Avenging Us - Gina Whitney Page 0,82

citizen of the world, and the only place she’s going is Europe.”

“See?” Woody pointed to the mug shot on the screen. “Only the insane say shite like that. Feck. I’m gonna kiss my balls tonight good and hard.” We laughed, no one having a clue what the fuck that meant.

“Dude, she’s a resourceful little cunt. She’ll probably have some reality show from jail or a Lifetime movie.” Jake turned, meeting Ender’s eyes. “Anyone want in on that action?” he asked aloud, but never looked away from Ender.

“Nah, you’re probably right. Not wasting a fucking dollar on that hole. Fucking almost single-handedly took us down.”

However, it was my girl’s words we parted on. “Almost.” Gia’s words were thick with contempt. I held her closely, never taking my hands off her. There’s been a slew of bullshit slung at us, and I couldn’t help but feel I wanted to share this moment alone. The boys took turns congratulating us. It was another victory in our tumultuous love affair.

My phone buzzed with a text message from my old man.

News on Morgana. I wanted to tell you both in person, but the gate is a mob-scene of reporters. I’ll deal with this and see you later.

We invited my parents to stay with us for our nuptials. They agreed happily and offered to watch our dragonfly on our wedding night. It would be the first night she’d be away from us. However, Gia reminded me she would only be on the other side of my property, a mere walk away should we decide to get her. I felt marginally better about that. But, it was my father’s unsubtle prodding and wit that got me to ultimately agree. “Go master your comfort zone…”

The wedding

I woke up with a huge smile on my face. The sun was bright and the temperature perfect. Nothing would take away the happiness I felt down to my bones. I stretched, reaching for my love, only to find a single white card across his pillow. My eyes focused curiously on Bella’s empty cradle. Hmm, what is he up to? I opened the envelope and reached for the card inside.

Mrs. Gunner,

You own my heart

And now my name.

Always,

Mr. Gunner

I wiped away the first of the tears when Chance blew in like a tornado. “How are you just waking up?” he shouted, walking over to open the veranda doors. “On Christ’s blood, I swear, I’ll never understand you.” He held his hand up, swearing. Then continued to pick up articles of clothing from the night before. I opened my mouth, but the words were stopped before they even formed. “Before you ask…she’s with her daddy.”

Her daddy…the words flowed along my arms and down my body. She’s blessed to have her daddy, I thought, smiling to myself. Not at all bitter by the fact I didn’t know my own. Today wasn’t about loss. Today was about what we were both gaining.

“Am I to assume you gave him his wedding gift last night?” His brow raised in question as his eyes roamed the mess of clothes on the floor.

“No, of course not. It nearly killed him, but I just—”

“Not another perverted word out of that mouth.” He huffed. “I pray I’m not killed for it.”

I had a surprise for our wedding night. One he’d truly enjoy. However, I needed the doctor’s clearance and help from Chance to pull it off. Luckily for me, band rehearsal ran late, and Chance was up for the challenge.

He snapped his fingers in front of my eyes quickly. “Am I the only one that’s excited about this wedding?” he asked, coming to a halt in front of me with his hands on his hips. Was he kidding me? “Snap out of it; we have to get you married.” Nothing he could say or do would piss me off today. I was blissed the fuck out.

“Nope. I’m totally here and freaking the fuck out.” Cindy’s voice rang out from the hallway before I saw her.

Chance pointed to the door Cindy just walked through. “I love the intensity, Cin.” Then he turned to me. “You could do good with some of that…” A hiss slipped past his lips and it took everything in me to not laugh at his dramatic flair.

I rolled my eyes and ran to Cindy. “God, I’ve missed you. How are you still friends with me? I’m the worst friend ever.” I threw my arms around her and held her close for a second.

“Please…” She clicked her tongue to the roof