Page 74 of Maximum Bet

I don’t check with my security detail to ensure everything is going to plan.

No, today I leave that job to Marco and Leo, because my focus is on my future—one that includes the bride I am minutes away from making my wife.

The chatter in the rooftop ballroom of my father’s boutique hotel, Le Château, dims to a murmur as I approach the altar, followed by Marco, Leo, and Lucas.

I ignore the attention I receive from the guests as I wait impatiently for the doors in the back of the room to open.

I’ve seen the space before, so I don’t take time to soak in the environment. I don’t care about the three sides of wide windows, overlooking Las Vegas. I don’t care about the crystal chandeliers hanging from above, the white runner, or the pale-pink flowers Cassandra told me we would have. None of that matters to me.

The officiant, a non-denominational clergyman who’s worked with our family for years, takes his place, cueing the four-string quartet in the corner to switch from Vivaldi to Pachelbel.

My breath hitches as the double doors at the end of the aisle open and the procession begins.

First are the flower girls, daughters of a second cousin on my father’s side. The girls, dressed in ivory with pink sashes around their waists, drop pale-pink rose petals as they try to match the pace of the music. Halfway down the aisle, the older one scolds the younger for not throwing enough petals from her basket. The glare the younger sends her sister has the guests laughing.

Next is Whitney. Her hair is back to a neutral brown, a change from the extreme colors she’s switched between since I’ve known her. According to Cassandra, the hair is a normal color just for us, and Whitney plans to go back to deep red next week.

Following Whitney comes Amanda. The long dresses the girls wear match the floral arrangements they hold, which impresses me. I don’t know if it was Cassandra or Natalie who pulled that off, but it looks nice.

Sadie comes last. Only a little over a month since giving birth, she’s a good friend to have still taken on maid of honor duties. Lucas explained that the baby is staying at their condo with Sadie’s sister for the evening.

After Sadie takes her place next to the altar, the music crescendos. I shift on my feet as my heartbeat accelerates. I focus on my breaths, in and out, and squeeze my palms together to keep them from trembling.

I’m not an emotional man.

Except when the woman of my dreams is about to bind herself to me forever.

The air shifts, and all my nerves disappear, because before me is the most beautiful sight in the world.

At the far end of the aisle, Cassandra steps forward. Crystal-covered heels peek below the hem of her full skirts as she walks, arm hooked in the crease of her father’s elbow.

I rake my eyes up her body, her trim waist, her lace-covered torso, and her innocent yet compelling neckline. Decorative lace hangs over her upper arms, accentuating her décolletage.

I want her. I’ve never wanted anything more in my life.

But not just in my bed; I want her by my side, as my partner.

We will fight our battles and celebrate our victories side by side.

Us versus the world.

Before I can take a full breath, Cassandra stops in front of me. Her father lifts her veil to kiss her lightly on the cheek then steps forward to offer me her hand.

It’s the first time I’ve taken my eyes off Cassandra since I saw her, and the cocked brow and stern look I receive from Jonathon Bain brings me down to Earth.

“Remember our conversation,” he mutters.

“I will.” I nod and accept Cassandra’s hand in mine, leading her to the altar.

Once in place, Cassandra takes a deep breath and looks my way. She gives me a stunning smile and squeezes my hand. This is it.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the clergyman starts.

I half listen, respond when spoken to, and move as instructed. As far as I’m concerned, the ceremony is nothing more than a required process to achieve the end result.

It’s not until we’re prompted to read our vows that I pay full attention.

“Cassandra, would you like to share your vows?”