Page 129 of Wrapped in Red

Mulligan Downtown was the wedding band, and as the song switched tempos to something slower, I caught the way Jackson’s, who was sitting across from me, entire body language changed. I had never heard this song before, and it was obvious by the way Jackson was reacting that he hadn’t either. It wasn’t just a love song. It sounded almost like a confession. Killian had switched to rhythm guitar while Maverick sang lead and stared at his husband. There was no question who this song was written about.

“Maverick wrote this,” Jackson blurted out like he could read my mind. He raised his chin as he continued to watch the band while he tapped his fingers on the table.

You saved me from myself / you saved me from my demons.

You brightened up my darkest moments / you brightened up my darkest hours.

I was lost until you pulled me back / I was broken until you said my name.

You’re the half that makes me whole / you fixed all my broken pieces.

I could see the pride written all over Jackson’s face as Maverick’s sweet voice floated through the backyard. I wondered why he didn’t sing more often. His voice was perfect.

“It’s beautiful.”

“He is.” Jackson’s eyes glittered with tears before he grabbed a napkin. He gave me a shy smile and ducked his head just as Ezra landed in my lap.

Ezra was even more carefree than ever. Ty had taken a plea bargain instead of having his case go to trial and was now spending the next seven to ten years in jail.

“Dance with me.” He wrapped his arms around my neck. “Please, CC, just once. I’ve been out there with my friends all night, and I know you’re not a big fan of dancing, but I just need one with you tonight.”

I pushed a few wayward curls back from his face. “Anything for you, princess.”

“Yeah?” Ezra smiled so big I thought it would split his face.

I nodded. “Yes, of course.”

The band finished up their set and when Ezra continued to stay on my lap, I waited until he was ready to move. I wasn’t going to rush him back out there. I figured he wanted to talk to Maverick since they hadn’t spent too much time together yet.

“Ezra.” He turned to look at me. “Have I told you how gorgeous you look tonight?”

He tilted his head. “Yes, but I always like to hear you say it.”

He had chosen a little black dress with star print and puff sleeves that looked like it was made for him. I couldn’t wait to peel it from his body later.

He leaned closer so his lips were by my ear. “I bought new panties just for tonight.”

“Fuck, princess,” I growled, and my cock thickened in my slacks. He giggled as I tickled his sides and then leaned his head on my shoulder.

Maverick came bounding towards the table, a smile on his face, before he stopped in front of his husband. “Goose.” He reached up to tug on the tie Jackson wore around his neck. “Mouth please.”

“I’m so fucking proud of you, Mavs,” Jackson told him before he covered his lips with his.

The DJ that took over after the band began to play a slow song, and that was when Ezra climbed from my lap.

“You promised.” He grabbed my hand. “Come on, CC, just one dance. Then we can go home.”

He laced our fingers together but stopped to whisper something to Wyatt that I couldn’t hear. He gave him a quick side hug and then led me out onto the dance floor. I quickly wrapped my arms around him as he leaned against me.

Other couples followed behind us. Watts and Holt had never even left the dance floor, happily surrounded in their love cocoon, Killian and Matthias, Jackson and Maverick, Mason and London, Shepard and Brooklyn, Leo and Andy, but the couple that surprised me the most was Noel and Wyatt. I didn’t see Seth anywhere either, so I wondered if that meant they were together.

“Okay—”

“Let it go tonight, Ezra,” I stopped him.

He pouted up at me. “Just for tonight. Then tomorrow I’m going to blow up the WAG chat like no one’s business.”

“I bet you are.” I chuckled as I tugged him closer.