My parents didn't need to be there but they came anyway. The only person really missing from our families was Solomon's brother, Damian but he was in witness protection and couldn't join us. I wasn't sure Solomon would want him there anyway although he hadn't mentioned Damien much since we last saw him. Perhaps that was a topic for therapy too.

  "How are your nerves?" asked Lily after the celebrant directed us to walk through our positions and timings while she checked to be sure we were happy with the readings.

  "I feel okay," I said. "I don't feel nervous at all."

  "Wait until everyone is watching you tomorrow," said Mom.

  I sucked in a breath. All those eyes on me? I wasn't sure if I loved or hated the idea.

  "It'll be fine," said Lily. "If it looks like anything is going south, I will trip and fall, drawing all eyes on me while I flail around."

  "You would do that for me?"

  "If I really have to but I'd prefer not to," she said, "but of course I would embarrass myself if I had to and it would be so bad no one would even remember what you did in error."

  "Is your dress ready?" asked Mom.

  "Yes, it’s hanging in the closet."

  Mom gasped. "Solomon will see it!"

  "He won't. Plus, we're staying in a suite at the hotel tonight and he's staying elsewhere so there is no chance he'll see it before the wedding. Are we going to the dinner? I am so hungry," I gasped as I felt the first hunger pangs forming.

  Solomon stepped over and took my hand and after we thanked the celebrant, we walked out, trailing family members behind us. A small convoy of us traveled over to the restaurant where we booked our rehearsal dinner. Before we got out, Solomon looked over at me.

  "You're quiet," he said. "Overwhelmed?"

  "No, not at all. Okay, maybe a little bit," I admitted, "Mostly I'm just excited."

  "What's on your mind?"

  "I took that file over to Jas and Julia. She read it."

  "And?"

  "And nothing. She's not sure about pressing for prosecution but if she did, she would be right to. Her concern is not being taken seriously and Bryce talking his way out of it. The jerk already sent her an email completely changing the narrative. He said it was her fault for being clumsy. I'm not sure a prosecution would get anywhere."

  "Covering his bases," said Solomon.

  I nodded. "I wish I could have done more."

  "She's safe?"

  "Yes."

  "And because she chose to be, not because of your investigation."

  I nodded again.

  "That's a good result." Solomon squeezed my hand. "You did a good thing. You kept investigating even when you weren't sure there was anything there. You got the information she can reflect on if she ever thinks of going backwards."

  "Bryce had me fooled too. He had everyone fooled. He seemed like a really good guy. How does she ever trust a man again?"

  "Same way you did," Solomon reminded me. "Slowly."

  "I told her life would be better than she could even imagine. Was I wrong to do that?"

  "Nope. That's hope. Everyone needs hope."

  My mother rapped on the window and signaled us to follow. "Let's go to dinner," I said. "This is our last night as single people."

  "I'm sure food tastes the same after marriage."

  I laughed as we got out the car and followed my parents inside, ambling towards the room we'd reserved for the dinner. Our actual reception would take place in one of the other function rooms but Francesca assured us a smaller room would do just fine for the rehearsal. "I just need to freshen up," I said, heading for the restrooms off the lobby. As I emerged, I started to cross the lobby towards our private room, but when I saw Bryce in the restaurant adjacent to the lobby, I stopped dead.

  I couldn't miss the perfectly slicked hair or the charming face but now that I'd seen the repulsive man beneath his handsome veneer, it all slipped away and he totally disgusted me. He wasn't alone. Sitting across from him was a pretty woman, the pair of them laughing as they ate. Then he raised his glass and they toasted something. Before I could think better of it, I made a beeline for them.

  "You're unbelievable!" I snapped as I came to a stop next to his table.

  "And you're the chick that punched me in the face because I wouldn't give her a job," said Bryce. He reclined slowly in his chair, assessing me with a cool expression that showed I hadn't rattled him. A small cut was etched across his nose. "No means no. You need to understand that. Stop harassing me."

  "I punched you because you attacked your fiancée," I said, loud enough that the neighboring tables could hear.

