“It’s perfect,” she said with tears in her eyes.
“Well, it’s not the Hope Diamond or anything, so don’t get all weepy on me.”
“It’s better than the Hope Diamond, you ass.”
I gave a half snort. “Nice to see your sense of sarcasm is still intact.”
“Always. Help me put it on.” She swept a hand under the thick mass of curls that cascaded between her shoulder blades, and I latched the necklace. She admired it in the mirror and said, “A ring from Dane instead of a bracelet this time, earrings from my dad, a family heirloom from Amano—blue, no less—and a necklace from you that has a photo of Amsel. That covers the bases of all my favorite men.”
I lightly kissed her cheek. “Happy second-wedding day.”
She laughed. “A mulligan.”
“I did call it a redo.”
“So better luck to us all this time around.”
“I think we’re in for a pleasant surprise. No more bad guys.”
“No more bad guys.”
Tamera came back to fetch me, so I said to Ari, “Don’t trip in those skyscraping shoes on your way down the aisle.”
“I think I can handle it. Outpatient rehab for my leg at your aunt’s retreat has done wonders.” She reached for my hand and gave it a squeeze. “And you are the best friend, ever.”
“Go get married.” I rolled my eyes. “Again.”
ari
I thought it’d be different this time around.
As though having all these people here to watch Dane and me joined in holy matrimony would make it more significant. As if all the decorations and the incredibly gorgeous courtyard of 10,000 Lux would really solidify our marriage.
I remembered when Dane had proposed the first time and had then told me it’d have to be a small, private affair no one outside our circle could know about. I’d been upset because, yes, as a bridal consultant, I wanted to plan my own picture-perfect wedding.
More than that, though, I’d wanted the entire world to know I was marrying the most devilishly handsome, amazingly tempting man on the planet.
But as my father had walked me down the creekside aisle that magical night, I hadn’t even noticed the decorations or the guests. I was grateful for it all, of course. Yet the only thing I saw was what awaited me at the end of that aisle.
The only person I saw was Dane.
So breathtaking.
And all mine.
This time around was really no different, as my father escorted me toward the altar on the spectacular grounds of the recently launched 10,000 Lux.
“Breathe, sweets,” he whispered beside me.
“Dane’s just so perfect.”
“And you’re already married to him, so…?”
“Dad,” I said on a rush of air, my heart fluttering at the sight of what I walked toward. A future that finally shone bright.
“Fine.” My father guided me to that coveted spot in front of my dear friend Tamera and then kissed me on the cheek.
Rosa sat on the end of the first row of chairs, with Amsel in her arms. I flashed my son a smile and gave him a little wave. In return, I believe he gave me his first fist pump.