Charity Rising (Charity Series Book 2) (24 page)

“Charlie! What ya gonna do ‘bout this?” she said, obvious blood pressure rising.

“Um, I’m so sorry, Grandmammy. I’l take you first thing in the morning to get you a brand new pair.”

“Dang right you are! And what else?” she asked, hands on hips, eyebrows raised.

I knew she wanted more, but I didn’t know what. “Uh, wel , I’m gonna keep a better check on Fang and make sure he stays away from your

room?”

“Right!”

Whew!

“And you!” she said, pointing at Fang, who lay contented at my feet. “From now on you go find your own dentures, you hear me?”

He yawned and stretched out as if saying, “Yeah, yeah, whatever, old lady”.

“I’m so sorry, Hector,” I said once Grandmammy had left the room in a huff.

“Don’t be sil y, Mrs. Charity, those dentures were the ugliest things I’ve ever seen. She’s had them things since the dinosaurs. ‘Bout time she

got her some new ones. We ought to be thanking that mutt, if you ask me.”

“Thanks, Hector.” I reached up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

That night while Levi and I lay in bed, I recounted, in vivid detail, the story of Grandmammy and her unfortunate encounter with one mutt and

his appetite for plastic teeth. At first he just stared at me, and then we both burst into boisterous laughter that I’m sure the whole pack could hear.

Suddenly, Fang’s head popped up, and I couldn’t be sure, but as his lips peeled back, exposing his teeth, and a few missing ones, he appeared to

be laughing too.

On the night of our bachelorette party, the girls insisted we go to this club cal ed Halo’s. I’d never been there before and the place was

packed. As soon as we were seated, a great song started blaring, and Ashley grabbed my hand, pul ing me to the dance floor. I was enjoying the

beat with arms in the air and hips swaying, when two arms came around my waist from behind and pul ed me to him. I knew instantly who was

holding me so tight. Only one man could hold me with tenderness and bold strength at the same time. I melted into him as our hips swayed in

rhythm, his lips near my ear, humming as we moved.

“You’re supposed to be celebrating,” I said.

“I am celebrating. To be honest, it’s not fun without you.”

“Yeah, wel
I
was having fun,” I teased.

“Now you’re having more fun. I brought everybody with me, even Hector. The guy seriously needs to cut loose.”

I laughed. “I agree. He’s been so worked up over watching me, I’m not sure if he even knows how to anymore. Um, on second thought,” I

said, spotting Hector and Tosha busting some moves on the dance floor, “maybe we could take some lessons from them.”

When a slow song started to play, Levi took me in his arms and held me close, whispering sweet things in my ear. I glanced over just in time

to see Doc pul my mother into his arms as they began to sway together. I had to admit they looked good together, and she seemed real y happy. I

smiled as I studied them wrapped so tightly together. Levi fol owed my gaze.

“I think your mother is very happy right now.”

“I think you’re right. She deserves to be happy. And when the babies come I’m gonna be busy. It’l be nice to know she has someone. Do you

think Doc wil reveal your secret?”

“Yes. If he loves her then that’s a logical step, but he’l wait until he knows she’l accept it. There’s no need to worry.”

“I’m not worried. Actual y it’l be nice to share al of you with her. I believe it wil make her life richer, like it has mine.”

“And if that doesn’t then the babies surely wil .”

Later that night I couldn’t sleep, so I snuck quietly out of bed, putting on my robe and making my way to the clinic. Doc was stil up and doing

some cleaning, the disinfectant burning my nose as I approached.

“Charity, why aren’t you in bed?” Doc said, noticing me standing in the doorway.

“I couldn’t sleep. Actual y, I wondered if I could talk to you?”

“Of course.” He pul ed up a stool. “Please, have a seat. What’s on your mind?”

I strol ed over and took the seat he offered. “Wel , it’s about my mother. I need to know what your intentions are where she’s concerned. I

mean, do you love her?”

“Actual y, I’m glad you asked. I’ve been feeling the need to talk to you about this. As a matter of fact I do love her, very much. And I intend to

tel her about us, but I feel the timing isn’t right yet. I would very much love to have your blessing. And I wil inform you before I speak with her about the pack.”

