Page 63

EPILOGUE: THE STALKER

As I head up the stairs, ignoring my family members who shout my name, I jerk my tie away from my throat. Fucking uncomfortable thing. But my baby girl wanted me to wear a suit and tie. What she wants, she always gets.

I don’t even bother knocking, barging into the room. Abby and Ashlynn start shrieking like a bunch of hens when a fox enters their henhouse. Ignoring them, my gaze drinks in my blushing bride as she spins around, her eyes sparkling with love and excitement. The full-length mirror behind her reveals the back of her white lace wedding gown that clings to her from bust to ass, then gradually widens as it trails down her long, shapely legs.

“Jagger, what the hell?” Abby snaps, her slim body whirling around in her navy bridesmaid dress. “Don’t you know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding?”

“Damn it. I told Jason to keep an eye on him and not let him up here,” Ashlynn complains, her eyes flashing as her hands move to her hips. My gaze sweeps over her, and I smile before my eyes immediately move to my bride.

“I don’t believe in dumb superstitions.” Waving my hand at my sister, I bark, “Leave.” Stalking closer to Maddie, my eyes lock on hers. “I need to see my bride.”

They grumble but do as I order.

“Did you miss me already, Stalker?” Her smile is huge, honey eyes sparkling with happiness as she steps into me, wrapping her arms around me.

The door slams behind her bridesmaids, and I sigh, relieved to be alone with my soon-to-be wife. Cupping my bride’s face, my gaze racks over her, assessing her emotional state. “Always. But you know that.” Kissing her lightly, I examine her intently. “How’s my baby girl?”

“Nervous. I don’t know why. I’ve been dreaming of this day since you proposed, yet I can’t help but worry that I’ll trip walking down the dock and fall into the lake.”

“Never,” I promise. “I wouldn’t let that happen.” My thumbs caress her cheeks. “You know I always catch you before you fall.”

She exhales a breath. “I know. But I fear making an idiot of myself. What if I mess up our vows?”

I shake my head. “They are short and sweet for a reason, Baby Girl. You won’t mess up.” Cocking my head, I study her closer. “Stop worrying about my family. My parents love you.” They first met Maddie in the hospital, which was a hell of a way to meet. Once I brought her home, they stopped by daily, ensuring she was okay.

Her smile widens. “I love them. I’m so glad I have you and your family.” Her excitement dims, and I know she’s thinking about her dad.

“They adore you. But you also have Ryan and Aimee, as well as Ashlynn, Daya, and her husband.”

She sighs, blinking back her tears. “I am blessed. And I’m doing my first book signing in less than two months.” She bounces on her heels, her excitement contagious. “I’m so grateful Daya is graciously stocking my book and having my first signing in her store.”

“It’s going to be a huge success, baby girl. Don’t fret.” I kiss her harder and longer, knowing I’m ruining her lipstick but not giving a damn. Pulling back with a wide smile, I say, “Are you feeling better now?”

She nods vigorously. “Yes. You always know how to take my nerves away.”

“You’re welcome. That’s what I’m here for.” I have a surprise I want to show you.”

Maddie studies me, biting her lip. “Okay…”

I laugh. “It’s a good surprise. I promise.” Pulling out my phone, I show her a design I had my tattoo artist work up. “After we return from our honeymoon, I wanna get this on my arm. See how the roses run from my shoulder to my hand? Our wedding date will be right here. On my hand, I’ll have ‘baby girl’ placed around that rose.”

Her mouth hangs open. “Oh my gosh. I love it.” Then her pleading eyes dart up to mine, and I inwardly groan, already knowing I’m going to give in to whatever she wants. “Can I get one, too? A rose tattoo?”

“Where?”

An evil grin covers her face. “My ass—”

“ Hell no ,” I roar. “No one sees that ass except me.”

She throws her head back, laughing hysterically. I glower at her, but she doesn’t stop.

Finally, she composes herself. “I was thinking of getting one on my hand. I really want one that matches yours but says ‘dark hero’ and has the date we got married around it.

Tugging her against my chest, my smile is wide. “I love it. Absolutely.”

“And, maybe one other, smaller rose.” I raise my brows, knowing what she’s going to say before she says it. Her words race out of her, blinking rapidly. “One to cover the scar on my chest.”

“Baby girl. That scar doesn’t mar your beauty. It enhances it.” My hand slides to it, the delicate fabric of her dress between the blemish on her skin and mine. “You survived.”

“I know. But it’s also a reminder that my mother tried to shoot the man I love. The man she damn well knew I adored from the conversation that took place in that wretched cabin. Yet, she tried to rip you away from me, caring more about power and drugs than my happiness.” Tears are in her eyes, causing agony to course through me. The only tears I want in my woman’s eyes are from happiness.

“Why do you want the tattoo?”

“I want a Melody Rose, just like the ones from the bush my father planted for me that you picked and left for me. I want the only two men who have ever truly known and loved me to cover the stain of the woman who didn’t.”

“Well, when you put it that way, how can I refuse?” My forehead presses against hers. “You’re the most amazing woman I’ve ever met. Even beating out my mom.” Closing my eyes, I breathe her in before opening them. “I’m fucking sorry the Ice Queen was a piece of shit mother to you. But you’re worth isn’t defined by her in any way. You know that, right?”

“I do. Because of you.” She kisses me, and we lose ourselves in each other until my phone beeps.

“Fuck. We’ve gotta go.”

Maddie reaches up, wiping the lipstick off my lips, before reapplying it on her lips. Smacking them together, she tosses the tube onto the vanity beside the mirror and hurries over to me. “I’m ready.”

“I’ll walk you downstairs to Ryan. Jason, Bryce, and I will head to the arch.”

As I open the bedroom door and we step through it, she smiles. “I’ll meet you there.”

“I’ll be waiting.”