  "Careful, I think you just admitted to assault." His smile mocked me.

  "Do you know what kind of man you're sitting with?" I asked his companion.

  "My girlfriend is a wonderful woman who knows exactly what kind of man I am," he said, answering for her as the woman frowned, looking between the two of us.

  "Girlfriend? It's been less than a week."

  "Kendra and I met a month ago and it was love at first sight." Bryce reached for her hand and she beamed at him. "I knew I had to be with her. Thanks to her, I've got my self-respect back. I know what it's like to be truly appreciated and respected now."

  "Oh, bullshit!" I scoffed.

  "Honey, why don't you powder your nose?" he said, giving Kendra's hand a squeeze. Without a word, she pushed back her chair and got up. As she stepped around me, she gave me the filthiest look she could muster and narrowly avoided stepping on my toe.

  I leaned over him and pointed my finger in his face. "How long do you plan on keeping up this charade? I know what you did to Julia and I know what you did to Jessica too."

  "I didn't do a thing. It's my word against theirs and who's going to believe them?"

  "Maybe Kendra will." But even as I said it, I knew she wouldn't.

  Bryce saw my dilemma and a nasty smile spread across his lips. "Kendra believes she rescued me from that horrible relationship and who am I to correct her? She's been a wonderful shoulder to lean on this past month and she knows she's got it made with me."

  "You think flowers and dinners can hide your real nature?"

  "I'm giving Kendra exactly what she wants. I gave Julia and Jessica that too. It's not my fault they lost out on me. I'm a real catch."

  "They found out who you really were."

  "Haven't you heard? I'm a great guy. Everyone loves me. Ask anyone. My boss. My parents. My buddies."

  "One day, people will realize."

  "Will they? No one wants anything to do with Jessica. I hear that psycho is leaving town and good riddance. No one will believe Julia's hysterics either. She's always been highly strung. All I had to do was tell Kendra what she wanted to hear. No one will believe the word of my psycho ex-girlfriends."

  "You discredited them all along."

  Bryce smiled again, slimy and satisfied with his devious nature. "I just said my truth and no one saw anything different. I'm just the poor guy with bad taste in women. Now if you'll excuse me, my lovely date is back and we'd like to enjoy our dinner without the likes of you hanging around. Before you think about saying a word to her, consider this. That kind of behavior plays into exactly what I told her about Julia. All you're doing is reinforcing that my exes spread lies. I'm the real victim in all this."

  He had me stuck because he was right. If he discredited Julia so much, then anything I said would just be viewed as malicious mischief by Kendra. Yet, if I said nothing, she might end up being the woman he attacked so badly, he killed her.

  I pulled a business card from my pocket and walked away, anger filling me. Halfway, I intercepted Kendra. "I know you don't believe anything bad about Bryce," I said as I pressed the card into her hand, "but call me if you ever need help."

  She turned it over and looked at it. "I don't need any help," she said.

  "Keep it anyway," I said, stepping around her and walking away, knowing I was leaving her with a horrible man but hoping that for a little while, his behavior would be good and she would be safe. I couldn't persuade her to come with me, even if I wanted to, but maybe she would keep my card. And maybe she would wonder why so many women were scared of him.

  Solomon waited at the entrance to the dining room, his arms crossed. "Who was that?" he asked.

  "That is the man that assaults women," I said.

  "Not a man," he said. "Are you okay?"

  "Yeah, I just want to get out of here." Before we left the lobby, I waved to Garrett who had just arrived and I called him over. He unlinked his hands from his two younger kids, and handed them off to his wife.

  "What's up?" he asked.

  "See that guy over there in the window?" I said. "That's Bryce Maynard. There were two calls into MPD about him in the last couple of weeks."

  "You had me look into him," said Garrett.

  "His ex-fiancée, Julia, is too scared to prosecute but he left fingerprints on her neck and fractured her nose, among other injuries. The hospital and the responding officers witnessed them too. Can you help her see through all the criminal proceedings? He can't get away with this." I eyed Kendra again; how happy she appeared as he reached over and demonstrated what she would look like with shorter hair. "She's in danger and she doesn't know it yet."

