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“I didn’t think I’d be nervous, but I do feel a little bit antsy. I’ll be glad when we’re married.”
Duke joined them. “I was nervous when I married Ree too. I think all males are.”
Angel went to find Teresa, and Oz made the rounds, greeting the pride members and accepting congratulations on his mating day. Ten minutes before the ceremony was to start, Rhaider played the piano. The house band had been happy to be hired to play for the wedding, especially since Demi was mated to two of the members.
Oz joined Duke on the deck under the archway.
He couldn’t wait to see his mate.
* * *
China’s mom took her hands and smiled at her. “I’m so proud of you, honey. Oz is amazing and you two are going to have a wonderful life together.”
“Thanks, Mom.”
“I want you to have this,” Vikki said, letting go of China’s hands to remove a sapphire tennis bracelet from her wrist.
“Oh! But you got this for your sweet sixteen from Grandma and Grandpa.”
“It’s going to be your borrowed item. I want it back.” Vikki narrowed her eyes at China which made her laugh.
“Aw, thank you! I was going to ask to borrow your earrings, but this bracelet is even better.”
The colors she’d chosen for the wedding were navy and peach, her two favorites. Oz and the guys were all wearing navy suits and ties, and the ribbons on her bouquet and the ones for the bridesmaids were navy too.
“My parents would’ve loved to be here for this.”
China’s grandparents had passed away when she was in high school. Her grandma was the reason she loved to cook, and her grandpa was why she loved painting and art. They were the sweetest people she’d ever known.
“I wish they were here.”
“They’re here in spirit.”
“You guys are going to make me cry,” Demi said, sniffling and fanning her face. “I’m getting all blotchy from being emotional.”
Demi was getting her hair done by the pride’s resident stylist, Mercy, who twirled a lock of Demi’s hair around a fat-barreled curling iron.
Mercy said, “I can fix your blotchy face if I need to, but you look great.”
There was a knock on the door and a male voice said, “It’s me.”
“Oh, Barron!” Mercy finished the last curl and set the iron on the table. She hurried to the door and opened it. “Hi babe.”
He gave her a quick peck. “We’re at eight minutes until the start time.”
China’s mom finished fastening the bracelet onto her wrist and patted it. “Perfect timing,” Vikki said. “I should go and take my place in the front row.”
Vikki kissed China’s cheek. “See you out there, Mom,” China said.
“I’ll be the one in front crying.”
Vikki took Barron’s arm and they left.
“The guys are lining up,” Mercy said as she peeked out into the hall.
“I guess it’s time for us to get moving,” China said.
China looked at herself in the full-length mirror. The dress was so pretty. It was exactly what she’d always wanted—an off the shoulder floral patterned dress with a little train in the back. It was soft satin and highlighted her curves without looking too revealing.
