"Yo," There's a knock on my office door and a second later Corbin pokes his head inside. He grins at me, eyes alight with mischief. "Hey, boss."

"Stop calling me that," I grumble for the hundredth time. You'd think he'd be over it by now.

"But you're my boss," He blinks innocently. "What else would I call you?"

"My name works just fine," I grab a pencil off my desk and launch it at him. He ducks just in time and straightens up again, his grin widening even more if possible. "Need something?"

"Yeah, to save you. As usual you overworked yourself and now you're running late for that wedding."

"No I'm not," I frown and check my phone, wincing when I realize Nate and Delilah's wedding starts in a little over an hour. "Oh, crap."

"What would you do without me?" He agrees and comes inside, a dry-cleaning bag and makeup kit in his hands. "Sit. I'm going to make your face look fuckable."

"You know how to do makeup?" I ask curiously and go over to the couch. Corbin dumps a bunch of makeup supplies out on the coffee table in front of me, snorting as he reaches for a clip and ties my hair back.

"I'm an artist, babe. I can do anything with these hands."

"Hot," I nod in approval. "The ladies mourn your interest in men everyday."

"And I enjoy every second of it," He smirks, lip piercing glinting.

I fight another smile. Corbin instructs me to lean back and close my eyes while he does his thing. I should be worried but I'm not. Corbin is an artist and a damn good one and that's why I fought tooth and nail with Titus to steal him away.

Rebecca's Place has been open for a month now and I had a slow start but things are really starting to pick up around here. I poured my heart and soul into this studio to make it what it is today. I ended up using a huge chunk of the money that I received from Uncle Gary's lawyer — shortly after his trial when he was sentenced twenty years — to get this place built and pretty much used the rest of it for equipment and staff. Titus and Gia were sad to see me go but they knew it's always been my dream to own my own studio and we bargained on me stealing Corbin away. Besides, I pay the asshat well. The thousands I had left over I donated to different orphanages and women's abuse shelter, remembering that I very well could be in either of those positions if I didn't receive the blessings I did. Yeah, I had a shit life but I wouldn't have been able to turn it around without the people I surround myself with everyday. I'll never stop being grateful for that. For him.

Keeping my eyes closed, I fiddle with the engagement ring on my left hand and suppress a smile. I can't believe I'm fucking engaged. A year ago men were my enemy and I was prepared to hate every last one of them for the rest of my damn life. And then I met Wolfe, the man who showed me he wasn't anything like the rest. I struck gold finding him and bet your ass I'm keeping him for life.

"Look at you, daydreaming and smiling and shit," I can hear the grin in Corbin's voice. "Love looks good on you, babe."

"Everything looks good on me," I counter and hear him laughing.

"Seriously. You look really happy."

"I am," I smile. "Took a lot to get here but it's a damn good destination."

"If my destination was a human building with tattoos and muscles for days I'd be this happy too."

I smirk. He's not wrong about that.

Corbin instructs me to close my eyes again and I do, getting comfortable. I'm grateful that I don't have to do anything except sit back and enjoy. I've been so busy managing the studio that I barely have time to do anything for myself anymore. But I can't complain because this is a dream come true for me and getting to ink people, watching them marvel at the photographs of Rebecca I've hung up and talking to them about who she was and what this place means to me, has been so freaking healing. I never thought my life could be what it is today. Not by a long shot. It's surreal to me that I wake up everyday with a smile on my face, cocooned in the big and warm arms of the person who loves me more than anything in this world.

I'm pretty sure I doze off at some point because when my eyes suddenly jerk open, Corbin is putting all the supplies back in their place.

"Done?" I ask, suppressing a yawn.

He grabs a hand mirror and holds it in front of my face. A gasp escapes me as I turn my head at all angles to get a better look at myself. Jesus, Corbin did an amazing job. My makeup is light and glowy, nothing more than warm shades of bronze and champagne, perfect for a wedding. I'm used to wearing darker colours and thick eyeliner that I feel like a completely different person with this look. It's less edge and more girl next door with its softer tones. But it doesn't feel different or out of place. It feels right.

"Insane," I breathe. "I love it."

"I knew you would. Now go change in to your dress and do your hair. I'll get your appointments and close up."

