She stepped forward and adjusted his tie. They’d been through a lot together, him and his little sister. But they’d both be okay.
“Where’s Elliot?” he asked.
“With Rose. He wanted to be the one to tell her that she looks like a princess.”
He chuckled.
“Also, Ross is handling everything else. I don’t know where you found him, but that guy is a genius.”
Rose and Ross now worked together as a team, and his life was carefully organized. The two of them shocked him with just how good they were at keeping his life in order.
“He’s a great guy.”
“So, I’ll go and let Rose know that you’re waiting for her.” His sister winked at him, and he grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze.
“Thank you for … you know…” He nodded.
She moved toward him and cupped his face. “No, thank you for giving me the strength to know that I made the right decision. I love Elliot, I love my life, and I do not miss our father.”
Since his sister’s exposé, Arnold Blackwood had been facing a lot of trouble. According to gossip, he was being sued for breaches in working environments as well as in ethics. It hadn’t been easy for him. His sister’s report had brought forward other testimonies. Their stories were being heard.
Darius didn’t feel sorry for his father. He’d always believed he was above the law, and that his way of thinking was the only thing that mattered. That was now all over.
“See you at the altar?” she asked.
“That’s where I’ll be.”
“I’ll send Elliot to you here, okay?”
“Yeah, no problem.” Elliot held their rings, and Ross would come and get him.
Darius waited in his dressing room for the subtle knock, which came about ten minutes after his sister left.
“Come in.”
Elliot rushed in. “She looks like a princess. A really pretty princess.”
Darius chuckled and picked up his nephew. “I can’t wait to see her. How about you and I go and head down to where we need to be?”
Elliot nodded, and Darius lowered him to the floor.
“Still have the rings?” he asked.
His nephew nodded, tapping his pocket, and he smiled.
This was going to be a great day.
As always, Ross was running around, but the man didn’t look frazzled, he was in his element. The moment he stood at the altar with Elliot by his side, Ross was there.
“We will be good to go in five minutes. I have already spoken to Rose, and she is heading down.” Ross held his hand out. “Come on, little guy. It’s time for you to come.”
“How is Rose?” Darius asked.
His sister would spare his feelings, but Ross would give it to him straight.
“She’s nervous. All brides are. She’s ready for this, Mr. Blackwood.”
He raised a brow. “Darius, please.”
Ross smiled at him. Whenever he was doing business, it was always Mr. Blackwood. He liked the other man, and he liked to think they had become friends.
His sister was walking Rose down the aisle as she didn’t have anyone to do the job. Ross had offered, but the moment his sister agreed to do it, Rose and Ross had felt it was perfect.
Darius stared down the aisle, waiting, and he had no idea that five minutes could feel like a lifetime.
When the classic music started up, he breathed a sigh of relief. The church was packed with friends, colleagues, and associates. With it being one of the main events of the year, Ross had taken care of the guest list.
His sister, Elliot, Rose, Ross, and his family, were the only people present that mattered to him.
The moment he caught sight of her, she stole his breath away. She was so perfect. Rose hadn’t wanted a veil. Her hair was all natural, in the gorgeous curls he loved.
Bridesmaids had already taken their positions, and when the two important women approached, his sister handed her over with a warning to treat her right.
He didn’t need any warning. He’d been born to treat her right. To love her, to cherish her.
Once they were in position, the priest began his sermon, and Darius tuned him out. His only focus was on the woman in front of him. She was stunning. With that smile on her lips, he wanted to kiss her.
The service went by, and Darius spoke when he needed to. The time came to state their vows and to present each other with a ring. Elliot was a superstar, holding both rings for them. An aw echoed around the church as they all watched.
The church was silent when the priest finally asked if anyone had a reason for them not to be joined.
And then, he was finally allowed to kiss his bride.
Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her close. Rose tilted her head back, and he took the kiss that would finally claim her as his own. It was about time. The entire world fell away, and they were the only two people to exist.