“It’s a mystery,” Alex said.
Luckily, London had put on a fine, cloudless day for his nuptials, or they’d have taken the entire event inside 11 Crabbett Close.
“It’s a beautiful day to sit in the sun, eat, and celebrate love,” Ramsey said.
“Mr. Peeky has supplied plenty of his rum for the occasion,” Leo said with an evil grin for Gray.
“I have a question,” Gray said. “As I will soon be married to a Nightingale, that will mean I am one of you, right?”
“I guess so,” Leo admitted reluctantly.
“Yes, exactly,” Alex said, and Gray felt warm all over at the thought of being part of this large, wonderful family.
“So I may bring a guest to the next Crabbett Close event?”
Alex’s smile grew as he glanced from Gray to Ramsey. “But of course you can.”
“Excellent. You’ll love it, Ram.”
“You just want me to make a fool of myself, but as that never happens… good Lord.” Ramsey’s mouth fell open as he looked to the end of the aisle. “I invited them, but I never thought they’d come.”
Gray turned and found his youngest brother and mother walking down Ramsey’s carpet, looking shocked at what was before them. He felt the sudden burn of tears behind his eyes. Teddy was leading them to the front pew, where they then sat.
Gray moved to stand before them. “Thank you for coming. I realize this is—”
“Perfect,” his mother said. “Congratulations, Grayson, I am glad you are happy.”
He leaned down to kiss her cheek. “Thank you, Mother, I am.”
He then held out his hand to his brother, and Henry took it.
“Congratulations, Grayson. Ramsey reminded us that blood is important, and I’m sorry it took me so long to realize that.”
“You are here, and that means more than I can ever say. Thank you.”
He made his way back to Leo, Alex, and Ramsey.
“You’re not going to weep, are you, because the ceremony is about to start, and if Ellen finds you crying, she’d think we did it,” Ramsey said.
“Thank you for speaking with my family, Ram.”
“Your father and eldest brother weren’t receptive, but I’m glad your mother and Henry are here, cousin.”
He hugged him and then Leo and Alex, because he felt he needed to.
“Right then. Here comes the love of your life, and you better make her happy, or we’ll kill you,” Leo said.
He saw Fred, Matilda, and Lottie first. They looked sweet in matching dresses and held baskets. Lottie was throwing petals at people, and the other two were scattering them on Ramsey’s carpet runner.
The twins, Dorset and Somerset, and the Duke of Raven’s sister, Samantha, came next. But it was the woman who appeared behind them that had the breath lodging in his throat.
Ellen wore cream silk and lace with a simple circlet of flowers on her head. They’d styled her blond curls with a few ringlets around her face and the rest were piled high on her head. She held her uncle’s arm.
“For the love of God, man, breathe. It would not do for the groom to pass out before the wedding,” Ramsey said.
It whooshed out of his mouth as she started walking toward him down Ramsey’s carpet runner.
“She’s stunning. I may nudge you out of the way and take your place,” Ramsey said.
