Page 30 of Frankie (Big Northwest #5)

FRANKIE

“You don’t clean up half bad, Frank.” JD’s eyes moved over her from where he stood propped against the doorway of their bathroom.

She finished sliding the dangly earring inlaid with sparkling green stones through her ear before turning to face him, taking in the way the suit he wore fit the long lines of his big body. “You look ridiculous.”

“I feel fucking ridiculous, but Tate said if I walked in wearing flannel, Sam would lose her shit.” He smirked. “I thought about doing it anyway, but figured it would be a bad look if the groom kicked one of his groomsmen’s ass at his wedding.”

“In that case, I’m super glad we didn’t fuck with a wedding.” She lifted her left hand, looking over the beautiful ring sparkling on her finger. “I should probably take this off, huh?”

“Unless you want to start answering a whole bunch of questions, you might want to leave it at home.” He stepped into the room, reaching out to adjust a few of her curls. “You know I’ll follow your lead. We’ll tell everyone when you’re ready.”

“It’s not about me being ready.” Frankie sighed, taking one final look at her wedding ring before sliding it off and setting it atop the dish on the counter. “I don’t want to steal anyone’s thunder.” She wrinkled her nose at the mental image of how announcing she was already married would play out. “I also don’t want anyone to act weird about it.”

JD finished touching up her hair, letting his hands slide down her arms as he stepped close, the wide width of his chest warming her back. “Remember what happened last time you thought everyone was going to freak out over something?”

“Yeah, but not telling them I ran off to Vegas and got married by an eighty-year-old Elvis impersonator is totally different.” She cringed a little. “I’ll always have lupus. We’ll only get married once.”

JD’s shoulders lifted. “I mean…”

“The fuck do you mean?” Frankie spun to face him. “I’ll kill you and drag your carcass out into the middle of the woods if you?—”

“Calm your tits, Frank.” He hooked one arm around her waist, pulling her close. “I meant we could always have a second ceremony and just not tell anyone the deed had technically already been done.”

She pressed her lips together as she thought it through. The planning. The organization. The details. “I’ll pass.”

As he had a habit of doing when he wanted to annoy her, JD tapped her on the end of the nose. “Then it sounds like you’re going to have to confess your sins at some point.”

“Ugh.” She let her head fall back. “Why does everything have to be a big deal?”

“It doesn’t.” JD turned, taking her with him. “Maybe you can wait until they’re all distracted by something else and just slip it into the conversation.”

It actually wasn’t a half bad idea. “Like hiding Ori’s anxiety pills in cheese.”

JD chuckled. “Kinda like that.”

She blew out a breath as he walked her through the house, heading for the front door. “I guess now I just have to wait for some cheese so they swallow it without being dramatic.”

JD grabbed her bag from where it sat beside the door, hooking it over his shoulder. “Should I point out Ori is still dramatic as fuck over taking her pills and usually gags on them a few times before she finally swallows?”

“Please don’t.” She followed him out onto the porch, stepping carefully along the gravel driveway in her heels.

JD opened the passenger door of his truck, offering a hand as she maneuvered her way into the seat, smoothing down the fitted fabric of her velvet dress before buckling in. Once she was in place, he settled the bag onto her lap and closed her in, rounding the front before taking his place at her side.

By the time they were pulling into Shadow Pine, her foot was tapping against the floor. Sam’s wedding wasn’t a huge event—they didn’t have a big social circle—but it was more people than she was used to seeing on a daily basis, and most of them would be asking questions she didn’t feel like answering.

How was she feeling? Was her shoulder doing okay? Did they have a timeline for rebuilding her house? How long had she and JD been together? Were they going to get married and breed anytime soon?

Not her idea of a great time. Especially since that last bit would include some lies being told.

They pulled into the lot at the B&B and JD parked in the closest available spot, putting his truck right next to Tate’s. She went ahead and let him come help her out, stomach flipping a little as she watched him through the windshield.

He did look strange in something besides jeans and a flannel, but now that she was getting used to it, the sight of JD’s thick thighs hugged by slacks was starting to grow on her. Almost as much as the jacket accentuating his wide shoulders. The man could fill out a suit like no one she’d ever seen.

Opening her door, JD offered his arm, keeping her balanced across the blacktop and in through the side door leading to the room where the rest of her sisters were already dressed and waiting. Danny wore a floor-length, hunter green, flowing satin gown with a twisting bodice that made her boobs look twice as big. Alex’s strapless jumpsuit was deep emerald with tailored lines and a subtle wrap style that cinched her waist. Charlie had on a mossy green, flared cocktail dress with a ribbon belt secured by a gorgeous brooch. Her own velvet minidress fit in perfectly, its jade color balancing out the others.

