A Courtesy Call (Green Division Series Book #2) (27 page)

“I won’t give up on you.”

“I don’t want you to.”  Raleigh rested her head on the same pillow as Mike, staring into his disappointed eyes.  “Let’s enjoy tonight and not worry about tomorrow.”

“By the way you talk, tomorrow you’re going to say goodbye permanently.”

Raleigh wanted to cry, but kept the tears at bay.  “Mike, shut up and kiss me.”

Mike nuzzled her nose against his then did as she asked.  They spoke no more words.  Instead they enjoyed one another’s company, trying not to think of future.

EIGHT MONTHS LATER

“Miss, I’m bloody terrified,” Aiden admitted.  His deep blue tie was cockeyed and Raleigh fixed it for him.

“It’s natural to have second thoughts, but if you aren’t ready, you need to decide now.”

“I’m ready, it’s all these people that terrify me.”

“Oh you’ll be fine.”  Raleigh patted his back.  “Maybe this will take the edge off of it.” 

“Captain Morgan?”

“A few nips and you’ll feel better.”

“Right, I’m sure Cass would love the smell of that on my breath.”  Aiden passed it back to her.  “I’m ready for this to be over.”

“It’s your wedding day, be excited.”

“Right.”  Aiden looked at himself in the mirror.  His groomsmen busied themselves in the corner with another bottle of Captain.  “Fuck sticks.”  Aiden looked over at his brothers.  “I don’t want you falling down the aisle.  Put the bottle down.  That’s for later.”

The three older men laughed and continued their pleasure.

“She’s a lucky lady.”  Raleigh smoothed his suit.

“I’m the lucky one, Miss.”

*****

“I’m only going to try to talk you out of this one more time.”  Mike’s little daughter was all grown up.  “You’re only twenty. You have your entire life ahead of you.  You’re too young to get married.  What is the hurry?”

“I love him.”  Cass said confidently.  “Besides, everything in this wedding is non-refundable and you’re already paid for it all.  Do you want to do this twice?”

“I would if you’ll wait another ten years so I can afford it again.”  He stood and looked at Cass.

In her floor length mermaid gown she was stunning. 

“My God, you are beautiful.”  Emotion overcame him.

“Oh Dad, don’t make me cry.”  She crossed the room and hugged him.  “You’ll mess up my makeup.”

“I love you, hun.  If he ever hurts you, let me know and I’ll take care of him.”

Cass laughed. 

“You joke, but I know you really like him.”

“He’s not a bad man,” Mike admitted. 

“He loves me.  And I’m happy.  I’m always happy when I’m with him.”

Mike pulled back from their embrace.  “He’s a lucky man.”

*****

“Deep breaths.”  Raleigh tried to calm Aiden.  “It’s alright.”

Poor Aiden was a mess.  Thankfully he still appeared dapper and handsome in his panicked state.

“Deep breaths.”  Aiden repeated and followed her advice.  “Now what?”

“Now you trot your little ass down the aisle with a smile on and don’t let on to anyone how terrified you are.  Be brave man, be bold.”

“Quoting one of my favorite movies.”  Aiden smiled.

“Yes.  Now, let’s go.”  She hooked her arm in Aiden’s and walked him to the entrance of the ceremony.

“I’ll talk to you on the other side.”  She released his grip and walked away, taking a seat at the front.

Aiden took a deep breath and looked at the crowd in front of him.

*****

“This is it Daddy.”  Cass peered through the doorway.

“You ready?”

“Yeah,” she said confidently.

“Let’s go.”

Music played queuing Mike and Cass’s entrance.   They walked in step to the music.  Thoughts of Cass’s childhood and innocence ran through his mind.  Her favorite thing to do as a young child, play with baby dolls attentively taking care of them.  He saw that next phase of her life.  Having children.  That would make him a grandfather.  Sweet Jesus he was too young for that.

When they reached the alter Mike had a difficult time letting go. 

“I love you Cass.”  He kissed her cheek. 

“I love you too.”

Aiden offered his hand and Mike took it in a firm grip, no doubt causing a mild amount of pain.

“Owe.”  Aiden quietly said.  Mike smiled and eased his grip.

“Take good care of her; I know you will,” Mike whispered to him.

Aiden’s smiled nervously.  “I will sir, I promise.”

