Page 28 of Brax (Voodoo Guardians #36)

“Are you ready to be Mrs. Stephanie Pechkin?” smiled Brax.

“Mmm-maybe,” she teased.

“Woman, you’re going to marry me today,” said Brax. He nodded toward the grove where Victoria and Hayes were talking. Neither looked like they were upset by anything, and then Victoria hugged him, turning and waving at him.

Hayes spotted the two lovebirds and walked toward them.

“Hi. Everything okay?” asked Brax.

“Not really. I’ve been called back. I thought I could be here for your big day, but it’s just not possible.”

“Brother, I understand that better than anyone,” smiled Brax. “It’s all good. You’ll be home soon.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I hope so,” he nodded. “Listen, watch out for her for me. Okay?”

“Hayes, you’ll be back soon to watch over her yourself,” said Stephanie.

“No. We agreed that we should, uh, see other people,” he said, swallowing. He looked away, trying to hide his tears, but just couldn’t. “I love her so much. I just don’t understand why she can’t do this one thing for me.”

“Oh, honey,” said Stephanie, hugging him. “Give her time.”

“I’ve given her years, Steph. I can’t keep waiting. I want to, but I’m afraid of what I’ll do behind her back. I guess I’m a weak, pathetic male.”

“No. You’re a man with male urges, desires, and wants. I’m not going to judge you for that,” said Brax. “If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

Hayes nodded, wiping his face with the back of his hands. He stood tall, looking at Brax, and gave another quick nod. As he moved toward the waiting vehicle, Hoot in the driver’s seat, he turned back one last time.

“Don’t let her be alone for the rest of her life.”

“God, that’s awful,” frowned Stephanie.

“We knew it had to come to a head,” said Brax. “I’m sure her folks are taking care of her.”

“Speaking of,” nodded Stephanie. Mo and Ophelia were walking swiftly toward her cottage. They’d obviously heard the news.

“You know, I hate the way things happened for poor Ines, but I’ll forever be grateful that she gave me you.”

“I guess she did, didn’t she?” smiled Stephanie. “I hope she’s happy wherever she is.”

“Same, honey. Same.”