Bellamy
I’m not sure I’ll ever get used to that.
Caitlin
I can’t wait to hear all about the ball. Next year, I want an invite.
Bellamy
I miss you, Cait.
Caitlin
You too, B. Happy New Year!
Bellamy
Happy New Year!
Rhys
“Do you remember when we used to hide in the halls and wait for the guests to leave their glasses of champagne lying around?” Atticus has an interesting memory. Convenient. He can remember us getting drunk in our pajamas when we were barely teenagers, but if I ask him to do something for me, he has to be reminded over and over again before he remembers.
“Yes. I remember you puking on your slippers and throwing them in the trash instead of washing them. Then I remember Mother grounding us both for it. You for being so stupid and me for letting you be.”
“Moral of the story...” We stop outside Bellamy’s open door, and I get my first glimpse of her. “Don’t punish your kids when they do the same shit we did.”
My kids.
Something unfamiliar settles in my chest.
One day, this stunning woman with a heart as big and beautiful as any I’ve ever known won’t just be my wife. She’ll be the mother of my children. And fuck me, but that feels right.
“Damn, brother. She looks ravishing.”
“She looks like my queen.” I turn and take the box the footman has been carrying behind us. “We’ll meet you in the ballroom.”
Atticus smacks me on the back with a wink and walks away as I step inside the room. Bellamy’s eyes meet mine in the long mirror, and her smile is instantaneous.
“Don’t you look handsome.” She turns and runs her hands over my shoulders, wiping away invisible lint, then adjusts my white bow tie. “You do wear a suit well.”
I press my lips to her neck and enjoy the shiver that slides down her back. “You are exquisite, my queen. But you’re missing one thing.” I pull the large velvet box from behind my back, and Bellamy’s eyes widen before she even opens it.
“What is that?” she asks, her voice shaking ever so slightly. “That is far too big to be a necklace, Rhys.”
I crack the box open and enjoy the breath that slips past her lips.
Fuck, she’s so pretty.
“This is the Alexandra Tiara. It belongs to the queen of Mornea, and according to the manager of the royal jewels, it has been in my family for over two hundred years.” I carefully place it on her head and smile. The detailed rose-cut diamond scrollwork brilliantly sparkles as it’s set in her hair. “It’s yours now, love.”
With trembling hands, she reaches up and adjusts the brilliant diadem slightly, so it doesn’t slip off her head as she turns back to the mirror. “Rhys... I can’t.”
“You can, Bellamy. It’s yours.” I rest my hands on her shoulders and stare at her beautiful reflection. “I plan to fuck you in nothing but this later, my love.”
I watch her eyes to see if they change.
If they caught my slip of the tongue.
