Whipped) (15 page)

The fundraiser is being held at a local high school gym. The kids did an amazing job of transforming the space into a very fancy ballroom, and this is a black tie affair. I look around and see Kacie and Tate scrambling to get last-minute decorations in place. They offered Hitched to help Lachlan cater and run the event, and he accepted with a grateful heart. Kacie said they could always write it off as a charity event when I asked if she was sure.

And Sebastian has invited everyone he knows with ties and money.

Tonight, the kids will perform something they'd been working on for a while, and then we'll all hope that the raw talent and enthusiasm will attract donors to make their dreams happen.

Lachlan looks amazing tonight in his tux. He kisses me and squeezes my hand. "I have to go get the kids ready. Thank you, babe, for this. For everything."

I pull him close. "Thank
you
for staying and still finding a way to make this happen," I whisper. Because I couldn't stand him leaving. I would have supported him in it, if that's what he needed to do. But it would have broken my heart.

Instead, my heart is swelling in my chest, filling me with a glorious happiness I didn’t know existed and never knew could be so strong.

The auditorium is filling with bigwigs from all sectors of life in Vegas. There are doctors, lawyers, investors, performers… I even see the famous magician Kacie's friends with. He helped Kacie win Sebastian back when she almost blew it with Dr. Sexy.

But tonight isn't about us. It's about Lachlan and the kids he's trying to help. Tonight
has
to be a success. I close my eyes, cross my fingers, and send the kids all the luck I can muster.

As lights flash, Lachlan takes the makeshift stage. His deep accent fills the room. "Good evening, and thank you so much for joining us tonight. These kids have worked hard to put together a show we believe you will really enjoy. It's our hope that when you see what they can do, you'll also see why an after-school program is so important in this community, and how deserving these amazing kids are." He pauses and smiles, his pride in the kids beaming across the room. "So without further ado, I'll hand the floor over to them."

Lights go out and someone taps my shoulder. My parents! I hug them both and whisper, "What are you doing here?"

"We just drove in. We couldn't miss your man's big night. We're here to support," my mom says. "We even got a few donations from some friends in California to help out."

My eyes fill with tears, and I know Lachlan will be deeply touched by their presence. He doesn't talk much about it, but I can tell he misses having a parental unit in his life.

The kids take the stage, and I'm nervous for them. I've never seen them dance and have no idea what to expect. What if they blow it and the crowd leaves disappointed with their wallets intact? All of them would be devastated. Lachlan most of all. I narrow my eyes and personally vow to tackle anyone who tries to leave without contributing.

But my fears are in vain, I realize, as soon as the music starts. Because these kids are seriously amazing. Like, unbelievable. They must have dance in their DNA to pull off some of the moves they do.

After the first song, it's clear the crowd is won over. I spy some people already pulling out checkbooks. A very good sign indeed.

By the end, we are all breathless with the talent that exists in these youths. I can see why Lachlan loves working with them so much.

I want to run to him and kiss and hug him and congratulate him, but he takes the stage once more and surprises us all with a last piece. "This one is for a special woman who has changed my life. Vi, I love you."

My heart explodes in my chest as a spotlight lands on me while Lachlan removes his jacket and takes the stage with the boys. And then he dances and the crowd goes wild and my heart is knocking against my ribs like a wild animal and I can't even contain the amazement I feel.

At the end, they all grab signs from the back and, in one fluid movement, turn to reveal what they are holding. After a beat, all eyes are on me.

The signs read, "Vi, will you marry me?"

Lachlan walks over to me and holds out a small black box with a sparkling diamond ring in it. "I don't want to spend another day of my life without you," he says.

Tears stream down my face, tears I didn’t even know were flowing, and I run into his arms and the crowd cheers and whistles. "Yes! Yes, I will marry you. Forever, yes!"

Everything is changing.

And I couldn't be happier.

Tonight is my last night as the lead dancer in the Aussie Posse. I've been with these guys for so many years I've lost count. It's crazy to think it's ending after this show.

Vi is in the audience with Kacie, Sebastian, Zoe—even Tate. He and I have hung out a few times and become friends. Slow and steady. We can't turn on the BFF spout quite like the women in our lives.

Still, I was surprised when Vi said he would be here. I thought the first time had traumatized him enough.

I put on the show of my life. I think of Vi the whole time and dance as if she is the only one in the room. Of course she's the woman I pick for my on-stage lap dance. I'm not an idiot, and I'm sure as fuck not going to thrust my groin into another woman's face with my fiancé in the audience.

The guys rib me about it, but fuck them. I get to spend the rest of my life with this woman.

The lights are hot. The dancing is hotter. The crowd is on fucking fire. I close with a flourish of flips and hip-thrust to a standing ovation.

