Lost the Handle (Nashville Assassins: Next Generation #8)

Epilogue One

Quinn

I’m unsure if the dream I had before Emery came barreling back into my life was actually a dream or a glimpse into the future.

Or maybe both.

I stand in the middle of my aunt Grace’s wedding barn under an arch of black and white roses five days later, surrounded by all our family and the friends who made sure to come. Since we threw this together so quickly, no one is standing beside me, but my brothers and Benson all sit in the front row with their better halves and our parents. Mom is crying happy tears as she leans into my dad, who has tears of his own in his eyes. He gives me a small smile, and I grin back, my heart slamming around in my chest as love overwhelms me. I don’t think I’d be the man I am today without him.

No one was surprised when we told them we wanted to get married quickly. I wasn’t kidding when I said I didn’t want to be very engaged to her. I want Emery to be my wife, and these five days have been long enough. I’m ready to start my forever with the girl I’ve always been fated for. I chew on the inside of my lip as I glance over at where Ava and Yvette sit.

They’re in the back row, probably to make sure my family doesn’t see her. I was surprised Emery invited them, but knowing her petty ass, she probably did it just so Ava knew that she’d never have access to me again. The money was deposited into Ava’s account, and from the text I got when she confirmed receipt, she said she told her parents she would only be with Yvette. They are extremely upset and not speaking to her, but she said she wouldn’t live without Yvette. She thanked me for the years of friendship and for showing her what true love is. She never apologized, but I didn’t expect her to.

She’s too proud.

As much as I hate how she treated me, I’m thankful for her. She helped me when I needed it, and while she caused me a bunch of unnecessary stress, she only made me realize the painful truth that I can’t live without Emery.

“Bella’s Lullaby” from Twilight starts, and I grin. Emery has no clue, but I picked this to pay homage to our first kiss. Shelli starts down the aisle with Zac, Fitz, and Roman in tow. Roman is pulling Alexis down the aisle in a wagon as Posey helps her throw flowers. In Fitz’s and Zac’s arms are photos of my grandma and grandpa. I wish they were here, and since they couldn’t be, we made sure to honor them.

Because it all started under their roof.

Sorry, not sorry, Grandma and Grandpa.

I grin while my sisters usher the kids along, and a tingle runs down my back. Just like that, I know she’s here. I look up to see my bride coming toward me, clutching her dad’s arm.

Emery is a dream.

Her hair is down along her shoulders, wild curls that itch to be coiled around my fingers. Her eyes are full of excitement, wonder, and everlasting love. Unlike the pure black dress she wore in my dream, the one she’s wearing today is white but with a sparkly black lace overlay. It suits her. While she’s a little bit murderous, my woman has goodness in her soul. The dress hugs her breasts, with a heart-shaped bodice dotted with glittering rhinestones. The skirt is puffy and full and makes her look like a queen.

My queen.

I’m breathless as I watch her walk toward me, a knowing grin on her face as her eyes never leave mine. I rub my chest, trying to keep my emotions at bay, but fuck, I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life. Lucas guides Emery to me, a wide grin on his face and tears clouding his gray gaze. He stops before me and reaches out to grab the nape of my neck. He brings me in close. “There is no one I would willingly give my daughter to but you.”

Emotion hits me like a ton of pucks, and I swallow hard. “Thank you.”

“No. Thank you for making my baby happy.”

A sob breaks from Emery just as Lucas guides her hand into mine. Our eyes meet once more, and she beams at me as tears spill down her sweet cheeks. Mischief swirls in her eyes as she says, “I knew you had a thing for sparkly vampires.”

A laugh bursts from me as I shake my head. “No, lovebug. I have a thing for you.”

Her eyes dance with mine. “I shouldn’t be surprised you remembered.”

“How could I forget our first kiss?”

Another tear escapes, and I wipe it away. “Ready for your first kiss as my husband?”

My heart almost explodes in my chest as I nod jerkily. “First, we gotta get through the vows.”

Her brows pinch. “Can we skip all that?”

I grin as everyone chuckles around us. “We can if you want.”

She looks around and then back to me. “This is nice and all, but I’ve waited too long for you to be mine.”

“Agreed,” I say, threading our fingers together. “I just want to be yours.”

“We should have gone to Vegas.”

“Our moms would have killed us.”

“Yup,” Mom says as Fallon adds, “I would have.”

Emery’s lips curve as she leans into me, and we wrap our arms around each other for a moment. “You’re so beautiful,” I tell her, totally entranced by her, ignoring the world around us. “And all mine.”

Her cheeks flush. “I love you. My life is colorless without you in it. I choose you as my husband.”

So, we’re doing this our way. That’s on-brand for us. I’m lost in her beautiful eyes, my voice thick with emotion. “My heart is yours. My soul belongs to you. I love you, and I choose you as my wife.”

Satisfied, we both glance at the minster, who looks a bit out of sorts while everyone laughs around us. This wasn’t the plan, but who cares? I’d give her the world if she asked.

“Um,” he stammers. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

I grab her face and tilt it up for better access, and I’m thankful the music is still playing. Because as my lips descend to Emery’s for our first kiss as husband and wife, I love how the memories of our past play on a loop in my head.

I shouldn’t be surprised this is how our wedding turned out. What Emery wants, Emery gets, and I love that about her. I love that, no matter how much I think I have a handle on her, I never do.

She’s a loose cannon.

And I wouldn’t have my wife be any other way.