Sweet Sins (14 page)

“Nope.” I turned to Sean. “Grab them.”

His eyes narrowed at me. “Just because I’m your best man doesn’t mean you get to boss me around.”

“Grab them,” I repeated.

Sean rolled his eyes and did as I asked.

When he came back down the stairs, he handed me the leather bag.

“I wonder what it is,” Cortland said excitedly.

“Probably something romantic and lame,” Ryan said.

I pulled out the
swords in their sheaths then handed them out.

“Ninja swords!” Flynn’s eyes were wide like Christmas morning. “Holy shit! That’s awesome.”

I smirked then handed him his. It was black with his name in Japanese down the side.

“Just like in
Kill Bill
.” Flynn took the strings then tied it to his pants. “Fucking awesome.”

I handed them out. “Now you guys can protect me from all the men trying to steal my bride.”

Ryan took the blade out and examined it. “This is pretty badass.”

Cortland looked at the casing. “I think Monnique is going to like this…”

“I can tell Janice is gonna want to use this in the bedroom,” Ryan said while he spun the blade in his hand.

“Too much info, man,” I said.

Cameron spun his around and so did Kirk.

“Okay, don’t kill each other,” I said. “These things could kill someone.”

“Let’s duel!” Ryan said to Cortland.

This was going south quick.

“Knock it off,” Sean said. “Put them away before you destroy my wife’s house.”

“Your wife’s?” Ryan asked incredulously. “Damn, you’re whipped even more than I thought.”

“Just put them away,” Sean said. “You can play with them outside.”

The guys bolted out the door with their swords.

“At least they liked them,” I said with a laugh.

Sean hooked his to his belt. “I think this will turn on Scarlet.”

Scarlet came from the kitchen, her arms across her chest. “No, I’ve never been into ninjas.”

“We’ll see about that,” Sean said with a grin.

“You’re going to play with that around your pregnant wife?” she asked with an attitude.

“Oh.” Sean sighed. “You’re right.”

She smiled. “Honey, I’m kidding. We’ll play with it later.”

His ey
es lit up. “Yes!”

“Remember, no sex today,” I warned. “That’s your one gift to me.”

“What?” Sean asked. “I guess we’ll take back the seventy-five inch screen TV we got you.”

Oh. I liked TV’s. “Wait. Hold on.”

“That’s what I thought,” Sean said with a grin.

“Okay. You can have sex, like, twice today,” I said in a compromise.

“So generous,” Sean said sarcastically.

I looked at my watch. “I guess we should head to the house.”

“I need to get there and help Cassandra anyway,” Scarlet said.

“Let’s head out,” Sean said.

When we arrived at the house, there were already cars lined up the street. Tables were in the backyard near the ocean, and the chairs were lined up on the beach. I assumed Cassandra was still inside, getting ready.

Sean studied me. “You doing okay?”

“I’m fine.”

“Nervous?”

I rolled my eyes. “No.”

We moved to the beach, and I started to greet everyone. My dad was talking to my aunt and uncle when I walked up.

My dad smiled at me. “Wow. You actually showed up.”

I hit his shoulder. “Shut up, Dad.”

“I never thought I’d see the day when my oldest son finally pulled his head out of his arse and settled down.”

“Well, you were wrong.”

“And I’m glad I was.” He hugged me then pulled away.

My mom wore a dark blue dress. She hugged me next. “Congratulations, honey.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

Her eyes were swollen with tears.

“Mom, I haven’t even gotten married yet.”

“I can’t help it.” She fanned her face. “Both of my sons will be married with kids on the way. It’s a dream come true.”

I rolled my eyes. “Knock off the soap opera.”

“I’m just happy,” she said with a sigh.

My mom’s sister was similar to my mom. She married rich and had a stuck up attitude. I never liked her, but I tried to play nice since we were family. “Thank you for coming.”

“Sure.” That was all she said.

Today was the happiest day of my life so I wasn’t going to let a rude bitch bother me.

“So, Cassandra is pregnant?” she asked. “Already?”

“She’s in her second trimester.”

She pressed her lips together and her eyes burned in disapproval. “Well, do you think a lavish wedding is really appropriate after conceiving a child out of wedlock?”

A million responses played through my mind but I didn’t voice any of them. Her opinion didn’t matter to me. Cassandra’s pregnancy wasn’t a mistake and it wasn’t something I was embarrassed about. Actually, it was the most beautiful thing in the world. Even if we weren’t married, we were a family. And some stuck
up bitch wouldn’t change that.

My dad’s eyes widened in anger but he didn’t snap like I knew he wanted to.

“Well?” she pressed.

I didn’t respond because I had nothing nice to say.

“How dare you speak to my son like that!” My mom blew up like a volcano. “This is his wedding day, and I’m so proud of him for settling down and starting his family. It shouldn’t matter if he got Cassandra pregnant before they were married. Who gives a damn? They love each other and they are happy together. I suggest you leave if you have a problem with it. You’re lucky Mike invited you to begin with.”

Damn. Go, Mom!

My aunt’s stared at my mother in shock. “How dare you…”

“I’ll throw you out on your ass right now if you don’t change your attitude,” my mom hissed. “No one treats my baby like that.”

My aunt placed her hand on my uncle’s. “Let’s leave.”

“Please,” my mom snapped. “And your hair look
s like a bird made a nest in it.”

I tried not to laugh but a few snickers came out.

My aunt gave my mom a glare before she stormed off.

“Damn, Mom.” I raised my hand and gave her a high-five. “The momma bear came out, growling and roaring.”

