Incinerate

Chapter 32

Knox

AFTER ALL the congratulations, we move to a covered patio outside the resort where a DJ is set up and the catering staff is putting the finishing touches on the buffet tables.

“Damn, they did all this in a month?” I ask, astonished that they pulled it off so quickly.

Charlie nods, looking around absentmindedly. “Lexi said it wasn’t that difficult because it’s the offseason and most people vacationing go more south this time of year,” she says just as a chill passes through the air, and I see her shiver. Grabbing her arm, I pull her into me and lock my arms around her.

“Cold, sweetheart?” I ask, and she nods. “I can warm you up.”

Pulling back, she looks around and nods to where the new McAllisters are getting photographs taken. She places her hands on my ass and presses up against me, shocking me a little with what she says next. “Make it a quickie? I don’t know what it is. Something about weddings is a total turn-on.”

She barely gets the words out before I take hold of her hand and make my way across the patio, through the sliding doors, and to the elevator. This isn’t how I expected to warm her up, but I’m making this happen before she changes her mind.

“Like I’d say no to that. We’ll be back before they’re even done with pictures to notice we’re missing,” I tell her, pulling her into the elevator and pressing her against the back wall as the doors shut.

We reemerge after a very enjoyable fifteen minutes, and I grin as I watch Charlie messing with her hair, smoothing it down as we try to sneak back into the reception. When I wrap my arm around her waist, my hand grazes her ass as I’m looking around for the happy couple.

“Jesus, I’d tell you two to get a room, but I think you already did that,” Jace teases says from behind me.

We turn around to find him grinning at us. Charlie shrugs. “Something about weddings,” she says, causing him to laugh.

“Can I steal this guy for a few minutes? Mom wants him in a photo since we’re both in uniform,” Jace asks Charlie, and she nods. Leaning down, I give her a kiss before heading off with him.

A little while later, after all the pictures are done and everyone’s gone through the buffet line, Lexi’s sister, Sierra, stands up and heads over to the DJ table, commandeering the microphone, tapping it to make sure it’s on.

“I normally really hate public speaking, but I figured I’d take one for the team for my baby sister and her new husband,” she says, causing everyone to laugh. In the twenty-four hours that I’ve known Sierra Banks, I’ve learned she’s anything but shy. “But in all seriousness, on behalf of Jace and Lexi, I want to thank you all for being here. I know it was all thrown together really quickly, so it means a lot for you to be here to share this day with them. I’d also like to thank myself. I had blast playing the meddling matchmaker, and I’m so glad I did. Watching you two fall in love all over again, seeing you, Jace, bring Lexi back to life, was extraordinarily beautiful, and I’m proud to call you my brother. If everyone could have a love like yours, the world would be a much better place. I love you both, and the minute you get back from your honeymoon, Ava’s already planning a Finding Nemo date with her, now official, Uncle Jace.”

Raising her glass towards them, she finishes. “Here’s to a long life filled with love, happiness, and as many Reds games Jace can stand.”

Everyone raises their glasses in a toast, and when I get up, Charlie looks at me, surprised. Placing a kiss on her forehead, I cross the room and take the microphone from Sierra.

“Unlike Sierra, I actually really don’t like public speaking, so I’ll try to keep this short. Jace and I met eleven years ago when we were bunkmates in Boot Camp, and I swear I feel like I’ve known his beautiful bride just as long. We’ve been fortunate to spend our careers mostly together, and he’s become my brother in every sense of the word. When I finally met Lexi… Let’s just say we didn’t exactly hit it off, because, well, I’m kind of an idiot. But I’ve been able to get to know the girl I’ve been hearing about for so long, and I can stand here and tell you these two are perfect for each other.”

I pause, taking a sip of my drink before continuing.

“Watching them, after everything they’ve been through, has taught me a lot. About life. Love. And most importantly, they’ve taught me that everyone deserves a second chance. Life’s too short to let it pass you by without spending it with the ones you love, and to Jace and Lexi, I just want to thank you for teaching me such an invaluable lesson.”

Raising my glass, I toast them one more time before setting the microphone down and returning to my seat. Like I said, I hate public speaking, so when Sierra asked me to say a few words, I had no idea what I was going to say. Once I got up there, I just started speaking from the heart. Not taking my eyes off Charlie, I found it was easy to say what was on my mind, but damn, I’m glad that’s over.

Charlie places a hand on my thigh, leans in, and gives me a kiss on the cheek. “That was beautiful, Knox,” she tells me.

Placing my arm on the back of her chair, I turn to look at her. “I meant every word, sweetheart.” Before she can respond, the DJ’s announcing the first dance, so we sit and watch as Jace and Lexi move in close, moving to the music, stealing kisses all throughout. I meant what I said earlier. Watching them lets me know that it’s possible to find love after having your heart broken, and I realize it’s time I finally tell Charlie how I feel about her. After the traditional father/daughter and mother/son dances, the floor opens up and Charlie pulls me out of my chair.

“Come on, Rugged. Show me what you’ve got on the dance floor,” she says, waggling her eyebrows up at me, grinding her ass against me softly as the dance music plays.

As a slow song begins to play, Charlie turns in my arms.

“Not so bad, Knox. I think you’re finally learning to work those hips,” she teases, placing her arms around my neck.

I pull her in close. “Really, baby? Did I not just show you an hour ago just how good I am at moving my hips?” I ask, and she grins.

“Oh, yeah, Rugged. You definitely showed me,” she says before resting her head against my chest as the sounds of a piano fill the air.

I wrap my arms around her, enjoying the feel of her pressed up against me. I don’t know if it’s the wedding atmosphere or what, but I think I’m finally ready to tell her how I feel.

I pull back, and she looks up at me. Holy fuck. I’m going to do it. For the first fucking time in eleven years, I’m putting myself out there. Taking a deep breath, I start to speak. “Charlie, these past five months have been nothing short of a roller coaster, but it’s a ride I never want to get off. You’re a part of me, and I can’t imagine going back to a time before I knew you.” I pause, and her eyes light up as she watches me, anticipating my next words. Words that never get a chance to come.

A woman I believe is Jace’s sister taps Charlie on the shoulder. “Excuse me, miss. I hate to interrupt, but is this your purse?” she asks, holding up a small clutch.

Charlie nods, taking it from her.

“Your phone’s been ringing nonstop, and I was afraid it was important. I just wanted you to know, just in case”

Charlie thanks her and moves out of my arms, digging into the bag and pulling out her phone. She frowns when she looks at it. “I have twelve missed calls from Olivia. What the hell? I’ll be right back,” she tells me, walking to the edge of the patio, going to listen to her messages.

I watch her intently, wondering what the hell is going on, more than irritated that we got interrupted. A moment later, she’s rushing over to me, her face pale.

“What’s going on?” I ask, knowing something’s not right.

“It’s my dad. He collapsed in the operating room this afternoon and is still unconscious. They haven’t figured out what’s wrong, but he’s in the ICU. We have to go, Knox,” she says, panicking.

Gripping her arms, I hold her still. “Go up to the room and pack while I tell Jace what’s going on. We’ll be on the road as soon as possible. Don’t worry, sweetheart. Everything will be fine,” I tell her, hoping that I’m right as I draw her into my arms.

“I can’t lose him, Knox. He’s all I have,” she cries, and it breaks my fucking heart. I want to shake her, tell her that she has me, too, that she always will, but I know it’s no longer the right time. Pressing a kiss against her forehead, I send her on her way, hoping to God that nothing happens to her dad.