Page 14 of Sam’s Forever (Crow MC 2nd Generation)
ALLY
I stare at myself in the full-length mirror, hardly believing the vision is me.
Behind me, the most important women in my life are talking and getting ready.
Abby and Mum have been alternating between laughing and crying all day.
Jeanie has done what she does best and kept us on track and upbeat.
She’s either made us laugh or groan out loud, depending on what comes out of her mouth.
Bren has gone above board for this wedding, and if all her brides are treated this way, they are going to be very happy. As for me, I can’t wait. I’ve heard that most brides are nervous on their wedding day. Not me. I can’t wait to say, ‘I do’ and be Sam’s in every way that there is.
Running my hand down my chest and down my side, I feel the slight ridges of my scar.
I still hate that I have it because it reminds me of the worst night of my life, but it also makes me proud because I’ve come a long way since that night, and a lot of that had to do with the man who will be waiting for me at the end of the aisle.
My scar wasn’t ugly anymore. I’d gone to see Hawk three months ago, and he’d done me a gorgeous tattoo, and I’d had him add Sam’s name through the vines.
It isn’t obvious unless you know where to look, but Sam loves it.
I’m sure he feels the same possessiveness I feel whenever I see my name tattooed on his body.
Mum comes up behind me, her gaze soft as she meets mine in the mirror. “Ready, baby girl?”
A wide smile breaks over my face as I nod. “More than ready,” I assure her.
“I’m happy for you, Ally,” she whispers, a little mistily. Turning around, I wrap my arms around the woman who had done everything she could to keep us safe, even though she’d been hurt in the process.
“Love you, Mum. Thank you for being you.”
“Oh, Ally,” she whispers in my hair, her voice breaking slightly, “you girls make me proud every day. I’m so happy you’ve found a man who takes care with your heart. All I’ve ever wanted is for you girls to be happy and loved.”
Moving back, I blink back tears as I take a good look at my mum. Yes, she’s older and wears a few more lines, but she’s still beautiful, and she’s happy. “I’ve found that,” I reassure her.
She smiles at me, the same smile that I see every time I look in the mirror. “I know,” she tells me.
There’s a knock on the door, and Dad is framed in the doorway, looking handsome as always. He takes one look at me and wells up. “Fuck it,” he grumbles, raising his eyes to the ceiling as he blinks rapidly.
Mum and I chuckle.
Abby comes towards me and enfolds me in her arms, “You look beautiful, Ally. Thank you for loving and making my boy happy.”
She leans back and cups my cheek, “Enjoy your day. This doesn’t need to be said because you’re already family, but from today you’ll be a Crow, so welcome to the family. I can’t think of a better woman for Sam.”
Now it’s my turn to blink tears, “Thank you, Abby.”
She smiles a little mistily before dabbing under her eyes with a tissue, hugs me one more time, and pats Dad’s shoulder on the way out. I’ll see her again soon.
Bren appears at the door and looks at Mum, “It’s time, Tilly.” She turns her attention to me, Dad, and Jeanie, “I’ll be back in five minutes to get you. You look gorgeous, Ally. My brother’s a lucky man.”
I grin at her, “Thanks, Bren, and thanks for organising today. It’s gone smoothly.”
“You’re welcome,” Bren says. “See you all soon.” Then she’s gone with Mum, and it’s just Dad and us girls.
“You look beautiful, milseán,” Dad starts, then clears his throat and closes his eyes. Breathing deeply, he presses his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “I’m not sure I’m ready for this,” he admits.
Walking to him, I wrap my arms around the man who taught me about how I should be treated. The man who was my hero and always would be.
“Love you so much, Dad. Thank you for everything. You’ll always be my hero.”
From across the room, Jeanie sniffs. Turning in our Dad’s arms, I hold out my arm for her to join us. With his arms around his girls, Dad takes a deep shuddering breath.
“I love you girls so much. I’m not ready for you to grow up and leave me. Always know I’m here for you, no matter what your last name may be. You’re my girls, and you always will be.”
“Dad,” I say on a shuddery sigh, trying my best not to cry and ruin my makeup.
“You’re the best dad a girl could wish for; you gave us a yardstick on what kind of man we should be with.
You’re not only Ally’s hero, but you’re mine too.
I’m glad Ally found one who measures up.
I’m not in any hurry, you still have me,” Jeanie tells him, squeezing his waist. Dad presses his lips to Jeanie’s hair.
She and I exchange a tearful look against the chest of the first man who made us feel safe.
Bren knocks on the door and pokes her head around, “Ready when you are.”
“Thanks, Bren,” I say, and after one more hug, I let my arms fall from around Dad and take the bouquet that Jeanie hands me. I take one last look in the mirror to make sure I’ve not smudged my makeup, then take Dad’s arm and walk to meet the man who owns my heart.