“Don’t be naughty.”
“It is impossible not to be, amor.”
My stomach fluttered again, and I bit back my smile.No, Octavia. You cannot jump this man’s bones at your sister’s wedding.
Music began to play, cutting our conversation short.
Deke and his mother stood before us and began their walk down the aisle. Everyone started quietly cheering for him, and Deke Bishop, being the man he was, soaked it all up with a big grin.
We followed shortly after. Javier held on to me, his chin up and a soft smile gracing his lips. The rest of the wedding party followed suit, lining up on their respective sides at the end of the aisle.
Then it was Aleesa’s turn.
She walked with her flower basket and a bashful smile. She was so adorable in her burgundy dress. She smiled the whole way, tossing flowers in chunks and waving at her dad in between.
Javier waved back a few times, chuckling to himself.
Aleesa reached the end of the aisle, and Cat swooped in to grab her hand and lead her away from the main area. She propped Aleesa in the seat between her and Paola, who gave her granddaughter a squeeze and quick praise.
The ring bearer was Deke’s nephew, Eli, a handsome kid with dimples, just like his uncle. He was going to be just as charming as his uncle, too, considering how well he absorbed all the attention he was getting from the guests.
And then, finally ... there was my sister.
She approached the top of the aisle, with my mother on one arm and my brother, Abe, on the other. I held a hand over my mouth, wanting to smile and cry at the same time.
That wasmyfamily. My people.
Davina stood in the center like an angel. So much hope in her eyes after all the dark days she’d endured was truly a sight to behold. There was a point when I didn’t think she’d ever wear a full smile again. I’d tried to bring it out, of course, but her light had faded, so it had been useless.
But now ...wow. She was glowing. She was stunning. She was restored, and that alone was beautiful.
I looked at the groom. His jaw was locked, but his eyes were filled with tears. They shimmered in the sunlight, and he shook his head, trying his hardest to fight those tears, but the emotion eventually won. Javier clapped his shoulder and gave it a proud shake. Deke swiped at his tears, but not once did he take his eyes off his walking bride.
And yeah ... I was pretty much sobbing now. He had so much love for her. Lewis was great for Davina, yes, but Deke was a perfect match as well.
My mother and Abe handed her off once they reached the altar, and my mother walked with Abe to their seats.
As the officiant spoke and I watched my sister and Deke hold hands and stare into each other’s damp eyes, there was one thing I knew for certain: Life can truly be a wondrous thing.
Yes, it’s hard, and some days are darker than others, but let me tell you something: When you have true love in your life, nothing can ruin you. Especially when the love runs deep and conquers all odds. Love like this should be cherished because it’s so insanely rare.
As those thoughts ran through my mind, all I could do was look at Javier. The man who I knew for certain was my soulmate. The man who made me feel whole after so many years of emptiness.
The man who protected me.
Kept me safe.
Nurtured me and brought me back to life.
He was for me, and I was for him.
Javier’s eyes connected with mine, and I wanted to throw my arms around him and hold on forever. I wanted to feel his arms wrap around me and for him to whisper in my ear how much he loved me and how he’d never let me go.
It amazed me how, when I first started working for Javier, falling in love had been comical and a thing of the past. The idea of it had literally made me scoff, because there was no way in hell falling for someone and investing all your time and energy into them was worth it.
But, you see, love was never the problem. It wasfear.
Fear of the unknown.