Staring into the glare of white lights, I silently bid goodbye to this chapter of my life. I won't miss it, but I'll always remember it fondly.

The guys slap me on the back as I head to my dressing room. I'm ready to get out and get with Vi. But when I come out, she’s already waiting for me with an impish grin on her beautiful face. "Come with me, lover boy."

I grasp her hand and follow. "What's going on?"

"You'll see. By the way, you were amazing tonight. You'll have to fuck me later just to scratch the itch you put inside me with that performance."

I grin and give a half bow as we walk. "Your wish is my command."

When we get to the main dressing room, there's a big cake in the middle of a table, a whole lot of booze, and all the guys plus Vi's friends waiting for me.

Darrel walks over and hugs me. "I'm gonna miss you, Lach, but I'm proud of you. I know we've had some ups and downs over the years, but working with you was always more than just work. You're like a son to me and I'm proud of you."

His words choke me up. "Thanks. That means a lot to me. You know, the fundraiser we had for the center was a hit. We got the funding we needed to open the center and staff it. If you ever feel like a career change, we could use some more dance teachers. You taught me everything you know."

He smiles. "If I ever do, I'll call you." He grows serious. "But, Lach. I may have taught you everything
I
know, but I didn't teach you everything
you
know. You are a prime example of the student surpassing the teacher. Go pass that on to some punk-ass kids like yourself. The world of dance—hell, the world in general—will be better for it."

He walks away, not one for long goodbyes, and Duke comes over and fist bumps me. "Good show, dude. Hard shoes to fill."

"You'll kill it," I tell him.

"And hey. I'm sorry what I said about your woman. It was a dick move and I shouldn't have."

"We're cool, man," I say. "Stay sharp out there. The guys need you."

Vi brings me a glass of champagne and I sip it and smile at her. "Did you know about this?"

"Did you know about my surprise birthday party?" she counters.

"Touché." I kiss her nose. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

We spend a few minutes on our own, talking and kissing, then mingle with the rest. Zoe is being flirted with by one of the guys in the group. Vi cocks her head. "Is he an ass?"

"Larry? Nah, he's a good guy if she's not looking to get serious."

Vi nods. "Okay, good. She's not looking."

Tate is off in a corner making out with one of our groupies. A blond chick I may or may not have banged myself. I nudge Vi. "I thought he was on a fast?"

She laughs. "He got hungry, it would appear."

Kacie and Sebastian come over and shake my hand. "We have to go," Kacie says. "The twins are sick and the babysitter is freaking out."

"Of course," I say. "Thank you for coming. I'm sure we'll see you soon."

Vi hugs her friend and Sebastian and I do the man shake/hug thing, and they leave.

"Your friends are pretty cool," I tell her.

"They're your friends now too," she says. "More than that. They're family."

For a guy who grew up with none, I'm quickly acquiring a pretty kickass group to call kin. I like it.

***

The next day, as Vi and I cuddle and watch a movie together, she fends off texts from her parents and friends. "Everyone's asking about the wedding," she says.

"Tell them we just got engaged. We haven't planned all the details yet."

"I did. They are not accepting that."

I laugh. "Tough shit. It's our wedding."

"I'm thinking summer," she says. "It's plenty of time to get the center off the ground and gives us time to plan a nice event for friends and family without feeling rushed."

I mentally process the time in my head and nod. "Summer sounds great. Maybe the beach? Like your parents? I liked that."

She kisses me, and I take that as a yes.

When the date for the grand opening arrives, I'm a ball of nerves that Vi has to calm. This is it. The day I've been dreaming of. It's finally happening.

Tate and Kacie have been promoting it throughout the city and a lot of people have shown up. Kevin stands beside me with Mary at his back while I give a short speech about what this means to me, to the kids, to this community. Vi is at my side and I'm holding her hand as the crowd cheers and waits for us to cut the giant red ribbon. I give the scissors to Kevin and he looks up in surprise.

"Seriously, man? This is your big moment."

I shake my head. "Nope. It's
ours
. This wouldn't be happening without you. Go ahead."

He is all smiles as he cuts the ribbon and lets the world into The Helping Hand.

People cheer. Angela and Marvin, who drove up from Long Beach just for this, howl and jump up and down in excitement. Sebastian grins, his hands on the baby stroller. Kacie, Tate, and Zoe stand with him. Vi kisses me as people start to pour inside the building. When Mary walks by, she congratulates me. It means a lot.

"You did good, my boy."

"Thank you. I should have passed on that expensive mall a long time ago."

She nods. "I tell you, expensive is not always better. Like with that organic chicken of yours." We all chuckle.

Kevin dashes by his mother. She turns on him. "Excuse me, Kevin McAllister. What did we say about running?"

He shrugs. "Mom, it's a gym. We're supposed to run."

She looks to me. I nod. "Oh, well," she says. "Go ahead then."

