Part 55: Love-Bombed-1

Instead of sirens and street noise, Quinn's alarm clock was once again the chirp of starlings and the early autumn winds that stirred the trees. He reached out in the soft morning light for Lucy, feeling only the cold space beside him in bed. Not yet fully awake, he had a vague sense of something very good that was about to happen. He sat up groggily and swung his legs around to the floor, waking the dog in the process. That's right, he thought with a sleepy grin. I'm getting married today. "Hungry, Bish? Come on, Girl." He got out of bed and the dog jumped to her feet, nails clicking on the hardwood floor as she trotted beside him. She was Quinn's constant companion, hardly ever leaving his side. "I think she has attachment issues," Lucy said the night before as they snuggled on the couch, Bish trying to squeeze herself between them. "Nah, she just loves her Dad." Quinn said. "Who doesn't?" She kissed his cheek. "She is awfully cute," Lucy said, stroking Bish's head. "She's adorable. And so is her Mom," Quinn said. Lucy laughed. "I'm not Bish's Mom, if anything, I'm a rival for your affections." Quinn smiled at the memory as he warmed brown rice and chicken on the stove. He tested the mixture to make sure it wasn't too hot before dishing it into the dog's bowl. Lucy thought he spoiled the dog, but that was silly. He didn't cook for Bish all the time — just on special occasions. He thought about the meme that he always showed Lucy if she was having a bad day or was annoyed at him; the one that always made her laugh. Sometimes I wonder if I spoil the cat, seeing him with his iPad, in his yurt. "At least you don't have a yurt," he said. Bish licked the bowl clean and gave him a quizzical stare. Quinn gave her a pat on her head and brewed some espresso to watch the sun come up over the backyard. He brought the garden back to life over the spring and summer and it was thriving. The parsnips and kale were looking good this year, and the tomatoes were flourishing. One by one over the past six months, everything that was broken fell back into place. He had fully recovered from his illness. Lucy moved into the barn, and every day was as amazing as he thought it would be, and every night even better. He adored falling asleep with her in his arms and waking up with her every morning. He loved the barn before, but now with Lucy and Bish it was even more of a home. Five months after he first got her, Bish was a badly behaved, 50-pound love bug. Not only was she the sweetest dog in the world, she represented the unconditional love that cemented them all together as a little family. Reading in front of the fire each night with Bish by his side and Lucy cuddled up beside him was the only place he wanted to be in the world. Everything wasn't perfect. Lex Brady was languishing behind bars; his money couldn't save him in the end. The trial was horrible, dredging everything up again and reminding him just how close Lucy was to a dangerously unhinged individual. Once again, his brother came to their rescue and he was very grateful. The trial was hard on both of them, but they got through it and emerged with an even stronger bond. All the pain and heartache were behind them now and there was only the future to look forward to. Starting tonight. ________________ "It's time!" Quinn took a deep breath and glanced at his brother beside him; the obvious choice for best man. He caught his big brother's eye and Aiden clapped a large hand on his shoulder in reply. Next to Aiden was Jasmine. She decided to forego the tux, opting instead for a tailored cream linen suit and white blouse to match the rest of his groomsmen. Attendants, Quinn corrected himself. Next to her was his cousin Anthony who was telling dirty jokes to Lucas, who was trying desperately not to laugh. He had to keep up at least some pretense of decorum; all eyes were on him all the time. The large congregation of their friends and family on the beach tried their best to act casual, but the majority couldn't help themselves from casting furtive glances at the international star of the billion-dollar Protector superhero franchise. Quinn looked at his family in the crowd and his best friends who came from everywhere to be there for him and Lucy. Their faces shone with excitement and happiness, and he felt like the luckiest guy in the world. He looked down at his own linen suit, crisp and stylish. It cost a fortune to look beach casual these days, but he knew that Lucy would outshine him with whatever she decided to wear. He hoped to at least look presentable by her side. He looked out over the guests, a mix of family and friends old