A Merry Vested Wedding

“Not my children,” he vowed. “I worked hard to make your life easier, so indulge me.”

And we did.

I was grateful—we all were—we knew how lucky we were to have Bentley Ridge as our father.

Mom smiled. “He will be very proud.”

She hugged us, and we stepped out from behind the screen. I gasped in delight at the girls. All in varying tones from cream and ivory to soft gold and their dresses styled to suit them, they were beautiful. The bouquets matched my headpiece, and each had a little piece of festiveness in her hair—a spray of holly, some ivy, the glitter of sparkles—some tiny sprig of the theme. They brought tears to my eyes.

They all loved my dress, oohing and aahing at Cami’s creation. Jen came forward, clucking as he fixed the hem, fussed with my headpiece, and tamed a stray lock of hair back into place.

“A masterpiece of loveliness.” He glanced over my shoulder. “Cami, you have done yourself proud. The entire wedding party is perfect.”

She hummed her thanks, smiling widely.

I leaned close. “Is he here? Has Brayden arrived?”

Jen smiled, his eyes soft. “Your groom is waiting anxiously downstairs for you.” He looked at Chloe. “You have the ring?”

She nodded, sliding her fingers into the hidden pocket added just for that reason. “Yep.”

He turned to the group. “Remember. Slow and graceful. I don’t want anyone charging down the aisle.” He threw me a wink. “Even you. Once you get an eyeful of your man, you might want to, but don’t. Enjoy the walk. Take in the splendor the room has become. The ambiance is—” he paused and brought his fingers to his lips in a kiss “—pure romance.”

I nodded, my nerves easing a bit now I knew Brayden was here. Not that there had been any doubts, but somehow, I relaxed more knowing he was in the building. I fiddled with my bracelet, sliding my finger over the smooth surface of the pearl. My mom noticed and smiled. Then she slipped a small box into my hand.

“Your groom asked me to give this to you.”

I held my breath as I opened the box. A set of earrings, pearls so similar to the one my dad gave me this morning, were nestled in dark velvet. They were surrounded by tiny diamonds that twinkled in the light. Delicate and elegant, they could be worn any time, but for today, they would be special. Brayden knew me so well. There was a small note, and I plucked it from the top.

Wear for me. I love you. BI stifled a sob, and Mom helped me put them in. She nodded.

“Perfect. He chose well.”

“I think he had help.”

She smiled. “He and your father may have had a talk. But the idea was his.”

“Did he get his cuff links?”

“Yes. He loved them.”

I drew in a deep breath and glanced at the clock.

“Oh god, ten minutes,” I whispered.

My mom slipped her fingers under my chin. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Jen lifted his arms. “Then, ladies, in your positions. We’re heading down to the back room now.” He looked at me. “I’ll send your father up in five. I’ll get the girls in order. You’ll be at the back. I’ll send them down at the right moment.”

“My sweater…” I asked, suddenly anxious.

“I will have it for afterward. Everything is handled.” His smile was wide. “All you have to do is be the bride. We’ve got the rest covered.” He handed me my bouquet. “All right?”

“Yes.”

I waited, listening for my father’s footsteps. When he appeared, he was silent, staring at me for a moment. His eyes misted over, and he wiped at his face, not at all embarrassed by his emotions. He leaned down and kissed my cheek, his voice thick. “The last time I saw a bride this beautiful, it was your mother.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Brayden is going out of his skin, waiting for you.” He smiled, although his eyes were watery. “It’s time to take you to him.”

“Please.”

He tucked my arm into his. “You sure you don’t want to duck and run? We could go get ice cream.” He winked, letting me know he was joking.

“Maybe after.”

“Anytime, Addi. Anything, anytime.”

I squeezed his arm. “I know.”

He sighed. “Then let’s get you married.”I peeked through the door before the girls started their walk. The room was resplendent. The glow of candles, the scent of pine and roses, the garlands and trees twinkling with lights. I spied the groomsmen, dashing in their tuxes, waiting patiently. Ronan, Paul, and Jeremy all stood out, their broad shoulders towering over everyone. Thomas was smiling at something Liam said as they sat down, their usher duties done. Beside Brayden was Reed, standing proud, his hand on Brayden’s shoulder.

My breath caught at the sight of him. Tall, his shoulders straight, his hands crossed in front of him, looking anxious, was my Brayden. The light glinted off his light-brown hair, carefully brushed and gleaming. His chiseled jaw was smooth, and his tux fit him perfectly. He was built lean like his father, but his clothes hid the perfection of his taut torso, muscular biceps, and toned body. I knew those muscles all too well. How they felt under my fingers, the way they rippled as we made love.