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Although I woke up in a warm glow with Tate’s naked, muscular body by my side, I still can’t help but be conflicted about this whole thing. We’re pretending after all, aren’t we? But last night was very real. We shared so much passion that I can’t help but wonder what’ll happen when we get back to Whitefish. Will he pay me and send me on my way? I can’t accept that money any longer. Not after this. I’d live with guilt for the rest of my life over it.
“Here they come,” I hear someone whisper, and the crowd of Chicago socialites become hushed and turn their heads. Sure enough, Tate’s grandpa walks down the aisle, a flower in the lapel of his tuxedo. He’s a handsome man, just like Tate. His hair is white, but he’s still in great physical shape.
There’s a four-piece orchestra in the opulent ballroom, and they play softly as Tate’s grandma finally makes her descent, carrying a lovely bouquet of white flowers. She’s a very attractive woman, and I can tell she’s taken care of herself over the years.
“Isn’t she beautiful?” Tate whispers in my ear with pride.
“Just amazing,” I whisper back.
Tate’s fingers move from my knee to my hand, clasping it tightly.
As the remarkable couple exchange vows, they’re smiling with utter joy. Tate turns to me from time to time, and he’s looking at me so intently that I can’t help but look back. I’ve never in my life felt the kind of connection that that lovely couple has, but when it comes to Tate, I know loving someone like that is possible.
After they finish their vows, they kiss, and the crowd breaks out in applause. They should be cheering their asses off, but they’re far too haughty and dignified for that.
“It’s so moving,” I tell Tate, wiping away a tear.
“I’m just happy you’re here to share it with me,” he says with a genuine smile.
Servers walk around offering cocktails, canapés, little sandwiches, fruit, and crudités. There’s a band playing, and people are dancing on the ballroom floor. Together, we make our way through the crowd, drinking champagne, and I’m offered a fresh piece of Ahi Tuna on a crostini.
“Yum,” I say. I’ve never tasted fish this good.
“It’s imported from Japan,” Tate says to me, placing his hand on my lower back. I watch as he scans the room, his jaw tightening as he finds who he’s looking for. I glance in the direction he’s zeroed in on and notice a beautiful red headed woman and a tall, blond man next to her.
I look up into his eyes, and I don’t even have to ask who they are to know.
“Eden,” Tate confirms softly, and my heart sinks. I wonder if he misses her or if he’s been anticipating seeing her this whole time. I push the thoughts away, because Tate isn’t mine, as much as I want him to be. I let out a sigh and Tate smiles.
“Come on, you have to try the tartlets. They’re my grandpa’s favorite.” He’s smiling as if seeing them together didn’t bother him, but I have a feeling he’s brushing it off. He picks up one of the goat cheese pastries and hands it to me on a napkin.
“You’re tense.” I take a bite, and he’s right, it’s delicious.
“Sorry,” he says and gives me another quick smile, but he’s not getting out of it that easily.
“Do you want to talk about it?” I push.
“And ruin this good time? No thanks.” He grabs my hand, and we walk across the room and chat with his sister and her husband. Of course, he starts on about his yacht, and I almost burst into laughter. Tate excuses us, and he’s flashing a knowing smirk.
“Told you, they’re all so predictable, like robots almost.”
I laugh, but I can still see he’s tense until his grandparents make their way toward us.
“Tatum,” his grandmother says, kissing Tate on both cheeks.
“Grams,” Tate replies. Despite the formality, there’s warmth between them.
“We’re so glad you’re here,” his grandpa says.
“Me too. Grams, grandpa, this is my fiancée, Brianna.”
“Aren’t you sneaky,” his grandmother says, looking me up and down. “You’re always keeping things from us.”
His grandmother pulls me into a warm, welcoming hug, and once she’s done squeezing me, his grandpa gives me a handshake. “We’re happy to meet you,” he tells me.
“I’m so honored to be here.” I smile, seeing just how much they love each other, and I secretly hope I get to experience the longevity they have.
“And we’re honored to have you a part of our family,” she replies so sweetly.
