Total pages in book: 62
Estimated words: 59120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 59120 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 296(@200wpm)___ 236(@250wpm)___ 197(@300wpm)
She did that part for Chief, and I just know he is going to love it.
Jasmine and I exchange proud glances as we pull on our matching boots, the leather creaking as we lace them tight.
“Are you ready?” I squeeze her hand, feeling her pulse racing beneath my fingertips.
“Oh God... oh God...” Her whisper barely disturbs the air.
“This is the right thing, Momma. He’s your other half, and you know that.” I adjust a stray curl that’s escaped her careful styling.
Her smile appears, a little surer this time. “I’ve thought about this moment my whole life. I can’t believe it’s here.”
“Well, enjoy it, because it’s here and it’s amazing.”
“Thank you girls for getting me through this.”
She stares at us both with such pride, it makes my heart swell.
“Come on,” I say, linking my arm through hers. “You have a very nervous biker waiting.”
My heart hammers against my ribs as I swing my leg off Travis’s bike. Behind me, Jasmine slides gracefully off Bill’s bike, her leather boots landing firmly on the ground. The world stretches out before us in a blaze of color. The sea stretches to the horizon, the sky brushed in reds and oranges, and a scarlet carpet unfurled across the soft sand.
Dozens of bikers in black leather jackets and chrome-studded vests stand waiting. At the end of the carpet, beneath an arch of driftwood entwined with white roses, my father waits, every inch the rugged patriarch, sleeves rolled to reveal tattooed forearms, shirt collar open against the sea breeze.
I take a deep breath, pressing a hand to my chest at the sight before me. Travis loosens his grip on my hand just as I step onto the path. I pause for a heartbeat, eyes locking with my dad’s. His face softens, every line of ordeal and triumph wiped away by pure pride.
His right-hand flies to his chest, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows back the emotions. Then his eyes swing to Jasmine, who is standing next to me now, her hand curling into mine, and a tear rolls down his cheek.
“Is our father crying?” she asks, shocked.
I stare, eyes wide. “I think he is. I’ll be damned.”
Soft music starts playing and that is our cue. Mom is waiting, just around the corner, Bill by her side, waiting for her grand entrance. Jasmine and I start walking, smiling as we move down the carpet. When we get to the end, we both kiss Chief on the cheek, and then stand beside him and wait. His eyes remain fixed, not focusing on anything else but the spot where he knows the woman he loves most in this world is about to walk toward him.
When she steps out, a gasp radiates through the crowd. Her hair cascades in loose waves, teased by the wind, each strand catching flecks of gold. Her gown hugs her curves, and her cheeks glow with happiness. I already knew how beautiful she looked, but seeing her there, the wind in her hair, the love in her eyes, it is enough to break even the strongest of us. My throat tightens, and I swallow hard against the lump. Jasmine squeezes my hand, fighting back her own emotions.
She walks down, her smile radiant. When she reaches Chief, he brushes the tear from her cheek and cups her face in his rough palms. Though I can’t hear his words, I see the way he gazes at her: as if she’s the only woman in a crowded world. Their vows rise and fall like ocean waves, promises laced with laughter. When they finally say, “I do,” I erupt with a spirited whoop that echoes against the dunes.
Chief chuckles, and my mother’s delighted giggle ripples through the crowd. Then, with a practiced flourish, he sweeps her into a long, fierce kiss, sealing their new life together beneath the blissful sun. The applause crashes over us like a tide. I brush away the last of my tears, and Jasmine stands beside me, eyes shimmering.
As the couple greets each guest, I inhale deeply and let relief wash over me. Travis steps close, his black sunglasses reflecting the sunlight, leather jacket pressing warm against my back. He wraps his arms around me, and I lean into him.
“You know you look fucking amazing,” he murmurs against my hair.
“Oh, I know,” I say, teasing.
He spins me toward him and brushes his thumb along my cheek. “A perfect bridesmaid. But I can’t wait to see you as a bride.”
“Oh?”
He grins. “Come on, let’s go party!”
I huff, rubbing my belly. “I don’t get to, but I’m sure you will drink plenty enough for the both of us.”
He chuckles and then runs a hand over my bump. “I can really see our baby when you’re in this dress, it’s fucking magical.”
“It’s only going to get bigger,” I point out. “It’s cute now... but...”