Whipped (Hitched, #2)

"They're your friends now too," she says. "More than that. They're family."

For a guy who grew up with none, I'm quickly acquiring a pretty kickass group to call kin. I like it.

***

The next day, as Vi and I cuddle and watch a movie together, she fends off texts from her parents and friends. "Everyone's asking about the wedding," she says.

"Tell them we just got engaged. We haven't planned all the details yet."

"I did. They are not accepting that."

I laugh. "Tough shit. It's our wedding."

"I'm thinking summer," she says. "It's plenty of time to get the center off the ground and gives us time to plan a nice event for friends and family without feeling rushed."

I mentally process the time in my head and nod. "Summer sounds great. Maybe the beach? Like your parents? I liked that."

She kisses me, and I take that as a yes.



When the date for the grand opening arrives, I'm a ball of nerves that Vi has to calm. This is it. The day I've been dreaming of. It's finally happening.

Tate and Kacie have been promoting it throughout the city and a lot of people have shown up. Kevin stands beside me with Mary at his back while I give a short speech about what this means to me, to the kids, to this community. Vi is at my side and I'm holding her hand as the crowd cheers and waits for us to cut the giant red ribbon. I give the scissors to Kevin and he looks up in surprise.

"Seriously, man? This is your big moment."

I shake my head. "Nope. It's ours. This wouldn't be happening without you. Go ahead."

He is all smiles as he cuts the ribbon and lets the world into The Helping Hand.

People cheer. Angela and Marvin, who drove up from Long Beach just for this, howl and jump up and down in excitement. Sebastian grins, his hands on the baby stroller. Kacie, Tate, and Zoe stand with him. Vi kisses me as people start to pour inside the building. When Mary walks by, she congratulates me. It means a lot.

"You did good, my boy."

"Thank you. I should have passed on that expensive mall a long time ago."

She nods. "I tell you, expensive is not always better. Like with that organic chicken of yours." We all chuckle.

Kevin dashes by his mother. She turns on him. "Excuse me, Kevin McAllister. What did we say about running?"

He shrugs. "Mom, it's a gym. We're supposed to run."

She looks to me. I nod. "Oh, well," she says. "Go ahead then."

Kevin disappears inside the center. I hope he finds a second home here. I hope we all do.





EPILOGUE





VI


The night of the bachelorette party, I start having doubts. "Do you think this is a good idea?" I ask Kacie.

She glares at me. "The party is in an hour. It no longer matters if it's a good idea or not. After spending weeks on this event, it's happening and you will have fun and that is the last we will say on the matter."

I laugh at her stern face and hug her. "Thank you for doing this. You and Tate are amazing! Do you think it's weird we're combining our parties into one?"

Lachlan and I had talked about this several times and decided we didn't really feel a need for a party with 'the guys' or with 'the girls.' We wanted a big party with all of our friends. After all, one of my best friends is Tate, and I didn't want him excluded just because he has a penis.

So we agreed. A co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party. Which starts soon.

I'm getting ready at Kacie's house and Lach and I will meet at the hotel ballroom that Tate booked for the event. Oh, and did I mention it's a costume party? Because it is. Because who doesn't love dressing up? Lach and I kept our costumes a surprise from each other. Only Kacie and Tate know the truth, and Kacie refuses to give me a hint.

"What if I clash with Lach?" I ask, staring down at my black leather skin-tight cat outfit, complete with a tail and ears. I must admit, I look smokin' hot.

"You won't. Relax."

We say goodbye to Sebastian and the babies and Kacie drives us to the hotel. We're first to arrive and I'm a puddle of nerves, even though this isn't actually my wedding day. But oh my God I'm getting married. MARRIED! It's a bit insane. But I'm excited, because Lachlan is the man for me. I know it in my gut. And I'm so madly in love with him I can hardly stand it.

Kacie and Tate already had the room decorated and so we have very little to do as we wait for the guys.

When Lach and Tate finally show up, my jaw drops. He's dressed as a black panther, with ears, a tail, and a loin cloth, and very little else. His body is rubbed with oils and body paint to give him a sleek look. "Hey, babe. You look amazing."

He kisses me, and if my tail actually worked it would be wagging right now. I purr at him instead and he laughs. "Looks like we have the same mind."