  "I'd be happy to help. Let me get things rolling," said Garrett.

  "Do you want to skip the dinner? We can get takeout if you prefer?" asked Solomon.

  "No, I want to be here, with you."

  "Then let's go celebrate. There's nothing more you can do here."

  I took his hand as we turned away and I didn't look back.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  "Oh, Alexandra." My mother stepped back, her hands cupping her cheeks as she sighed. "You look beautiful. You look just like a young me. Doesn't she, Lily? Just like me!"

  "Like twins," said Lily diplomatically. She stepped to one side so the photographer could snap a series of shots.

  I turned back to the full-length oval mirror the hotel supplied and checked my reflection. The dress was as perfect as the last time I tried it on in the bridal salon. The alterations to the skirt meant it swept the floor perfectly, allowing my blue heels to peek out as I walked. The bodice was beautifully fitted and the jeweled sash was the perfect finishing touch. My hair was swept up and my makeup the perfect blend of natural but not my normal natural; just a really good version of natural. My eyelids were dusky and my cheeks glowing while my lips had the faintest hint of pink. I adjusted my birdcage veil and Lily fussed with it to make sure it was just so before she handed me the colorful bouquet.

  "Did I mention my dress has pockets?" I said, demonstrating again. "I can carry lip gloss and all kinds of important things."

  "Fabulous," agreed Lily.

  "I think we're ready," said Mom. "Take my arm and I will walk you downstairs."

  The bridesmaids waited in the lobby under my Dad's and Anastasia's watchful eyes and everyone clapped when I stepped off the last stair. I couldn't help smiling and blushing.

  Mom rushed outside and then back again like a blue whirlwind. "The cars are waiting," said Mom. "Anastasia, Lily, and I will take the little girls and we'll see you there." She squeezed my hand and her face crumpled. "I'm so glad someone is marrying you," she said, squeaking with pleasure before rushing outside.

  Dad rolled his eyes. "If you think that was bad, you should hear what Grandma O'Shaughnessy said to your mother before our wedding."

  "I'm sure she'll tell us later," I said.

  "Doubt it. Your brothers are under strict instructions to get her drunk, and then swiftly cart her away to her room as soon as her eyelids begin to droop."

  "Smart plan."

  "It's either that or she'll start putting curses on people."

  "Ah, just like Garrett's wedding," I said.

  Dad offered me his arm and I wrapped my arm around his. "It's not too late to run," he said softly, leaning in so only I could hear.

  "I'm not running."

  "We can drive."

  "No!"

  Dad beamed. "I didn't think so but I had to check."

  The car carrying my mother, bridesmaids, and flower girls departed and the chauffeur waited by the door for us. I slid onto the back seat of the car, careful to tuck my skirt around me so it didn't catch in the door. Dad hurried around the other side and hopped in. "I could get used to this," he said as we moved off. "It's nothing like your mother driving."

  "Don't give her any ideas. She might sign up as an Uber driver."

  "Would that be so bad?" Dad wondered. "Lexi, I'm really happy for you. I want you to know that."

  "Thanks, Dad."

  "I like Solomon. He's a good man and I believe he will always be good to you. That said, if it ever goes wrong, you can come home."

  "Thanks."

  "There's no shame in our family, we’re just family. We stick together. We'll stick by Solomon too, for as long as he's a member of our family. He's one of us now, but you're my baby girl."

  "Dad, are you crying?"

  "No," he spluttered and squeezed my hand harder.

  We were silent a while as the car navigated towards the venue. My mind was full of making sure I didn't put my elegant heels into mud, or trail my dress through grass or step on the hem since we opted for an outdoor wedding. If I strictly focused on those details, I wouldn't think quite so much about Solomon waiting for me. The thought of him at the rose arch made my heart race but in a good way.

  I was busy thinking about how handsome Solomon would look in his suit when the car spluttered, jolted, and lurched to a stop at the side of the road.

  "What happened?" asked Dad, leaning forward to talk to the chauffeur.

  "It's the engine. Again," the chauffeur sighed.

