It was Hendrix and Maddie’s wedding day.

Standing outside of the small bridal suite tucked near the back exit of Kissler Baptist Church I lightly tapped on the pine door.

Tap, tap, tap.

“Who is it?” A nervous voice asked from the other side of the door.

“It’s your sister,” I replied, smiling from ear to ear. I couldn’t believe that Maddie was moments away from marrying my big brother. I was so dang excited I could hardly contain it. “I’ve got all the girls plus one mean old biddy with me. Open up.”

“Insolent little shit,” Grandmama mumbled from behind me.

Wide-eyed, my head whipped around. “Grandmama,” I hissed. “You can’t curse in church. The roof may cave in on us.”

Clara snorted from beside me. “If the roof didn’t cave in when Pop, Hendrix, Evan, and Anthony walked in an hour ago then I think we’re good. Lord knows those four have probably dropped at least a hundred f-bombs by now.”

She was probably right. I cursed all the time but the men—especially Hendrix—cursed enough to make a sailor blush. “That’s the truth.”

“It’s unlocked. Come on in, y’all.”

With a giddy expression on my face, I twisted the knob and pushed the door open. At the sight of the bridal suite, my mouth fell open. “Holy crap,” Hope said, moving past me and into the room. Raising her hand, she pointed at the dozens of red roses that seemed to take up every inch of the place. “Where did all of these come from?”

Maddie’s tear-filled eyes met mine. “Hendrix sent them.” Clasping her hands together, she visibly swallowed. “Though I know you had something to do with this, blondie.”

I shrugged. “I plead the fifth.” Yes, I’d told Hendrix to buy her flowers. I’d even found the number for a local florist. I didn’t tell him to buy the entire dang store though. “The behemoth loves you, Maddie. Let the man buy you flowers.” Chest tightening, my face began to heat. “So”—I smiled at my best friend—“are you ready to get married?” Maddie’s chin wobbled, and my eyes burned with unshed tears in return. “Because I’m sure as heck ready to watch you walk down the aisle, sugar.”

Tilting her head back, Maddie fanned her face with her hands and giggled. “Oh my God,” she whispered. “I’m getting married.”

Yes, you are, sweet girl.

“I’m marrying Hendrix.” Beside me, Grandmama blotted a hanky beneath her eyes. “I’m about to become Mrs. Hendrix Cole.”

“Ah, crap,” Clara said before turning and covering her face with her hands. “I knew I should’ve skipped make-up. We haven’t even made it to the ceremony yet, and I’m already crying.”

Snorting, I elbowed Hope. “Are you going to cry too?”

Like Maddie, she visibly swallowed. “I’m on the verge.”

Oh, good gravy!

Clapping my hands together, I pulled everyone’s attention to me. “Alright, y’all. Before we all turn into blubbering messes, we need to get the bride ready.” I pointed at Clara. “You ready?”

Blowing out a breath, she nodded. “Sit your butt in that chair over there, Madelyn Grace.”

Maddie’s face paled. “Why? What are y’all planning to do to me?”

Reaching into the black bag that hung from her shoulder, Clara pulled out a huge curling iron followed by a gigantic can of hairspray. “We’re about to fancy you up, beautiful girl.”

“No make-up,” Maddie replied, pointing her finger at each of us. “You know Hendrix doesn’t—”

I raised my hand and cut her off mid-sentence. “I don’t give a poot what my big brother likes.” Maddie’s eyes narrowed. “We aren’t putting a stitch of make-up on you because you don’t need it.” Closing the space between us, I placed my hands on her shoulders and turned her around to look in the mirror. “Do you see how beautiful you are?” Scrunching up my nose, I stuck my tongue out at her, making her laugh. “You’re perfect just the way you are, Maddie.” Dropping my hands, I took a step back. “Besides, it would be a dang crime to cover up your freckles.”

Behind me, Clara agreed.

Blowing out a breath, Maddie plopped down on the vanity chair. “Okay you three,” she said, waving her hand over her head. “Get to work.” She glanced at the clock on the wall and smiled. “We’ve only got an hour, and it’s gonna take me thirty damn minutes just to get in my dress.”

Clara waved a hair brush in the hair. “Catch, blondie.” She tossed it, and I caught it in one hand. Next, she handed to curling iron to Hope. “Plug it up, Muffin.”

Tools in hand, we all saddled up around Maddie and prepared to fix her up.

I ran the brush through her long, silky chestnut hair once before I realized that Grandmama was uncharacteristically quiet. I glanced at the small sofa where she was sitting; her purse clutched tightly in her hands. “You alright, Grandmama?”

Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath. “I’m fine, sweetheart. Just an emotional day.” I wanted to prod her and ask more questions, but something told me not to. So instead, I chose to remain silent.

“Alright y’all. Let’s get to work.”

