I chuckle. “Fuck, I love you, Luna.”
She pushes me away. “I love you too.” She gestures down her body. “Now forget you saw this and act like the first time you see me is when I’m walking down the aisle to you.”
I walk to the door. “See you soon.”
I practically sprint down the corridor. I’m about to marry the love of my life.
CHAPTER 16
LUNA
“You ready, kiddo?”
Frank, my boss from the diner and the closest thing to a father I have, is holding his arm out to me. When I asked him to give me away, he teared up and grumbled something about guessing he could make it.
I thread my arm through his. “I’m ready.”
Two women are about to open the doors when Frank leans toward me. “It may be a bit of a shock when they open the doors, honey. Just focus on Cole.”
Before I can ask him about it, the doors open, and I’m stunned when I see the number of people in the crowd. Rows and rows of people. Men in tailored suits. Women in beautiful gowns. There are faces I recognize from television. These are people of power, money, and influence, and they’re all looking at me.
My steps falter. Is that the mayor?
Frank steadies me, his hand tightening around my arm. “Just breathe,” he whispers.
I nod and look for Cole. As soon as I see him, everyone and everything else fades.
I walk down the aisle. and Frank kisses my forehead before putting my hand in Cole’s, staring up at him. “Remember what I said.”
It sounds threatening, but Cole just smiles. “I promise.”
Reluctantly, Frank releases me and goes to sit down.
I stare into Cole’s eyes, and I feel myself ease when I see the love shining from his black orbs.
It all happens so fast. We each say our vows, and I start to cry when Cole promises that I will always come first. There’s a gasp in the room, but Cole doesn’t falter. “You are my other half, Luna. My better half, and I promise to choose you every day. I love you, Luna. I love you more than I ever thought possible.”
I barely make it through my own vows, my voice trembling as I promise to stay. To choose him. To believe that together, we are stronger than anything that comes for us.
Cole inhales sharply, like my words have struck somewhere deep.
We exchange rings, and when the preacher announces, “You may kiss the bride,” Cole doesn’t waste a second. He kisses me until we’re both breathless and there is cheering from the crowd.
Cole lifts me in his arms and swings me around. I’ve never been happier than I am in this moment.
I slide down Cole’s body, and he wraps his arms around me. “Ready, Mrs. Kingston?”
“With you? Always, Mr. Kingston.”
We hug his brother and his parents and Frank. Then we make our way down the aisle as everyone claps and cheers.
Later, at the reception, we dance, eat, and drink, but when Cole asks me if I’m ready to go home, I agree readily.
We scan the room for his parents, and I spot Robert first. He’s standing next to the bar, drink in hand. He looks exactly as he always does. Controlled. Powerful. Untouchable.
But his attention isn’t on the party. He’s watching his wife at the opposite end of the bar.
I elbow Cole. “Are your mom and dad okay?”
