“Three days ago. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
“It’s a surprise, all right. I’m… I’m gobsmacked.”
I laughed. “See, you’re picking up the British lingo already. We’ll have you calling me an arsehole any day now.”
“Nope.” She shook her head. “You’ll always be an asshole.”
“Your asshole.”
“Damn straight.” She picked up the discarded rose and buried her nose in the petals. “Gorgeous.”
“Just like you.”
“Now what?” she teased, tracing her finger over the tattoo. My dick twitched. I tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, my heart so fucking full of love for this woman.
“Now? I spend the rest of my life proving tonight wasn’t the highlight. It was just the beginning.”
Chapter 33
Aspen
Happy Ever After
I’d never seenthe lake look this perfect. The late afternoon sun had turned the water into a mirror of shimmering gold, broken only by the swans gliding along the surface. Despite only giving her six weeks to organize her only daughter’s wedding day, Mom had outdone herself. White roses and pink peonies framed the arch by the shoreline, and matching pink bows adorned the backs of the chairs set up on either side of a makeshift aisle.
The place was packed.
Mom had prepared a backup plan in case of rain, but the Seattle weather had played ball with a flush of late summer warmth instead of the drizzle my hometown was known for.
I smoothed my hand down the silk of my ivory gown and gazed at my reflection in the mirror. My shoulders shimmered with bronze highlighter, and the fit of the gown—nipped in at the waist, flared at the hip—allowed me to move freely.
I’d held my own in boardrooms, stared down rock stars’ agents, negotiated tough deals, yet I’d never felt as nervous as I did today.
“Stop fidgeting.”
I turned toward the voice. Mom crossed my childhood bedroom and tugged my hands away from the fabric. “You’ll wrinkle it.”
“I can’t help it.” I stared down at my twisted hands and laughed. “I’m nervous. Can you believe it? Me? I’m never nervous.”
Her eyes softened. “You’re marrying the man you love. It’s a big day.” She caught my hands in hers and pulled them apart. “And, God, you look beautiful. Your father has been on the verge of tears all day just thinking about walking you down the aisle.”
“Tell Dad he’s not to steal my thunder. If anyone’s blubbering today, it’s me.”
She chuckled. “I’ll give you a few minutes alone, then I’ll send your father in.” She kissed my cheek. “Good luck, darling.”
Alone once more, I began fiddling with my dress again. “Jesus Christ, girl, get it together.” I headed over to the window and stared down at the assembled guests. My eyes alighted on Arthur sitting in the third row behind my cousin, Kadon. At first, I couldn’t figure out what he was doing with Kadon’s hair. Then I saw it and burst out laughing. He was braiding it. My surf-loving, beach club owner cousin must’ve given him permission. Anything to keep idle hands busy, I guessed.
God, I loved that kid. I might not want any of my own, but I could not love that little boy more than if I had given birth to him.
I looked up at the sky. “You did good, Caroline. I promise we’ll look after him and your mom.”
A tap came on the door, and I turned around as Dad entered. He took one look at me, and his eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, no, you don’t.” I wagged my finger at him. “No tears until after the ceremony, and then I’m first.”
My teasing helped hold his emotions at bay. He chuckled. “There’s my girl. Ready, sweetheart?”
I took a steadying breath and pinned my shoulders back. “As I’ll ever be.”
