Page 5

Marina made it to the front of the church and stood next to Christian.

“You look beautiful, princess.”

“You’re not so bad yourself.”

Christian leaned down to kiss her when the minister cleared his throat. “Not yet, Sheriff.”

Christian sighed and straightened back up. “Then let’s get on with it.”

Marina giggled and linked her arm in his.

The service began, and it wasn’t much different from any other wedding Al had been to over the years. His focus drifted back to Jeannie. Her blue eyes softened when she caught his glance, and she gave him a smile. As he continued to stare, her eyebrows furrowed as she tried to give him a subtle nod toward Marina and Christian. Al shrugged, biting his lip as he looked her body up and down. She rolled her eyes, and Al had to stifle a laugh when he noticed her tapping her middle finger against her bouquet.

A few years after Ben went away, they’d saved up enough money to move out of the trailer park and into a much safer duplex. She resisted at first, hating to spend the extra money on anything but Ben. But after Ben threatened to cut off her visits if she didn’t move, she finally relented. Al lived on the A side; she had the B side. They hung out most nights, unless one of them had a date. Then they’d hang out at breakfast and rehash the night’s events.

But something had shifted over the last year. Waking up to someone holding a pair of scissors next to his dick had caused him to re-evaluate his life’s choices. Hunter had assured him that Carina couldn’t create clones from his pubes, but still. It was time to grow up. As he watchedChristian fall in love, followed by Nick and then Hunter, he realized that healthy, stable relationships did exist. And maybe he wanted one too.

“With this ring, I thee wed.” Marina’s voice was strong as she spoke her vows.

A blush spread over Jeannie’s cheeks as Al held her gaze while Marina and Christian recited their vows of love and devotion. Visions of Jeannie saying those words in a white lacy dress flashed in his mind.

He blew her a kiss and winked, falling back on his usual charm to defuse the growing tension. Jeannie rolled her eyes and mouthed “Asshole.” His shoulders shook with silent laughter.

“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

The church erupted in cheers as Christian bent his wife backward with a deep kiss. They finally came up for air and began the procession down the aisle. If Al thought Christian looked happy before, it was nothing compared to this moment.

He stepped out of order and reached for Jeannie’s arm. With Jeannie as maid of honor and Hunter as best man, those two were supposed to walk down the aisle together, leaving Al to walk with Snow. But Hunter still felt a littlesalty that Al had taken Snow to prom—even though it was a million years ago—so Al agreed to trade spots with him.

It had nothing to do with the fact that Al wanted to walk down the aisle next to Jeannie. Nothing at all.

Chapter 4

Jeannie smiled as she entered the reception hall with Al by her side. She loved weddings, but she also found them a little depressing. They were full of love, hope, and joy. Three things that had been sorely lacking in her own family. Every time she attended a wedding, she was reminded that, for some people, this was their story. Not neglect, instability, and rejection.

She felt a squeeze on her arm and looked up at Al. Soft lips brushed against her forehead and he sighed. “I know, Jeannie-girl. I know.”

And he did. They had grown up in the trailer park with equally shitty parents, raising themselves when they should have been climbing trees and making mud pies. There wasn’t another soul on earth that knew her as well as Al, except maybe her brother Ben. But since he’d been locked up, they’d only been able to see each other once a month. And there was only so much you could share in an hour.

About six months ago, she’d been in a car accident and ended up with a concussion. Al had completely freaked out and mother-henned her for weeks until she got the all-clear from the doctor. Although she’d never admit it, she had enjoyed his attention. Their relationship had slowly evolved from brother-sister to best friends to … something she didn’t want to label.

They used to laugh about their adventures in dating. Jeannie had even encouraged it. The more stories that were posted about Al, the better. By dating Grimbos, he let the fans know he was attainable, a dream they could achieve and not just some personality they followed on social media.

And now Al was finally right where they wanted him. On the cusp of a television deal that would put him on the map permanently. After this, he’d be up forDancing with the StarsorRunning Wild with Bear Grylls. They’d get Ben free, set him up with whatever he wanted to make up for his time away, and then they’d get the fuck out of this stupid town.

Her heart ached a little at that last thought. Leaving Grimm had been the goal since they were teenagers. But oddly enough, once Al joined the sheriff’s office, things settled down. It’s amazing what a steady income will do for a person’s psyche. And while the anonymity of a bigger citywould be nice, she’d miss the friends she made here. Miss her clients that she did marketing for. Miss the familiarity.

She shook her head to stop her train of thought. This was a wedding. A party. And no one would ever call her a Debbie Downer.

They sat down at the table for dinner. Jeannie took out her phone and snapped pictures of everyone’s meals.

Al placed his arm around her shoulder. “Don’t forget to take one of us, too.” His finger danced along the side of her arm, sending shockwaves through her system.

She took a sip of wine to calm her nerves. “Don’t you have enough pictures of us already? Surely you don’t need one more.”

“Oh, Jeannie-girl.” His breath was hot along her neck. “I could never get enough of you.”

Jeannie squirmed in her seat, seeking relief for her lady bits. Gah, what this man could do to her without even trying. She cleared her throat and quickly took their selfie, then turned to Rose.