Chapter 61

T

I looked at the ring on my finger. He’d somehow figured out how to make his hospital bracelet from when we were kids part of the setting on my engagement ring. I shook my head and wrinkled my nose at him. We were flying to Vegas to get married. The whole crew was here. Nix, Becca, Ember, Wardon, and even Merck. We’d been through so much. To be able to have a trip where our whole focus was fun and vacation felt like a dream.

I reached out and held Animal’s big hand. He lifted my knuckles to his mouth and kissed my ring. I was lost in his deep brown eyes.

It was funny. As a girl and a teen, having dreams come true wasn’t something I counted on. It was survival. It was loyalty. But the way I felt about him was a secret wish. I’d pictured my wedding day with him over and over when I was outside overnight.

He smiled at me, then looked over his shoulder, checking on his family. I snuggled against his chest after I was belted in. We had first-class seats and plenty of room. I was finding it odd how easy I could sleep with Animal next to me. He was protection. I felt him kiss the top of my head before I let my eyes stay closed for our ride.

Just before we were wheels down in Vegas, Animal woke me by touching my cheek and then my shoulder. “T, didn’t want you to be shocked awake when we landed. Get some good rest?”

I patted his hard chest. “Yeah, thanks. Did you sleep a little?”

He beamed. “No, princess. I’m too excited. I get to make you my legal wife tonight.”

I felt myself blush. He was so all about me, and I had to keep reminding myself that it was forever.

That he could be with just one—as long as that one was me.

We all stretched and then grabbed our bags after we got the all-clear from the attendants. Seeing Nix shocked me a bit. It took my mind a while to remember that Becca had smeared his skin with makeup for the trip. Being completely covered with tattoos was just asking for extreme pat-downs from TSA.

Nix was handsome but somehow too plain. Too someone else. I noticed that Becca kept having to soothe Nix. He didn’t like being without his ink.

As soon as we were by the baggage carousel, she passed him makeup wipes. We all applauded when we had the real Nix back with us. I watched as Merck kept positioning himself near Ember and Wardon. Wardon had a gigantic crush on the girl. It was obvious. Merck was clearly torn between trying to relax and wanting to bounce Wardon like a basketball.

I felt Animal’s hair against my neck and his deep voice. “Never miss a trick, huh?”

I turned toward his words and his ticklish mouth. “Try not to.”

“So, I have to ask. Are we going to find out what your full name is?” Nix was visibly relaxed now. I wondered if we shouldn’t just budget in some extra time for security on the return flight so he wouldn’t have to go through the process he certainly didn’t like again.

I shook my head. “No, why would that matter?”

Animal put his arm around my waist. “’Cause I’m marrying you so legal and so hard that all the church bells in Nevada will be ringing their asses off.”

Becca grabbed Nix’s hand. “You know, what happens here, stays here, so they say.”

“Including my government name?” I pointed out the few checked baggage pieces we’d brought as they popped out onto the carousel.

Ember stepped away from Wardon, who leaned in, trying to flirt some more. Animal and Nix went to grab the bags.

I watched as Merck seemed out of place. He’d left his wife at home, but wasn’t sure really where he belonged. I came up next to him and tapped his shoulder. He turned to face me.

“I know what your name is, and it’s real pretty. But it can be our secret.” Merck nodded at me with the promise.

Animal knew my name as well, but he was a big believer in self-labeling.

I touched his forearm, “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Of course.” Merck bent his head like a person who was used to being the one to solve problems.

“My mom couldn’t make it.” That was a massive understatement, but Merck knew how it was for me, from my past. “So, I don’t know who would, you know, if the chapel we go to even has one? The aisle, you know?”

I was bungling this big ask.

“You want me to give you away?” He squinted one eye, as if he wasn’t sure he got my request correct.

I nodded. Maybe it was a stupid idea.

“Absolutely. I’d be honored.” He gave me a subdued bow.

“Thank you.” I maybe should’ve said more, but I was hoping he’d understand he had an important role in the ceremony. It wasn’t just so he could be here for Animal.

Merck was standing in for the parents in our lives.

Nix teased Animal, whose thunderous laughter was catching. We didn’t even need to know their joke. Everyone in our group was smiling, and a few fellow passengers were grinning as well.

We were headed to town with a big job. Time to get all official.