Chapter Sixteen
Roman was standing in the little white church with the cute little steeple on a beautiful June day. The sky was a brilliant blue and nearly cloudless. The birds were singing and the flowers were blooming. It couldn't have been any more beautiful. Roman was helping Natasha get ready. She was marrying Reyes, that lucky bastard. Roman thought Natasha might be the most beautiful bride he had ever seen.
Not just because Natasha was beautiful, because she was, but because Natasha had survived one of the most horrific things a child could endure, and she had come out the other side a smart, kind woman. And here she was in her beautiful white dress, in this quaint little church marrying Reyes. A man that was humble, kind, and wiser than his years should allow.
"Wow." Roman said. "You are stunning. Absolutely beautiful, and perfect." He was standing back looking at Natasha. She was absolutely radiant.
Natasha smiled at him. No, she thought the beautiful thing was Roman. Roman standing here healthy and whole. They had come so close to losing him, and Natasha had no idea how she would have survived without him.
She had known Roman for years. He had always been kind, respectful and competent, and then they had become friends. She got to know a Roman very few people had ever seen. He was funny and fiercely loyal. Roman was always on her side, and he kicked her ass when she deserved it. In a very short space, he had become like the brother she had never had. Her confidant and her friend.
When Roman had been shot, she had been terrified. She had never felt so helpless in all of her life, and she hoped she would never feel that way again. Those endless days in the hospital, she had prayed for a miracle. She would have traded everything she had to save Roman. It turned out destiny had decided to be generous that day, and Roman had lived. For that she would forever be grateful. Roman said sometimes he still felt a little tired, but otherwise his recovery had been remarkable. Natasha kind of figured that had a lot to do with Eve. Roman wanted nothing more than to get out of that bed, out of that hospital, and get on with his life with Eve. Neither of them had any intention of blowing their second chance.
"I'm really glad I get to be here, but you and Reyes didn't need to postpone the wedding because of me." Roman told Natasha as he futzed around with the last couple of buttons on her dress. Thankfully there were only a few of them, and they were bigger than a grape seed. An involuntary shudder went through Roman when he thought back to that first hideous contraption the sales lady had suggested.
"Are you kidding? There is no way I was getting married without you. That was just never happening." Natasha turned and pulled Roman into a hug. Natasha wouldn't even be here to get married if it wasn't for Roman. If Roman hadn't saved her on that dock, none of this would be possible. "I love you Roman. You know that, and I am so grateful you are here today. I didn't want to do this day without you."
"Don't you dare ruin that make-up woman. I have no idea how to fix that shit." Roman chuckled. "I love you too. You and Reyes. I'm really happy for you both."
"So, when do we get to do your wedding?" Natasha was looking at Roman with a speculative look. "You've literally had that ring for fifteen years, Roman. Don't you think it is time to give it to her?"
Roman shrugged. "I might have something planned" he said mysteriously. "If it were up to me, I would have already married her, but you know we have had a few surprises, and I think she wants to be sure. Well, she says she wants me to be sure." Roman rolled his eyes like it was the stupidest thought in the world.
"So" she said conspiratorially. "Tell me more."
Roman was interrupted by a knock at the door. He opened it and stood there for a second. Ranger was standing there. They evaluated each other for a moment and then Roman nodded and let him in.
Roman glanced over at Natasha. She nodded her head. Roman left, giving Ranger a look that said you better not upset her.
"You look." Ranger thought about it. Gorgeous, beautiful, amazing. She definitely looked all of those things but that wasn't the word he was looking for. "Happy." That was the thing. Natasha looked happy.
"I am." It was true. Natasha was happy. She was marrying Reyes, and she couldn't think of a single thing that would make her any happier than spending their lives together.
Ranger held out a black box to her. "I thought you might want these. Maybe they could be your something old in that whole something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue or however that goes."
Natasha raised an eyebrow at him. How exactly did he know that? Ranger just shrugged and his lip twitched up like he was thinking about smiling.
Natasha took the box and opened it. "Omigod! You still have these!" Inside were a pair of Cartier trinity drop pearl and diamond earrings. The same earrings Ranger had bought for her in Venice so many years ago.
Ranger shrugged. "I know I probably should have given them to you before now, it's just things were so tense for a while."
Ranger knew he should have given them back to her when she first showed up, but it had felt weird and awkward. They hadn't been on even footing with each other. Both of them grappling with the past. They had been trying to figure out how to navigate the new normal of their lives.
Natasha had unshed tears in her eyes. "Not at all. This is perfect. Thank you." She pulled Ranger into a hug. "I'm really glad you are here, and I'm really glad we made it to this place together."
"Me too." And Ranger really meant that. He was amazed they had all made it to this place. He, Nat and Nikko had made peace with the past, Nat was marrying Reyes, and she was happy. He had married the love of his life and had two amazing kids. He would have never predicted he could have been so lucky or so happy. Even Nikko was slowing inching towards a happy new normal. They were lucky, and Ranger knew it.
