Wicked Forever (Wicked Bay Book 8)

  Wicked Forever

  L A Cotton

  First eBook Edition

  Copyright © L A Cotton 2020

  All rights reserved.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events are the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or used in any manner without the written permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only.

  If you are reading a copy of this book that has not been purchased from a licensed retailer, please destroy it. Thank you for your support.

  Edited by Andrea M Long

  Cover designed by Lianne Cotton

  Images licensed from Adobe Stock and Shutterstock

  Contents

  Wicked Bay

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Epilogue

  Playlist

  Other Books by L A Cotton

  Author’s Note

  About the Author

  Wicked Bay

  Wicked Beginnings

  Wicked Rules

  Wicked Lies

  Wicked Games

  Wicked Needs

  Wicked Surprise

  Wicked Hearts

  Wicked Promises

  Wicked Forever

  To everyone who has supported Lo and Maverick’s journey.

  Thank you!

  Chapter One

  Lo

  “You look...” I barely got the words out over the lump in my throat. “Oh, Laurie, come here.” Enveloping my best friend in a hug, I held her tightly as she wept silent tears.

  “This is not how it’s supposed to be,” she sobbed, making a mess of her makeup.

  “I know, I know. But it’s your wedding day.” I coaxed Laurie out of my arms, holding her shoulders and giving her an encouraging smile. “They want you to have the day you always dreamed of.”

  “I know.” She hiccoughed. “But how am I supposed to walk down the aisle with my dad knowing he might not...” Laurie inhaled a shuddering breath.

  To say the last couple of months had been a whirlwind was an understatement. The wedding shouldn't have been for another two years, after her and Kyle graduated. But after Laurie’s dad found out he had cancer with a terminal prognosis, they had decided to bring it forward so he could be there.

  Mr. Davison was in bad shape, but he was determined to walk his only daughter down the aisle.

  “I know it’s hard and it isn’t what you imagined, but take it from someone who knows the pain of losing a parent; you’ll treasure this day forever. He’s still here, Laurie.” My hands slipped to hers, squeezing gently. “You get to share this moment with him.”

  My heart clenched, knowing I would never get this with my mum. But it wasn’t my day. It was Laurie and Kyle’s, and they deserved all the happiness in the world, despite the circumstances.

  “You’re right.” She gave me a brave smile. “I’m okay.”

  Laurie dabbed her eyes, and I broke away to grab her a tissue. “Here, let's fix your makeup.”

  Just then, the door to our room in The Coastal opened and Summer slipped inside. “Everything okay?” she asked.

  “It will be.” Laurie smiled and this time it was a smile befitting a bride. “I just want to get to him.”

  “You look so beautiful. I can’t believe that after today, we’ll be sisters.” Summer gave Laurie a side hug, careful not to crumple her flawless ivory dress. It was a princess style gown with a sweetheart neckline and diamantes woven into the fabric. I couldn’t wait to see my cousin’s face when he saw her.

  Originally, the wedding was set to be a big affair, but they had decided on something smaller given that her father was nearing the end. I was bridesmaid and Kyle had kept his groomsmen to Maverick, Uncle Gentry, and Laurie’s father.

  “I have something for you.” Summer slipped open her clutch bag and pulled out a square jewelry box. “Kyle asked me to give you this.”

  Laurie’s eyes grew to saucers as she flipped the lid. “Oh my god,” she breathed, tracing a finger over the silver bangle.

  “He got it engraved.”

  “If it says, ‘wifey’ I will—”

  Summer chuckled. “He’s not that stupid.”

  We both raised a brow at that, our laughter filling the room.

  “Forever my heart.” Laurie let out a dreamy sigh.

  “Sometimes he gets it so right,” I added, feeling that strange tug in my chest again.

  Mr. Davison’s illness wasn’t the only unexpected news over the last few months. After training with the 76ers in Philadelphia at the beginning of the year, Maverick had decided not to enter the draft. He wanted to complete his senior year at SU and give us another year together before he was thrust into professional basketball. His agent had almost blown a gasket, but Maverick was insistent.

  One more year.

  At first, I was worried he’d done it for me. But he’d assured me it was the right move. Maverick loved leading the Steinbeck Scorpions and I knew he wanted one final shot at the championship. Despite being the favorites, they had finished runners up two years in a row.

  “Okay, we should probably think about going out there.” I checked the clock and then gave my full attention to Laurie. “This is it. Are you ready?”

  She smiled around a nod. “I am.”

  Summer handed Laurie her bridal bouquet and I grabbed my smaller, no less beautiful arrangement, and led the way to witness two of my best friends in the whole world say their wedding vows.

  Maverick

  “You need to relax,” I said to Kyle.