"You're a lifesaver," I remind him and take the dry cleaning bag and hair kit from his outstretched hand.

Luckily, I'm smart as hell and designed my office to have its own working bathroom. I slip into my dress and admire how it looks on me in the mirror. It's spaghetti-strapped and the hem ends a couple of inches above my knees. The navy blue silk makes my blue eyes pop and I know an up-do is the way to go for this look. I plug in my hair curler and get to work, doing chunks of strands at the same time and wrapping them in a bun atop my head. I pull some strands loose and curl them to frame my face better. The end result has my complete approval and I grin. It's been a while since I've felt this hot. The hairstyle gives the perfect edge that my appearance was missing and I don't just look like the girl next door — I look like the girl next door that will get you in all kinds of trouble.

I walk out of the bathroom when there's a knock on the door and my chest flips over. I can even recognize his knock, that's how smitten I am. It's kind of gross.

I open the door and my breath catches from shock. Wolfe has the same reaction and for a moment we stand there, staring at each other.

"You're in a suit," I feel the need to point out. I've never seen the big guy in a suit and that has to be some kind of crime because what the shit? The dark black material is molded to his body, stretching at his biceps and chest and looking seconds away from ripping apart. His white undershirt is unbuttoned at the top and for some reason that works because it's so like Wolfe to be a little rugged somehow. Don't even get me started on the tie. I have some serious plans for that little cloth. My teeth fiddle with my lower lip as my eyes continue to trek downward, catching the glint of his watch and all the rings covering his fingers. When I finally manage to drag my eyes away from his body I gawk at his face. He looks different. That's when I notice it's because he has his hair tied back, long as it is now. The man bun is doing wonders on the big guy and compliments his beard well.

"You're in a dress," He throws back and sounds just as breathless as I feel. His eyes stay trained on every rise and dip on my body, flashing at the slit on the hem that exposes the tattoo on my inner thigh.

I grab his tie and wrap it around my fist, tugging hard. "Get in here."

I pull him inside my office and then push his body back against the door to close it. Thanks to my heels I'm tall enough to reach for his face but I still have to tiptoe as I bring his head down until it's level with mine. Our mouths fuse together and we both groan at the same time. That first touch of our lips never gets old to me. He still gives me butterflies like he did the very first time I laid eyes on him. Fucking butterflies.

I laugh against his lips when he grabs me by the waist and lifts me up, urging me to lock my legs around him. I feel him blindly walk us before he sets me down on my desk and knocks over a bunch of things in the process. He leans forward and forces me to lean back, his hands sliding up my bare legs and slipping under my dress until he gets a hold of my panties. When he starts to slide them down I pull away and raise a brow.

"Here? That's very adventurous of you."

His eyes are burning with heat as he does another once-over of me. "You look so fuckin' beautiful, baby girl. Yes, here. I need you."

"You have me," I murmur and lean further back. I grab the edge of my desk behind me to brace myself and spread my legs for him. Wolfe makes a rumble of approval low in his throat. He slides my panties off all the way and lets them dangle off one of my ankles. Then his hand journeys its way back up my inner leg until he's pushing two fingers inside of me. My head falls back on a moan. "God, yes."

"Always so wet for me," He mumbles and starts pumping his fingers. "Sweetest fuckin' pussy and it's all mine."

"Yours," I agree breathlessly. My hips lift in tune with his hand, seeking more, getting impatient. My eyes snap open in surprise when I feel his mouth on me and look down to discover his head disappearing between my legs. I slide my hand to the back of his neck to hold him in place. "Wolfe. Oh God, baby."

He hums against me and sucks my clit into his mouth, sliding the flat of his tongue down my folds. A breathless cry escapes me when he takes his fingers out to push his tongue in my entrance instead and I rock faster against his face. Pressure builds like a coil in my stomach and I start to tense in anticipation. Wolfe must feel it because he slides his tongue out of me and straightens up, swiftly undoing his belt. I help him and impatiently unbutton his dress pants. When his cock springs out, hard and angry and nearly purple at the tip, I wrap my fingers around it and start pumping his length. He groans miserably and bucks his hips into my fist with urgency. I relieve the both of us when I guide him to my entrance and we both moan as soon as he pushes into me. He doesn't stop until he's sunk in all the way and my eyes roll to the back of my head because he feels so good, so full, stretching me in the best way possible.

