Bittersweet

*Sandra* 

Sophia called me as soon as Joseph told her that I asked for her to be my wedding planner. She was so happy to plan something *alegre*, or so that’s what she called it. After planning a funeral for such a close member of their family, I am sure this is a fresh breath of air for her. She went on about picking a dress, caterers, flowers and vows. Vows, I could remember the vows Ryan wrote. Promising to “protect me like the city, but serve me in many other ways.” His words, they made the church giggle. He didn't mean any of it of course. He never protected me. I needed protection from him. I looked over to Joseph, who was now discussing our trip to the city with Jay, and I felt an overwhelming sense of peace. When this man stands before his brotherhood and promises to protect me, I know he will follow through. I know how fiercely he will work to keep me protected and loved. “Sunshine, are you there?” I hadn't answered Sophia, dazed from my daydreaming. “I am here.” She sighed, “I know dear, this is a hard time for us all. I believe God has a plan for you and the king. I believe you are exactly what Smoke needs. He loves you, my dear.” I thanked her and told her we would look for dresses before I came back to the safe house. I want to have the wedding here. Where this started, where he brought me. I don't think he will agree to that because of the privacy of this house. He wont want it exposed. With Jackson dying. He only allowed those he has brought out here before, the people he has trusted the location for. Only certain level security was even allowed to be here. I felt an arm around me and turned around smiling. Henry towered above me with a grin of his own. “Hey there, Sunshine. How are you this morning?” I leaned my head against his chest and embraced him in a hug. “I am okay, Chef. How are you and Tay?” He shrugged his shoulders and I saw his eyes deepen. I could tell he was worried. “I will check on her.” I smiled, and he kissed the top of my head. 

I looked to Joseph, but he didn't worry about my new found brothers. He knew I have accepted them as my new family. Henry was no more than a baby brother to me. I smiled at him when I caught his eyes and he smiled briefly back. With Tommasso gone, things would slowly start to get back to normal business, I hoped. The high stress was taking a toll on my beautiful Joseph. He was tired. “Headed to check on the girls.” I said knowing he would hear me in the comm. He nodded as I walked out of the room. When I made it down the hall to the room Henry and Takara had shared that night. I walked in expecting to smell crepes and sex. Instead, it smelled of cigarette smoke and marijuana. “Tay?” I called for her and she walked out of the bathroom slowly. “How are you doing today?” I walked towards her but she didn't really answer. I grabbed her hand and led her to the bed. When she sat down, she looked up at me with tired bloodshot eyes. “I’m sorry, Sunshine, I didn't sleep well last night” She was mumbling. “Are you okay?” She smiled at me, “Better.” She didn't look better. I asked her is she was planning to go to the city for the funeral and she didn't seem to know. “If you ever need to talk, just let me know.” I said before exiting the room. Tanya was in the shower, so I decided to give her some privacy and headed back towards the office. 

When I got back, it was only Jospeh and I in the room. He smiled at me briefly before turning his attention back to his computer. I sat in my chair, the one he placed for me beside his desk. I sat there with one arm on the table, my head resting on my fist while I stared at him. He tried not to notice, so I deep sighed. “What’s up?” He said with a slight grin. “Can we have the wedding here?” I asked shyly, pretty sure he would say no. He shook his head slightly before looking into my eyes. “I am not a normal man. There will be a lot of nosey people wondering about Smoke’s new wife and marriage. I don't want that attention to be directed towards this house, darlin. It is a safe haven for us all.” I knew that was what he would probably say. Though, I was sad, I did understand. “But,” he continued, which surprised me, “If you are okay with a small wedding, with only those who already know of the house. Our closest brothers. I will consider this as a venue for the best day of my life. The day I get to officially make you the queen. My Mrs. Smoke.” He smirked at that last comment, and I felt a sense of pride inside. I couldn't wait to be considered Mrs. Smoke.  

Henry came in to tell us that he had prepared a nice brunch for everyone. I was starving. Once everyone was in the kitchen, Joseph stood up. “Brothers, and ladies, we will be headed to the city within the next 4 hours. If you wish to stay here, that is fine. Make yourself at home. If you plan to go, please be sure you are packed and ready. I want to get this all over with. As sad as Jackson’s departure is, we must honor him, grieve him, and move on. The next thing we will be doing is getting ready for a wedding. As you know, Sunshine has foolishly agreed to become my queen, my wife, mine.” His words tingled from my ears all throughout my body. Knowing I was going to marry him was amazing, but hearing him say it was so much better. “I know it’s a time for grief, but lets also make it a time of celebration of the future.” His words almost echoed throughout, followed by a comforting applause. The feeling in the room was bittersweet as we all packed to head back to the city. I couldn't imagine what some of them were feeling. Zeus had basically talked Joseph into bringing Jackson into the fold, and Jay, I know he was blaming himself as well. I walked beside him and touched his arm. He jumped. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.” He was bandaged from where Tommasso had hit him. Dark circles around his eyes tell me he hadn't slept much. “It’s okay, Sunshine.” He said forcing a slight smile. “I am here for you Jay, you know that.” He reached his huge arm around my shoulders and gave me a squeeze. “I am fine.” He whispered and then walked towards the door. 

As we were all loading up, I noticed I was again the only woman attending the trip. “The ladies are all staying behind?” I asked looking from Zeus to Henry. “Tay is still afraid someone will see her in the city.” Henry said shrugging before getting in the SUV. Zeus shook his head as well. I looked to Joseph, “How will I know what to do about bridesmaids dresses?” He promised to have Mrs. Jones get the information I needed. I smiled, “I want Mrs. Jones to be my maid of honor.” They all smiled at the same time. Everyone there cared for that lady. “She saved me too.” I looked down at my feet not wanting to think about Tommasso’s hands on me. “That sounds perfect.” Joseph said putting his hand in mine and leading me to the SUV. “We are ready, Seven.” The guard nodded and started the vehicle. Jay made a signal out the window, and we headed through the maze and to the city.