Page 74 of Affliction
“Wait right here, I’ll make sure everything’s ready.” Maverick tells me and I give him a nod. Him, Karson, Nick and George all exit the vehicle, walking together toward the plane.Awakenby Breaking Benjamin softlyplays over the speakers, and I close my eyes as I let the lyrics wash over me. Today marks the beginning of a truly new life. A life without fear, or shrouded in darkness.
Maverick leaves the group and walks back over to the SUV. He opens my door and I step out onto the tarmac. His fingers lace through mine, and he looks down at me.
“All set. Are you sure you’re ready? We can stay a couple more days if you want some more time with your uncle.” He tells me and his thoughtfulness pulls at my heartstrings.
“I’m sure.” I give him a nod, and we walk over to where the rest of the men gather. Karson turns to face us, giving me a smile. Uncle Nick pockets his phone, then does the same.
“Let’s get going, Babe. My phone will not shut up, someone's really worried about you.” He gives me a wink then turns to shake my uncle's hand. They say their goodbyes, and Karson disappears onto the plane.
“I just got off of the phone with one of my men. They found where Preston had been staying and tore the place apart. What they found-” He trails off then lets out an exasperated breath, “Preston wasn’t going to give up until he had you, that much was clear. And his plans for you, I don’t even want to think about. Thankfully, it’s over now, Princess.” Tears gather in my eyes and I nod.
“Nick, thank you for everything. Please, come see us any time.” Maverick says, and reaches out to shake my uncle’s hand.
“I’ve already been in contact with movers. Marie, George and a few of the men who I decide to keep after I tie up some loose ends, will be out in Oregon within a month to stay. Permanently. I’m not letting you get away from me again. Plus, it’ll be nice to get reacquainted with some old friends.” He tells me with a wink. Releasing Maverick’s hand, I jump intoNick’s arms and cry into his chest. He wraps his arms around me and squeezes tightly.
“Take care of her.” I hear him say to Maverick.
“You have my word.” Maverick replies.
I release Nick, and we exchange our goodbyes. Wrapping his arm around my waist, Maverick leads me to the plane. We ascend the stairs, and find our seats in the cabin. Karson lays out across two rows of seats behind us, already snoring. Taking the window seat, I look out across the tarmac to where my uncle stands, watching as the plane prepares for take off. The scene is all too familiar but this time, instead of sadness, I feel hope for the future.
“Let’s go home.” Maverick whispers in my ear and I turn to plant a kiss on his lips. He pulls me into his side, and I watch the ground disappear beneath us as we leave Rhode Island. Leaving this time feels lighter. I have my family back, and the freedom to start a whole new life.
I look up at Maverick and my heart swells. If it wasn’t for him, and his persistence to tear into my walls, I don’t think that ever would have happened. I’d continue muddling through the days, forever tormented by my past.
Six months later
“Parker, you look incredible!”Ashlynn squeals as she takes a step back to take in my appearance. “Doesn’t she look fantastic?” She asks, turning to Hazel and Marie, who both stand off to the side with misty eyes.
“You’re so beautiful.” Marie chokes out. “I just know your mom and dad are seeing you right now, and smiling so big.” She finishes and my eyes begin to water. Tipping my head back to prevent them from falling, I blink and swallow the lump forming in the back of my throat.
“We’re just missing one thing.” Hazel chimes in, and I look down at her confused. She reaches into the bag for my gown, and pulls out the veil we all picked out last week. She strolls over to me, and I bend just enough to allow her to place the veil in my hair.
Turning, I look into a full length mirror and gasp at my reflection. I chose a black, off the shoulder silk dress that has black lace underneath that peeks out over the top. It hugs my curves in all the right places and dropsinto a sheath skirt. Hazel fluffs the matching veil behind me and I swallow the lump in my throat.
In just a few minutes, I will marry the man of my dreams. I never saw myself getting married, but Maverick came into my life and changed everything for the better. I can’t imagine my life not tied to him in every way possible. A knock on the door sounds, and Hazel smiles. She leaves me to go open it, and my heart pounds harder when I see my uncle standing in the doorway.
“Ladies.” He greets the women in the room, and walks over to me. Stopping in front of me, his eyes fill with tears as he takes my hands.
“You look so beautiful, Princess.” He says softly and I pull him into a hug. A lone tear falls, and Hazel slaps his shoulder.
“Don’t you make her cry, Rossi. That makeup took Ashlynn over an hour.” She scolds and I laugh. He pulls away from me and looks over to her.
“Alright, alright. Jeez, calm down.” He jokes and everyone shares a chuckle at their interaction. “I have something for you.” He says to me, and reaches into his pocket. He pulls out a small box with a tiny purple bow, and my heart stops, eyes immediately filling with tears.
I look down at the box and then back at him with wide eyes. Taking it from him with shaky hands, I carefully lift the top and the tears spill over my lashes when I see what’s inside.
“My locket.” I choke, and carefully pull it out. Placing the box down on the table next to me, I open the heart shaped locket, and stare at the pictures inside of it. One is of me and Nick, the other is of me and my parents at the beach, the summer before I started kindergarten.
“Whe-” The words get caught in my throat. “Where did you find this?” My eyes flash to his, tears streaming down both of our faces. “I thought it was gone.”
“The men I sent to Preston’s house that day, they found it amongst his things.” He whispers. “Here, let me help you.” He says and I hand him the locket. Spinning around, I watch in the mirror as he places the necklace on me, and clasps it. My fingers touch the pendant and I let out a shaky breath.
“Thank you.” I whisper and he kisses my cheek.
“Okay that’s enough!” Ashlynn interrupts, she’s also crying. “We’re messing up my masterpiece.” She comes over to me and blots my face with a napkin. When she finishes, she steps back to look at me and nods approvingly.
“There, all finished. Now, let’s go get you married.” She smiles, and we all exit the room. Making our way down the stairs, we stop at a curtain that blocks our view from the wedding venue. We decided to get married at one of Perdition’s many beautiful overlooks of the mountains. It’s going to be a small ceremony and reception, with only around twenty guests.