Natasha was putting in the earrings when the door opened a crack. Montero poked his head in.
A huge grin spread across Natasha's face. "You made it!" Ranger thought she moved so fast she was a white blur. Natasha practically launched herself at Montero who picked her up in a big hug. Natasha's feet were off the floor.
Ranger figured that was his clue to leave.
"Good to see you." Ranger said to Montero on his way out the door. Ranger wouldn't go so far as to say they were friends, but they were getting there. A lot had changed after the Sasha thing. Montero nodded to Ranger.
"No way was I going to miss you getting married." Montero was grinning at her. "You know I have a vehicle with lights and sirens, you can still make a break for it."
"Nah, I think pretty boy is stuck with me. When did you get back?" Montero had been on assignment, and Natasha didn't think he was going to make it. Changing the wedding date had thrown a lot of things in chaos. Montero was still hunting the mole in the US Marshals that had almost gotten Sasha killed.
"About twenty minutes ago. I haven't even had a chance to see Sasha yet."
"Well, you better get out there and see her. She's missed you."
Montero nodded. And he had definitely missed Sasha. "I really appreciate you and Nikko looking out for her when I'm gone."
"Of course! Besides it gives us more time to hang out." Natasha had never really had girlfriends before, and now she had a few. She really liked it. Girl talk, wine night. It was all new, but had been a welcome change.
Sasha was hilarious and irreverent and they had a blast, but she was also supportive and loyal. Natasha knew Sasha would be there through the highs and the lows, and always know when it was an ice cream night or a wine night, or if Natasha needed both. And, Sasha would never judge her if she drank the whole bottle or finished the entire pint. That was the kind of friend Sasha was. Natasha realized she'd spent way too much time hanging out with men. Most of which made the strong silent types look chatty.
"Hopefully, this gets wrapped up soon. I'm really ready to move on to the next chapter. You know that woman won't marry me as long as I'm with the Marshals. She thinks it would cause too many issues." Montero's voice conveyed just how stupid he thought that was.
Natasha nodded. "I know. But Montero, Sasha has a point."
Montero eyed her. It was clear Natasha and Sasha were definitely ganging up on him. "Uh huh." Montero smiled at her. He knew just how lucky he was to have both of these amazing women in his life, and just how lucky he was that they were good friends, even if it did leave him with Nikko. Montero chuckled. Natasha gave him the fess up look.
Then Natasha smiled and nodded, she knew what he was thinking. "I told you Nikko would come around. That he is good people."
Montero and Nikko had become the most unlikely of friends, something Natasha had no doubt would happen, but that the two of them still seemed pretty stunned about. She'd never tell either one of them this, but there was a lot more Nikko in Montero than he would have thought and there was a hell of a lot more Montero in Nikko than he would ever admit to.
Montero leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You look beautiful. Even if you are marrying Reyes."
"I'm going to go check in on that lucky bastard." Montero left.
Natasha felt Nikko rather than heard him. Nikko looked like the beautiful dark angel that he was in his tux. Nikko had always cleaned up well, but even in the most expensive and sophisticated of clothes there was always a dark, hard edge to him. He was studying her, the look on his face unreadable, and that screamed danger.
Nikko had a garter in one hand and a box in the other as he stalked to her. Natasha's heart skipped a little beat. Nikko had that feel to him. That energy that made her nervous. There had been a time when Natasha knew exactly where this energy would take them, but things were different now.
Nikko kneeled in front of her and put her foot on his knee. "I have your something blue." Nikko's velvet voice washed over her.
Nikko pushed her dress up her leg, exposing her thigh. The trail of his hand felt like fire against her skin. Natasha's breath hitched; this had the potential to go bad in so many ways.
Nikko took the garter and pulled it over her shoe and pulled it up her leg. The progression was agonizingly slow as he pulled it up her calf and then up her thigh. His hand was resting on her inner thigh for a moment, his fingers gently stroking the delicate skin. Her skin was so soft. Nikko inhaled her exquisite scent, and felt that oh so familiar rush of heat. Nikko leaned over and pressed a kiss to her inner thigh, and he felt her tremble.
"Nikko please." Natasha's voice was a soft pleading whisper.
Please she thought, don't do this. Natasha had never denied Nikko anything, but this just couldn't happen. She knew Nikko loved her. He had always loved her, but it had been Nikko that had pushed her away. Natasha had been angry and hurt, but Nikko had been steadfast in his resolve. The truth was Natasha would have never left Nikko on her own. She would have stayed with him forever, and Nikko knew that. She knew Nikko had wanted more for her. She had found that more, she had found Reyes.
Nikko looked up and locked eyes with her. She could see all the pain, the regret, the longing, and the desire, then as quickly as it came the shutter went down and his expression became neutral.
