is standing. My son and Zoey; Bear and his wife move their heads between Snake and me.
We stand face-to-face for the first time in almost three decades, both of us gazing at each other, taking in how much time has passed us by. He takes a few steps closer, then pulls me in for a hug. His arms feel so good wrapped around me; I feel like I’m home and can finally breathe after so long. I hold onto him like my life depends on it.
Sighing deeply, I look up to the ceiling, trying to keep the tears from falling. I have loved this man more than half my life. So much time has passed us by, and now that I’m within his grasp, I’m not sure I could walk away again. I tried to date when I lived in Bismarck, but no one compared to Snake. I was searching for something that will only come from him.
“Dad, is this her?” Jacey breaks our reunion.
Bear’s wife is Snake’s daughter, which means this is Marie’s daughter—unless he had more kids. My heartrate speeds up as anxiety sets in, but I control my breathing and count in my head, just like my therapist taught me.
Pulling back, Snake smiles wide. “Yeah, princess, this is her.”
Dominic chimes in. “Wait a fuckin’ minute. Mom, is Snake the guy you said you loved?” He remembered our talk and me telling him about the man I loved—the man that was never Bulk. I gaze at Snake and see the questions in his eyes.
Turning my attention to my son, I respond, “Yes, this is him.” I nod while smiling, and tears shine in my eyes.
Zoey muses, “Well, didn’t this get a little more interesting?” Her eyes move around the room. Everyone is clearly shocked and I can’t help but to laugh.
“Sure in the fuck did, Crazy Girl,” Bear pipes in, shaking his head.
“How the fuck is that even possible?” Dominic asks; his brows are furrowed and you can tell he’s trying to work it all out.
“Well, I think us girls are going to go. We’ll let you guys get this settled,” Jacey announces as she walks over to her son and gives him a kiss on the head.
My attention stays glued on Snake. I can’t believe that, after all this time, he’s standing in front of me. Not a day went by that I didn’t think about him, miss him, love him, or wonder what could have been. But…I stayed away. Just like I did with Dominic. People say to never have regrets, but that’s bullshit. Everyone has regrets, especially me.
“Explain,” Dominic says as he takes a seat next to Bear.
I sit in a chair in front of the kids on the floor. “I met Snake when I was seventeen and he showed me a life so different than I was used to. We would take long rides on his bike, sit out at this little pond, we would talk…and we fell in love.” I smile at the memory, but it soon fades and the tears come forth. “Jacey’s…mom?” I look at Snake to verify, and when he nods, I add, “She set out to destroy us and she accomplished her goal. She was my best friend.”
“Oh, Jesus, Dad!” Jacey starts, but Bear jumps in.
“Marie—she’s the one you cheated with, and then found out she was pregnant. I remember from you telling Lil Mama,” Bear addresses me. Snake and I both grimace at the mention of her name.
I continue. “Yes, I broke up with Snake, and that’s when I met your father.” My eyes shoot to my son’s.
Cub cries out. “I’ll go make him a bottle,” Snake says as he stands, then turns to me. “Vic, can we talk?”
“Yes.” I follow him into the kitchen and I have to hold onto the counter to keep steady. I’ve been a shaking mess since I saw him again, and those butterflies that used to swarm in my belly have returned. I bite down on my bottom lip to keep from laughing. I’m almost fifty years old and he can still bring out the same feelings in me that I had when I was seventeen.
We just stare at one another, not saying a word. Neither of us knows where to start—there’s so much we need to talk about. I decide to say the first thing that comes to mind. “It’s been so long.”
“And you’re still as beautiful as the day we met.” He pulls me in for another hug and I swear I blush. “Hanger’s your son?”
“Yes.” I smile. “Jacey is you and Marie’s daughter?”
“Yeah.” He hangs his head for a second, then meets my eyes once again. “I’m so fucking sorry for everything that happened.”
“I know.” Tears build and my nose stings. “I should have stayed. I’m sorry too.”
“How long were you with Bulk?”
“Ten years too long. Bulk wasn’t the nicest man. He put on a good show for everyone, but behind closed doors was another story. I stayed for a while, longer than I should have, but when Dominic was ten, I left because I couldn’t take it anymore. When I threatened to leave he threatened to kill me if I took him.” Tears flow down my cheeks; Snake tries catching them all with his thumbs, but more keep falling. “I believe I would have been dead either way, so I left. And I left my son with a monster, but he was so good to his son, so I didn’t worry as much. Josie, Gunner’s mom, kept in contact with me after I left, so she kept me updated on his life. She also told me when Bulk was murdered, and I wanted to come back so bad, but I was scared. I had to work the courage up to face my son again.”
