Page 24 of Impossible Rapids
“It is an honor to meet you, sir,” Belinda said in a faded Southern accent.
“I’m honored to meet the woman who could soften this tough guy’s heart,” Franz teased, shaking her hand. “And ready to hear the entire story of how you fell in love.”
“Oh, I’ll give you a fabulous story.” Belinda grinned and gave Jagger a weighty look. “My version of the truth, thank you very much.”
Jagger laughed. “As long as you say ‘I do’ tonight and we kick everybody out of the house immediately after the ceremony, I don’t care what stories you tell.”
They all laughed at that.
Hays appeared behind Belinda.
“Hays.” Franz’s voice caught, and he stepped around to hug the younger man.
Jagger took that opportunity to ease around the two of them, tugging Belinda with him. “Bee, you’ve met my close friend Shawn, and this is the incredible Julie Pandoran. This brilliant angel is the reason we’re back together and you’re ecstatically happy.”
They all laughed, but then Jagger released his wife to clasp Shawn in a tight hug. Julie had to look away from their manly embrace and mutual grief. Grief she shared deeply.
“Ah, Julie.” Belinda threw her arms around her. “Too many emotions. I don’t know where to start blubbering.”
Julie smiled at the gorgeous blonde who’d held their friend’s heart for over fourteen years without even knowing Jagger still loved her. They’d been separated by her parents, until Julie found the old photos at a high school steeplechase event that revealed Jagger staring longingly at the beautiful Belinda Ralphs in several pictures.
“We’re focused on your happiness today,” she said.
“Ah. I love you already, and aren’t you the most beautiful lady ever?” Belinda winked at her. “I’m afraid you’re going to outshine the bride.”
Julie started to protest, but Jagger beat her to it. “Nobody could outshine you, Bee. Not even my beautiful friend Julie.”
Julie appreciated the compliment from Jagger. They were rare. Shawn stared at her with a smoldering look in his eyes that had her putting a hand to her heart to try to calm it.
Jagger grabbed Julie in a hug. “Thanks for coming, Jules.”
“I wouldn’t have missed it. Thank you for including us.”
“Of course.” He pulled back but stayed close. Hays was hugging Shawn now. Fiercely. They both looked suspiciously bright-eyed.
“How are you holding up?” Jagger asked.
“Okay.” Julie forced a smile. “Busy, so that helps.”
“I’ve been praying for you.”
“Thank you. That means a lot. Especially from you.”
“I know.” Jagger smiled. “The reformed fighter.”
“You won’t stop fighting.”
“Only fighting for my heart,” Belinda teased, coming back into their circle as Shawn and Hays spoke quietly. “And for America. I’m so proud of him.”
“You should be. He’s the best.”
“I know.” Belinda leaned into his side.
Hays was suddenly there, tugging Julie into a tight hug. She clung to him. His forearm was wrapped from the bullet wound, but his head looked good. He looked great. Handsome, strong, and kind.
Hays. Their friend’s heart was gold. Though he was a warrior like Jagger, he was softer and more thoughtful. She loved them both.
“I’m so sorry,” Hays murmured.