* * *

Almost An Hour Later

Maddie was the most beautiful bride I’d ever seen.

Wearing her mother’s wedding dress that Grandmama had altered to fit her and her growing bump along with the veil that Grandmama had worn at her wedding, she looked like a princess straight out of a fairy tale.

Seriously, I couldn’t stop staring at her.

“You’re so beautiful, Maddie.” Tilting my head to the side, I smiled. “My big brother is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

Maddie chuckled. “That’s what I’m hoping for.” Looking at her reflection in the mirror, she turned to the side. “Gah, look at my belly. I look like Shamu the Whale.”

I scoffed. “No you don’t, so hush.”

She waved a dismissive hand in my direction before dropping it to her belly. Rubbing her palm over the burgeoning bump, she whispered, “Soon as your daddy puts his ring on my finger feel free to come out, sweet baby. I’m ready to meet you now.”

I will not cry. I will not cry.

Who the hell am I kidding? I’m totally going to cry!

Dropping my head back, I stared at the ceiling in an attempt to keep my tears at bay. “I second that. I’m ready to meet my niece or nephew now.”

Maddie’s head turned and her gaze met mine. “You still think it’s a girl?”

I nodded. “I do.”

“Well”—Maddie’s mouth quirked up into a smile—“I guess we’ll see.”

“We—“

Someone knocked on the door, cutting me off. “Keith if that’s you come on in. We’re ready.” Clara, Hope, and Grandmama were already seated in the chapel. It was just Maddie, and I left in the dressing room. When the door didn’t open, I huffed out a breath and marched over it. Twisting the knob, I pulled it open. “Lord, Keith, I told you just to open the—”

The man standing before me wasn’t Keith.

“Well, hey there, stud muffin. Fancy seeing you here.”

Anthony’s gaze dipped and ran the length of me, taking in the emerald green maid of honor dress that I wore. I had no idea what kind of material it was made of, but it was slinky and hugged every one of my curves. Whether that was a good thing or not I wasn’t sure. Neither my boobs nor my butt was exactly small.

“Jesus Christ,” he murmured under his breath. “You got a minute, sunshine?”

“I’ve always got a minute for you.” Looking over my shoulder to Maddie, I said, “Be right back, sugar. Anthony needs me.”

Biting back a smile, Maddie rolled her eyes. “Make it snappy; Daddy should be coming to get me any minute.”

Stepping out of the room, I pulled the door shut behind me, and looked into Anthony’s eyes. “What is it?”

Sliding one arm around my waist, he pulled my body flush against his. “Do you have any idea how beautiful you are?” Dipping his head, he gently touched his lips to mine. Swear to God, my heart almost melted. “I hate being here.”

My body tensed. “What? Why?”

“Because I’m jealous as fuck.” I raised my brows and waited for him to continue. “It should be me standing at the front of the church waiting on you to walk down the aisle.”

Wrapping my arms around his neck, I softly played with his hair. “It will be, sugar.” Anthony’s beautiful grey eyes met mine. “Soon, Tony, you’re going to be the one standing at the front of the church sliding your ring onto my finger.”

Without saying another word, Anthony wrapped a hand around the back of my neck and crashed his lips onto mine. The kiss wasn’t sweet nor was it gentle like the one minutes earlier had been. No, this kiss was intense, brutal, unyielding.

Breaking away from him, I gasped for air. “Anthony Marcello Moretti!” I fussed. “We are in a church for heaven’s sake. You might as well look up toward heaven and beg God to smite us both.” He chuckled in response. “Don’t you laugh at me, Detective Moretti. I am not in the mood to be smote. Especially today. Now”—I paused and sucked in another breath—“if you don’t mind, I’ll be getting back to my official maid of honor duties.”

Anthony licked his lips and ran his gaze over my body one last time. “Soon as the ceremony is over, I want you to find me.”

I rolled my eyes. “You act like I’m going to run away or something.” I waved a dismissive hand at him. “Get your butt back in the chapel.” Looking down the hall, my eyes found Keith. “Here comes the man of the hour.” I felt giddy with excitement. “It’s time, it’s time, it’s time!” Holding my hands up in the air, I danced around in a complete circle.

Again, Anthony chuckled at my shenanigans. Pulling me into his side, he kissed me on the cheek. “See you in a few minutes, sunshine.” Nuzzling his lips against my jaw, he kissed me one last time. “Love you, beautiful.”

“Love you more, stud muffin. From now until forever.”

* * *

Keith looked like he was going to faint.

Standing at the entrance to the chapel, his left arm linked with Maddie’s right one, he honest to God looked like he was going to pass out. “Princess,” he said, talking to Maddie. “You look beautiful, honey. You look”—he paused and took a deep breath—“you look just like your mother.”

Maddie beamed a megawatt smile at him. “Thanks, daddy.”