“No one talks about my kids like that,” she said with shrewd eyes.

It meant the world to me that she referred to Cassandra as her own.

My dad put his arm around her. “Diane, that was…pretty hot.”

Eww. Gross. Yuck.
“Okay, I’m outta here.” I walked away just as I heard them kiss. I shivered in disgust then said hello to a few other people. Sean and the rest of the guys were making sure there were enough chairs and everyone was seated where they needed to be. Their swords hung at their sides, and I saw all of them pat it happily as they talked about them in their conversations.

I stayed at the front where the pastor and the stage was, the ocean right behind m
e. I kept looking at my watch, checking the time. I wasn’t nervous at all. In fact, I was anxious. I just wanted to get married already.

15

Scarlet

When I walked into the house, the caterers had taken over the kitchen and living room, preparing the plates and the food. I smelled grilled chicken and asparagus and it smelled wonderful. My appetite had increased since I became pregnant. I wanted to eat everything in sight.

I headed upstairs and saw the bridesmaids. Janice, Hazel, and Monnique were helping with the buttons on the back of Cassandra’s dress. Janice was taking over her hair while Monnique fixed the train behind Cassandra.

When I looked in the mirror, I saw how beautiful she was. The gown was a halter top that revealed her cleavage subtly, something I knew Mike would love. It had a faded print of flowers lined with lace. At least a hundred buttons were in the back, and her stomach was highlighted in the dress. She didn’t try to hide it. I knew Mike would love it even more.

“You look lovely,” I said.

She met my gaze in the mirror and smiled. “Thank you. I hope Mike will agree.”

“Actually, Mike is going to be thinking something far dirtier,” Monnique said with a wink.

Cassandra blushed. “That sounds about right.”

“Good thing this dress has so many buttons,” Janice said. “You’ll make him work for it.” She curled a strand of hair then placed it perfectly around Cassandra’s face.

Monnique brushed eye shadow across her eye then finished the remaining touches. “Girl, you aren’t even going to make it down the aisle before he picks you up and hauls you inside.”

They all laughed. “That’s exactly something Mike would do,” Cassandra said.

When everything was done, Cassandra stared at herself in the mirror, studying her face and her dress.

“You look like a goddess,” Janice said. “The rest of us look like witches.”

“We should have brought our brooms,” Monnique said.

Zeal walked into the room from the bathroom. “I got the veil.” She
handed it to Janice so she could put it in her hair.

“No.” Cassandra shook her head. “I don’t want to wear it.”

Janice didn’t argue and put it on the bed.

We
all stared at her for a moment, marveling at her beauty.

“Is everything ready?” Cassandra asked.

“Yep,” I answered. “The guests are here, the band is ready, Mike showed up, and the food and cake are ready to go. Now all we need is the bride.”

She took a deep breath. “Can I have a moment alone?”

The girls gathered their boutiques and left the room.

But I didn’t move. I knew something was wrong. “Cassandra, what’s on your mind?”

She turned to me, picking up her dress. “It’s nothing…”

I knew Cassandra was uneasy about marriage. I suspected she would have doubts, and as the maid of honor, I had to make sure she didn’t bail on my brother. I knew she loved him and wanted to be with him. “Talk to me.”

She sighed and looked at the floor. “Marrying Zander was a huge mistake. He was abusive to me, and then he tried to kill Mike…”

“Don’t think about him.”

“It’s not about him. I just…made a stupid decision. And I guess I’m scared—”

“Never going to happen with Mike. You’re right. Zander was a huge mistake and he didn’t deserve you. Mike, on the other hand, is the greatest guy I know, along with my husband. He’s loyal, honest, gentle, and selfless. Your life with him with be full and wonderful. You’re making the right decision.”

Cassandra paced across the room, her hands knotted together. “What if—”

“No.” My voice sliced through the air. “Mike is the one. He’ll never hurt you—ever. Don’t be scared, Cassandra.”

“I guess I’m just nervous…”

“You’re making the
right decision. I promise.”

She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. “I love Mike very much.”

“Then marry him.”

She nodded. “Is it normal—to get cold feet?”

“I did. I ran out on my wedding.” Everyone knew it and I didn’t hide the knowledge. “But I know Mike doesn’t have any doubts.”

“He doesn’t?”

“No. And you’re the one who hurt him before. If anyone should have doubts, it’s him. After all, your ex tried to kill him.” I wasn’t saying it to make her feel bad. It was just the truth. “Mike has faith in this relationship. Don’t lose yours.”

She finally stopped squirming. “You’re right. I was just thinking too much.”

“It’s never good to think.” I smiled. “At least that’s what my husband says.”

“Thanks, Scarlet. I feel better.”

“What are maid of honors for?”

“Alright. Let’s do this.”

16

Mike

When the music finally played, my heart jumped into my throat. The moment was here. It finally arrived.

The guests stayed in their seats and watched my groomsmen walk their ladies down the aisle. Sean held Scarlet’s arm in his and
walked her down the aisle. He kept staring at her, his eyes glued to her face. When they reached the end, he kissed her on the cheek before he stood beside me.

Seeing them together reminded me how much I wanted this. I wanted a marriage like my brother had, a partner who would always be on my side through the thick and thin. Someone I could tell every secret to, someone who would love me unconditionally. I never thought I would get my happily ever after because I fucked up too much and wasted so much time. I threw aside girls and never gave them a real chance, finding something about them I didn’t like. I never thought I’d be marrying the coolest chick, hands down, in the world. She was perfect for me. It was like she was specially made to complete me. She was mine since birth.