MARIGOLD
Mrs. Lou is no joke when it comes to making sure I’m ready for this wedding and nothing is missed. For the first time in a long time, I think of my mother. A woman I can’t remember. I never brought her up because I knew it would always enrage my father. So much so it was instilled in me to forget anything about a mother figure.
I’d never tried to even dream up what it might be like to have one. Now with Mrs. Lou fussing all around me to make sure this is perfect, I can’t help but think what mine would have been like if she’d been here today. Though who would date my father? Then again, the apple might not fall far from the tree. I think my mother and I both might have a thing for bad men. They’re only bad in different ways.
“You okay, sweetheart?” Mrs. Lou pulls the veil over my head, making sure not to mess up my hair the stylist did.
“Yes, this all just has me thinking about my mom and how this day could have been different.”
“Fate, my dear. When you start to think of how life could have gone in different ways you forget that then you might not be here if it had. Do you want to be here?”
“I do,” I say without hesitation. Mrs. Lou gives me a bright smile. “You don’t think this is all a bit crazy?”
“Tomorrow is never promised, Marigold. You’ll often find the craziest moments are the ones that you never forget and change it all. We’re all a bit crazy around here.”
“I think I like your kind of crazy,” I admit.
“It’s because you’ve got a bit of it too.” She winks at me as she takes my hand. “Now let's get the show on the road before the groom ends up coming up here to get you. Elliott and my husband are having to hold him back.”
“He’s that worked up to marry me?” I don’t know why, but I find it extremely hot that Avery is so obsessed with me that he can’t wait to make me his.
“Avery is a man of action.”
“I’ve noticed.” I laugh as she guides me down the stairs. It’s not until we’re almost to the back doors that go outside that it dawns on me I have no one to walk me down the aisle.
“I guess I’ll walk down alone.”
“No.” I turn to see Avery standing there. Damn, I thought he was hot before, but in a suit and bowtie he’s something else altogether. “From this moment on it will always be me by your side. I will walk you down the aisle.”
Tears swim in my eyes. That’s so dang sweet.
“Don’t make her cry. She had her makeup done.” Mrs. Lou smacks Avery on the arm. He pretends it hurts, rubbing the spot. A giggle bubbles free from me, pushing my tears back. I think they did that all on purpose.
Avery takes my arm before the double doors to the back porch swing open where I see. Mr. Lou and Elliott, who is holding Heirloom. Heirloom is adorable; he’s ditched his diamond collar for a bowtie.
I let out a small gasp when I see the amount of flowers that cover every square inch of the patio. There isn't room for more guests with the amount of flowers that have exploded everywhere. At the very front is the orchid I’d tried to steal. It’s beautiful, the flowers fully bloomed and almost sparkling gold. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Mr. Lou stands at the end of the aisle with a book in hand. His wife trails behind us, making sure my veil is spread out before she starts snapping pictures. When we make it to the end, I hand her over the flowers in my hand as Avery lifts my veil from my face and Mr. Lou begins.
I catch most of his words, but I get lost in Avery’s eyes. A warmth unlike anything I’ve ever felt not only fills me but surrounds me. I forget about everything else but this moment. Avery is my person. The only person who has ever come to my side without question.
I know how dangerous he can be. That should scare the hell out of me, but for the first time in my life, the last thing I feel is fear. In fact, I feel free as I vow to be his wife.
Before I know it, I’m sliding a ring onto his finger, and he’s kissing me breathless. “My wife,” he breathes against my mouth as his eyes stare into mine. “Never thought the most priceless thing I’d steal would come right to me.”
“Or maybe that’s been the trap the whole time,” I tease.
“Then you’ve got me, Goldie, because I’m all yours.” I yank him down for a kiss this time. His hands go to my ass, picking me up.
“Hey, we have cake and dinner!” Mrs. Lou shouts after us.
“Give us a minute,” I shout back through kisses.
“A minute?” Avery scoffs.
“We’ll be back at some point?” I try again. “Cake, Avery,” I point out.
“God, I love you.” He carries me up the stairs. I want to say the words back. They are there. Right on the tip of my tongue, but I’ve never said them to another person before. Sure, I say it to cats but not to people.