Well, a year by Earth time anyway.
She stared into the vanity mirror, green eyes wide in her sun-kissed face as she waited for the sick feeling to twist her up. To tell her this was wrong, he was wrong. But it wasn’t coming. Because this was all she’d ever wanted, she just hadn’t known it then.
“It’s just too bad your parents couldn’t see this.”
Trishelle scoffed. “Betty, please. You know my parents and I hardly even talk and besides, how exactly would you have expected me to explain the groom to them? Well, Mom,” she tapped her chin, “I’m marrying Captain Hook, he’s as terrible as the stories say, and I love him. Surprise.” She laughed, then shook her head. “No way.”
“I can’t believe they didn’t even want to come. That’s so sad.” Betty dropped her hands on Trisha’s shoulders.
“I didn’t actually tell them I’m getting married today, Hook and I are going to be doing a rededication on Earth. I think it’s easier that way. No explanations necessary.”
“Except of course when they see his wicked hook. And FYI,” she glanced around then dropped her voice to a whisper, “that thing is so hot. But don’t tell Gerard I said that.”
Trisha laughed. “Deal.” Then blowing out a deep breath she stood and spread her arms. “So how do I look?”
“Like a heavenly vision,” Danika’s voice interjected and Trisha and Betty both twirled.
“Danika!” Betty grabbed her chest. “Why are you always so sneaky? You could give us some warning at least…sheesh.” Her ivory cheeks glowed crimson.
Palms moist, heart fluttering, Trisha closed her eyes for a split second. “Thank you,” she whispered, and meant it.
“Are you nervous, lass?” Danika asked, her ten-inch frame hovering in front of Trisha’s eyes. Even she was dressed up today, her normally blonde-gray ringlets were caught up in a twist. And rather than her typical briarwood vest and tights, she wore a gown of flowers. Several different varieties and in different colors—red, blue, pink, purple, white, and yellow. Wherever she moved the scent of spring followed.
She looked beautiful and every inch the fairy of tales.
“I’m nervous, but not because I’m not sure.” She smiled, because it was true. She couldn’t wait to start the beginning of her story with him. “I’m just anxious to get this going.”
“You’ve got a cat that ate the canary look, Dani,” Betty winked. “Go ahead and say it, you did a damn good job.”
“Aye, I did.” Her grin broadened. “But I’m not through yet.” Extracting her wand, she aimed it at Trisha’s chest. “I think you look beautiful, but the bride must never be outshone.”
Frowning down at her bodice, Trisha didn’t have a clue what she was talking about. The dress was exactly what she wanted. An ivory chiffon, one shouldered goddess gown. A soft glow fell around her, and when the light faded, the gown remained but now she was draped in pearls and diamonds.
“Now you are perfect.” She beamed like a mother hen with her chicks.
Holding out her palm, Trisha waited until Danika dropped into it before saying, “Thank you, Danika. For everything.”
Betty nodded too.
Bright blue eyes brimming with tears, Danika sniffed then nodded. “I did what I had to do. But always know, I love you girls as if you were my own.”
A knock broke their weepy love fest.
“Trishelle,” Hook’s whiskey thick drawl had heat sizzling down her spine.
She was never going to get tired of him, and she didn’t want to.
“I need to speak with you, before…”
Danika nodded, then disappeared in a flash of light. Betty kissed both her cheeks and whispered, “I’ll meet you upstairs.”
Stomach tickling, Trisha smiled.
Hook held the door open for Betty, closing it softly behind her. He was dressed in pirate’s finery. A long black and gold frock coat with a cream ruffled shirt and black breeches. His boots were polished to within an inch of their life. But none of that compared to the heart stopping smile he gave her.
Dark eyes gleamed bright as his gaze literally seemed to devour her. “My goddess you take my breath,” he whispered.
Biting her lip, she held out her hands for him.
Clasping them gently in his own, he knuckled her cheek, causing her lashes to flutter.
“They say it’s bad luck for a groom to see his bride before the wedding,” she breathed.
His full lips tipped. “Not for us. I have already bound myself to you, you own me, Trishelle Page, the rest is simply semantics.”
Toes curling in her shoes, she said, “I’m so ready to marry you, Captain. James. Hook.” She punctuated each statement with a peck on his cheek.
Growling low, he wrapped his arm around her waist. “To hell with them all. Let’s send them away and stay in this room. I need you now.”