"That's it," I urge, my hand sliding around to his back and snaking past his dress pants until I'm gripping his ass. I push him forward. "Start fucking me."

"Won't stop," He promises gruffly, sliding out until the tip of him is all but tickling my entrance before slamming back in. I lock my trembling legs tighter around his waist and grip his shoulders to hang on as he pounds into me. He buries his face in my neck to muffle his groans and my head falls back from the overwhelming pleasure. I bite my lip hard when his hand travels up my body until he's gripping one breast and squeezes it, his thumb blindly seeking my nipple through my clothing. I arch into him and he bites down on my neck, sucking the sensitive skin into his mouth and earning my pleased cry.

His thrusts turn harder and deeper and I can feel my desk rattling under me. More of my things fall off but I can't find it in me to care, not when Wolfe is fucking me like he owns me. And he does. He does and we both know it. I grab his throat and turn his face toward mine, releasing every moan and plea into his mouth when our lips crash against each other. He opens wider for me and I snake my tongue inside until it's tangling with his, exploring every warm and wet crevice of his mouth. I groan softly when his thrusts turn shallower and faster and I know he's finishing us off. He comes first, his body freezing for a beat before jerking as his cock twitches inside of me. He continues slamming into me to bring me to orgasm, his hand reaching between us so he can seek out my clit and rub it tight circles. I erupt a second later and Wolfe has to cover my mouth with his hand when I become too loud, his eyes flashing with amusement and desire.

"Shh, quiet Melanie," He warns, watching me fall apart and one corner of his lip curling up. "Good girl. So fuckin' dirty for me."

His words coupled with the way his hand continues to work me is too much and I have to close my eyes, breathing through my nose to get myself under control. My walls contract around his cock and grip him tight, so tight that my orgasm is almost painful because of how good it is.

I sag against him when it's over, panting and sweaty. Then I wince because there's a good chance I ruined my hair and makeup and we have to leave for the wedding.

"How bad is it?" I ask and pull back.

Wolfe's eyes skate over me. "Gorgeous. Always gorgeous."

I shake my head. "Thank you, big guy, but in girl terms. Compared to what you saw when you first got here?"

He observes me for another moment before shrugging sheepishly. "Kind of ruined."

"Damn it," I mutter and give him a little shove back. He slides out of me and I grab my panties off my ankle, gripping my dress at my waist as I get to my feet. His release is trickling down my leg so I wobble to the bathroom as quickly as I can. I can hear him laughing quietly behind me and yell out a, "Shut up! You did this!"

"I'm not sorry," He calls back just as I shut the bathroom door.

I cringe at my reflection. My bun is loosening up, my makeup is in desperate need of a touch up, and there's a humongous hickey on my neck. Lovely.

I quickly do my business and wash myself off, scrubbing my hands and legs with soap to get the smell of sex off me. Then I dig through my makeup and retouch until I look exactly how Corbin left me, making sure to cover up my hickey with concealer too. I tighten my bun again and spray myself with a shitload of perfume, looking as presentable as I should. When I leave the bathroom Wolfe is cleaning up my desk and putting the last of everything back in it's place. He grins when he sees me.

"Ready?"

I point to his dick. "Keep that thing away from me. It's a miracle I pulled myself back together and I can't do it again."

He chuckles under his breath and stalks up to me. "You're the one who mauled me first, not that I'm complaining."

"We've been over this, babe. Even when you're right, I'm right."

He shakes his head, placing his hand on the small of my back. "Come on."

We leave my office and I lock it behind me before taking Wolfe's hand. On the way out of the studio we pass Corbin who's confirming an appointment on the phone and grins when he notices us. He points between Wolfe and I and thrusts his hips suggestively, letting us know he caught the show. I find it amusing. Wolfe turns red in the face.

We barely make it to the wedding in time thanks to Wolfe's Harley. I bet we looked like idiots on that thing all decked out but Wolfe and I were never the type to care what others think. We quickly jog hand in hand when we get to the church and burst inside where all of our friends and family are already in their seats. We speed walk to our assigned seats by the front and keep our heads low, probably making us look even more obvious.