Fuck Nikko thought. What was he doing? He had no right. He had given that up, and it had been the right thing to do, despite the fact that, right at this very minute, he wished he could take it back. He wished he could have her back. This was it. This was final. Once she walked down that aisle, she would never be his again. But that was the thing. Not once in all those years, had Natasha ever looked at him like she looked at Reyes. Oh, she'd looked at him a lot of ways, and sometimes even with desire so strong it could melt metal. Lust had never been their problem, just everything else.
And dammit, he had both with Kate. So why was he here acting like a jackass? Freaking out Natasha on her wedding day and betraying the woman that actually loved him. A woman Nikko loved. And that was the rub now wasn't it. Nikko was in love. Nikko was afraid. Nikko was afraid Kate would wise up and leave him, and he knew that would gut him. Oh, she was in love now, but what happened when she learned more about him. What happened when she saw beneath the veneer? Natasha knew everything about him, and that is what made her safe. But life wasn't about safe. Natasha deserved her happiness with Reyes, and Kate deserved better than him.
Nikko smiled up at Natasha. He needed to get them back on neutral ground. "I've only ever wanted you to be happy, and I know you are, with Reyes. I love you, Sprite. I'm always going to love you."
Nikko held up the box. "A coin in the bride's shoe is traditionally gifted by the father of the bride. Obviously, I'm not your father, but I did raise you, and I am giving you away to the man you love."
Nikko pulled out a coin. A silver sixpence. "Wishing you prosperity, love and happiness in your marriage."
Nikko slipped it in her shoe, and put her foot back on the floor and stood up. "You are the most beautiful bride." Nikko leaned down and kissed her.
Natasha smiled back. She knew the danger had passed. Nikko had wrestled his demons back into the box. She suspected it had a whole lot more to do with the fact that Nikko was wrestling with his feelings for Kate than it did with her. Nikko was in love with Kate, even if Nikko wasn't willing to admit it just yet. Natasha had no doubt that was the one thing in life that could scare the shit out of Nikko. He would take on half the world's terrorists with a butter knife and be perfectly calm, but Nikko letting another living creature in, letting them control his heart. Yeah, that would spell sheer terror for Nikko. He liked to pretend he didn't have a heart, but the truth was he did. A generous and vulnerable one.
"Are you ready to walk down the aisle?" Nikko asked as he held out his arm to her.
"I love you Nikko, I do, and I always will. I am sorry you know." Natasha had often wished she could just be in love with Nikko. Things would have been so much easier. She often wondered how one man could be everything to her, but somehow not quite enough.
Nikko smiled at her. The beautiful one that reached his eyes and transformed him. "For what? Being the best thing that happened in my life? For saving me? You have nothing to be sorry for. Ever."
A beat went by. "You ready?" Nikko asked.
"I am." And she was. Natasha was so ready to get down the aisle and marry Reyes.
Stephanie was in with Reyes. "Are you ready?" She asked him.
Reyes gave her his wolf grin. "Darlin' I was born ready and you know it." Reyes waggled his brows at her.
No, Stephanie thought she didn't know it, and that was probably a good thing. It wasn't that she hadn't thought long and hard about it, which was probably exactly what she would have discovered about him, in that little cabin in Oregon. But she and Reyes had never crossed that line and she was glad. His friendship meant so much more to her.
Stephanie rolled her eyes and laughed. "I meant to get married. I can drive the getaway car you know."
Reyes hauled her up against him. "You are such a bad woman, in such a good way. Do you know that? I'm really lucky to have you as my friend." Reyes thought for a moment. "Plum I've never been so ready or so certain about anything in my life." Reyes was smiling. He had been smiling all day.
Stephanie stepped back and took a look at him. He was stunning. "You look beautiful."
"Well darlin' I have to say, a lot of women have called me a lot things over the years, some of them pretty surprising, but I think that is the first time anyone ever called me beautiful. I think I kind of like it." Reyes was kind of blushing.
"Come on, let's go get you married." Stephanie grabbed his arm and tugged him along.
Reyes took his place at the front of the church and Stephanie met Roman. Roman in a tux all cleaned up was handsome. Roman in a tux smiling at her with openness instead of polite reservation, devastatingly handsome. Stephanie took Roman's arm. Roman still had that hypnotic quality about him, but she was no longer afraid of getting burned like a moth to a flame. Roman was a friend.
Roman walked Stephanie down the aisle. The man of honor and the best woman. Roman looked around. Maybe it was all a little backwards he thought as Stephanie went to stand with Reyes, but this crazy bunch of people worked. They were his friends and his family.
Everyone stood as Nikko walked Natasha down the aisle. Roman knew he was supposed to be looking at Natasha, but he couldn't help but steal a glance at Eve.
Roman had tried to do the honorable thing and stay away from her. Honor Dallas' memory, but the truth was Roman knew Dallas would have approved. Dallas only ever wanted Eve to be happy. He wanted them to both be happy, and now they were. Destiny had brought them back together and given them a second chance. There was no way Roman was wasting it.
Natasha and Reyes were married in that quaint little church, on a beautiful June day. Everyone was happy and healthy. For once, beautiful things happened on a beautiful day.