I’ve always felt Sin’s role within The Fellowship was comparable to that of a prince-in-waiting. I once mocked it. But that was before I became a part of his world. I couldn’t feel more like a queen than I do in this moment. And I love it. It’s nice to be so well received by his people.
Champagne in hand, Jamie leads the toasts. “On behalf of Sinclair and Bleu, I’d like to thank everyone for coming out on this bitter cold night to celebrate their marriage. Even all the ladies in tears who are heartbroken to see my friend no longer available for the taking.” The crowd laughs; I do as well.
“I have to tell you that I knew it was over for Sin the minute he laid eyes on Bleu. He thought he was so damn smart, keeping his feelings for her hidden from everyone, but I could see he was smitten by this American lass. I’ve never known my friend to be as happy and content as he was in Bleu’s presence. It never mattered to him if she was Fellowship or not. He was determined to make her his, no matter the cost. And it was a high one. He made the ultimate sacrifice so she could become one of us. And now she is by both initiation and marriage. I wish you both the best of luck and a life filled with health, happiness, and joy. I wish you many healthy babies and may they all take after their beautiful mother so none of them are as ugly as Sinclair.” The crowd erupts into laughter again and Jamie lifts his glass higher. “To my best friend Sinclair and his lovely wife, who shall now become my dear friend as well. May we all find love as precious as theirs.”
I’ve not spent much time with Jamie so his speech comes as a surprise. He lifts his drink in my direction and nods before tossing it back.
Leith is next at the mic, and I’m a little worried about what he might say. “Everyone knows Sin, Jamie, and myself have been best friends since we were bairns. We’ve spent twenty-six years sharing any and every thing, so I didn’t take well to being told to back off of Bleu.” Oh God. I think Leith is drunk. This is going to be bad.
I give Sin the look, the one that says “stop him before he makes an ass of himself and us.”
Sin shakes his head and returns his attention to his friend. He seems to have confidence in him. I don’t.
“It took a little while but I finally realized Sin put boundaries up around Bleu because he was in love with her. That’s the natural order of things when a man loves a woman. He doesn’t allow other men near her. Once I figured that out, a lot of things became very clear for me.”
“Sin is a liar, a cheater, and a thief.” Leith lifts his glass and my heart pounds. I thought I had sorted out where his speech was going but now I’m afraid I was wrong.
“Stop him,” I tell Sin.
Sin places his hand on my thigh. “He’s fine.”
“When he lies, may it be beside you. Or in a court of law so he may keep all you wankers out of the slammer.” The crowd breaks into laughter and I’m marginally relieved. But he isn’t finished.
“When he cheats, may it be death.” I hear what sounds like the murmurs of hundreds saying “aye” in unison. “Seems he already has that one down since he’s managed to dodge the grave twice now.” I hear more gleeful sounds but I still brace myself for what could come next.
Leith is full of lingering anger with Sin, and it has nothing to do with me. It may take a little digging but I fully intend on finding out what’s going on between them.
“When he steals, may it be your heart and your kisses. Or whatever is of value from The Order when the opportunity presents itself.”
The brotherhood bursts into cheers. I look at Sin and roll my eyes. I can’t believe Leith is turning his best man toast into jokes about lying in court and stealing from The Order.
Leith holds up his glass for what I think is a final statement. At least, I hope that’s what it is. He’s still making me nervous.
“The traditional toast says, ‘If you drink, drink deeply of the joy of your new life together.’ While we all wish that for our happy leader and his bride, I say to everyone: drink deeply tonight in honor of them. Congratulations, Sin and Bleu. May we all know love that will push us above and beyond any limits standing in the way.”
“Finally,” I say beneath my breath as I bring my champagne up for a drink.
Sin laughs while drinking to Leith’s toast. “Did you really think he would say something in poor taste?”
I heard the things Leith said to Sin in the ring the day they fought. There’s bad blood there. “I only know one thing. Never trust a drunk holding a mic.”
“Good point. But it’s done now and all is well.”
The toasts continue far too long. Everyone in the brotherhood wants to offer their congratulations and well wishes for our marriage … and future children. There are so many toasts, I’m on my way to drunkenness without intending it.
We’re nearing the last of the well-wishers when Sin puts his hand on my leg beneath the table. He leans over to whisper in my ear and his warm breath ignites chills down my body. “I can’t wait to get you home.”
He pulls away. He scans my face and leans back to take a look below the table. “What is that?”
“My Beretta.”
“You’re wearing a wedding dress with a gun strapped to your thigh?”
I shrug. “Almost every Fellowship member is gathered here. It would be crazy to not be prepared in case of an invasion.”
“My wife has a pistol hidden beneath her dress. That is fucking hot.”
“I might let you take it off me later.”
Sin removes his hand from my thigh and takes my hand. “Dance with me, Mrs. Breckenridge.”
I’ve been his wife going on two months and I still get chills when he calls me that. I hope it never stops.
We move to the dance floor and he takes me in his arms as we sway to the band’s rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight.”
“My husband is a very good dancer.” His movements are smooth despite his amputation.
The solitary dimple makes an appearance. “Only when I have the right partner.”
I follow Sin’s lead. “I’m not a great dancer but I feel like I am when I’m with you.”
“Everything we do in life is going to be great as long as we do it together.”
“I know.” I move closer and place my head against his chest.
I look forward to all the great things we’re going to do together. I love being a wife but I miss being a daughter and sister. It hurts every day. “I wish Dad and Ellison were here. And both of my moms. I miss all of them so much.”