Page 106 of Wicked Little Game

I slam my elbow into his stomach, but he just laughs. That’s what I get for introducing Vinny to them.

When everything between me and Sam was still fresh, I was worried that me taking over my father’s business would be a problem. If not for him, then for the task force. To my surprise, they didn’t give a shit. They had my father on the radar for years, but it seems like as long as certain borders aren’t crossed, there’s no reason to intervene. Apart from that, our relationship allows for a practical teamwork. Helps with keeping the competition in check, too.

Neither Samuel nor I wanted an hour-long ceremony at a church. It is perfect like this, just the two of us and the people that are our family.

I’m just sad that Richard couldn’t make it, but I didn’t want to plague him with the flight and the chaotic bunch we all are. Charlie is also missing, but he happily offered to stay behind to watch Mochi.

A few months ago, Sam flew to Indiana with me. It took me a while before I had the emotional strength to visit my mom’s grave, but I’m more than happy that he was there with me. I don’t think I could have done it without him.

We got her a proper headstone and made sure that someone placed fresh flowers on her grave every week. We went with her maiden name, Shannon Fairley. I don’t think she would have wanted to be associated with my father, not even in death.

Sam and the guys also did some more digging and found out that I still have living relatives on my father’s side of the family.

He changed his name to Barron before he married my mom and his parents were barely getting by throughout their whole life, so they didn’t have the time or the money to go looking for him.

So far, I couldn’t bring myself to contact them. A part ofme wants to get to know them, especially since they are the only blood relatives I have left, but I’m also afraid to be let down by them.

I’m pretty sure that they think my father is dead, and it would probably be better if they keep whatever memory they have of him intact instead of finding out what a horrible person he was, or is.

As Max and Logan guide me out of the car, I smell a familiar scent. I’d recognize this aftershave everywhere and before they can even remove the blindfold, I tear up. I wanted to hold off crying until after the ceremony, but well.

“Couldn’t miss my sweetheart getting married,” Richard whispers as he takes my hand.

He walks me down the aisle in place of my father and I couldn’t have wished for anyone else to do it.

After a few discussions, I agreed to pass on the Elvis impersonator. I didn’t want to risk Sam leaving me at the altar because I took it too far. Not that Logan and Max wouldn’t have dragged him back either way, but it was surprising enough that he even agreed to all of this.

There was no big proposal, just a small vacation with him and the guys, a joking Max, and a grenade ring. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Our vows are like our relationship. Sam makes sure to mention the terrors I caused him, but not without adding how much he loves me.

Judging by the red hue on his cheeks, I’m sure he wishes he could wear his mask right now. But he’s only allowed to wear it at work, and occasionally when we fuck.

My vows are a bit too descriptive and a bit too personal, but there’s nothing in them I wouldn’t share with any of the attendees either way. They don’t know any other side of me and I won’t start having a stick up my ass now just to conform to anyone's expectations.

Vegas was the right decision because I don’t think a conventional pastor would have been too happy about my monologue.

Logan handles the rings and Max takes the role of best man and bridesman more than seriously, pulling flower petals out of his pocket as soon as the officiant proclaims Samuel and me wife and husband.

“I love you,” I whisper as Sam carries me out of the chapel, admiring the rubies and diamonds on my wedding ring. Of course, Richard was the one who made them for us.

I would have kept my grenade ring, but they all insisted that we need something proper.

I am happy, as long as Samuel is the man by my side. The one that makes me laugh, and occasionally scream, but most importantly, the one that feels like home.

Maybe all of this was a game in the beginning. A wicked one, that much is true, but some games end with two winners.

THE END