The Cursed Cross (Cross 2)

Tate felt tears form as she listened to Jimmy's speech. The man speaking was her Jimmy making fun of the snake the world knew. She had never laughed at herself, but Jimmy had the confidence to.

The audience buzzed as he returned and embraced Baxter. Her heart raced when he smiled. "You're up."

She slowly stood, as she took the microphone her hand shook. "Let's hear it for the notorious Jimmy Sinclair. I wish I was old enough to remember the sailor suit, but I'm Baxter's younger sister. Sinclair might take credit for my brother and his wife, but Ivy was my friend first. We met in law school. She was the nicest person I knew. The story I told my family is true. Ivy offered me friendship and the only thing she asked for in return was to borrow my notes once. I borrowed hers a time or two more." Chuckles. She smiled, at least they laughed. "Thanks to my ex for jilting me on my wedding day. Don't feel bad, it was a good thing. I should have listened to my big brother. Who knew he could fall in love? My unwedding brought my brother and my friend together. So Sinclair may claim responsibility, but he is wrong. I couldn't ask for a better sister than Ivy, sorry Doyle."

Strained laughter, but Doyle smiled. "I couldn't agree more."

The room laughed with ease. "Here's to my new sister and my old brother. I love you both and together you make an amazing couple. To Baxter and Ivy."

The crowd had a cheerful buzz and as she returned to hug both the bride and the groom, Jimmy clapped. "Nice job. My mother can show you pictures if you want. I have forgiven her."

Tate laughed. Jimmy loved his mother, so he was just blowing hot air. They quieted because her father walked to the microphone.

Philip cleared his throat. "I want to welcome Ivy into the Kane family. Thank you for making my son happy and giving him some balance. The Kane family has an old lore, a fairytale of sorts about true love. Baxter and Ivy have found it and held on to it. Even without the lore, they would love each other just as deeply. So son, I am proud of you and toast to you and your wife."

Tate wiped a tear. Philip publicly accepted Ivy, so Amelia would have to play along. Together at the table the wedding party relaxed. The overlapping trips to Las Vegas helped gel the group including Freya and Joey. Jimmy laughed and Tate's belly hummed.

"My father assured me I won't get the pox from being at a wedding."

Kasper laughed. "Monkeypox."

"That would be you. Skin to skin on your island."

Freya laughed. "No one has the pox. And Jimmy, your fear of commitment won't even give you hives."

"I'm not afraid of commitment. Thanks to Baxter. I see some advantages."

Tate looked at him with eyebrows raised, and he rested his hand on her knee. She put her fork down. Her belly felt like sailing on choppy water. What game was he playing? She would find out.

Kasper laughed. "No more picking up women in hotel bars."

Jimmy shook his head. "Not my style. Never was." He winked at Baxter.

Ivy mumbled. "He told me when we met."

Baxter frowned. "It was hardly ever and never again."

Tate's eyes grew wide. "Seriously, Bax."

"It was twice tops. Change the subject." He shot her a look, before turning to Ivy.

Jimmy banged on his glass and others joined in. He leaned in. "I'm saving you."

"You started it."

"Did not."

"You did." Bickering back and forth with him sped up her pulse.