“It’s a good thing he’s fucking dead or I’d kill him myself. Where did you go?” The vein in Snake’s neck bulges, and I know he’s angry at what I just told him about Bulk.
“I went to live with my sister. About five years after she married Wyatt, they divorced. She was living up in North Dakota. I had a job as a waitress and went back to school and finally got my degree in journalism.” I smile up at him, and he returns it as I think back to when we were sitting out at the pond and I’d told him that’s what I wanted to do—that, or be a writer. I think back to my college graduation.
“Victoria Black.”
I hate hearing that name. I prefer to go by my maiden name, but since I am still legally married I have to use it. I won’t file for divorce—I don’t want Bulk finding me. I walk across the stage and shake the hand of my dean, then take my degree in Journalism.
I did it! I worked my ass off as a waitress for four years to pay my own way, I studied until my eyes felt like they would bleed, and I stuck through all of my classes, no matter how hard it got. I hung in there and I did it!
“Victoria Black?” I cringe at hearing it for the second time after the ceremony. The woman holds her hand out for me to shake.
“Please use my maiden name, Reynolds. How can I help you?” My brows furrow.
“My name is Genevieve Waters. I am the owner of The Bismarck Reporter and I would like to offer you a job.”
My mouth drops open. “Really?”
“Yes.” She laughs. “Come by my office Monday morning and we will go over paperwork and your salary.”
“Thank you so much!” I shake her hand again.
“Don’t thank me—you earned it.” She walks away in her fancy suit, perfect hair, and expensive heels.
“Oh my gosh! Victoria, I’m so proud of you!” Emily gushes and pulls me in for a hug.
“Thank you! I guess I should put in my two weeks’ notice at the restaurant.” I smile ear-to-ear.
“I’d say so.” Emily chuckles.
“I’m so proud of you.” Snake’s words bring me back to the present. He holds my cheeks in the palms of his hands.
“Thank you!” I close my eyes, relishing the feel of his touch. When I open them back up I ask, “What happened with Marie?”
“She stayed the same cunt she always was. I did everything she wanted so I could keep Jacey in my life, but in the end, she took her from me anyway. I’m just now getting my daughter back too.”
“We’ve been through hell and back, lost each other and our kids for years… Now here we stand, together because fate brought us back together.”
“That has to mean something, Vic. We were always meant for each other, and maybe it’s our time.” The intensity that we always had is still just as consuming today. We stare into each other’s eyes and I don’t know what overtakes me, but I find myself leaning in closer and closer until his lips are touching mine.
I fling my arms around his neck; our mouths open and our tongues slide together just like they used to. Passion, desperation, and hunger for one another fills this kiss. All this time may have passed us by, but I still love this man as much today as I did then.
Not a single day did that love falter.
“Hey, Snake—”
We don’t bother to separate, but Dominic leaves just as quickly as he walked in. Having Snake in my arms again is heaven, and I never want to leave again.
“Let’s get out of here.” Snake runs his hands up and down my back as I hesitate to answer.
“What about the playdate?”
“I think they’ll understand.” Snake gives me that sexy smile I always loved. We walk out of the kitchen and right when Snake is about to say we’re leaving, Dominic stops him.
“Go!” He grimaces, making Bear laugh beside him.
“Tell Jacey I’ll see her later,” Snake mutters as he practically drags me out the door.
“I’ll call you soon,” I say over my shoulder as I continue being pulled away.
We park on the side of the gravel road and I take my helmet off. Our path is no longer there amongst the tall grass and weeds. Over the years it returned to its normal state since we no longer came here. Snake climbs off his bike first, then holds his hand out for me, just like he used to. We stomp our way down to the pond; it looks just the same as it did before.
I take a seat by the water; Snake picks up a rock, skipping it across the water. So many memories flood in from when we were young. “We had a lot of good times here, didn’t we?” I smile up at Snake.
“Yeah, we did. We planned out our whole lives out here. We were so young and thought nothing could touch us.” We both laugh.
“If only we could have seen what the future had in store for us.” I stare off into the distance.
Snake sits down beside me and takes my hand in his. “I don’t want to have to be without you again. If I would have known what the hell was going on that night, I never would have cheated on you. I loved you so much, Vic, I swear I never would have done that to you.” I see the truth in his shining gaze.
“I know you wouldn’t have. It took me a long time to accept what happened. I tried to move on, but no matter what I did, I could never find someone that could steal my heart the way you did.”
