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“Come on, Emerson. You know what this is as much as I do. I might be falling for the guy, but I have zero hope that things will end with us having a happily ever after like yours.”
“I have a good feeling about this. You forget that I’m the outsider.”
“You’re my best friend.”
“That’s not what I meant. I get to observe the two of you together.” She pauses. “I’m glad you went all out for the wedding.”
“What?” Her change in topic is giving me whiplash. “Why?”
“Because it’s going to be your one and only.”
I scoff. “Are you trying to make me a lonely old cat lady?”
“Nope. I just have a hunch.”
“Yeah, yeah, we need to get moving.” I hear what she’s saying. Hell, I feel that connection every time I’m near him, but that’s not what this arrangement is supposed to be about. I can’t change the rules. If I’m being honest, I’m scared as hell to let my heart think of Legend as being mine for a lifetime.
“You had a hunch too, and look where I am.”
“Em, that’s different. You only ever wanted Rome, and it was easy for those of us who were paying attention to see that he wanted you just as fiercely.”
She taps her temple with her index finger. “Like I said. I’ve been observing. Now, enough arguing. Let’s get you married. Are you ready?”
“Yes.” No hesitation.
I’ll take what I can get from Legend Raines.
“You look beautiful, sweetheart.” My dad leans in to kiss my cheek. “I can’t believe my little girl is getting married.”
“Dry it up, old man. You’re going to make me cry.” I lean into him, and he chuckles softly.
“This is what you want, right? I know you love him, and he loves you, but as your father, I have to ask.”
How does he know that? Instead of asking, I bite down on my cheek and nod instead. The music starts, and I clear my throat. “You ready for this, Daddy?”
He sniffs. “Yeah. I’m ready.”
As I link my arm through his, the double lobby doors open, and we begin our march down the aisle.
The wedding is small, just our friends and close family. Smiling, I scan both sides before I allow my eyes to seek out Legend. He’s standing in front of the flower arch our mothers made with Lachlan’s help. His arms are at his sides, but when our eyes meet, he fists his hand and brings it to his mouth. His gaze never moves. I’m not sure either one of us blinks as I take the final steps to reach him.
I don’t hear what the preacher says, but I do hear my dad say, “Her mother and I do.”
Legend reaches for me and helps me take the final step to stand before him. He brings my hands to his lips and kisses them tenderly. “Hey, gorgeous.” He flashes me his signature cocky, flirty grin, but there’s something else that lingers behind it. The tenderness of the man I’ve gotten to know so well over the last couple of months.
“Hi,” I whisper.
The preacher starts, and I struggle to listen to what he says, not wanting to miss my turn to say my vows, but Legend’s heated gaze has me enthralled. Time seems to stand still. I can hear myself talking, but it’s as if I’m in a tunnel. Legend slides a wedding band on my finger, and I do the same to him. He kisses my rings, and I’m melting into a puddle of need for this man standing before me.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride.”
Legend grins, and he leans in close. “Hi, wife,” he whispers.
“Hi, husband.”
He takes my face in his hands and lowers his lips to mine. The tenderness in the way he holds me close brings tears to my eyes. His lips are soft as they mold to mine. However, the zap of lust that sparks between us is anything but tender. It’s heat and passion. It’s all-consuming. My head spins as my body reacts to his lips against mine.
I’m married.
