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“Sammie and I will stay with Annie and Celeste,” I said to Rafferty. “Come get us when it’s time.”
“I’m going to touch base with her father. Make sure he knows the plan,” Rafferty said before taking off to join Atticus near the altar.
Thad excused himself as well, wandering off with his head bent, clearly working through something in his mind.
Sammie left for the kitchen, and I turned to follow, but Caspian grabbed my arm, pulling me toward him. “About earlier…”
“Yeah?” My stomach turned over. What was he about to say? Nothing good. No one started a sentence that way unless they wanted to let you down gently.
“I’m just checking to make sure I didn’t make you uncomfortable. These days you can’t be too careful.”
Careful?
“I don’t know what you mean,” I said.
“I’m your boss. The whole power thing. You know? I don’t want you to feel pressured. If I came on too strong, please forgive me.”
I let my eyes twinkle flirtatiously. “Pressured to do what?”
He cocked his head to one side, flashing that sexy smile. “I take it youdonotfeel pressured? Or harassed?”
“Do you need me to sign something?” I don’t what had gotten into me, but the afternoon had made me suddenly bold. “Because I would if that meant you’d kiss me for real.”
His mouth fell open for a moment. “I’ll be in touch with my attorney and get back to you.”
I laughed and nudged his chest. “I’m only kidding.”
“I don’t know what this is, and I’m worried.” His brow wrinkled to prove his point.
“Worried about what?”
He looked down at his feet. “You know, don’t you?”
“I do. If we get involved, it could ruin everything.”
“Are you willing to risk it?” Caspian asked.
“I didn’t even think you noticed me at all.”
“Oh, I notice you. Too much. Every detail.” He brushed his knuckle along the outline of my chin. “Maybe all this wedding stuff has gotten to me, but maybe it’s time to get into the arena, so to speak.”
I glanced around, suddenly worried people were watching, but no one seemed to care.
“Maybe so,” I said. “For both of us.”
9
CASPIAN
After a harried morning, it was finally time for the ceremony. As distracted as I was by my obsessive desire to kiss Elliot, I focused on the task at hand. Marrying Annie and Atticus was all that mattered today. I couldn’t mess this up. They were counting on me.
I’d practiced several times, but standing before our family and friends, my legs started to tremble. Why had I agreed to this? The flop sweat might start at any moment.
Soren escorted Scout to the back of the room. He knelt and said something to the dog, which had the miraculous effect of getting her to sit on her haunches. The rings hung on the tulle ribbon around Scout’s neck and caught the light when she tilted her head. She’d clearly just been to the groomer, because she looked more like a show dog than a Montana mutt.
Pre-processional music began. Despite the protests from Rafferty, Annie and Atticus had asked that the music be streamed through the speakers instead of hiring musicians.
I took my place in the middle of the arch, with Atticus by my side.
