A Warrior Wedding (The Protectors #7)(47)

Jill didn’t hear anything other than Slade’s words. She only had eyes for him. He took her in his arms placing a kiss on her lips that set her on fire. Too soon, his lips left hers and he smiled down at her.

“I love you, Jillian Buchanan.” His voice sent shivers through her body.

“I love you...husband.” She laughed and for a moment, everything but that moment was forgotten.

Soon, they were surrounded by loved ones. Everyone talking at once, Jill remained quiet with a glow of happiness on her face as she savored every single second.

“This was supposed to be your day.” Nicole walked up to Jill hugging her close. “How did you pull this off?”

Jill’s eyes sought out Caroline who was waiting patiently with others to congratulate them. “It was my idea, but Caroline put it all together with the help of the men.” Jill held Slade’s hand tightly. “And this is our day.”

After hugging Tessa, Lana, Pam and Angelina, she let her eyes take in the scene around her. This was her clearing, the one she had sat, played and laid dreaming of a simple, but beautiful wedding. Her heart was definitely full. Dusk was falling and the tiny lights in the trees and bushes made it look magical and, in truth, it was magical.

Spotting Trevor, she watched as he held up a finger at her, walked away from the crowd and pointed at their vine which was decorated with lights. He swung it as if inviting her. Okay, he wasn’t inviting her. The ass was daring her. Giving him a narrowed glare, she laughed when he shrugged.

“Jilly!” Seth fought his way through the small crowd surrounding Jill and Slade.

Slade swooped him up before Seth could jump on Jill. His laughter at being caught in midair echoed through the clearing. “Hey there, little man.” Slade smiled at the boy. “You don’t want to get your sister’s pretty dress dirty, do you?”

Seth shook his head, his eyes roaming Jill. “No.”

“Look how handsome you are.” Jill fixed his little bow tie.

Seth beamed, looking down trying to see his tie. “Mom said I can keep my costume.”

“She did?” Jill’s eyes opened wide in mock surprise.

“Yep, and I’m going to wear it every day.” Seth wiggled to get out of Slade’s arms.

Slade set Seth on the ground and they both watched him run off having the time of his life.

“I hope I did everything you asked.” Caroline made her way close to Jill and Slade.

“It’s absolutely perfect,” Jill cried, pulling Caroline into a hug. “Even better than I ever imagined.”

“Thank you.” Slade also hugged Caroline.

“It was my pleasure. Thank you for letting me be a part of this.” Caroline glanced around with a proud smile. “I’m going to grab my helpers and get the tables set up to make room for dancing.”

Jill nodded, feeling her excitement build. “That sounds great. Thank you.”

“No, thank you.” Caroline tossed her a wicked grin. “It’s not every day a girl can order handsomely dressed Warriors around.” She winked at Jill before walking away.

******

Running around, Caroline made sure everything was perfect. She had spotted Jax and secretly hoped he would ask her to dance. Damn, that man was fine looking in a tux. With one last look at him, she spun and ran into her mom and dad.

“Slow down, honey.” Her dad caught and steadied her. “We’ve been trying to catch up with you all night.”

Caroline held onto her dad with a laugh. “I’m sorry.” She kissed his cheek, then her mom’s. “This has been the craziest experience I’ve ever had.”

“You’ve done a beautiful job.” Her mother looked around with tears in her eyes. “I am so proud of my two girls.”

“Thanks, Mom.” Caroline glanced at her younger sister, Jamie. “So what do you think?”

“Who is that?” Jamie answered her question with a question.

Caroline’s gaze followed Jamie’s landing on Hunter. “Oh, no you don’t.” Caroline stepped in Jamie’s line of vision. “He’s way too old for you.”

“Yeah, but he’s hot.” Jamie grinned, trying to look around Caroline.

“Come on, Jamie.” Her mom dragged Jamie in the opposite direction.

“And I thought you and Lana were a handful.” Her father sighed. “How’s the house coming along?”

Caroline had waited for the question and there it was. She knew her dad was only being a dad so she smiled. “It’s going,” she answered, then laughed at his downfallen expression. “It’s going well, dad. Now stop worrying.”

“I’m your father. I worry,” he replied. “You keeping your doors locked and your gun near you?”

The mention of door locks sent her mind swirling with thoughts of Jax, but she pushed them back. “Yes, sir.”

He narrowed his eyes at her, working his human lie detector on her. She must have passed, because his face softened. “Okay, I’ll let you be and get back to what you were doing.” He squeezed her hand. “I’ll talk to you later. Love you.”

“Love you, too, Dad,” she said to his retreating back. Caroline went back to making sure everything was running smoothly. A line was forming where the caterers were set up and the food smelled delicious. She realized she hadn’t eaten anything since that morning and her stomach growled loudly in agreement.