Kevin disappears inside the center. I hope he finds a second home here. I hope we all do.

The night of the bachelorette party, I start having doubts. "Do you think this is a good idea?" I ask Kacie.

She glares at me. "The party is in an hour. It no longer matters if it's a good idea or not. After spending weeks on this event, it's happening and you will have fun and that is the last we will say on the matter."

I laugh at her stern face and hug her. "Thank you for doing this. You and Tate are amazing! Do you think it's weird we're combining our parties into one?"

Lachlan and I had talked about this several times and decided we didn't really feel a need for a party with 'the guys' or with 'the girls.' We wanted a big party with all of our friends. After all, one of my best friends is Tate, and I didn't want him excluded just because he has a penis.

So we agreed. A co-ed bachelor/bachelorette party. Which starts soon.

I'm getting ready at Kacie's house and Lach and I will meet at the hotel ballroom that Tate booked for the event. Oh, and did I mention it's a costume party? Because it is. Because who doesn't love dressing up? Lach and I kept our costumes a surprise from each other. Only Kacie and Tate know the truth, and Kacie refuses to give me a hint.

"What if I clash with Lach?" I ask, staring down at my black leather skin-tight cat outfit, complete with a tail and ears. I must admit, I look smokin' hot.

"You won't. Relax."

We say goodbye to Sebastian and the babies and Kacie drives us to the hotel. We're first to arrive and I'm a puddle of nerves, even though this isn't actually my wedding day. But oh my God I'm getting married. MARRIED! It's a bit insane. But I'm excited, because Lachlan is the man for me. I know it in my gut. And I'm so madly in love with him I can hardly stand it.

Kacie and Tate already had the room decorated and so we have very little to do as we wait for the guys.

When Lach and Tate finally show up, my jaw drops. He's dressed as a black panther, with ears, a tail, and a loin cloth, and very little else. His body is rubbed with oils and body paint to give him a sleek look. "Hey, babe. You look amazing."

He kisses me, and if my tail actually worked it would be wagging right now. I purr at him instead and he laughs. "Looks like we have the same mind."

"Looks like."

We're holding hands, grinning like idiots at each other as our friends begin to arrive. Zoe shows up first dressed like an elf, with ears, silver eyes and a silver gown that drapes her petite body. Her hair has been dyed silver to match the dress and her pale skin sparkles with silver glitter. She smiles and though I still see some sadness in her from her breakup with Douche, she's recovering. Regaining her happy.

"Zoe, you are gorgeous. You know, Lach's Aussie Posse are performing tonight. And most of them are single," I tell her with a wink. She could have any single man in this place tonight.

"Ha! We'll see. I'm just here to celebrate you two and have some fun."

The ballroom quickly fills with friends dressed in all manner of costumes. The alcohol flows, music plays, lights flicker over the room in a symphony of color and the joy here is palpable. Lach and I dance all night long, our bodies rubbing together as we kiss and sway to music.

When the Aussie Posse performs, everyone goes wild. Even the guys give a grudging respect to the group. And we threw in a surprise. Two of the female dancers Kacie and Tate employ for parties do a few numbers with the guys, and the resulting performance is sexy, hot and magical.

We don't get home and collapse into bed until the next morning, and I'm very glad we scheduled the actual wedding for Sunday and not today, because I would like to be awake for my wedding.

We sleep most of Saturday, and then I spend the night with Kacie so that we can hold to some silly but fun traditions of waiting to see each other until I walk down the aisle.

The aisle, in this case, is a long golden rug laid between seats set out in the park by a lake. We'd wanted the beach, but we'd also wanted Las Vegas. So the lake it is. It's strewn with red rose petals and leads to an altar with red roses and golden ribbon everywhere. It's stunning, and I feel like a queen when the music plays and I take that first step onto the rug, clutching my father's elbow.

"I'm nervous," I whisper to him, my heart pounding in my chest.

"It's good to be nervous," he says. "You're making a big commitment. But I think it's the right one. I've never seen you so happy, Vi. You glow around him."

"Thanks, Daddy." He actually put on a tux for the event, but I think I spy his Grateful Dead t-shirt peeking out underneath it. I laugh and squeeze his arm. My mom sits in the front row, beaming as I walk down, but my eyes quickly find Lachlan, and then, he's all I see.

When Lach sees me in my golden wedding gown, his eyes light up and his smile dazzles me. I melt a little and lean more on my father until we arrive at the altar.

We say our vows in a blur of nerves and laughter and love, and when we kiss it is magic, and I never want it to end.

As we walk back down the aisle hand in hand, Kacie's final surprise arrives.

It's a hot air balloon with "Just Married" written across it. I laugh and Lachlan smiles, and we board the balloon to the cheers of our friends and family and fly into the brightness of our future together.