Jillian fared better. “You’re breathtaking, Skylar. We’re so happy for you, and we love Sebastian like a brother. You’re perfect for each other.” Pressing her cheek to Skylar’s, she smiled. “OK, Nixon sisters. Let’s do it.”
I followed her out into the warm September afternoon, managing to hold my tears at bay. Standing at the back, we watched as the three Pryce brothers came from around the building and walked together to the front of the terrace, where the officiant waited. Jillian reached behind her back, and I grabbed her hand when we saw how sweetly nervous Sebastian looked. He was clean shaven, hair neat, and his tall, muscular frame filled out his black suit like nobody’s business. He had a face that rivaled Skylar’s in its classic beauty, and for a moment I imagined the gorgeous children they’d have.
Once the men were in place, Jillian took a breath and started up the aisle, heads turning to watch her. When she was nearly to the front, I started out, my legs a little shaky, my fingers gripping my hydrangea bouquet tightly. Halfway up the aisle I saw Miles, and surprisingly enough, his handsome smile and adoring expression didn’t make me tear up. Victory! Maybe I could get through the ceremony without weeping!
As I passed him, he mouthed the word beautiful at me, and my stomach fluttered. I passed my mother, seated at the front, and she smiled before bringing a clump of tissues to her nose. Glancing at Sebastian, I flashed him a big grin and he gave me a small one back. I took my place next to Jillian, and we held hands as we watched the flower girls come up the aisle, all ribbons and giggles and gap-toothed smiles.
Finally, the music changed and our dad and Skylar appeared at the base of the aisle. The guests rose, and a collective gasp sounded as everyone took in how beautiful the bride was. They started up the aisle, and I had to laugh to myself because it looked like Skylar was moving even faster than our Dad, like she was so eager to get married, she was hurrying him. Jillian squeezed my hand as he kissed her cheek, and we both sighed at the way Sebastian looked at Skylar as he took her hand, as if she might not be real.
The ceremony began, and as I listened, I looked out at the love of my life, at my family, at this perfect, sunlit day that felt like such a gift. Putting a hand over my stomach, I caught Miles’s eye and smiled at the pure joy in my heart. It was almost too good to be true.
Almost.
As always, to my husband and children for their love and understanding. You make me smile every day.
To my early readers: Crimson, Laura, LeAnn, Margaret, Megan, Melanie, Melissa, and Rachel…thanks for giving me feedback, inspiration and encouragement. You’re the best peen queens around.
To Paula, for being such a dirty girl and inspiring the character of Madam Psuka. Thanks for all the anal-ysis!
To Melissa Gaston, for endless laughs and hugs and cheerleading. You make it possible for me to do what I do! Love you!
To my awesome team: Jenn Watson at Social Butterfly PR, Tamara Mataya, Angie Owens, Amanda Maria, and Cait Greer, you are the best! Thanks for all you do.
To Give Me Books, The Literary Gossip, and Ellie at Love N. Books for all the help with publicity.
To Kayti McGee, Laurelin Paige, and Sierra Simone for dealing with Noir Mel during the blackest month of the year. We survived.
To my fellow authors and friends who have so generously answered my questions, read my books, and helped me along: Laurelin Paige (my favorite domme), Lauren Blakely (you are a goddess), Geneva Lee (sorry I stole your purse #notsorry), M. Pierce (with your “memes and suspicious lack of teasers”), Corinne Michaels (why can’t I write books like you), Claire Contreras (please leave me more voice messages), Helena Hunting (you are my fave combination of funny and sexy), and all the ladies of FYW—you inspire me every day!
To the Porkers, Jesus Chevy did we have fun in Savannah! Let’s do it again!
To my Harlots—I love you all! Keep inspiring me with all your hot pics, keep talking to me about all the stories and authors you love, keep making me laugh every day. You’re amazing!