Page 71 of Irresistibly Wicked

“That just goes to show that I’ve got staying power in and out of the bedroom,” Maverick said.

As they argued, “Pink Pony Club” came on, and Madigan squealed, drawing Zander’s attention as she grabbed Lettie and Reese and dragged them into the middle of the lawn to dance. They called out for the other girls to join them.

Zander stepped away from his brothers to get a better view of Shauna, and Rosie darted past, snagged two cookies off the table, and hollered, “Grandpa Mike! I got you a cookie!” as she ran off.

Shauna pushed to her feet with Marybelle in her arms, laughing about something with Chloe and Emerson. They headed for Madigan but detoured over to Sid and Leah, coaxing them into joining the others. Shauna was a sight to behold, swinging those gorgeous hips with his niece in her arms, earning sweet smiles and probably a few giggles.

Zander saw Cap heading his way. He had congratulated Zander and Shauna earlier, but they’d been caught up in the chaos of the moment. And that unforgettable kiss.

“How are you doing, Cap?” he asked as Cap sidled up to him.

“I’m good. This is some celebration. If Shauna hadn’t clued me in, I would think this was a reception for two people in love.”

“I’ve got to be honest. I was shocked when I found out my parents planned this, but I’m glad they did. Shauna said she never wants to get married for real, so I’m glad she’ll always have this.”

“I am, too. I haven’t seen her this happy in a long time.”

“Well, we’re both glad you could make it tonight.”

“Shauna is like a daughter to me,” Cap said with a serious lilt in his voice. “I’m embarrassed to have missed the signs that things were going awry at home. I won’t make that mistake again, and I want to say thank you. What you’re doing for her and Brian is above and beyond what most people would do.”

“I wouldn’t be here if not for her. I’m just glad she finally agreed to let me help. It was like pulling teeth to convince her this was a good idea.”

“Yeah. Shauna doesn’t trust easily.”

“I don’t blame her. She’s been through a lot, and I don’t exactly have the type of reputation to back up my claim to do right by her.”

“I’m glad you’re honest about that, because I did some checking up of my own,” Cap said. “I hope you won’t take her trust for granted. I have nothing but respect for your family and for the work you do through the club to support the community, but don’t think for a minute I won’t come after you if you hurt her.”

Zander held Cap’s gaze. “I give you my word I will do everything in my power to make her life better, not worse.”

“I’m holding you to that,” Cap said. “If you’ll excuse me, Gunner said he wanted to talk with me before I take off.”

“Five bucks says he’s going to try to talk you into getting a pet,” Zander said.

“He can try.”

As Cap walked away, Zander looked across the lawn at Shauna, no longer holding Marybelle and dancing with the girls. Her smile lit up the whole damn night. He thought about what Cap had said, and his heart physically ached at the idea of ever causing Shauna pain.

Preacher and Conroy stepped into his line of vision with shit-eating grins on their faces.

“You keep looking at her like that, and people are going to start talking,” Preacher said.

Conroy grabbed a cookie from the dessert table. “I’m pretty sure that kiss lit the rumor mill on fire. Platonic, my ass.”

“Hey, don’t go starting rumors. She grabbed me. You saw it.”

“Yes, but we also saw the way you’ve been looking at her all night,” Preacher said.

Shit. He hadn’t even thought to hide it. “It’s not like that. I’m just glad she’s having a good time and she’s got the girls in her corner. She doesn’t have many people to lean on.”

“Well, son, now she’s got all of us, and she’ll never have to worry about that again.” Preacher clapped a hand on Zander’s back. “Even after she dumps your ass.”

Zander half laughed, half scoffed. “On that note, I think I’ll go dance with my bride.”

“Hey, Con, did you notice he didn’t say temporary bride?” Preacher asked as Zander stepped away.

“Yes, I did, Preach,” Conroy said.