and new. They were arranged in the oddest combinations. There were the old guys from the coffee club, there to support Lucy as her father's oldest and dearest friends. They were joking around with Gavin and Quinn's famous chef buddies and telling them the proper way to cook lobster. Lucy's nephews were chatting with Gavin's parents, and Keith and MaryLou's husband were talking craft beer with Leon and Sherry. Worlds were colliding all over the place, it was a little strange in a heartwarming way. Without music or fanfare, there was a discrete cough from the direction of the cottage and suddenly what he'd dreamed about for so long was about to happen. A cherubic toddler holding hands with his older sister strode up the aisle, both of them full of purpose. MaryLou's kids were supposed to be delicately scattering rose petals along the path, but Henry was busy pelting fistfuls of them at the wedding guests' faces. Quinn stifled a laugh. Aiden elbowed him and pointed. Next came Nathan, getting to be such a big boy in his linen suit that matched the attendants. He came up the aisle with Bish, who was wearing her cream tulle collar. "They're too cute; I can't stand it," Aidan said, and Quinn nodded. Bish sat near Quinn's feet, happily panting and Nathan stood between him and Aiden, taking his role as ring bearer very seriously. Quinn ruffled his nephew's hair, his heart swelling with pride. "Good job, Buddy," he said. Lucy's best friend from Toronto, MaryLou, came up the path next, a giant smile on her face, followed by Marnie, who couldn't take her eyes off Lucas. Quinn glanced over and saw Lucas's jaw just about drop at the sight of his business partner. He'd have to mention it to Lucy later. There were enough sparks flying between the two of them to prematurely start the bonfire. Faye was next, not even bothering to hide the happy tears that spilled down her cheeks. She liked to think she was tough as nails, but Quinn knew she was all mush inside; she just tried to hide it like her sister. She took her place as maid of honour across from Aiden and gave Quinn a little smile. "I know: You'll break my kneecaps if I don't treat Lucy right," Quinn said to her. "I think your kneecaps are safe," she said through her tears. He'd always wanted a sister, and now he had one: tough, feisty and a true, loyal friend. There was a gasp from the crowd. He turned his head and drew in a sharp breath at the sight of his love. Lucy was a beautiful woman, but in the shimmering gold of the sinking sun, she was sublime. Her silky dark hair fell in loose waves around her shoulders, delicate white flowers were tucked behind one ear. A warm ocean breeze caught her dress, and it swirled around her long, shapely legs. She exuded an effortless glamour, sexy confidence and an aura of pure romance. She was every good dream he'd ever had, made real. Quinn was holding it together well, until he saw the flowers. He recognized them instantly; a vibrant array of mauves and pinks. The same arrangement of lilacs and roses he'd bought for her once; she lost them the night of the fire over a year ago. She had the same bouquet created for the wedding. It touched him deeply, and he blinked back tears. She reached his side and looked up at him, sweeping her fingertips gently under his eyes, brushing away the tears. She was the strongest woman he knew. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, and she gazed at him tenderly. He didn't care if she saw the tears. Any man who didn't get emotional at such a sight would have to have been made of stone. The minister began the service, but his voice soon faded away as Quinn drank in her beauty. The first time he saw her coming through the swinging kitchen doors of the restaurant, it was like getting hit with a truck. One look into those huge, dark eyes and he knew he was in trouble. The more he found out about her, the more fascinated he became. And now she was here with him on a warm, windy beach, marrying him in front of everyone who mattered. He became acutely aware that everyone was staring at him intently. Christ. Keep it together, man. "Could you please take her hands?" the minster prompted gently. "It's time to exchange the rings." Lucy passed her flowers to Faye and put her small, soft hands in his. Quinn smiled down at Nathan, who glanced up at his Papa. Aiden nodded, and Nathan lifted up the little cedar box, the ring holder from his parents' wedding. The minister took the rings, thanking the little boy and then handed Lucy's ring to Quinn. He took a deep breath and hoped to God that words wouldn't fail him. He placed the ring at the tip of her delicate finger as he spoke.