"The walk of shame, huh?" Cameron whispers from behind us once we sit down. Wolfe and I look over our shoulders and catch him wiggling his brows. "Nice."

"Leave them alone," Avery giggles, bouncing Olivia on her lap. Then she regards us. "But seriously, nice."

"Great minds," Jaxon adds and throws a hand over Emily's shoulders, grinning suggestively.

Emily rolls her eyes and smacks him on the chest. "I blame him. Pregnancy makes him a total Neanderthal." She rubs her slowly growing belly for effect.

That gets a laugh out of me and I point to Wolfe. "I blamed him too."

"Did we all seriously jeopardize this wedding for s-e-x?" Aria asks from beside me, spelling the word because all the kiddies are here, and turns around in her seat. She jerks her thumb at Asher. "Same for this one, by the way. It's like he's surgically trying to attach himself to me ever since we got the ultrasound done and found out about the twins."

"Actually, I'm just jealous." Asher shrugs non-chalantly. "If our kids get to be inside of you, why can't I?"

Aria glares at him while the rest of us snigger and try to choke down our laughter.

"Are we the only ones who didn't get some before we got here?" The disbelief on Cameron's face is laughable. "That's it, sweet cheeks. Give Olivia to one of these guys and we can do it in my car."

"How romantic," Avery deadpans. "But it's not happening. Nate's entrance is in five minutes."

"Shouldn't the best man be with him?" I point out and look at Ash. "You know, to make sure he doesn't freak out or bail?"

Asher snorts. "Oh, please. Like Nate would flake out on Blondie. I'm pretty sure they're fu—getting it in the bride's room. Ten bucks says he walks down the aisle with his suit wrinkled."

"Them too?" Cameron whisper hisses. "You assholes always leave me out on purpose!"

"Can we change the subject?" Lizzie pipes up, looking horrified. She scrunches her nose and covers Lucas's ears. "You guys need to come up with better code words. Seriously. Talk about obvious."

Jaxon glares at her. "How do you know what sex is?"

"Oh, give it a rest." Emily sighs. "I had the talk with her months ago. She's twelve going on thirteen."

"She's a baby!"

"Really, Daddy?" Lizzie snorts. "You and Mom scarred me for life years ago when I realized the noises above my bedroom weren't ghosts. I'd take ghosts over the truth any day."

All of us burst out laughing as Jaxon and Emily go red in the face, sputtering and trying to deny their daughter's accusations with lame excuses.

"What did we miss?" Greg asks as he helps Greta slide into the bench. Both of them are breathless and out of sorts. Nice.

"Are you kidding me?" Cameron all but screams. "That's it! I hate all of you!"

"I'm not even going to ask," Greta wisely murmurs.

Coach makes a face at Cameron's outburst and starts to back away. "Behave. All of you. I'm walking Del down the aisle in just a couple of minutes."

He gives us a final look of warning and stalks off. All of us comply and turn around in our seats, facing the front and patiently awaiting the bride and groom. Greg was right — in just a short minute Nate comes down the aisle decked out in his suit and charming grin. His family, seated on the other side, offer whistles and cat-calls to cheer him on. Nate has a kickass family. They're all free-spirited and loving and bring a contagious energy with them everywhere they go. Everyone in the church bursts out laughing when Nate's father — and ordained minister who will marry the two — points and shouts, "That's my son!" It's accompanied by some God-awful dance moves that makes Nate wince and shake his head in obvious embarrassment.

"Go," Aria shoves Asher who was a little too preoccupied nibbling on her ear. His grin is entirely mischievous and nowhere near apologetic as he goes to the front of the church and stands beside his best friend. The two exchange a hug and some whispered words, growing serious and making the moment that much sweeter.

When the music rises everyone gets to their feet, turning around. There's an audible intake of air as we all gasp at Delilah. She makes a stunning bride. Her arm is wrapped through Greg's as he walks her down the aisle and hands her off. He kisses her on the forehead, murmuring something in her ear and looking choked up. Delilah nods and holds back tears of her own, kissing his cheek. He comes back to our side of the church and takes his seat beside Greta and we all watch as Nate and Delilah's join hands. The boy is whipped. He's absolutely beaming at her and I can't hear him but I think he says something like, "All I see is you, Angel."

