“Spit it out Ramone. I don’t have all day.” He knows how much I hate puttering.
“They have been asking around. Seems officer Jacobson didn’t understand your last warning about snitches. He told them you had been asking about the families as well. Roscoe is not sure if they know where she is right now, but they at least have an idea of who she is with.” He says the last part with disgust. No doubt thinking of all the ways we can send a message to Jacobson. I have just the thing.
“Call Roscoe back and tell him I am thinking a bonfire is in order.” I don’t need to say anything else. He walks away to make that call. I look at my watch, my patience wearing thin.
“Brother.” Julio pats me on the back.
“Julio. So good of you to make it.” I can’t seem to keep the sarcasm at bay. Little shit was supposed to be here last night to join the family dinner and meet Lexi.
“I’m sorry. There were some ...complications with a case I am working on. Couldn’t leave until said complication was contained until I returned.” Figures it was a woman.
“How old is she?” I ask.
“Seventeen.” He groans. Ah. So, he can’t do anything about it yet. I understand his frustration now.
“Sorry little brother. Listen, I hope you get it figured out soon. And hey, thank you for coming.” I hug him letting him know I am serious. I am about to tell him what is going on when I see Ramone walk back out, with a nod of his head letting me know the order has been given. Suddenly, the music changes and I see my cousin Connie’s daughter walking down the aisle, spreading her flowers, and I know it’s time. Shaking my hands out to relieve the tension, I walk back over to the altar to wait for my bride.
Lara walks out a few minutes behind MK, and behind me I hear Ramone curse. I shake my head, laughing at him. He should just take her and be done with it. Why he insists on torturing himself is beyond me. I look back up as Lexi begins to walk out and the song is correct. Speechless is the only thing I can say. She looks, beyond exquisite. As she glides down the aisle to me, on the arm of my father, I swear she is glowing. Everything in her vicinity is illuminated. She looks like a fucking angel. Jesus. I am barely able to contain myself. I can feel my emotions bubbling to the surface as I try to wrap my head around the fact that this beautiful, smart, sassy, incredibly sexy woman, is going to be my wife. I find myself wiping my eyes as they become moist. I don’t care who knows either, but damn it, I am beyond humbled. She and my father reach the altar and he grabs her hand, placing it in mine and looks me in my face and says, “Son, she is now my daughter and I am giving her to you, with the confidence that you are going to treat her as your everything. There should no other, more important than her and your children. Can I trust you with her heart?” I turn my head to her, looking her in her eyes that are filled with tears, so she herself can see the truth in my answer.
“You can trust me papa. I will put her before all others.” he kisses our joined hands and walks away. Putting my hand on her cheek, I wipe her tears. “You look ethereal, my love.” She bends her head, hiding the blush. I find it so refreshing that after all we have done over the past almost 48 hours, she can still find something to blush about.
“Thank you. You look very dapper yourself,” she says. I smile at her before we turn to the pastor and make this official.
“Family and friends. We are gathered here today to witness the union of Saxson and Alexis. I have been instructed to skip the objections part. They have each written their own vows. Alexis. You first.”
“Saxson. When I pictured my life, I always saw it in black and white snapshots of things I could have. It wasn’t until I first met you, that I began to see the future in color. You are showing me, that nothing is absolute except you and I and what we will have. Thank you for choosing me and loving me even though I can be ...difficult.” She says, as laughter ensues because everyone here is privy to her age. “I love you Saxson. Far more than I ever knew I could love anyone because I didn't know what real love was until I met you.” She wipes her face as the tears continue to fall. Hell, who am I kidding. My face is wet too.