A Warrior Wedding (The Protectors #7)(36)

“Yes.” Jill nodded, then looked at Damon. “Damon, you and Nicole could renew your vows along with all of us.”

No one said anything else. The room was silent. Her worried eyes met Slade’s and wondered if he was upset, but his widening smile and nod of approval made her heart soar.

“But there is one stipulation,” Jill added. This is where it was going to get tricky. “It has to be in a week and I don’t want the women to know. I want it to be a surprise. The only thing you have to do is make sure they are at the place I tell you and you get the rings and a tux.”

Again the room was silent until Damon spoke up. “Why a week and why a surprise?”

“The surprise is because this is something I want to do for my sisters.” Jill felt the lump in her throat growing. “I want this day to be special, not only for me, but for them and you guys as well. It’s the only gift I can give to them for everything they’ve done for me. And as for the timeframe, I think we all know the answer to that.” Her eyes met Adam’s.

“You’ve given a lot of thought to this.” Jared observed, a soft expression on his face.

“Yes,” she lied, unless two days was a lot of thought.

“Any of the unmated males along with Blaze and Hunter could give someone away. My dad will be giving me away.” Jill looked around at everyone staring at her. “I’ll give you more information in the next day or two.”

“What do you need from me?” Sloan asked, an approving gleam in his eyes.

Jill’s eyes met Duncan’s briefly. “Don’t turn Duncan in.”

“He doesn’t have a choice,” Duncan replied before Sloan could. “I would turn myself in if he didn’t. I will not bring down my brothers that way. It’s the law and VC Warriors uphold the law, always.”

“Even bullshit laws?” Jill said in disgust, but didn’t expect anyone to answer. “Okay, fair enough.”

“Anything else?” Sloan replied with a small grin.

“An advance on my paycheck?” Jill cringed when she asked the other question she’d been dreading. Then smiled when Sloan nodded with a laugh.

As each Warrior left the room, they hugged Jill. Adam, other than Slade, was the last. “You are crazy.” Adam hugged her, but his eyes told her how much he appreciated her thoughtfulness.

“That’s no secret.” Jill laughed, hugging him again. “Now go take care of yourself.”

She watched him walk slowly out of the room, which was not at all Adam like. He was hurting and it scared her. Time was definitely not on their side. Her eyes swung back to Slade who stood in the corner of the room watching her.

“Please don’t be upset.” Jill kind of regretted not asking Slade since this was his day also, but she couldn’t chance him saying no.

Pushing himself off the wall, he walked to her, taking her in his arms and kissing her slowly. “I love you more than I ever thought possible.” He held her close.

“Thank you.” Jill hugged him back.

“For what?” He pulled back looking down at her.

“For loving me.” Jill kissed his chin.

“What do you need me to help you with?” Slade brushed his thumb across her cheek.

“Just show up.” Jill smiled up at him and kissed his palm.

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He pressed his lips against hers.

“Oh, and I need to borrow your car.” Jill stepped away holding out her hand. “With Adam sick, I’d feel guilty stealing his car.”

Slade’s eyes narrowed, but he placed the keys in her hand. “You need to take it easy, Jill,” Slade warned. “The crackers and Pepsi may be working for you now, but—”

“I’m getting plenty of rest, Slade. I promise.” She chauffeured him toward the door. “Now go check on Adam. He looked pretty green when he left. I’m fine.”

Jill watched Slade leave before grabbing her phone. Looking up the number she needed, she hit send and waited. “Hey, I need your help.” Jill smiled. “Thank you. Text me your address. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

Jill pumped her arm in the air in excitement mixed with a little relief. Turning, she headed for the door when a wave of dizziness hit her.

“Whoa.” She grabbed onto the doorframe. “Slow down, dumbass.” Taking deep calming breaths, she opened her eyes to see if the dizziness subsided. Feeling more stable, Jill headed out being more cautious and slowing the hell down.

CHAPTER 16

Jill pulled into the long driveway and stopped alongside Hunter, who was nailing a sign to a wooden post. “Hey,” Jill called out, leaning toward the passenger side window. “You need a ride?”

Hunter stepped back to look at his handiwork before turning and jumping in the car. “It’s hotter than hell out there.” He looked over at her with a grin. “What are you up to?”

“I came to see Caroline.” Jill drove slowly down the bumpy driveway. “What about you?” She glanced at the hammer in his hand.

“There’s been some hunters on Caroline’s property so Jax wanted me to go around posting these signs.” Hunter held up a No Trespassing sign. “Yeah, the big bad shifter comes up from the hills of Kentucky to hang signs.”