Near the front was a man sitting between two people who he resembled so much they had to be his parents, and a nasty snarl twisted his lips. He looked like he wanted to jump up and stab me. Ah, this must be Christian—the boyfriend. My guilt and nervousness fled in the face of another emotion I was very familiar with, and I locked eyes with him and raised Noah’s hand to my lips, kissing his knuckles. There were someawws, and Noah let out a tiny sound that was almost a giggle, obviously fueled by his nerves.
Christian tensed and glared as if his only wish was to take me off God’s green earth. Good. I’d won this game all around. I didn’t even hate him personally, just everything he represented: the snotty, privileged youth of Vert Island.
It did burn my ass that the little bastard had been in Noah, though. Enjoyed him. That pissed me off as I turned back to stare at my future husband, the golden goose that was going to hang Edison Divine.
Part of me wanted to comfort Noah. He looked close to passing out, his face paling as he tried to smile at Clover. I leaned forward and whispered, “Are you ready to serve and obey?”
He whipped his attention to me and color flooded his cheeks. His stance steadied. “Yes,husband.”
“You’re such a good little mouse,” I whispered back, and he narrowed his eyes.
“Let’s get started,” Clover said happily, drawing everyone’s attention. He was on a short podium, opposite the guests near us, that allowed him to be about eye level with me. “We’re gathered here today for a celebration of love.”
During the ceremony, around about the part where Clover talked about sacrificing for love, Noah paled again, and his eyelids fluttered. He wavered on his feet, and I was almost positive he was about to pass out, so I slipped my arms around him. He stumbled and rested his forehead on my shoulder.
“Only a round of jitters!” Clover said, and I realized our audience had become aware of the predicament, not just me. They’d started whispering, probably wondering what the hell was wrong. I gritted my teeth. “It’s not unusual. Take deep breaths. This is good. It means you’re taking your vows seriously.”
Noah shuddered as Clover rested a hand on his shoulder. I wanted to strangle the helpful little man, but he instructed Noah to breathe again, and before long he was standing steady, though I didn’t let go of him.
Antoine stepped up with the rings and we exchanged them without words. They were plain titanium, and again I wasn’t exactly happy with myself. Noah might not be my forever husband, but I should’ve done something better for him. Something nicer.
“There now, are you ready to keep going?” Clover beamed at Noah, who nodded.
“Do I have a choice?”
Clover’s eyebrows climbed high, and he sent a much cooler glance at me than I’d gotten earlier.
“He hates crowds but wanted his family here.”
“Ah, yes.” Clover gave him a sweet smile and patted his head, almost like Noah was a boy.
Noah sent me a squinty glare for my lie, but fuck it. Clover kept talking, and before I knew it we were at the part where I was supposed to say things.
Noah stared.
The crowd stared.
The minister gave me an encouraging nod.
“I promise to protect, honor, and cherish you as my husband.” I felt like a toad about to be struck by lightning as I repeated those words verbatim.
Tears rolled down Noah’s face, and he appeared stunned as he repeated the same words. There were some titters from our audience, and I assumed they thought he was overwhelmed with emotion—which I was sure was true.
“Do you promise to be faithful always?” Clover asked. I should’ve looked at these damned vows first.
“Yes, I do,” I said.
Clover asked Noah the same question, and he nodded.
“Out loud,” the minister said with a chuckle. “Oh, you’re so cute.”
Noah blanched, and I kept him steady on his feet. “I do,” he said.
There was a burst of polite applause and the musicians began to play something tasteful, not that terrible wedding march. And it was time for the kiss. When I leaned in, he tasted like salt. I refused to feel guilty about it and took my time, sucking at his sweet lips until he sort of sighed and leaned against my front. We got a more amused round of applause as he shuffled back and blushed in a way that made me want to strip him where he stood.
I felt bad when he gave me a hurt look as the first person came up to shake his hand and congratulate him. A line formed and guests mingled around offering well-wishes, and everyone wanted to get an eyeful of my new husband, especially the people who’d been blindsided by this. Noah seemed more and more overwhelmed as the line cycled through, and I decided that while I wouldn’t allow myself to feel guilty for anything I’d done, I could deal with the Divine Conglomerate business as quickly as possible.
Then I could focus entirely on my husband and enjoying him.
