London Falling (Falling #2)(65)

“What’s wrong?”

“Your mother. That’s what’s wrong! She’s making my Princess cry and not in a sweet, I love you, you’re getting married, this is the best day of your life way. No, she’s in there trying her best to talk Aspen out of marrying the cowboy.”

I looked at Collier in apology.

“No, go. We have plenty of time to catch up later. Do your maid thing,”

“It’s not maid. I’m the Matron of Honor.” I rolled my eyes and laughed. Ollie grabbed my arm and pointed me down the hall.

“Go get that evil woman out of the dressing room and do damage control. Aspen’s crying. I’m going to get Aspen a glass of champagne and a hunky cowboy.”

“Aspen’s crying her eyes out right now. She can’t see Hank before the wedding,”

“The hell she can’t!” Hank roared as he ran up the stairs near us. “What’s this about? My Angel crying? Where is she?”

“Hank, relax. I’ll handle it.” I tried to assure him. He wasn’t buying it. I grabbed his arm and took him down the hall. Collier waved over his shoulder and then went down the stairs to join the rest of the guests. “Now look, even if the she-bitch is messing something up, I’m her sister. I can fix anything.”

“I’m her man, about to be her husband. My power trumps yours,” he gritted.

“Oh, don’t you pull your macho cowboy bullshit on me. Just stay right there. I’ll have her speak to you. Just let me see what’s up, okay?”

He nodded and sat on a long red bench facing the room, positioning himself like a sentinel on guard. He crossed two massive arms over each other. Fury expanded in the space around him. Lord help the next person stuck in his presence while he waited to see my sister.

Once I made my way into the bridal room, I found Aspen wiping her eyes and our mother sneering in my direction.

“Can you speak some sense into her? She won’t listen. This has gone on long enough. She cannot marry below her class like this. It’s uncivilized.” Mother’s voice was tight and cold.

“Are you f*cking insane?” Funny. That’s the second time I asked someone that today. “Aspen loves Hank. She’s having his child.” Our mother swallowed as if she had something disgusting stuck in her throat. ”Hank loves Aspen, Mother, and there really isn’t anything left to do but get your happy ass down to stand next to Rio and be escorted to the front of the line. If you so much as say one more word that is hurtful to my sister, I’ll have you removed. It won’t be hard. I’ve got a really pissed off groom sitting right outside the door ready to barrel in and sweep his bride off into the sunset.”

“But …” she tried again.

“No buts, Mother. None. Shut up. Keep your trap shut, put that plastic surgery-induced smile on your face and get down there and watch your eldest child get married.” She didn’t move.

“A pregnant bride, how cliché.” was her last dart in Aspen’s heart. That was it. I grabbed her by the arm and yanked her to the door. I pulled it open and threw her and her diamonds out.

“Hank, close your eyes and come in.” He immediately closed his eyes and let me lead him into the room. Aspen ran into his arms, her sleek strapless wedding dress swishing around his legs as he held her. “Keep those eyes closed. You’ve got two minutes. I swear to God I’m in no mood to be messed with.”

“Angel, are you okay?” he asked placing random kisses along her neck. True to his word, he kept his eyes closed tight.

“I am now,” Aspen sniffed. “With these pregnancy hormones, I wasn’t able to hold back the tears. She really got to me this time. Normally I can handle it, but not today.” She took a deep breath. “I guess I just wished she was coming to tell me she was proud of me. But no, she had to tell me I was making a mistake. Do you think we are?”

“Darlin’, no. Marrying you is going to make me the happiest man in all the world. Nuthin’ that hag could say would prevent me from doing so. Now how’s my baby doing? She comfy in there?” Hank’s large hand fit between their bodies where he covered her bump.

“Stop saying she. It could be a boy, you know!”

He shook his head. “Nope, I’m going to have me another little angel with golden hair to love and protect. Now can I make it official with her mommy?”

I should have left but I couldn’t. Seeing them together knowing how right this union   was gave me hope for a future I didn’t think I deserved after James. Maybe it would be okay to want more.

Aspen nodded into his neck. “I love you, Hank.”

“Oh Darlin’, wild horses couldn’t prevent me from marrying you today. Now finish up. I’ll be the man in the tux at the end of the aisle.”

We both laughed and Aspen hugged him tighter. “I’ll be the one in white, Stud.”

“Forever my angel in white.“



***



“Isn’t she the most stunning woman you’ve ever seen?” I whispered to my brother as we sat a few rows back from the front where Hank and Aspen were saying their vows.

“Yes, she is, but women getting married always are.”

I hit his shoulder. “Not her, London.” My Beauty was stunning. Her long black hair hung down her back in sexy waves. Her tanned arms were sprinkled with something sparkly that kept catching the light like a beacon calling me home. She was my home. Soon, I’d get her to accept it, too.