  He threw me a sardonic look and ran a hand over his jaw. “I’m sweating like a snowman in Florida.”

  My brows crinkled. “You’ve got this, man.” I planted a hand on his shoulder and squeezed, emotion welling inside me.

  It was a bittersweet day. Mr. Davison was sick and only had weeks left to live. It had hit Laurie hard and it had devastated me watching my stepbrother try to be his girl’s rock while her world crumbled around her. But it was more than that. It made me realize what Lo had been through when she’d lost her mom and brother. It also drew my attention to the fact she would never get this; she’d never get her big day in front of all her family.

  I could fix a lot of things, but I couldn’t fix that.

  Lo was doing better. Over the last couple of years, she had seen a grief counsellor and she openly talked about them to me. But I loved that girl so fucking much. I wanted her to have everything.

  I wanted to give her everything.

  “What’s wrong?” Kyle’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

  “Nothing.” I forced a smile.

  “Rick...” he said, studying me. When I didn’t answer, Kyle let out an exasperated breath. “You know, I’d have thought you would have done it by now.” His brow quirked up.

  “I know.”

  I’d thought about nothing else except putting a ring on Lo’s finger, but the timing was never right. The first time I’d planned on doing it, Kyle beat me to the punch. Then the season had ramped up, and for the first time in years, the Scorpions qualif
ied for March Madness. I’d tried at least two more times since then, but whenever I made plans, something would get in the way.

  College.

  The team.

  Our family.

  I’d finally planned to do it earlier this year when we won March Madness and I entered the draft. Only, we hadn’t won, and I’d decided not to draft after all.

  I wasn’t ready.

  We weren’t ready.

  Lo and I had been through so much. I wanted to draft knowing she was one hundred percent ready to stand at my side.

  “So, what’s the hold up?” Kyle raised a brow.

  Thankfully, the opening notes of their wedding music crackled over the speakers and it was showtime.

  The doors opened and Lo entered the room. I swear, it was like seeing her for the first time all over again. Her eyes found mine, twinkling with adoration as she made her way toward us. The dress clung to her curves with every step. It was a simple floor length silver gown that shimmered in the light. It had a thick strap that worked across Lo’s chest and over one shoulder. She looked so fucking gorgeous. I stood there gawking like an idiot until Kyle elbowed me in the ribs and I swallowed the huge lump in my throat.

  But it was when Laurie and her father appeared that I fought back the tears. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room as Mr. Davison proudly escorted his daughter down the aisle. I’d only met the guy a handful of times, but I knew the story. I knew he’d been reluctant to let his little girl follow her childhood sweetheart to USC. But Laurie and Kyle were couple goals, and I was so fucking proud to call him my brother.

  Kyle's eyes were wide with wonder as he watched his bride approach. Watching him, fuck, I wanted that. I wanted to be the one waiting for his girl. I wanted it so damn much, I was tempted to pull Lo from the room and drop to one knee. But today wasn’t our day, it was theirs, and nothing was going to ruin it.

  Kyle

  My body hummed with anticipation as Laurie and Mike finally reached me.

  “Take good care of her, son.” Pride and regret shone in his eyes. His skin was sallow, his cheeks hollow from all the drugs. The doctors had advised against today, but Mike was determined to see his only daughter in her dress... and what a dress it was.

  I’d imagined this moment over and over, the day I got to finally make Laurie Davison—the girl I’d loved since I was a boy—officially mine.

  The truth was, she’d been mine for almost eight years, but it was important to me to put a ring on her finger, and eventually, when we were both done with college, a baby inside her.

  God, I couldn’t fucking wait to live my life with the girl I loved more than anything else, even football.

  I just wished today wasn’t overshadowed by the fact Mike didn’t have long left.

  “I will, sir.” I shook his hand gently. “You can count on that.”

  A whimper slipped from Laurie’s lips and I pulled her into my arms, not caring that there was a room full of people watching. “I’ve got you, babe,” I whispered against her hair. “I’m right here.”

  Her fingers twisted into my dress shirt as she smothered the pain etched in her expression.

  “You’ve got this.” Lowering my face to Laurie’s, I brushed my lips over hers. “Me and you together, babe. Always.”

  She managed a small nod. “I’m okay.”

  “Good,” I chuckled. “Because I really, really want to marry you today.”

  The officiant cleared his throat. “Are you both ready?”

  “We are.” I didn’t let go of Laurie’s hand. I was probably breaking all wedding day protocols, but I couldn’t let go. I needed her to know I was right here, that I would always be here.

  “Very well.” He smiled. “If everyone could please be seated.” There was a whoosh of bodies falling into seats behind us, but I only had eyes for my soon-to-be-wife.

