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I raise a shoulder, trying to pass it off, but in truth, it did hurt that, once again, my parents chose the shop over me. You’d think their daughter’s wedding would be more important than keeping the store open, but apparently, not.
"They did message me to say I’m most welcome to visit and bring my new husband with me," I murmur.
"That’s something, huh?" He tucks my hand through the crook of his arm. "It’s not that they don’t love you."
"They just weren’t happy about me becoming a teenage mother, and then turning my back on the legal profession to pursue what I love."
"They did support you, though. They were ready to adopt Olly as their own."
"Not that I’d have allowed it." I shift my weight from foot to foot. "You’re right, though. When all is said and done, they didn’t disown me. They were there for me when I most needed them. They’re just not happy with my life choices, that’s all."
"Will you go visit them with Hunter?" Cade asks.
"When he’s won the election and becomes Prime Minister. He’ll probably be good enough for them as a son-in-law then."
We both laugh.
Footsteps sound. Abby reaches us. "We’re ready for you." She ignores Cade and addresses her remark to me.
"Thanks, Abby."
She nods, then turns and leaves. Cade watches her go with a frown on his forehead.
"What’s that all about?" I nod in her direction. "Something up with the two of you?"
"Nothing's up between us. My best friend, Knight, is her brother. Trust me, he’d be more than pissed off if there was anything between me and Abby."
"When has that ever stopped you?" I scan his features. "Or wait. Maybe you actually feel something for this girl. Is that why you prefer to trade smoldering glances with her than act on what you’re feeling?"
"Smoldering glances?" He shakes his head. "Just because you’re in love doesn’t mean the entire world has to follow suit."
"Aha!" I smile smugly "So you are falling for her?"
"Eh, no, of course, not. I made a promise to her brother to take care of her while he’s away, and I am a man of my word. There’s no possibility of anything between us, so get your mind out of the gutter, sis."
"Famous last words." I pat his hand. "I’ll remind you of it when you’re standing in my position."
"I don’t think my tastes tend toward white, gowns."
I laugh. "You know what I mean."
"I’m not getting married. Not for a long, long time. And speaking of" —he turns toward the doorway leading to the lawns— "you don’t want to be late for your wedding."
50
Hunter
The crowd quietens. The hair on the back of my neck prickles. I turn to find her stepping onto the aisle, and my breath catches. Goddamn, she’s a vision. A goddess come to life. I’m not sure how she managed to change outfits so quickly, but all of her efforts are worth it. The white gown covers her shoulders then dips slightly to hint at her cleavage. The fabric nips in at her waist then flares over her spectacular hips, before dropping down to her toes. The lace outlines her arms, and her gorgeous skin peeks through the netting. As Cade escorts her up the aisle, she’s breathtaking, sublime, exquisite. And I’m the luckiest man on this planet.
They reach me. Cade kisses Zara’s cheek, shakes my hand, then places her hand in mine. I kiss her fingertips, and the crowd oohs and aahs. Zara smiles up at me. I lower our arms, then both of us turn toward Edward.
He glances between us and a smile tips up his lips. I see his lips move and must make the appropriate response, as does Zara. Then, I’m turning to face her again. I pull the platinum band from my pocket and slide it onto her finger next to her engagement ring.
She does the same.
"Guess we both had the same idea, hmm?" I smirk.
She laughs. "Seems we’re finally on the same page."
