“Good, because I really need to be with my husband right now. I hope you understand.”
“I’ve taken too much of your time already.”
“You’re still my bestie, Isaac. Nothing will change that. If you need to talk or need a hug or want to go shopping, I’m here. Just not on my wedding night, okay?”
He laughed. “I’ll miss you,” he said, giving her a hug that forced all the air from her lungs. “While I’m doing my thing in Africa.”
Rebekah hugged him back, hoping Isaac would end up as happy as she was. Yet she kind of doubted it was possible. Her level of happiness was almost criminal.
Chapter Nine
Eric smiled down at his wife when she slid her hand into his and leaned against his upper arm. She gazed up at him with beguiling blue eyes, and he was glad they’d decided to put off the customary reception for a couple of weeks. How did new husbands make it through an entire evening without making love to their women? Maybe that’s where the booze came in.
“Did you have a nice talk with Isaac?” he asked.
“Yep,” she said. “Can we leave now, before someone else decides to interrupt?”
“Oh good, you’re still here,” a familiar voice called from the church entrance. “I thought I’d missed it.”
“You did miss it, Jon,” Sed called. “They’re ready to leave.”
Jon rushed down the aisle. He looked surprisingly good as he took Eric’s hand and eagerly pumped it up and down.
“I thought you weren’t coming,” Eric said.
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he said.
“Jon,” Sed said, shaking his head. “You did miss it.”
“I did? Right. Hope it was special. Anyway, I think I found us a drummer.”
The entire band swiveled their heads in Eric’s direction, various levels of shock registering on their faces.
“You aren’t going to leave the band, are you?” Jace said, grabbing Eric’s sleeve.
Sed tilted his head back and shook it at the ceiling. “Happens all the time. Guy gets married. Wife takes over his life. Guy leaves band. Band is screwed.”
“I’m not leaving Sinners,” Eric said. “I just… want to start a second band. A band with fewer fan expectations so I can try some experimental things. And sing. And play guitar.” Which would step on every band member’s fucking toes.
Rebekah squeezed his hand in encouragement. He hadn’t wanted the guys to find out like this. He’d wanted to have some songs for them to listen to so they could see how different the two bands would be and why he didn’t expect Sinners to share his new vision.
Nice, Jon. Thanks for that.
“So do you need a bassist?” Jace asked.
Eric couldn’t even bring himself to look at Jace when he said, “Jon’s playing bass.”
“Oh,” Jace said flatly.
Shit. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Jace. Eric wished that Jon knew how to keep his big mouth shut. That way Eric could have broken the idea to the guys himself and ensured that they realized he wasn’t going anywhere. The side project would always take a back seat to Sinners.
“This thing is in its infancy,” Eric said, hoping to lessen the impact of his news. “I’m not even sure if it will get off the ground.”
“It will definitely get off the ground,” Jon said excitedly. “I was talking to Caiden James when you sent me the wedding invite this afternoon. It took some encouragement and quite a bit of alcohol, but he’s agreed to join us. Well, he will if you ask him. I don’t think he really believed me. But he was stoked by the thought of working with you, Sticks.”
“He’ll get in touch with you in a couple of days,” Rebekah said to Jon, taking Eric firmly by the elbow. “And you can hash out all the details about your band then.”
Jon’s smile faded, and he scowled slightly as he looked down at Rebekah.
“My husband,” she continued, “is mine for the next seventy-two hours or so. After that, I might give him a few minutes to himself, but don’t count on it. The man promised me a lifelong honeymoon, and I plan to hold him to his word.”
Eric grinned and drew her against his side to give her a hearty squeeze. “That’s right, I did. We’d better get started on that. Later, dudes.”
He scooped Rebekah off her feet and into his arms, and carried her toward the church exit. There was only so much waiting a guy could be expected to tolerate.
Chapter Ten
Rebekah hugged Eric’s neck and giggled against his shoulder. Thank God he’d decided to make an escape. There was only so much waiting a girl could be expected to tolerate.
They’d almost made it to the door when rapid footfalls approached from behind.
“Wait!” Jessica called. “Don’t forget to throw your bouquet. And we have rice. For luck!”
“And the garter,” Myrna added.
Eric blew out his cheeks and set Rebekah on her feet. “Almost made it,” he said.
Rebekah tossed her bouquet over her shoulder without looking.
There was a loud thud, and Rebekah turned to find Jessica on the floor, her body obscured by a pew, her feet sticking out into the aisle. “Warn a bride-to-be!” Jessica complained from between the pews. She lifted a hand into the air, clutching the bouquet in victory.
Sed chuckled and shook his head as he helped her to her feet. “Did you hit your head? Why did you dive for it like that?”
“Because no other woman in this room is getting married before me!” Jessica said, brushing off the skirt of her dress.