33
Cate
Bianca cinches meinto a brand-new dress. It’s violet and high-necked with sleeves that go down to the tips of my fingers. It’s suffocating and nothing I would ever choose for myself, but today isn’t about me.
It’s been a week since Callum and I reignited our Bond, and with it, decided to get married. The thought still makes my stomach spin.
The anxiety has nothing to do with him. Callum has been steadfast and true since the moment I met him. The man was meant to be a partner and a father and a leader.
It’s me that is the problem.
I don’t want to let him down. I don’t want to cost him this election. But when it came down to the choices presented to us—marriage or nothing—I was too selfish to make the smart decision. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing him, and so now, we’ll be legally bound together for the rest of our lives. There will be nothing he can do to shed his association with me.
Andra tucks a stray curl into place. “You look beautiful.”
I study our reflection in the mirror. Andra is still not back to her usual weight, but her color has improved, and she no longer looks like she might faint without notice. She looks happier and healthier than I’ve seen in a long time. I take one of her hands in mine, grabbing on to Bianca with the other. “I can do this.”
They both hear it for the question it is.
“You can,” Bianca affirms.
“Am I ruining his life?” I ask on a whisper, unexpected tears filling my eyes.
Both of their hands tighten around mine.
“Do not talk that way about my sister.” Andra reaches for a handkerchief, dabbing at my eyes. My face has been left bare so at least there’s no makeup to ruin.
“Do you love him?” Bianca asks.
I nod. “You know I do.”
“And does he love you?”
I roll my eyes. “You know he does.”
Bianca shrugs, straightening my sleeve as she drops my hand. “Then let that be enough, Cate. Let yourself have this.”
I nod again, not entirely convinced.
There’s a knock at the door. Alex enters with my permission, smiling as he takes in the conservative dress Callum’s team chose for me. “It’s time to go.”
The four of us file down the long hallway of the Scotan Castle like little marching soldiers. Callum waits for us at the bottom of the stairs, looking devilishly handsome in a perfectly fitted three-piece suit. He offers me his arm when I reach the ground floor, and I tuck my hand into the crook of his elbow.
“You look stunning,” he tells me as we make our way to the carriage out front.
“Thank you.”
“You hate it, don’t you?”
I tilt my head up to catch the gleam of a smile in his eyes. “It’s terrible.”
He chuckles, opening the door of the carriage and helping me inside. “After today you can wear whatever you want.”
“Let’s wait and see what your team has to say about that.”
Callum folds himself next to me, sitting close so our thighs are pressed together. “You are my team, Cate. It’s you and me, that’s all I care about.”
I reach for his hand, lacing our fingers together. His thumb traces soothing circles over my palm and I lean into his comforting weight.