  “I’d like to begin by welcoming everyone and thanking each of you for being here on this special day. It’s no accident that each of you are here today, because you represent someone important in the lives of Kyle and Laurie.

  “Kyle and Laurie have requested that I keep the service short, classy, and family-friendly, but I wanted to take this opportunity to say that while I may not have known them long, from the moment I met them, it was clear that the two of them represent a perfect pairing. They balance one another, and while each of them is their own unique individual, together they are better. And being better together, as a team, a unit, and partners in crime, is what leads us to being here today, witnessing their commitment to one another in front of those they love most. So, without further ado, let’s begin.” He settled his warm gaze on the two of us, and I squeezed Laurie’s hand in mine.

  My heart was a runaway train, my palms slick and mouth dry. This was it, the moment I declared her mine for all eternity in front of our family and friends.

  “Dearly beloved and honored guests, we are gathered together here to join Kyle Stone and Laurie Davison in the union of marriage. This contract is not to be entered into lightly, but thoughtfully and seriously, and with a deep realization of its obligations and responsibilities. The bride and groom have each prepared vows that they will read now. Kyle…”

  My hands trembled as I released Laurie’s hand and turned to face the only girl I would ever love. “Laurie, I have loved you since the first day I saw you. What I feel for you isn’t fleeting, it isn’t conditional. It’s forever love, babe. I choose you. I choose your flaws and imperfections. I choose your pain and heartache, your happiness and triumphs. I choose a life of ups and downs, highs and lows… because I know, no matter what we face, whatever storms blow our way, as long as we face it together, we’ll be fine.

  “I loved you then, I love you today, and I’ll love you tomorrow and all the days after.”

  Fuck. My heart almost beat out of my chest as I watched acceptance and love radiate from her… my almost wife.

  The officiant smiled and gave me a reassuring nod. “And Laurie...”

  She stared at me with tears clinging to her lashes. “I’m sorry,” she choked out, her lips trembling. “I’m not sure I can—”

  “It’s fine,” I said with complete confidence. “Let’s move this show along.”

  “Very well. Kyle, do you take Laurie to be your wife? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect her, forsaking all others, and holding only unto her forevermore?

  “Hell yeah,” I yelled earning a round of snickers from our guests. Laurie shot me a bemused look, but I saw the slight tip of her mouth. “Sorry, I do.”

  “And Laurie, do you take Kyle to be your husband? Do you promise to love, honor, cherish, and protect him, forsaking all others, and holding only unto him forevermore?”

  “I do.” She beamed.

  “Almost there.” The officiant winked. “Kyle and Laurie will now exchange rings as a symbol of love and commitment to each other. Your wedding rings are special; they enhance who you are. They mark the beginning of your long journey together. Your wedding ring is a circle—a symbol of love never ending. It is the seal of the vows you have just taken to love each other without end.”

  Maverick stepped forward and offered the officiant the ring box. I gave him a nod and mouthed, “Thanks, bro.”

  “Kyle, please place the ring on Laurie’s left hand and repeat after me.”

  As a sign of my love

  That I have chosen you

  Above all else

  With this ring, I thee wed.

  “And Laurie, please place the ring on Kyle’s left hand and repeat after me.”

  My girl plucked the plain platinum band from the box and took my hand in hers, gently pushing it onto my finger.

  As a sign of my love

  That I have chosen you

  Above all else

  With this ring, I thee wed.

  “Excellent. There is only one thing left to say. By the power vested in me, it is my honor and delight to declare you married. Kyle, you may now kiss your bride…
again.”

  I didn’t need telling twice. I cupped Laurie’s face in my hands and stared down at her with every ounce of emotion I felt. “Mrs. Stone,” I whispered.

  “My husband.” Her smile grew.

  “Too fucking right.”

  And then I kissed her.

  Chapter Two

  Lo

  “Look at them.” I let out a dreamy sigh as we watched our best friends glide around the dance floor as if they were the only two people on Earth.

  Maverick’s arms tightened around me, his chin tucked firmly into the crook of my neck. “One day, Lo,” he breathed. “One day.”

  Twisting my head, I gazed up at him. “I think I’d like that.” Butterflies brushed my insides. There had been a couple of times when I thought Maverick might do it—pop the question. But then it never came, and I stopped waiting.

  I wasn’t that girl. I didn’t need huge declarations of love and a ring on my finger to know he loved me. I felt it every time he looked at me, every time he touched or kissed me.

  Maverick loved me with everything that he was, and it was something I would never take for granted.

  Laurie caught my eye and beckoned for us to join them.

  “It’s our turn,” I said, the words doing strange things to my insides.

  Maverick led me onto the dance floor and pulled me into his arms. He looked so handsome in his three-piece suit, his hair all mussed up in the way I loved so much.