Snake leans in closer, then his lips crash with mine. The taste of him, the feel of his tongue against mine, and the way his fingers trace my cheek, neck, and collarbone is earthshattering.
His hands travel underneath my t-shirt, all the way up to my bra. His finger skims across the cup, barely touching my breast before going around to my back. He meticulously unhooks my bra, and with slow movements he removes both it and my shirt. He cups my breasts in his hands and massages. A quiet moan slips from my lips from the feeling of his hands on me.
Reaching my hands up, I keep his pace while removing his black vest and t-shirt. After all these years, he is still just as muscular and sexy as he was back then, if not more. Our eyes meet as my hands run down his toned chest and rock-hard abs. It’s such an intimate feeling, gazing into each other’s eyes right down into our souls.
My fingers find the button on his jeans and I undo them, freeing his steel erection. I push his jeans down as far as I can, and he stands and removes his boots, socks, and finally his jeans. Having him standing completely bare in front of me is the sight of perfection.
I stand and remove the rest of my clothing. Normally I would feel insecure baring my naked body to a man in the daylight. My body isn’t what it used to be—I have stretch marks, and gravity is taking its toll—but Snake makes me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world with the way his eyes devour me.
His hand reaches behind me and he pulls me into his chest. “You were beautiful then, but now you are beyond a measure of beauty.” His lips descend on mine; passion, hunger, and a wildness takes over as he lowers us to the ground.
Snake starts to move himself down between my legs, but I grab for him. “No. I want you inside of me.” He nods and leaves a trail of kisses on his way back up.
He lines up to my entrance and slowly pushes his way inside. The intrusion has me moaning into the quiet outdoors. My nails dig into his back and my legs wrap around his hips. I pull him in deeper and we both groan at the amazing feeling. I’ve missed this connection with him; I’ve missed the feeling of him deep inside of me, and I know he has too.
His body rocks against mine as he thrusts deep within, hitting my G-spot. After all this time, it’s like he’s remembered my body; he knows exactly what to do to make me beg for what I know only he can give me.
“Vic, you feel so fucking good. This is going to be over way too soon. I’ve missed you so much.” He continues pushing in and out, but his speed picks up.
“Yes! God, yes! I’ve missed you too.” My nails scrape along his back and my orgasm is pounding its way forward.
His mouth crashes against mine and he swallows my cries of pleasure as my release shoots through my body in waves. His movements become erratic and no longer calculated as he loses all control with his own release. He groans against my lips and we ride into euphoria together.
We lay out here until well after the sun has set. We talk more about what has happened in our lives and just enjoy reconnecting.
“Vic!” Snake calls out in the small two-bedroom house I’m renting.
“What?” I laugh at the excitement in his tone and come out of the bedroom.
“C’mere.” The smile he’s wearing has me narrowing my eyes in suspicion. As I get closer, he takes my hand in his.
He gets down on one knee and my mouth drops to the floor. “What are you doing?”
Snake looks up at me, and I peer back at him through tears. “I know it was only yesterday that you came back into my life, but I have loved you for so long I can’t remember not loving you. We have wasted so much time apart, and I don’t want another day to go by without you in my life. I can’t let you go again, Vic. My Vixen.” He smiles and the tears roll freely down my cheeks. “Will you marry me?”
I nod ecstatically; sobs rip out of me, and when Snake stands and picks me up in a tight hug, I finally say, “Yes!” He takes my hand, pushing the one-carat princess cut diamond ring down on my finger. I hold my hand out, looking at it sparkle. “It’s beautiful!” I hug Snake again, then smash my lips to his.
The next day, we call our kids to let them know what we’re doing and that we’re on our way to the courthouse, but they don’t answer, so we leave voicemails.
When we walk into the office, the receptionist tells us we will have to wait three days for the marriage license. Snake is not okay with that, so he tells the lady our entire story to make her feel bad. He does a pouty lip, puppy dog eyes, and everything. I almost can’t contain my laughter, but in the end, she says she can’t deny a second chance story like ours. She says it’s unlike anything she’s heard before, and she’s rooting for us.
Although we technically aren’t getting legally married because she can’t get around needing the license, we have a judge. He takes us into a courtroom and has us hold hands and look at each other. We listen, we repeat what and when we’re supposed to, and then it’s time for the kiss.
The doors fly open. “I can’t believe you two!” Jacey’s loud voice echoes throughout the room. We both turn in her direction.
She and Zoey stand there with their hands on their hips, their breathing labored like they ran a mile, and wearing matching angry faces.
“What? We tried to call—it’s not our fault you didn’t answer,” Snake responds, humor in his voice as he tries to hide his smile.
