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“Maybe out of guilt. Or because she recognises something familiar in Manon. They are identical in features.”
I sighed. “We’re in for an interesting time. Again. Never a dull moment here at Merivale.”
“No.” He patted me on the arm. “See you out there. Theadora’s performing your wedding march.”
“Can’t wait.” We hugged.
Mirabel looked like a goddess as she walked, or I should say floated gracefully towards me in a gown that complimented her sexy curves. I smiled like a man about to sail off on a journey that promised endless possibilities, which included a healthy, happy life with a ton of giggling children playing at my feet, and a beautiful, creative woman to hold, make love to, and share my life with.
Cian had brought so much joy into my life that I loved the idea of more children. Mirabel seemed quite happy with that idea too. We were both on the same page about many things—something I could never have predicted at the start of this on-and-off relationship.
Alex stood by my side, sporting the same bewildered grin he’d walked in with. He hadn’t quite come to terms with me getting hitched. As the last of us wild party boys, he had yet to settle down. I supposed it was kind of ironic that I’d asked this self-proclaimed libertine to be my best man.
On piano, Theadora performed Satie in all its languid beauty. An ideal choice for that romantic red room that had seen its fair share of celebrations.
“And the moonbeams kiss the sea.” One of a few graceful lines from a Shelley poem was recited by the female celebrant.
Mirabel whispered. “That is so beautiful. And you chose it?” She looked stunned—a common expression for her, when, on those odd occasions, I showed remnants of my expensive education.
Her lips tasted like honey as we kissed, amid cheering guests. Theadora then switched from classical to twentieth-century pop with a rendition of “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles.
I left my stunning new wife with her girlfriends, purring over the emerald ring I’d given her—something I’d chosen from the family collection because the green jewel reminded me of her eyes.
I headed over to greet the many guests, which included Kelvin and Jarrad, the hobby farmers who had their property next to Elysium. I’d insisted on inviting the farmers that both Mirabel and I’d grown up with. They stood out with their ill-fitting suits, but I loved them being there.
“You’re looking gorgeous,” Kelvin said. “Love the suit. This cream embossed waistcoat is simply stunning. Let me guess—Savile Row?”
I had to smile at the local farmer, who planted lettuces dressed like he was heading off to a London club.
“Yes. I was fitted by the Westmancott himself.” I touched the fabric of my blue-grey silk suit.
“Oh my. It fits you like a glove,” Kelvin purred.
“Talking of designer, Elysium is turning out to be quite the place to be,” Jarrad said.
“I haven’t actually had time to visit since the opening. I hope it’s not too noisy.”
“There’s the golf course between us. The only annoying thing is the occasional flying ball. But there’s another wing being built, we’ve noticed. A casino, I believe.” He looked concerned.
“You’ll have to talk to my mother. I haven’t heard of any talk of a casino.”
He leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, “I’ve heard that Reynard Crisp is behind it.”
My brow pinched. “That’s news to me.”
Kelvin nodded solemnly. “You can imagine it will bring all sorts of happenings late into the night.”
“I’ll have to talk to my mother.”
I left them with a strange feeling in my gut. The last thing any of us wanted was a casino at Merivale’s doorstep.
Savanah kissed me. “That was such a sweet service. And Mirabel looks stunning. Like one of our own in that vintage Chanel.”
“She is one of our own. We all grew up together.”
“Say, who’s that guy circling around Mummy?”
“That’s Mirabel’s producer, Orson.”
