The Playboy Next Door
I still look like me, but with more makeup.
My twin is in an interesting situation. He’s walking me down the aisle in my father’s place and is also my man-of-honor and River’s best man. Ollie’s dressed in a dark suit, his blond hair styled into spikes.
He moves behind me and places his hands on my shoulders. “You look beautiful, Ems. Mom and dad would have been so proud.”
My heart aches at the thought of our parents. When I was a little girl, I had dreamed of my dad walking me down the aisle. I had all the bridesmaid colors picked, even the songs for the dances planned. But now I have a new dream. Working with Chef Pierre helped me to land a gig on the Food Network. A little segment called Emma’s Kitchen.
I smile at Ollie in the mirror. “I wish they were here with us.”
His eyes drift for a moment, then he grins. “Yeah, sis. Me, too. I miss them every single day.”
The event planner strolls into the room and calls out that we have five minutes until the start of the ceremony. Ollie extends his hand, helping me up from the chair. I’m not showing yet, but I swear I feel like I’ve gained twenty pounds. Out of habit, I place my hand on my stomach, and my brother’s gaze drifts.
He holds his hand over mine, a big smile on his handsome face. “I can’t wait to see this little guy.”
“We don’t know it’s a boy yet.”
“Wishful thinking.”
“River already bought him a hockey jersey.” I laugh, shaking my head.
Ollie offers his arm to me, and I hook my arm through his. We follow the wedding planner into the hallway. Women with earpieces move past us, communicating our status to the other event planners.
My stomach twists into knots as we approach the closed doors, which lead to the event room. We’re hosting our ceremony and wedding in an event room at the hotel down the street from the apartment. Right on Delaware Ave. The guests can spend the night on us because River spared no expense.
Only the best for my hockey god. River invited more than half of the NHL. Some of his family and childhood friends flew in from Canada.
When we reach the double doors, two event planners open them for us, revealing the packed room. My hand shakes, and Ollie grips me tighter. He’s always been my rock. I’m so glad to have him on this special day.
All of River’s teammates are here with their wives. White chairs with pretty blue ribbons line both sides of the aisle. River stands on the altar beside the pastor. He’s up there by himself because we skipped having a bridal party. All of my chef friends stopped talking to me after the restaurant failed, and when they came back because of my success, I decided I already had everyone I needed in my life.
The music starts.
Ollie tightens his grip on me, smiling before we stroll down the aisle. When we reach River, Ollie kisses my cheek and tells River that he better take good care of me. Of course he will. All the good that has come into my life is because of River.
River could break hearts he looks so handsome in his black tuxedo, the fabric molding to his muscular body like a glove. I keep my eyes on him and the huge smile that illuminates his irises, block out everyone but my husband. It’s as if we’re the only people in the room.
The pastor opens the Bible and clears his throat. We settle into our places in front of him with our hands joined. He goes through the motions, and by the time we say our vows, I can’t wait to become Mrs. River Westbrook.
We take turns slipping the rings on each other’s fingers, and the pastor pronounces us husband and wife. River wraps his muscular arms around me, smothering me with his delicious scent as he kisses my lips.
“I love you, Mrs. Westbrook,” he says against my lips, then moves his palm to my stomach. “You, too, Baby Westbrook.”
I giggle and kiss him again, weaving my fingers between his over my belly. “We love you too, Daddy.”