The ceremony is beautiful. The two exchange vows that doesn't leave a single dry eye in the room. I'm horrified as I try to choke back tears and wonder what's gotten into me. I've never been the emotional type but the love between Nate and Delilah hits something inside of me. We all erupt into cheers when Matt announces them as husband and wife, and Nate grabs Del by the waist before dipping her and kissing the hell out of her. It's even more beautiful when Zack pops up between the two and Nate puts him on his shoulder, the both of them grinning wide at Delilah and equally smitten with her.

Afterwards we file out to the back where a large tent is set up for the reception. It's adorned in lights and candles and looks like a freaking fairytale. The night flies by while we eat and chatter and just...be a family, I guess. The best fucking family I've ever been part of.

"If I eat another bite I'll explode," I groan miserably and give up on my slice of cake. I lean back in my chair and rub my bloated belly. "Now I look pregnant."

"Are you?" Emily wiggles her brows from across the table. She points to herself. "Join the club. Aria and I have room for more."

"I'm good," I laugh. "There's already three babies on the way. You guys should be terrified at how fast you're repopulating."

"Clearly we're not," Avery appears out of nowhere, all disheveled and out of breath. Behind her Cameron is grinning in obvious satisfaction as they both take their seats. "I think we just made baby number two."

"I must say that was some of my best work," Cameron agrees and leans back with his hands behind his head. "All of you can suck it."

"I'm officially scared," I deadpan. I look over at Wolfe who's watching all of us in amusement. "Your friends are addicting to being impregnated. It might be contagious."

He chuckles under his breath and leans forward, slipping a hand behind my neck and nuzzling my nose. "Relax. We'll wait until you're ready before we start our own family."

"You want that?" I ask with a hint of a smile, feeling a little vulnerable. "A family with me?"

"You are my family," He kisses me softly. "Kids would be a bonus if that's what you want."

I think about that for a moment. In all honesty I never let my brain go there. After the life I've had kids were always out of the picture. I never felt like "mom material" either, especially when I failed to protect Rebecca. The thought of kids is terrifying to me but the thought of kids with Wolfe...a little more bearable.

"Someday, I hope." I whisper and he smiles back at me.

"Someday," He repeats. "Come on."

"Where are we going?" I ask but he's already grabbed my hand and starts leading me away. I'm confused when we stop in the middle of all the tables, just the two of us. I look around self-consciously. "What are you doing?"

"I owe you."

"You owe me?"

"That night at the bar," He starts just as music begins playing. I briefly register it as Surrender by Natalie Taylor before Wolfe places one hand on my waist and grabs my hand with the other. I look at him in question and he watches me, a soft expression on his face. "I didn't dance with you that night when you asked me to and you said I owe you. So let's dance."

"Oh," A short, surprised laugh leaves me as we begin swaying to the music. "You remember that?"

"I remember every memory that has you in it," He pulls me closer, kissing my forehead and settling his chin on top of my head.

"You do, huh?" I tease but on the inside I grow warm. "It better stay that way, big guy."

"No matter what," He promises like so many times before.

I lean my cheek on Wolfe's chest, closing my eyes and listening to his heartbeat. Maybe it's the atmosphere we're surrounded in but I think that in this moment I love him more than I ever have. My throat locks up tightly and I fight a fresh wave of tears, not sure why I'm so emotional. I burrow deeper into him and his hold on me tightens, his arms crushing me and making me feel so safe. So cherished.

"Wolfe?" My voice is a whisper but he hears me.

"Melanie," He leans down and presses his forehead to mine. His hand leaves mine to cup my face, his thumb swiping the lone tear I wasn't able to stop.

"You and me, right?" Sometimes I ask him because I experience moments where it's so hard to believe he's mine, that he loves me the way he does.

"You and me, baby girl." He smiles that beautiful smile that he only ever gives me.

His hand makes the sign for I love you and he presses it against my chest. I smile and do the same to him, tipping my head back for a silent kiss that he grants me. Our mouths meet and then we both laugh quietly like we know a secret no one else does. There are no more words between us but that's okay.

Our love is loud enough.

THE END

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But not...quite...yet.