  "What do you mean again?"

  "It's not the first time this has happened," he explained.

  "You didn't mention that when we paid for the car!" said Dad.

  "Ahh," said the chauffeur as he hopped out before Dad could blow a gasket of his own. We waited while he popped the hood and a plume of smoke filtered out.

  "This is not good," I said.

  The chauffeur ducked his head through the front window. "So, this car isn't going anywhere," he said. "I'm going to call a tow truck."

  "You want us to get to the church in a tow truck?" yelled Dad in a rare occasion of losing his cool.

  "Can you maybe get someone to pick you up? We could call back the other car."

  "Call the other car," I said, "get them here as fast as they can."

  The chauffeur stood outside and opened his cell phone. "Cell phone's dead," he called.

  "Use mine," said Dad. He pulled his phone from his pocket and thrust it at the man.

  "Great. Do you have the number?" he asked.

  "No!" we both yelled.

  "Do you have your phone in your dress?" asked Dad.

  "No, I gave it to Lily!" I turned to Dad. "What are we going to do?"

  "We're six blocks away," said Dad.

  "I can't walk one block in these heels."

  Dad patted my leg. "We'll figure something out. I'll call Garrett or Daniel."

  "They left their cars at the hotel and got cabs."

  "Then Jord."

  "He and Serena left their cars too and carpooled."

  "What about Delgado?"

  "He's the best man!"

  "I'm going to check the situation, then I'm calling a cab," decided Dad. He got out of the car and went to speak to the chauffeur. I sat in the back like a frou-frou princess and waited, hoping that someone had a brilliant idea as traffic whizzed past us.

  A low rumble made me look up and blink. Then I rolled down the window. "What are you doing here?" I asked when two uniformed men approached the window.

  "Moving the tank," said Harris. He looked me over and nodded approvingly. "You look nice. Going somewhere special?"

  "I was until the stupid car broke down. My dad is calling a cab."

  "Cancel it. We'll take you. Where are you going?" asked Kafsky.

  "In the tank transporter? It's six blocks and the last part is a narrow street. It won't fit. Plus, how am I supposed to climb up into the transporter's cab?"

  "I got something smaller," grinned Harris. "Can we borrow the ribbons from the car?"

  Dad appeared next to him. "Who called the cavalry?" he asked.

  "Not the cavalry. Just the regular Army, sir. Me and Sergeant Major Kafsky here wanted to attend the wedding but we couldn't get leave. It's a good job we happened to be passing by. We're going to get you and your daughter to the wedding."

  "How?" asked Dad.

  Harris tapped his arm and they turned around. When Dad looked back, his smile spanned one side of his face to the other. "Best. Day. Ever," he breathed, his eyes wide.

  "Oh, no," I said, shaking my head. "No. No. No."

  ~

  "A tank?" said Lily when I hopped down onto the pathway leading to the gardens where our ceremony would take place. "Why didn't you tell me you were ditching the car and arriving by tank? I would have come!"

  "It wasn't planned."

  She pointed. "It has ribbons!"

  "Pilfered from the car."

  "There's a bow on the gun."

  "Also improvised."

  Are your friends special forces?"

  "They're something," I said. Practical jokers, friends, and two people I was currently very grateful to.

  "That's right. Very special forces," said Lily. "Very special forces got you here."

  I looked around at the audience who had gathered to see what the commotion was about. The jaws of my nephews had dropped to the floor along with most of the adult males. A couple of them were inspecting the tank and a lot had their cell phones out, snapping shots. I was sure I would have some trouble convincing people that these were not shots suited to social media. "Solomon can't see this," I said. "I can't explain it. That is, I can explain it but I don't want to. It's not classy. No bride in the world has ever arrived at her wedding by tank."

  "Except you," said Lily, still staring at it. "No one will ever forget this.”

  "I'm going to start right now!" I decided. "We have to get it out of here before Solomon comes to see what the fuss is about."

  "We told him to wait in the garden but he's going to hate missing this. I am thrilled I got to see it," said Lily. She waved to Harris and Kafsky. Grinning, they waved back.