Fidelity (Infidelity #5)

He lifted my chin.

“And higher, now that’s the most stunning of all. I see the perfectly painted lips, permanently stuck in the most sickeningly sweet smile, cheeks that are tinted by the sun, and golden eyes that sparkle at the mere thought of the man out there on the balcony. Above it all, luscious auburn hair with highlights of gold and lowlights of mahogany that has been styled into the perfect ‘do.”

He reached for the diamond tiara on the nearby table and lowered it to my head.

“Pat, I wasn’t sure if I was going to wear that.”

As he secured the combs to keep it in place, he asked, “Then why did you buy it?”

“Because I wanted to be his princess.”

He kissed my cheek. “You always will be.”

I turned, the skirt pivoting with me. “Thank you.”

He took a step back. “And for the record, I’m only walking your pregnant ass down the aisle. I am not now giving nor never will give you away.”

“I love you.”

The door opened and Patrick jumped in front of me, his arms spread wide. “Hey, no seeing—”

“Keep your panties in place,” Chelsea said. “I’ve seen her. Hell, I dressed her. Babe, it’s time.” She winked. “And I know you can do this.”

“What would Chelsea do?” I said, reminding her of the imaginary bracelet she’d told me to wear on my first date with Nox.

“Oh, no. Hell no. Charli with an i has this thing covered.”

She came behind me in the mirror; only a small bit of her navy maid of honor dress showed behind my wide skirt as she brought her face next to mine. Our resemblance was gone. Her hair was now a lovely shade of blonde with blue tips that covered the last six inches. The soft blue curls were colored specifically to match her dress. It worked.

I reached up and hugged her face next to my shoulder. “I love you too.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you,” Chelsea said, “but if you don’t get out there soon, I think you’ll have some stiff competition.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Jane is in total love with your guy.”

“I know.” I laughed. “She’s told me at least a thousand times. She’s so excited about the baby.”

“We all are. Now…” She reached for my hand. “…are you ready for the show?”

“No, I’m ready for the real thing.”

“Then it’s time to go get him. Your mom is so nervous that I think she may take flight. You know, that thing she does with her hand by her throat.”

I shook my head. “Yes. It’s better than a wine glass.”

“Well, Mr. Demetri is holding on tight, keeping her from becoming airborne.”

“Come on, cousins,” Pat said to me.

I nodded to Chelsea who picked up her bouquet and handed the larger one to me.

“Let’s do this!”

Placing his hand at his waist, Pat offered me his arm. “Striking, astonishing, dazzling, and eye-catching.”

We paused before the entry, still hidden from all the people on the balcony, as Chelsea walked before us. I leaned closer to Pat and whispered, “Tell me you didn’t just Google synonyms for stunning.”

Winking, he patted my hand as the music of the harpist grew louder. It was the wedding march, very traditional and old-fashioned. It was perfect—ideal, wonderful, and picture-perfect. I didn’t need a calendar.

I closed my eyes as Pat led me through the glass door to the balcony. In front of the pool, a small arrangement of chairs, flowers, a harpist, and an altar had been assembled. We didn’t have a his side and a my side, just a grouping of chairs that held my momma, Oren, Jane, Aunt Gwen, Uncle Preston, Cy, Deloris, and Clayton.

As my gaze lifted, my breathing hitched. With the orange glow of the setting sun sending prisms of light dancing off the waves below, the other guests, the minister, Isaac, and even Chelsea disappeared. All I could see was the man in the silk suit. Holding his own hands in front of him, he shifted slightly from one foot to the other, causing his suit coat to shift, accentuating his wide shoulders and the V of his trim waist. His dark hair was gelled back and his tie matched his eyes. His chin was covered with only a hint of stubble and his smile shone like a beacon beckoning my approach.

My steps stuttered as Nox scanned me from my Louboutins all the way to the diamond tiara. Like the first time he’d seen me at the pool, his light blue eyes burned my skin, sending a rush of heat and leaving goose bumps in its wake. I was covered in satin and shimmering organza, yet under his approving gaze I was stripped bare.

My princess, he mouthed.

My Batman, I returned.

Our endearments weren’t audible, though our hearts heard every syllable. In his, I heard his deep timbre. It rolled like thunder to my soul until I searched the horizon for the clouds. There weren’t any. The sky was clear and darkening by the second, making the white twinkling lights decorating the balcony and below the pool’s surface sparkle like fireflies.

Stopping before Nox, Pat lifted my hand and placed it in Nox’s. “Take care of her or I’ll have to kick your ass.”

We all laughed.