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“What about Oscar?”
“I love him to bits, but this is too much. You gave up college, medical school, dating, and your youth to care for him. You’re only twenty-four. Giving away your whole life – love and a large family like you’ve always wanted - isn’t fair to you.”
“If life were fair, Mom and Dad wouldn’t have passed in a senseless accident when I was a freshman. Dad was so proud I was the first child in his family to go to college. He should have lived to see me graduate. And Mom must have worried about Oscar so much.” I blink back tears.
“Hey, that’s bullshit. She knew you’d take care of him. Besides, remember what she always said?”
“Enjoy today as if it’s your last day,” we chorus.
“That’s why I have to do this,” I say.
“That’s part of the reason. I hate my brother. Most people are like that. I’ve never seen someone who doesn’t argue with their siblings the way you do. You love Oscar and have always been protective of him.”
“If I were younger, I probably would have resented how much time Mom spent taking care of him in hospital and at home. Being four years older changed that. And with him being special, it’s hard to hate him.”
“I just wish you were marrying for love, like how it should be.” She shakes her head. “You’re in lust with each other, so who knows? You might fall in love?”
“That mustn’t happen. He doesn’t want that. I’d be the only one falling. That would be hell.”
Oscar comes in.
I look at Selena. She nods and I relax. I don’t want my brother to know that my marriage isn’t a fairytale. Although he’s twenty, his thinking age is only around thirteen.
“Are you ready?” Oscar asks.
I swallow. He looks so handsome in a blue suit that I miss Mom and Dad all over again. I nod.
He puts his arm out, and I place my hand on it.
My jitters calm.
There’s a frown on his face that always shows up when he’s trying to do his best. He’s standing in Dad’s place and doesn’t want to let him down. It’s one reason I love my brother. He always thinks of others.
I’m doing this for him. I’ll cope with whatever comes my way because of him.
We step into the wedding hall, and music plays.
I gaze at Gabriel. His chestnut hair is sleeked back into a trendy style that shows his strong, wide forehead; chiseled nose and cheekbones to perfection. His six-foot-four inches muscular frame is encased in a tailored, dark grey tuxedo that makes him look like a model.
Only, no modelling agency would ever take him because of the scar that runs along the left side of his face. Still, it makes him look more rugged, sexier.
Since I came across his photo six years ago when I was researching his company as a prospective employer, I’ve been drawn to his looks. Working for him only made that attraction stronger.
When I get close enough to see the expression in his eyes, I can’t look away. There’s something compelling, magnetic that keeps me trapped in his gaze.
Before I know it, I’m in front of him and Oscar is placing my hand in his. At the contact, my hand tingles.
His eyes widen.
Is he seeing the same desire in mine?
Heat spreads all over my body. My lips feel chapped. I use my tongue to moisten them.
Gabriel glances at my mouth, with eyes darker than I’ve ever seen them.
My breath hitches.
“Dearly beloved,” the Officiant starts.