I glanced over my shoulder at the two of them. “You two better knock it off. I’ve made it this dang far without shedding a single tear.” I eyeballed them both. “I’m not going to start bawling now.”

I turned back around just in time for the music floating through the speakers to change. The wedding planner AKA Grandmama standing by the chapel’s door waved her hand in my direction. “You’re up, blondie.”

Guess that’s my cue.

“Go, Shelby,” Maddie hissed from behind me. “If you make me late for my wedding I swear—”

Without wasting another second, I took the first step.

Everyone’s eyes landed on me as I made my way down the aisle.

“Ma-ma!” Lucca squealed happily as I passed by him and Anthony both.

Holding a finger against my lip, I signaled for him to be quiet. Tossing his head back against Anthony’s chest he giggled before shaking his head no.

Little turkey.

Taking my place at the front of the church, I looked over at Hendrix. “Henny,” I whispered, getting my big brother’s attention.

“What do you want, brat?” He quirked a grin. “I’m kind of busy at the moment.”

Jackass.

“Just wait until you see your future wife.” I paused. “She’s beautiful.”

His lips tilted heavenward. “She’s always beautiful.”

“Yeah, well,” I continued to whisper. “She’s extra beautiful today.”

Not even a second later, the music once again changed and the congregation stood. I watched in fascination as Hendrix’s back straightened and his eyes lit up.

Here she comes.

Tears filled my eyes when I caught sight of Keith escorting Maddie down the aisle. Across from me, I heard Hendrix mumble, “Fuck me,” under his breath. I couldn’t help but laugh.

Maddie had only made it halfway down the aisle when Hendrix started towards her. “Wait!” I squeaked, chasing after him. “You’re supposed to wait for her at the altar, behemoth.”

Hendrix ignored me, along with Keith’s protests, as he bent down and scooped Maddie up in his arms. Turning around, he carried her back to the altar. Once in place, he nodded at the preacher. “Let’s go, preach. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I was eight years old. I’m not waiting another second.”

My jaw almost hit the floor.

Fricken caveman idiot!

The entire congregation chuckled at Hendrix’s antics.

Shaking my head, I took my place back at the front of the chapel. As I waited for the preacher to start, I glanced over at Anthony. His eyes were locked on me.

Winking at him, I mouthed, we’re next.

He nodded once before readjusting a fidgeting Lucca at his side. Then, he mouthed, you’re mine, sunshine, in return.

My heart swelled so much it nearly burst.

Blowing out a breath, I waited for the preacher to begin the ceremony.

I didn’t have to wait long.

Two seconds later, he stood tall, and said, “Today, we are gathered together to celebrate the very special love between Hendrix and Madelyn by joining them in marriage.”

It’s about fricken time.

* * *

Standing on the steps outside of the church, Hope looked at me like I was crazy. “I thought people threw rice at weddings?” She looked at the bag I’d given her. “This is bird seed, not rice.”

Holding Lucca on my hip, I stood beside Anthony. “You’re not supposed to throw rice anymore. It’s bad for the birds.”

Her brows furrowed. “So, people throw bird seed now? I mean, that just seems kinda… uh, crazy.” She tilted her head back and looked up at the sky. “Won’t that like… have a bunch of birds descend on us or something?”

I shrugged. “I hope not.”

She opened her mouth to say something else but snapped it shut when the heavy, wooden church doors swung open. Standing at the top of the steps, Grandmama stepped forward, and hollered, “I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix David Cole.”

When Hendrix and Maddie stepped out of the church and into the afternoon light, I raised my hands in the air and shouted my congratulations. Everyone else followed suit.

Smiling, Hendrix lifted Maddie into his arms—because, duh—and started to carry her down the concrete steps to the limo that was waiting to take them to the reception. They were halfway down the steps when Maddie’s face suddenly dropped.

Wide-eyed she looked over at me.

Knowing something was wrong, I stepped forward, halting Hendrix in his tracks. “Maddie, what’s wrong.” She open and closed her mouth in rapid succession as she tried to think of the right words. “Sweetpea, talk to me. You’re scaring the hell out of me.”

“Change of plans,” she said, wrapping her fingers in the material of Hendrix’s suit. “We aren’t going to the reception.”

Wait.

“What?” As usual, I was confused. “I don’t understand.”

Taking a deep breath, Maddie looked from me to Hendrix. “We aren’t going to the reception because my water just broke.” All the air left my lungs in one mega swoosh. “Get me to the hospital, handsome—now!”

Without uttering a single word, Hendrix moved his ass.

Grandmama stomped down the steps. “Shelby!” She hollered. “What’s going on?”

Gesturing for Anthony to follow me, I replied, “It’s baby day, Old Biddy.” I paused as I shifted Lucca to my other hip. “Maddie’s water just broke.”

At my words, everyone hustled towards the parking lot.

It’s show time.