Page 126 of Take Hold of Me

Once seated next to my fiancé, I admire my engagement ring on my left hand. Twisting it in the light, the diamond sparkles. Like my love.

The luxe hotel room has been transformed into a chapel, bursting with all different roses. Outside, New Jersey in mid-November is a riot of fall colors. Inside, guests take their seats to share in the happy couple’s celebration. Dreams of my own wedding dance around my head. When we were in Paris last week, Maman suggested a local garden as the venue.

Leaning over to Wills, I continue our ongoing debate. “You know, Paris in May is beautiful.”

“Christmas sounds better.”

If it were up to him, we would have gotten married when he met my parents. Maman and Papa fell in love with him on the spot and would not have minded. But, I have always wanted an outdoor wedding. “I’ve,” I say, sounding out the contraction. His encouraging smile makes me continue. “I’ve already pushed it up from September.”

He kisses my cheek. “Dad will be cleared to travel by the end of this month. February. It’s for lovers.” His relationship with his parents continues to improve, although it still has a long way to go. I’m pleased he is thinking about his father when considering our wedding date.

Dan, Suzanne’s husband and television executive, takes a seat next to me. He taps me on my shoulder and effectively ends our sparring. For now. “Congrats. Karen showed me the mock-up of the pilot for your show, and it looks great.”

Wills hears his whisper and squeezes my right hand. I’m on Cloud Nine right now. I have both a man I love and a career I want. “Merci.”

He points toward the back of the room. “Emma’s so excited to be the flower girl. You did a wonderful job with everyone. They all look great.” He winks. “Even Cole.”

“It was a tough job, but someone had to do it.”

Both men bark out laughter, causing the rest of the attendees to look at us. And smile. Cole and Rose’s wedding is finally here and everyone is excited for them. And I don’t have to worry about being anywhere else.

Cole’s friend, the television star Jessie Anderson, and her girlfriend, Amanda, take seats in the row right behind us. Ozzy Martinez, Cole’s rock star friend who’s all tatted and pierced, slides into a seat next to them on the aisle. Across the way, Rose’s business partner Shari and her boyfriend, Lance, wave to us. Seated next to them is the person everyone calls Grandma Gertie, a petite grey-haired woman with a heart of gold. My heart overflows for Cole and Rose.

A side door opens, and three men file into the front of the makeshift chapel. The officiant stands in the center, but my eyes skim over him to land on Cole. He stands straight and tall, looking excited. Next to him, his brother is chic in his tux. He winks at his boyfriend in the front row.

Cole’s father walks up the aisle, with Rose’s mother on his arm. This is such a personal touch since his mother passed a couple of years ago and her father never was in the picture. When they reach the front row, they separate. He takes his seat next to Carl while Rose’s mother sits opposite.

The music changes and everyone turns to look behind us. McKenna sashays up the aisle. The shot of white in her hair does, indeed, lend additional festivity to the wedding. Her orange dress comes to midcalf, showing off killer black heels. Nothing about her ensemble should work, but she rocks it.

Carrying her maid of honor bouquet at hip level, she smiles at her friends. When she reaches a few rows behind me, her eyes lock onto Ozzy’s, and her smile falters. His back straightens, and his head nods. She presses forward, her smile returning in full-force as she passes. After offering me a little wave, she takes her place at the altar, across from Cole.

I do not have time to wonder about her exchange with Ozzy before Suzanne urges her daughter forward. After a second, Emma walks up the aisle, absolutely adorable in her miniature version of the bride’s dress. She wears a halo of flowers on her blonde head and carries a basket. As she walks, she throws rose petals all around. In front of her, behind, to both sides, over her head. I can’t stifle a giggle at her antics and glance at her father, who shakes his head.

Cole catches Dan’s eye and nods, a breathtaking smile across the groom’s face. The love Cole and Rose have for each other fills everyone in this room.

The music stops. Cole strides over to a piano I did not notice before and begins playing “To Have and to Hold,” his latest hit. One that co-credits himself and his almost-wife for the lyrics. When he sings, “You’re my heart—I’ll fight for us both,” Rose appears.

We all stand.

A stunning vision in white floats up the aisle. Reddish highlights in her flowing brunette locks secured by an exquisite headpiece, Rose carries an overflowing bouquet of multi-colored roses. Her ice blue eyes never waiver from her man.

Wills leans over and steals a kiss from me. I know we share the same type of love as the couple about to say their vows.

Tangible.

Unshakeable.

Forever.