“You two have loved each other for how many years? You have been apart for how many years? And now, after all you have been through, you get married in the courthouse!” Zoey goes on a rant.
“Yeah, that’s not good enough. You can now consider us your personal wedding planners.” My mouth flops like a fish as I watch them walk back out the doors. Snake and I turn back to each other and burst out laughing. The poor judge looks like he doesn’t know what to do.
“Thank you for everything, but I guess we are done here,” I tell the judge. Snake takes my hand and we walk out.
Jacey and Zoey have outdone themselves with this short-planned wedding. In only two weeks, they have turned the backyard at the Cobras’ compound into a dream wedding. White lights hang from the trees, and white chairs sit on both sides of an aisle with a red carpet. White and yellow tulips decorate the chairs and the gazebo they had brought in. It is amazing!
A knock on the door has me looking away from the window. They let me use one of the spare rooms at the clubhouse as my dressing room. Zoey did my makeup first thing, then Jacey came in with a ton of hair supplies and did a cute little updo on me. Then I had Josie help me slip into my long flowing ivory gown.
“Come in. Unless you’re Snake. If that’s you, then go away. It’s bad luck!” I yell out, then laugh because could we really have much more bad luck?
An older gentleman walks through the door. He looks me up and down. “You look beautiful.” Tears shine in his eyes.
My hands fly to my mouth and tears spring forward—there’s no chance of holding them back. “Daddy!” Grabbing the bottom of my dress, I rush over to him. We grab each other in a tight embrace and I cling to him like I was eight years old again. “How did you find me?” I sob against his shoulder.
“Two very persistent wedding planners.” He laughs. “I met my grandson and my soon to be son-in-law. I can’t say I’m shocked at your choice; you always did the opposite of what was expected. I’m sorry it’s been so many years.” He smiles, but it slowly fades.
“I’m sorry too, but I couldn’t come back. Did she come?”
“No. You know how your mother is, and after all these years, she hasn’t changed one bit.” He looks sad.
“At least you came. I’ve missed you.” I hug him tightly.
“I’ve missed you too. Can I walk you down the aisle?” he asks quietly with a shaking tone.
I nod excitedly with more tears and an ear-to-ear smile.
The song begins; Jacey walks out first with Bear, then Dominic walks out with Zoey. Dominic and Zoey’s daughters get carried down the aisle by Josie and Zoey’s twin sister, throwing flowers all around. Little Cub carries the pillow with our rings.
Everyone stands as the wedding march begins. My father wraps my arm around his and we begin walking. Josie follows behind as my maid of honor, holding the long, flowing train of my dress. I first spot Emily in the crowd, crying. I give her a bright smile and wave. Snake stands at the altar in black dress pants, a white button-up shirt, and his black vest. He’s never looked as good as right now, in this moment where he’s about to become my husband. Deuce stands next to him as the best man. I blink rapidly, pushing back more tears. I’m sure my makeup already looks a mess.
“Who gives this woman away?” the preacher asks when we reach the gazebo.
“I do.” My father holds his head high and has a look of pride on his face.
I’m handed off to Snake and we go through the vows, repeating the words after the preacher. I am officially Victoria Thomas, and we seal it with a steamy kiss while everyone laughs and claps.
We wait for all our guests to come congratulate us. “You’ll never get rid of me now, Mrs. Thomas,” Snake states, then kisses my temple.
“Same goes for you, Mr. Thomas.” I give him a dazzling smile.
“After all this time, I finally get to meet you.” My sister hugs Snake. “Take care of my sister.”
“Nice to meet you too.” Snake pulls back. “She will be well taken care of, I promise you that.” Snake brings me in close to his side. “I’ve loved Vic for many years and I’m grateful that she was willing to give us a second chance.”
“She’s loved you just as long.” Emily hugs me. “Congratulations. I’m so happy for you, and no one deserves a happily ever after more than you.”
“Thank you!” I hug her one more time before letting her go.
My dad comes through the line next, shaking Snake’s hand and hugging me.
The reception was fun; we danced, drank, and smashed cake in each other’s faces. By the end of the night, I was so exhausted I hit our bed and fell asleep.
Snake wakes me the next morning with his head between my thighs. I cry out as his tongue flicks against my clit. I reach down and grip his hair tightly, pulling him in closer. My legs begin to shake, toes curl, and my back arches. I scream out his name as my release takes over, leaving me breathless.
He crawls over me and smiles down at me. “Good morning, Mrs. Thomas.”
Smiling back, I respond, “Good morning, Mr. Thomas.”