Mike nodded then walked back to his seat at the front of the church.  His face was flushed with emotion.

“That was sweet,” Raleigh whispered to Mike.

“I should beat his ass.” 

“It’s not his ass I want you beating.”  Raleigh shot him a devilish grin. 

“That can be arranged too.”  He kissed her cheek and curled her hand in his.  The smile that crossed Mike’s face was a familiar one and Raleigh read it.

*****

The hotel reception room was exquisite.  Raleigh took care of the reception.  No expense, or detail was spared.  Colors of white, blue, and silver decorated all around.

“Where’s Dad and Raleigh?”  Cass scanned the room looking for them.

Aiden cleared his throat. 

“Have you seen them?”  Cass asked Jen.

“Ah.”

“I’m sure they’ll turn up shortly.”  Aiden fidgeted with his collar uncomfortably.

“Are you serious?”  Cass laughed.  “They are too old for this crap.  My god, they think they are teenagers.  And at our wedding?”

Aiden laughed too.

“We could disappear too.”  Aiden kissed his bride.

“When our guests have left.”  She smiled.  “We’ll have plenty of time for that.”

Aiden pulled her away to the dance floor.

*****

“It was rather cruel of you to make me wait an hour and a half to have you.”  Raleigh ran her hand down his chest.

“I’m not a religious man.”  Mike pushed her hand down further.  “But for some reason using the back room in the church to fool around seemed wrong.”

They rested on the bed in their hotel room above the reception hall, the party taking place three floors below.

“He sees all anyway.”  She grinned.

“We should get back down to the reception before they notice we’re gone.”

“It’s only been...” She looked at the clock.  “Shit, forty five minutes.  Damn, you’re good.”  She rose from the bed and slid her dress back on.

Mike pulled her back into the bed and jumped atop of her.

“We need to get back down there.”  Raleigh reminded him. 

He leaned against her and it was hard for her to push him away.  In more than one way.

She kissed him teasingly then pushed her hand against his chest.  “Later.”  She promised.

Mike leaned his full weight against her, sighed, and then rolled over.  He couldn’t keep his hands off of her.  It had been two weeks since he’d last seen her and he only had her to himself for another week and a half before she was to run away yet again.

“Later,” he agreed and breathed huskily.

The two dressed and Raleigh opened the door.  One foot out into the hallway, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck lovingly.

“Hmph,” a disgusted snort came from beside them.  Raleigh smiled at the elderly couple passing in the hallway and waved sheepishly.

“I swear Harold.”  The white haired woman scowled at Raleigh and then at Mike.

“Good afternoon, ma’am.  Sir.”  Mike laughed. “Have a good day.”

“Seems you already are.”  Harold, the very frail looking man behind the crotchety old woman, winked at Mike.

The couple continued down the hall in the opposite direction as Mike and Raleigh. 

Ding. 
The elevator sounded, but it had many floors to descend to their level.

“You’ve made me the happiest man.”  He took her left hand and kissed a large diamond on her ring finger.  “I’m glad you’re coming home with me to Maine.”

“It’s my home too.” 

Ding, Ding, Ding

The elevator grew closer.

“Glad despite the fact that I’ll be gone for weeks at a time?”

“I can live with you running away so long as I know you’ll come running back to me.”

“Always.”  The elevator door opened and Mike and Raleigh stepped inside in one another’s arms.  Mike pulled her into the corner with him.

“Do you think we have time?”  Mike looked at the floors ticking down.

“That red button is there for a reason.” 

They continued their heated passion and then another ding signaled they were on the ground level of the hotel.

“Jesus Christ, can’t you two keep your hands off of one another?”  Jen said hardly surprised.  “This is your daughter’s wedding.”  Jen stomped her foot.  “And Aiden’s.” 

Both of them smiled then looked at one another.

“We’ll be there in five minutes.”  Raleigh looked back to Jen.

“Five minutes my ass.”  Jen started to walk away.  “Don’t worry, I’ll explain to the newlyweds their friend and father are too busy having sex.”

“Jen!”  Raleigh called after her as she walked back toward the hall.  Jen didn’t answer, nor would she give them the satisfaction of seeing the giant grin that crossed her own face. 

“What do you think?”  Raleigh brought her hands to Mike’s neck.

Ding 

The elevator doors closed and they went sky bound.

“Five more minutes.”  Mike smiled.

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