“Thanks. I’l be honest, I’m kinda happy at the idea of her knowing about us. I’m tired of lying to her.”

“Charity, I know you’ve had a hard life. Your mother has too, but I don’t want to make it harder, I want to make it easier, and I believe she’s

happy with me.”

I sighed. “Yeah, I think you’re probably right about that. I guess I’m happy that she has you, Doc. You’re a great man. I know you’l be good to

her. But, I’m just curious, how come you’re not married?”

“Wel ,” he sighed, “I was married once, many years ago. Her name was Chelsea, and I loved her very much.”

I hope my face didn’t reveal the horror I was feeling. “What happened to her?”

“She died of a hemorrhage during childbirth. It was one of those freak things. The baby was also lost.”

My heart constricted in pain. “Oh, Doc, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

“Thanks, Charity. That means a lot to me. You’re a great girl. And someday I’l be honored to have you as a daughter. I real y mean that.”

My eyes widened in surprise. I’d never heard those words before, and I was amazed at how good it felt to hear them. “Thanks, Doc.” I stood,

preparing to leave. But then I peered down into his sad eyes and added, “You know it might be too late for you to raise your own children, but it’s not too late for you to raise your….grandchildren.” I smiled as I rubbed my stil flat bel y.

With that, he stood and gently pul ed me into an embrace. It seemed the most logical and natural thing for him to do real y. And it felt good,

like an embrace a father would give to his daughter, and I felt myself leaning into it. I knew then that I could total y trust this man with my mom—and I did—happily.

When I exited the room, pul ing the door shut behind me, Levi was leaning against the wal —waiting. I should’ve known I couldn’t sneak out of

bed without him knowing. I let him take me in his arms and cradle me to him as we walked back to our room, with me crying the whole way.

The highly anticipated day had final y arrived and the weather was perfect. The ceremony was being held in the newly completed section of

Windrake Mountain Park. Pastor Frazier would be performing the nuptials in a huge gazebo overlooking the creek. Everything was working out

according to plan—right up until I got the frenzied cal from Ashley. She was having second thoughts.

I rushed over to our apartment, and once I stepped inside, I found Ashley sitting on the floor in her underwear leaning against our white sofa,

her face the same color.

I rushed to her and took both hands in mine. “Ash! Okay, take deep breaths. I’m here now, you’re gonna be fine, do you hear me?”

She nodded, but didn’t look convinced.

“What happened?”

“I was trying on my dress and when I came to the mirror—I don’t know—I-I just got scared. Does this mean I don’t love Josh? Oh, Charity, it

can’t mean that!”

“No, of course not. You love Josh very much. You always have, from the very beginning, remember? Not like with me. It took a bul dozer over

the head before I realized I was in love with Levi.”

She laughed. “No, not a bul dozer, but a bunch of beautiful boys turning into werewolves before your eyes—maybe.”

We both burst into shril ing laughter, and then I heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that the crisis had passed.

“Maybe I’m just worried about after the wedding, you know with it being our first time and al .”

“Wel , trust me it’l be so amazing. You’l be very glad you waited.”

“Thank you, Charity. You always know what to say.”

“Wel , I didn’t say much, but you’re welcome. Actual y, I needed a distraction from al the craziness back home anyway. Levi’s driving me

insane. I’m glad I didn’t see him before our first wedding or I wouldn’t have married him. He’s a total nut job right now.”

“Wel , remember—the first time he was fighting Wesley and his pack right up until the very minute you walked down the aisle.”

“Yeah, how could I ever forget that? I’m aged as a result. Just the other day I found a gray hair with Levi’s name on it.”

“But you wouldn’t change any of it, right? I mean, you’re happy you married him, aren’t you?”

“Oh, Ash, I’ve never been happier than I am right now. I wouldn’t change anything that’s happened to us—okay maybe some of the bumps

and bruises I’ve received along the way, but that’s it. Levi is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and Josh is the same thing for you. Never doubt that.”

“I know you’re right. I just needed to hear you say it. I’m starting to get excited again.”

“That’s good.” Then I fel quiet.

“Charity, what is it?”

“Wel , there is one thing I regret. I feel like I used to be tough, you know, strong, and now I feel weak and wimpy.”

