Willing Captive(75)

The tears just wouldn’t stop.

And I felt stupid.

That was until Nox came up behind me, holding me around the waist. “No tears today, baby. Best day of my life.”

I agree. One hundred percent.

The judge came over to us and shook our hands. He leaned in and said to Nox, “Proud to have you serve this country, son. Good to have you home.”

That is Nox’s cover story.

According to the Army (thanks to Mitch), Adam Christian Taylor went missing during a mission some years ago. He was declared dead with no body being found. Turns out, he was alive the whole time. He was found six months ago, gravely wounded and with a case of hardcore amnesia.

Wink, wink.

And Nox hates it.

But it was the only story Mitch insisted would work for Nox to have his old identity back. What Nox hates is being thanked for something he never did.

Steeling his jaw, he says, “Don’t thank me, sir.”

The judge smiles, “’Course not. Just doing your duty.”

Terah takes hold of Nox’s hand, clearly trying to save him. She says to the judge, “I’m sorry, do you mind if I steal them away for some photos? Mom’s getting snappy happy .”

The judge chuckles, “Not at all, dear.” He turns to us both. “I hope you have a long and happy life together. Truly, I do.”

With that, we leave the courthouse and make our way to a local park.

A gazillion photos later, we head to the restaurant for our wedding dinner with our family. And when we get there, Nox pulls me back a little. “I don’t want any crying, babe.”

What?

Shaking my head, I ask chuckling, “Why would I cry? I’m so effing happy, you dork!”

“Yeah, well-” Nox looks passed me and smiles, “Yeah. You’re gonna cry.”

Turning, I gasp in shock.

No way. No way!

Rock and Boo stand there , dressed to the nines, ready to celebrate with us.

And, of course, it happens.

My eyes tingle for a whole second before I cover my mouth with my hand and burst into tears.

Boo rushes forward, dressed in a long tawny-pink number. She looks great. Taking me in a warm hug, I feel her body shake with mine. Crying happy tears.

Rock pulls her away from me a second, only to wrap me up tight. He looks good in slacks and a grey shirt. Wiping my tears away, I announce, “You two look so effing hot!”

Boo barks a laugh, “Damn, Deedee. Never thought I could see someone look so beautiful before, but…” She motions to my very plain wedding dress and shrugs. Rock finishes for her, “You look like an angel, babe.”

My heart warms.

I’m so happy right now!

Clare comes forward with her hands on her hips and wide eyes, “Adam, we’re going to have words later. Why didn’t you tell me they were coming?”

Rock smiles big and opens his arms to her, “Mama!”

Boo knocks him aside, “Wait in line, bub!” Then she runs to Clare, “Mama!”

I should’ve known they’d met before. Mama talked about them when we went to visit her that first time, but had never said she’d actually seen them in person.

We approach our table, and everyone is introduced to each other. We spend the next hour chatting away and having a great time.

It’s relaxed and low key.

And I love it.

Nox and I decided to go against tradition. We wanted a small wedding and we wanted to pay for it ourselves. I know I come from money, but this was important to me. My independence means everything to me.

Everyone orders what they want for dinner (which is something my dad insisted on paying for and Nox agreed on) and I sit back a moment, taking in everything around me.

Looking around, I smile softly. Terah and Jon talk closely together, holding hands. Boo and Rock talk loudly and animatedly, obviously arguing about something stupid. Like always. Mom and Dad chat away to Clare. And Nox…

I turn to my husband.

I find him watching me with that gorgeous crooked smile in place.

Leaning close to me, he says, “Hey.”

Moving even closer to him, our noses touch, and I whisper, “Hi.”

He kisses my lips gently, and my eyes close in sheer delight. I sigh through my nose and kiss him deeper. Pulling away gently, he asks on a grin, “So when are you gonna give me babies?”

Almost choking on my tongue, I laugh quietly, “Not anytime soon. Maybe in a couple of years. You know, when I’ve had enough time to enjoy you.”

His hand rests on my thigh and he squeezes. “I’m down for that.”

Smiling like an idiot, I rub my nose against his. “Good. Because even though I love kids, I’m not ready for them yet.”

Kissing my lips once, he utters, “That’s fair, baby. Whatever you want, I’m good with.”

Suddenly, he asks seriously, “Are you happy?”

My heart expands and warms.

“Yes. Completely.” I lose my smile. “Are you?”

He thinks a moment, his brows furrowed. “Can’t think of a time I was even half as happy as today.”

My heart stutters and I get dreamy-happy.

I watch as he looks around the table and smiles. Turning back to me, he wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me close. Kissing the top of my head, he utters, “Nothing’s gonna beat today. Got everyone I care about close, and that’s never happened in my life. I hate to say it, babe…” Looking at me with dead seriousness, he continues, “Never thought I’d be glad about having to protect someone. But, f*ck me, I totally am. Hate what we went through to get here. But…we’re here. And that’s all I care about.”