Flawless Prize

“Don’t leave the groom waiting!” she says, picking up her maid-of-honor bouquet. “I’ll see you out there.”

She heads into the church, and Joanie escorts my mom, just behind.

I adjust my skirts, and take my place, just behind the double doors at the end of the aisle. My heart is racing, and I feel like sprinting down the aisle to Caleb. But I also want to treasure every moment of this day, to remember it for the rest of my life.

“Well, aren’t you a sight to see.”

I turn, shocked to find Nero standing there beside me. “What are you doing here?” I start to ask. After the scene at his club, neither Caleb or I have seen him again. The lawyers handled their compromise deal, and as far as Caleb is concerned, that means Nero is out of his life forever—brother or not.

Nero gives me a cool smirk. “Did my invitation get lost in the mail? Don’t worry,” he adds, before I can panic. “I’m not here to crash the party. In fact, I have something for you.”

He hands me a sheaf of papers, filled with dense legal language.

“Sebastian Wolfe is dropping his takeover bid,” he translates for me.

My eyes widen. “What? How? We thought for sure he was going to win!”

“He was.” Nero replies. “Until I… Talked him out of it.”

I shiver. Even though Nero is being perfectly civil, there’s still a dangerous animal beneath that well-cut suit.

And I’m pretty sure, Sebastian Wolfe wouldn’t have given up Sterling Cross easily.

Not unless he had no other option.

I swallow. “But why?” I ask. “Why do this favor?”

Nero gives me a curious smile. “Consider it a wedding gift. After all, we’re family now.”

I can’t tell if that sounds more like a promise—or a threat. But either way, I’m not going to ask questions about this eleventh-hour save.

“You could stay,” I offer, nodding to the crowd inside. “I know Caleb will want to thank you in person.”

“Not my scene,” Nero says shortly. “You better not keep him waiting.”

And then he’s gone, just as quickly as he arrived.

The orchestra strikes up the music, pulling my attention back to the church. The doors open, and I take a deep breath, stepping down the aisle.

And then I see him standing there, and everything fades away. Caleb. The only man for me.

My forever.

I walk towards him eagerly, and the look on his face as he greets me is something I know I’ll remember for the rest of my life. When I reach him, he’s smiling.

“You look so beautiful,” he says, moving in close to take my hands. “Ready?” he asks, leaning in close to whisper to me.

I nod. I’ve never been more ready.

“Just wait until I get you alone on our honeymoon.” Caleb adds with a wicked grin. “I have big plans for you…”

THE END