“Oh no, Charity, you are very strong. Honestly, I’ve never met anyone as strong as you. Remember al that you’ve been through, even as a

child. You were hard because you were hurt, and you felt you needed to protect yourself. But then you fel in love, and not with just anyone, you fel in love with Levi, the most loving, caring, and nurturing man alive. Love softened you, Charity, it didn’t weaken you.”

What she said touched my heart in a powerful way. Love not only softened me, it saved me. I started to tear up but then caught myself. “When

did you get so smart, huh? Now throw some clothes on and let’s get your gown and get to gettin.”

“Yes, you’re stil tough,” she giggled. “Um, Charity?”

I stopped in my tracks and turned to her. “Yes?”

“I love you. You’ve always been like a sister to me, but now it’l be like you real y are my sister. I just want you to know that that means a lot to me.”

“Oh, Ash, I love you too.” I threw my arms around her neck and squeezed tight. She squeezed back, not releasing me for a long minute. It

was a beautiful moment shared between two sisters of the heart.

When we arrived back at the Drake House, the frenzy of activity had died down. It only took me a few minutes to realize it was because

everyone was gone. Gone! Somehow, in al the chaos, we’d been forgotten.

I whipped out my cel phone and looked at the time—one o’clock! The wedding was in one hour!

“Ashley, we’ve got to get dressed and out of here!” We ran down the long hal to mine and Levi’s room. Of course, what with my newly

inherited strengths, I beat Ashley by a long shot. I was practical y dressed in my gown by the time she made it into the room.

“Wow. That power could definitely come in handy from time to time,” she gaped.

“Yeah, like now! Get dressed fast!”

While Ashley dressed I grabbed my phone and cal ed Irena. “Irena, Ashley and I are at the house. I know—I know! We’re hurrying! Don’t

panic! We’l be there on time! Ashley’s almost finished dressing, and then we’l get our butts out the door.”

Good thing we both already had our hair and makeup done or we’d be in big trouble.

“Irena! We’l be there. Tel Levi not to worry. What? Hold the phone! I won’t get a ticket! It’s my wedding day, for cryin’ out loud!”

I was at once wishin’ I was a vampire so I could use the power of persuasion as the fat, old cop asked to see my Driver’s License. How dare

he give me a speeding ticket on my wedding day. The fact that both Ashley and I were wearing our wedding gowns didn’t seem to faze him at al .

However, once he noted the name on my Driver’s License he was singing a new song.

“Oh, Miss Bel ! I’m sorry. Levi told us to be on the lookout for you. Guess he was right about your lead foot.” He laughed, but I failed to see the humor. He immediately stopped and cleared his throat. “Um, I’m sorry for the delay. You two are no doubt in a hurry. I’l give you an escort.”

That perked me up. “See, Ash—nothing to worry about. It pays to have an alpha male werewolf husband.”

“As opposed to just an ordinary werewolf husband?”

I looked at her for a moment before we both burst into laughter again.

I wish I had a video camera to record Levi’s face the moment the police cruiser pul ed into the parking lot with us right behind him. But once I

stepped out al was forgotten. His anger melted away immediately.

Josh too was a little alarmed.
Doesn’t anyone around here trust me
?

Levi’s expression was amused as he approached me. “I’m relieved to see you made it safely. Please don’t scare me like that again. I’l see

you at the altar, my bride.” He took my hand, kissed it gently, and then disappeared to take his place.

Once our men were out of sight, my mom, Ashley’s mom, and Irena were instantly at our side, fussing over us. I had missed that at my first

wedding, but my mom unknowingly was making up for it, and doing everything a mother was supposed to do—and doing it beautiful y. It was a

moment I had to make myself stop and enjoy.

The moment was frozen as I looked around at these wonderful women before me, women who’ve helped mold me into the woman I am, and

wil become. Irena, who was just like a mother to me and loved me like her real daughter, and who accepted me into her family without hesitation;

my mother, who I almost lost just weeks earlier, whose unconditional love had inspired me to love whole-heartedly; Ashley’s mother, Claire, who had wiped my runny nose more times than my own mother had—and Ashley, who’d been truly like a sister to me, and who I’d been able to share