“There you are.” Charlie rushed to her side, looping one arm through Frankie’s as JD carried in her bag. “I have a question.”

“No questions.” Alex handed Charlie a bouquet. “I know what kind of questions you ask and I don’t want the last thing I hear before walking out in front of our family and friends to be about lube or butt plugs or whatever else you need Frankie’s advice on.”

Charlie scoffed as she took the arrangement of eucalyptus and zinnias. “I don’t only ask Frankie sex questions.” She lifted her chin, standing straighter. “And I can’t help it if you’re all pillow princesses.”

Alex’s eyes widened. “Pillow pri?—”

JD stepped between them, running interference like he had so many times before. “No arguing.” He flashed Frankie a grin. “If you’re going to argue, save it for the reception when everyone can listen.”

Frankie rolled her eyes. “Nosy.” She pushed at his broad chest, urging him away. “Shouldn’t you be at the altar with Tate?”

“It’s fucking hot out there.” He tugged at the collar of his shirt. “I’m not going outside until I have to.”

Danny elbowed him out of the way. “Well you have to. We’re getting ready to line up.” She gave Frankie her bouquet, along with the small one for Lily. “So kiss your girlfriend and go.”

Frankie’s stomach dropped, guilt making her smile tight as she took the flowers.

JD leaned in, one big hand spanning her lower back as he pulled her close, lips sealing over hers in a toe-curling kiss.

“Gross.” Alex made a gagging noise. “Get a room.”

JD broke the kiss but stayed close. “Got a room. Got a whole house.”

The reminder smoothed her smile. “And a hot tub.”

“And a fireplace,” JD reminded her.

“And a wine room we don’t use.” She still loved it though. Doubted she’d ever want to change a thing. “Plus working smoke alarms.”

“That’s probably a good thing considering our history with fires.” Danny shoved at JD again. “Now get out so we can get this show on the road.”

JD gave Frankie one more peck on the lips as her sister continued trying to move his big body. After booping her on the nose, he turned and strode out, his steps carrying a little more swagger than normal.

“You might want to take away that suit.” Alex frowned at JD’s back. “He’s starting to figure out how good he looks in it and soon you won’t be able to tell him shit.”

Frankie barked out a laugh. “I can’t tell that man shit to start with.”

And she loved it.

The door behind them opened, and Kenneth came out, pulling all their attention to the opening as Sam and Lily filed out behind him. Her oldest sister’s eyes turned misty as she took them in. “You guys look so good.”

Lily reached out to slide one hand over the velvet of Frankie's fitted dress. "Your dress is soft, Fi-Fi."

Frankie toyed with the end of the ribbon tied in Lily's hair. "It matches your bow."

Lily's hand left Frankie’s dress to pat the topknot keeping her dark curls from falling in her face. "Mama Sam did it. Is it pretty?"

Frankie smoothed the ribbon down. "It's gorgeous." She held out the smaller of the two bouquets gripped in her hand. "Are you ready for your flowers?"

Lily bounced around a little, taking the collection of white lilies and baby’s breath wrapped in the same green ribbon as her hair. "I'm ready. I’ll be real careful."

Danny looked down the line from her spot at the front. "I think we’re all ready to go." She led the pack, everyone falling into line behind her as they moved through the inn and past the kitchen, where Jeffrey was throwing up his hands as the caterer glared his way.

"It is what it is.” He spun away. “Everything will be fine."

Frankie stifled a laugh. The move was so very Jeffrey. As was the way he stopped in his tracks to watch them pass, one hand resting over his heart as tears edged his eyes.

Danny stopped at the French doors leading out and they all lined up. Jeffrey adjusted Sam’s dress and veil, patting her softly on the cheek. He quickly fussed over everyone else before sneaking out to take his seat.

The music outside changed, switching to their planned processional song. Danny turned to Sam. “Ready?”

Sam gave a sharp nod, looking a little paler than normal.

Danny turned and opened the doors, leading the way. Frankie followed Alex with Charlie bringing up the rear as they filed between the white chairs set along the B&B’s lush lawn. She swallowed hard, waiting for the pang of regret she thought this day might bring, but the only thing she felt was relief that all these people would be fawning over Sam instead of her.

JD’s eyes caught hers from where he stood between Edward and Lance. Lord did he look good. No way in hell was she taking that suit from him. He could be as difficult as he wanted wearing that thing.

