Author's Note: This book has not yet been edited.
Flashback to Rachel and Elijah’s Wedding Rehearsal
"Did you see Sterling? He almost vomited.” Gerald and Doris laughed as Diane and Martin joined them. “Whew-thank you so much for playing along.”
Martin laughed nodding. He lifted up his wrist. "Are these even really the symbol for swingers?”
"Shit, who knows, but Sterling was so preoccupied with not passing out he didn’t notice. You would think he would have though considering he makes sex toys.”
Diane's eyes gleamed. "On a serious note, your sons are lovely. I’m so happy that Morgan has them for mates. She’s had such a rough beginning it’s nice to know she and Rachel have men that will make sure they’re alright.”
Approaching the conversation Klaus stifled a laugh. "You know you four are terrible for that but getting them to admit that they wanted to marry Quiet Storm was worth it.” He wiped a pretend tear. "I love the little shits.” Extending their hands, Martin and Diane properly introduced themselves to Klaus. He looked around. "My brother is around here somewhere.” Spotting George, he called him over and shortly he joined them.
Wiping his mouth with his napkin, George folded his arms to his chest. "Boy Ali can cook. I know you’re not supposed to cook at your own events, but dammit that girl is talented.” He turned. "Now what you done called me for?”
"You ain’t got a lick of manners or hair, stop being rude and introduce yourself to Ali, Quiet Storm, and Lil Bit's parents."
George rolled his eyes. "Got more hair than you.”
"Fuck off” Klaus growled, and George laughed.
"Will you two stop quarreling, you’re worse than our sons. Martin, please meet George, Klaus’s twin.”
George and Martin shook hands. He scrunched his nose, the smell of honey wafting through it. He heard a small voice from the side of him.
"Hi, I’m Diane.”
He looked at her and his mouth fell open. She was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.
Diane rolled her eyes and his jaw twitched. "I guess your brother was right when he said you don’t have a lick of manners.”
He shook his head and glared at her. "I have manners.”
"Then why am I the only one you haven’t properly greeted?”
George cut his eyes and blew steam through his nose. "If I had to peg who was being rude, it would be you, but I guess that should be expected of a human.”
"Who the fuck are you-“
Martin intervened. "Woah…I think maybe we got off on the wrong foot.”
The moment George saw Martin’s hand touch Diane's shoulder, he let out a deadly growl. Klaus grabbed his brother. "Excuse him, he hasn’t eaten yet. We’re going to get him some food.”
Diane scoffed and rolled her eyes again and George blurted. "Something must be wrong with your damn eyes.”
She looked at him as if he was insane. "Yeah your big clawed ass is in their view.” Squaring off with one another, Martin and Klaus stepped in and parted them.
"Come on crazy.” Klaus dragged his brother to a table.
George fumed. "Woman ain't got the sense God gave his creations. All of five minutes, and she does my damn head in.” Klaus arched his brow and stared at his brother causing George to shout at him. "What?!”
"ORRRRRR!!!! SHE’S YOUR MATE!”
George gripped Klaus’ lips. "SHUTTHEFUCKUP!” he growled irritated at the way Klaus’s eyes gleamed. Klaus pointed and murmured in a muffled voice. Releasing him, George looked at him in confusion. "What?”
"Martin's touched her again.” He saw George’s eyes tinge. Klaus jumped up and down. "I KNEW IT! I KNEW IT!”
"You don’t know shit! The woman is annoying and not to mention married.”
Klaus placed his head in his hands, his smirk almost on his forehead. "I heard the Pierce women do that. Get right under your skin. If she isn’t your mate, then tell me that but let me warn you. You have a strict policy against lying George.” George grumbled but remained silent and Klaus laughed. "She’s looking over here.” George turned and Diane and he locked eyes again. She scoffed and turned her head, leaning it on her husband.
"Don’t matter whether or not she's my mate, Klaus. Seriously. The woman is happily married and I’ve been alone enough to accept that’s the life I’m supposed to have.”
"I disagree Geo. If there was anyone who deserves to be happy, it’s you.”
George stood and slammed the napkin down onto the table. "Life ain’t been good to me before, why should it start now?” Walking away from his brother, George tried his hardest not to look at Diane again.
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Rachel and Elijah’s wedding reception
"Dance with me, Marty.” Diane purred swaying her hips.
"Give me a minute love, I’m tired, but gon’ head and let me watch you on the dance floor.” She nodded and made her way and Martin smiled looking at his wife. Seeing George, he slowly made his way over to him. "Martin”
"I remember-congrats. Ali made a beautiful bride.”
Martin laughed. "I got a feeling I know why yall call her that.”
George shook his head in jest. "Woman got a mean right hook.” The two men stood in silence, as George tried his hardest not to look at Diane dancing.
"She is stunning isn’t she?”
"Yeah like I said Rachel made-“
Martin shook his head. "I wasn’t talking about Rachel.” He nudged his head toward Diane. "She is beautiful. It’s like time hasn’t hit her at all.” George felt a lump in his throat and Martin placed his hand on his shoulder. "I know we haven’t known one another long, but I need to ask you something. How do you feel about my daughters?”
"They’re my hearts. I already knew Ali and Quiet Storm, but Lil Bit came and she just-I fell in love with her too.”
Martin nodded. "Good, good and how do you feel about Diane?”
George looked at him, his face reddened.
"Martin…”
"It’s okay. She’s your mate isn’t she?” George remained silent, not wanting to lie. Martin laughed. "I knew it.”
"How?”
"Because in all of the years I’ve known Di-she never has cursed. Not once, even in the times that I deserved it. But you-“ He smiled. "You ruffled her feathers. I know enough from my daughters, to know that means something.”
George looked at Martin sadly and shook his head. "It doesn’t matter. I would never try to break up a happy home. That woman loves you.”
"And I love her. And because I do, I want you to promise me something.”
George arched his brow. "You accustomed to asking people you don’t know for favors?”
"I don’t ask nobody for anything, but I’m asking you.”
George nodded. "Then consider it done.”
"I want you to take care of my daughters for me. Be there for them and then when it's time-marry your mate.”
George looked down at the man. "Have you told them yet?”
Martin shook his head no. "Gonna tell Diane when we get back to Baltimore.” He looked up to George. "I don’t have the time that I wish I did, but knowing that they will be okay would allow me to go in peace when the time comes.”
"And there’s nothing the doctors can do?”
Martin shook his head no again. "I’m terminal. Ain’t no coming back as far as I’ve gone…so will you at least consider doing this for me? Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know you love my daughters and are falling for my wife.” George remained silent and shook his head yes. Martin walked him over to Diane. "Love, I’m really exhausted but George is free. How about you two dance?”
She looked to Martin. "I don’t-“
"Please, for me?”
"Okay.”
George looked to Martin who gave him the okay. Taking Diane in his arms, George felt his eyes tinge gold and he closed them. "I’m sorry for being rude earlier. I honestly didn’t mean anything by it.”
Diane inhaled his scent. "No, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I responded like that.”
"How about we start over? Not sure how much of each other we’re going to see, but when we do, I’d like us to be friendly. My name is George, I’m a twin and a mechanic.”
She laughed. "I’m Diane, I am not a twin, but I do love to cook.”
He looked at her. "Is that where Ali gets it from?”
She nodded "It was actually me who cooked for tonight."
"Well shit woman, if you the mastermind I can’t wait till you cook for me.” His face reddened. "I-I didn’t mean anything by that.”
Diane placed her head on his chest. " I got a feeling you would love my pork chops.” She heard him give a low growl of content. As the two moved around the room, Martin couldn’t help but smile.
They’re going to be okay…thank you George for giving me a peace of mind.