Page 59 of Rage
“I’m sorry to hear that, but you look amazing. You’re doing the best you can, so try not to be too hard on yourself. Have you seen Milly?”
She smiles. “No, I haven’t. Only Ava has been with her. I can’t wait. My wedding was so different to hers.”
I chuckle. “So was mine.” Not that I saw the middle or end of it.
The wedding officiant walks up and stands in front of the arch. He gives us all a friendly smile.
An older woman is sitting on the groom’s side. I assume she’s Twitch’s mom. Axle sits beside her, and within moments she’s laughing. He’s good at putting people at ease. I love the relaxed atmosphere here.
Ava walks over with tissues in her hand and sits in the front row.
Laughter fills the air. I look at Twitch, who walks quickly down the aisle with his head down and waits at the arch for Milly. He looks pale, nervous even. The men were probably justgiving him crap. It wouldn’t be a War Brothers MC get-together without the banter.
The music starts, and everyone turns in their seats as we wait for Milly. Reaper and Milly come out of the back door and walk slowly toward us. Milly looks as beautiful as ever in her wedding dress, which flows gracefully, and subtle makeup that highlights her natural beauty. They make their way down the aisle, each step deliberate.
I glance over at Twitch, and my heart swells at the sight of him. His eyes are teary, but his grin is so wide I just know his cheeks will be aching by the end of the night.
When they reach the altar, Reaper gently passes Milly’s hand to Twitch. Even Reaper looks emotional, his tough exterior softening for just a moment. He takes a seat beside Ava, who I can hear quietly sniffling, her emotions spilling over.
The wedding officiant begins with a few pleasantries, but soon it’s time for the vows. There’s a brief silence. The bridal couple’s faces are soft as they smile at each other. The look of adoration and love on their faces is truly beautiful.
“I’ve spent my life healing others,” Milly begins, her voice steady but filled with emotion. “But I never knew my own heart had a piece missing and needed you to make it whole. You’ve shown me a love so fierce, so consuming that you proved you were the one for me. You’re the reason I believe in love, and with you, I found the life I always dreamed of. I will love you with everything I have, always.”
Her hands tremble slightly as she slides the ring onto Twitch’s finger. Ava cries softly in the front row.
Twitch clears his throat, clearly choked up with emotions. “Before you, I had the club and my family. I thought I had everything I needed until you walked into the clubhouse that day. I knew right then that you were it for me. You have been worth every risk.” He gives Reaper a quick glance. “I vow to loveyou and protect you forever. You’re my heart, and I will spend the rest of my life proving that to you.”
Tears fall down Milly’s face as he puts the ring that I made on her finger.
Cheers and claps sound around us. I feel a sudden rush of warmth that spreads through me, proud that I was part of making today special for them. I glance at Rage, who looks distracted, deep in thought, and I wonder what’s on his mind.
After Milly and Twitch kiss, we erupt into applause and music is put on while Milly and Twitch do the rounds, hugging and thanking everyone for being here on their special day, soaking in the love from their closest friends and family. Milly cries when she reaches me, so happy with how her ring turned out.
Even though I haven’t known them for long, I’m so happy for them. They seem like good people. Twitch is now calm. I think seeing Milly walk down the aisle was all he needed. It reminds me of Rage. He stopped fighting for me. I already knew I loved him, but him putting me first cemented that.
We spend the afternoon mingling. There’s finger food, and for dinner there’s a buffet. Rage still isn’t himself.
The horizon glows with a fiery orange that fades into shades of pink. Rage has his arm around me as we sit at the outside table. I lean into him. “Are you sure you’re okay? You’ve seemed preoccupied all day.”
His face softens, and he presses his finger to my nose. “Don’t you worry your sweet cougar face about it.”
I laugh and whack him on the leg. I am never going to live that down.
Everyone’s drinking, and the vibes are good. The music has been turned up, and most of the women are dancing. Even Demon is dancing with Sammy, twirling her around in circles,and it’s the sweetest thing ever. For someone who looks so rough, he melts around Ivy and Sammy.
The wedding was the best I’ve ever been to. I’m grateful I was invited and got to be a part of Milly and Twitch’s special day. It was less of a formal event and more like a gathering of love, joy, and connection. They are different people yet belong together. It proves there’s hope for me and Rage.
EIGHTEEN
A NIGHTMARE UNFOLDS
Rose
The clubhouse was stillalive with partying late into the night, but I went to bed early, knowing I wanted to get a head start on work today. The orders just keep flying in, and I’ve got two rings that need to be mailed out.
I glance over at Rage, who’s still fast asleep. His messy hair and the way the bedsheet rests low on his hips, revealing his fit body, make me pause for a moment. He looks peaceful. He needs the rest. I woke up at 1:00 a.m. and found him still awake, watching TV. He’ll probably be out for a while yet.
That’s a bit of a problem, though. I get anxious if I hold on to orders for my business for too long. I like to send them out as quickly as possible—I want my customers to have a positive experience.