The ceremony was short and sweet and perfect—even if it wasn’t performed by Elvis—and soon they were all going back the way they came. At least this time she had JD to lean on as she navigated the slightly uneven terrain.

JD let out a sigh as they stepped into the air conditioning, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe at his forehead. Once he was finished, he aimed the sweat-dampened cloth at her. “You need me to wipe you down next?”

She leaned back, glaring. “I’ll kill you right here in front of everyone.”

“Jeffrey would kill you back for getting blood all over the food.” JD stashed his handkerchief and pulled her close as Danny and Craig and Alex and Edward filtered out to go greet guests. “You still glad we did what we did?”

She didn’t have to think about it. “Very.”

Sam looked ready to heave, and she couldn’t blame her. All the people. All the pressure. All the chaos.

No fucking thanks.

The front door of the inn opened and a deep voice echoed from the entryway, stealing her attention. "Knock, knock."

Tate spun toward the man casually striding into the B&B. "What the fuck are you doing here?"

"Didn't realize you were having a party today." He leaned to peer across the plates lined along the island. "Food looks good."

"You didn't know because you weren't invited, so you can go ahead and get the fuck out," Tate growled.

That wasn’t good. If ever a man would go all beast mode it would be when someone interrupts his new wife’s special day.

Lily jabbed Tate in the thigh with one poking finger. "Fuck is a bad word, Daddy Tate."

Tate used one big hand to shove her behind his back as he continued glaring at the man perusing their wedding dinner.

Foster continued walking, going to stand in front of the French doors they'd just come through. Phillip tucked one hand into the pocket of his dark slacks, surveying the backyard before turning back to Tate. He thumbed over one wide shoulder. "You two can get back to whatever you were doing. I’m gonna go talk to Craig." He opened the doors, but instead of Phillip going out, people came in. Danny and Craig were the first through, with Alex and Edward hot on their heels.

Sam pushed up from the chair, shoving Tate out of the way as she hurried toward the man who’d basically fallen off the face of the earth after leaving Shadow Pine to find James months ago. "Did you find her?”

Phillip looked Sam over before glancing at where Tate towered right behind her. "This can wait until after your wedding. Probably should have called before coming."

Frankie snorted at the balls on Foster. “You think?”

Sam stepped closer to Phillip, her eyes taking on a slight glow. "Did you find our sister?"

Kenneth, Jeffrey, and Tate's parents joined the group.

Phillip held his ground, undaunted by the number of eyes currently focused his way. "Like I said, this can wait."

"Phillip." Craig’s dark brows were pinched. "What are you doing here, man?"

Sam grabbed Phillip by the arm, yanking him back her direction. "Did. You. Find. Her?" She said the words slowly, enunciating each one.

Phillip held her gaze, expression impassive. "I did."

Sam pressed one hand to her stomach, the already peaked pallor of her skin paling further. "Is she here?"

Phillip shook his head. "No. Your sister’s not easy to pin down." His eyes went to Craig. "That's why I'm here. I wanted to talk to you in person and get the okay to bring her in by any means necessary."

Frankie gripped JD’s hand, holding tight as his words registered. Foster found her sister.

James would be coming home.

Craig’s focus moved between Sam and her sisters. "That's not my call."

Sam didn't hesitate. "I don't care what it takes. Bring her here. She needs to come home."

Philip met her eyes, giving her a single nod. "Done."

Frankie chucked her bouquet onto the counter, grabbing flutes of champagne from the collection waiting to be dispensed and passing them out. "If this doesn't call for a toast, then I don't know what the fuck does."

"Fuck is a bad word, Fi-Fi." Lily chimed in as Frankie handed Sam a flute.

Sam stared at it, her nostrils flaring.

Tate shifted beside her, his eyes widening. "Trash can. We need a trash can. Now."

The waste bin barely made it in front of Sam before she heaved, barfing into the can in her pretty wedding dress, surrounded by guests.

Yeah. Super glad they didn’t do this.

Frankie's eyes widened as what she was seeing started to make sense. She stepped closer to Sam, excitement pitching her voice. "Are you okay?" She waved one hand at Philip. "Go get us some water, private investigator."

"Mama Sam’s okay." Lily patted Sam on the hip. "The baby in her belly just makes her throw up sometimes."

Frankie’s stomach tightened as everyone around them went quiet, all eyes on Sam. She knew how that felt. How overwhelming it could be.

And the last thing Sam needed was to be overwhelmed. To have everyone’s focus only on her when she was feeling like she was.

Which was why she accidentally said, “JD and I got married in Vegas.”

Thank you so much for reading Frankie’s Bonus Scene!