Chapter 54

Nichole kept replaying the door opening and the look the jerk made just before Apple attacked him. She’d never been so happy to see someone in her life, except when Jay walked in a moment later. That had started the flood of emotions that wouldn’t stop.

The police asked her questions, and she answered as best as she could. The cops were shocked that someone from her past had hunted her down. The FBI got involved quickly because the jerk who had wanted to buy her was a businessman from England.

He’d run his mouth, telling her the name of the politician. Thank goodness she’d remembered that.

Whatever the guys had done to rescue her, the cops weren’t upset about it, so they were free to leave once the paramedic dressed her wound and she’d given a statement and her information. Jay sat in the back of Griz’s car with her, never once letting go.

When she could see the skyline of San Diego, she sat up, smoothing her hand over her torn dress. “They ruined the dress.”

Jesse had his nose pressed against the side of her head. “I’m just thankful we found you.”

She nodded. “I wonder if Danika has a dress I can borrow.”

“Maybe. We can go home where your clothes are.”

She shook her head. “No. We’re getting married today. I’m not letting some fucking dick stop this. You’re mine, and I’m yours.”

Jesse sat back, meeting her gaze. “I don’t know who could do the ceremony.”

“Peach does them,” Griz said from the front of his car. “I’ll call him.”

Nichole sat back and listened as Griz explained the situation to Peach. He said he would be over at Sharp’s house in thirty minutes. Griz called Shine and told him to tell everyone the wedding was going to take place.

She leaned her head against Jesse’s shoulder and sighed. When she’d come out here, she had only expected to find a guy who might turn into a sometimes lover. Instead, she had found a family. The men on his team were solid, and Danika quickly became a true friend.

“Thank you,” her whispered words made Jesse lean in closer.

“I would do anything to save you.”

She met his gaze. “Your friends are amazing.”

“They’re your friends now, too.”

She choked out a laugh. “Even Apple.”

His smile warmed her. “Yes. Even Apple.”

Meeting Jesse years ago had changed her life, and she hadn’t even known it. Back then, she never thought Zabel’s son would come after her. If he’d found her at any other time in her life, no one would have come after her. She would be just one more missing woman.

Jesse hadn’t just saved her with his love. He’d saved her from a fate worse than death. She loved him and respected him. He made her life so much better and gave her so much happiness.

When Griz stopped the car, the door was pulled open, and she saw Danika standing there, tears streaming down her face. She hopped out and Danika pulled her into a tight hug.

“I thought I would never see you again. I’m so glad you’re safe.”

Her tears were back, and she squeezed Danika tighter. “These guys are amazing. I’m safe because of them.”

Danika’s laughter was broken up with a sob. “They are amazing.”

Sharp came over and pulled Danika away from her. “Hey, let’s go in. We have a wedding to get to.”

Danika took her hand and pulled her close again. “Let’s go fix your makeup.”

She followed Danika inside, glancing back to make sure Jesse was right with her. The wedding would give her great memories for this day instead of it being something terrible.

Danika helped her wash her face and found her a beautiful blue dress from her closet. “Well, you have something borrowed and something blue, too.”

Nichole laughed. “I’ve never paid attention to that stuff.”

Her friend shrugged. “You know, it doesn’t really matter. It’s all superstition. What matters most is love.”

“I do love him.”

Danika stepped back. “You look beautiful. Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

“Let me go make sure the guys are good.”

She nodded as Danika left the room. She closed her eyes, her emotions rising high. She had to force away the memory of Devon and that other jerk touching her. It would stick with her for a long time, but thankfully, Jesse had saved her before the truly terrible stuff happened. The door opened, and she pasted on a smile, forcing away the horror playing in her mind.

“They are ready.”

“Perfect. I am, too.”

She needed this good memory more than anyone here probably knew. When she walked out of Danika’s bedroom, the first person she saw was Jesse. Tears filled her eyes as relief hit. They were really doing this.

“You okay?” he asked as he leaned in and kissed her cheek when she stepped over to him.

She nodded. “Yes. Just ready to be your wife.”

Peach cleared his throat and began the ceremony. By the time Peach told them they could kiss, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. She hadn’t realized that everyone from Peach’s team and their wives had shown up. Thario and Frog were there, too. She wouldn’t tell anyone else, but other than the hugs and kisses from Jesse, Frog’s hugs and kisses were the best. It was like the dog knew she needed extra love.

Before anyone left, she got their attention. “I know this wasn’t the plan but having you all here today has been wonderful. Thank you all for making today special. I appreciate everything you did, from the cake to the food you all brought. Having your support and friendship means more to me than I can describe. Thank you. I won’t forget this. You all are amazing.”

Jay hugged her from the side and kissed her cheek. “Yes. Thank you all. Thank—” his voice gave out as emotions tied them up. “You saved her. Thank you. I’ll never forget your help.”

Loads of hugs were given, and everyone, even the toughest of the guys were choked up. They’d saved her, and she wouldn’t soon forget it. She was happy to be tied to Jay and this group of people. She had a family now who was amazing. This wedding had changed the day, making it something worth remembering.