at the aisle beneath an archway covered in pink flowers in a gray suit and a black skinny tie. The serious look on his face made Lefty want to laugh. He took this very seriously. The twenty-something had a sensitive soul. He brought a lightness that helped balance them out. Demon chose his men carefully. There was a careful weigh and balance to each personality and skill set that kept them running smoothly and independently. If you outsourced too much, you got leaks in your ship. You could only bail water for so long before it succumbed to the inevitable.
The music shifted and they all stood, glancing down at the end of the aisle where Ardy stood with her arm looped with her father’s. Her dress was full and white with a red bow around the waist that screamed Dueling Devils.
Paddy kept his face neutral.
You know better than to act out of turn. You made this bed, now lie in it.
Ardy and her dad reach the end of the aisle. A hush fell over the crowd.
Lefty could practically hear everyone take a deep breath. Paddy handed Ardy over to Demon
and walked over to sit by her sobbing mother. He couldn’t tell if the tears were happy or sad.
Demon and Ardy clasped hands and turned sideways, peering at Flow.
“We’re all here today to witness the wedding of Jonah Lawless and Ardy Larkin. The
couples have written their own vows.”
Ardy smiled and then spoke, “I’ve always heard love happens when you least expect it and
in unexpected places, but I never truly understood that until you. You took me out of the small town where I’d grown complacent, opened my eyes and my heart. Falling in love with you was like breathing—effortless, natural, and key to my survival. You altered my heart. It beats in time with yours and for our children. I am honored to take your name today and become a permanent part of your family.”
Demon squeezed her hand. “Ardy Larkin, there is no one else I’d rather take this ride with,”
Demon leaned in and whispered into her ear.
Her lower lip trembled as he continued to whisper words meant only for her. He pulled back and they turned to Flow.
“By the power vested in me by the State of New Mexico, I pronounce you husband and
wife.”
Demon and Ardy turned to face the crowed.
“Meet Mr. and Mrs. Jonah Lawless.”
Lefty stood, whistling and stomping his feet along with the rest of them.
Things were changing in the Dueling Devils, settling and steadying. After all the bullshit, they’d dealt with, it was a much needed transition. Bikes revved in the background as they walked back down the aisle.
“Now for the fun part,” Lefty said, guiding Gia out into the crowd. They’d set up a white
tent a few yards away for the reception.
“Are you sure you aren’t the one who likes to dance?” Gia asked, raising a delicate eyebrow.
“We dance all the time, babe. The most intimate dance you could ever have.”
“You have a one-track mind.”
“And yours runs on the same track.”
“Luckily for you,” Gia retorted saucily.
“Keep it up, baby. I got the perfect thing to fill that big mouth of yours.”
“You talk so sweetly to me. I don’t know how I did without you,” Gia teased.