My eyes drift to Rachel and I know that’s what I want more than anything—for her to be my wife and by my side for the rest of my life.
She meets my gaze and I’m so close to dipping my head and capturing her lips when a loud cough behind us interrupts.
We glance over our shoulder and see Joshua with a frown on his face, staring at us. He raises a brow and tips his head to the back of the room.
Charlotte has arrived.
I only catch a glimpse through the rest of my family, but as she slowly moves past on Uncle Michael’s arm, I’m unable to miss the clear and bright excitement on her face as she’s led toward her future husband.
Something catches in my chest and I find it difficult to breathe, until I feel the gentle touch of Rachel as she intertwines our fingers together. She squeezes and doesn’t let go—all through the marriage ceremony she keeps hold.
Once Charlotte and Tanner are pronounced man and wife and it’s our turn to follow them from the room, only then do we reluctantly let each other go. I don’t like it.
10
Rachel
Entering the reception area I watch Charlotte as she smiles up at her husband. Tanner is just as besotted with his new wife, and so far, I haven’t seen them let go of each other. It makes my heart heavy with longing for what I can’t have for now.
It was beautiful getting to hold Alexander’s hand throughout the ceremony. I’d felt his touch all the way through to my soul. Even the dark look from Paige hadn’t put a dampener on how light my heart had felt.
Alexander is close to me and that helps me move forward to wrap my cousin, Charlotte, up in a hug of congratulations.
“You look like a Princess, Mrs. Jackson,” I whisper, pulling away. “And you’ve certainly caught your Prince Charming.”
“I have haven’t I?” She grins and kisses my cheek. “You’ll catch yours one day.”
Moving into the room, I whisper, “I already have,” and get caught up with Aunt Sabrina, Alexander’s mom, as she slips her arm through mine.
“We’re sitting at the same table. I switched you with Sofia so you can breathe.”
I glance at her face and sigh when she smiles. “I’m not blind Rachel, and there is something going on between you and Paige. I’m not taking sides, but I have seen how uncomfortable she’s making you regardless of how much you try to hide it.” She pats my arm. “Weddings are for smiles and laughter, and that’s what you’re going to experience.”
Turning into her, I throw my arms around her shoulders. “I love you, Aunt Sabrina.”
“You’re going to make me cry.” She pulls back and dabs at her eyes. “I love you too.” She cups my face and only lets go when her husband, Lucien, wraps an arm around her waist.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.
“I’m always emotional at weddings. You know this.” She nuzzles into his neck while Uncle Lucien cups her chin and lifts her to his mouth for a brief kiss. The kiss may have been brief but I bet it would have continued on if they’d been alone.
I haven’t spoken to Uncle Lucien since the night he found Alexander and I in Uncle Michael’s study.
As I’m taking my seat he glances between Alexander—a frown marring his brow—and me. I turn to Alex. “Your mother changed the seating around.”
He raises a brow so I continue, “She picked up on the anger in Paige. Moved me here so that I didn’t have to worry about her.” Sighing, I add, “She’s my twin and I do need to talk to her, but I’m sick of arguing and having her lecturing me.”
“She’ll come around,” Alex says.
“I hope so.”
“Anyone else froze to death outside?” Uncle Sebastian says, sitting his wife before himself. “I wouldn’t recommend the trip from the hot tub to the room.” He shudders. “I nearly turned into a damn icicle.”
Uncle Lucien rolls his eyes. “Haven’t you grown up yet?”
“Hey, I have a hot wife. What can I say?”
“Not in front of the children, please,” Olivia adds, dropping into her seat.