AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Then, I kiss the ring. "I love you, Sparrow—absolutely, completely, deeply."
"I love you, too, King of my dreams. My life. My soul. My everything. I can’t wait to start my new life with you."
I straighten, then pull her into my arms. "I’m sorry your parents refused to come."
"I’m sorry your parents were so upset with you for stepping down from the captaincy."Yep, that happened.I called them to tell them about my wedding, but my father was too busy ranting about lost opportunities and how I made him lose face by giving up something so prestigious.Shocker, that.It’s not anything I wasn’t expecting.
What hurt me a lot more was my mother saying she really wanted to make it, but she couldn’t—not as long as my father forbade it. The story of my life. I don’t know if it makes it worse that my mother understands me more but refuses to be there on this most important day of my life. I should have anticipated it, given they’d refused to come to Zara’s wedding, as well.
You’d think they’d want to be part of the new memories I’m going to make going forward, but apparently, they’re too set in their ways and can’t find space in their life for either me or my new bride.
"I’m sorry Knight’s not here, either—" I wrap my arm about her waist. "I promise, we’ll find a way to make it up to him when he’s back."
"I miss him, but I’m glad I’m wearing your ring and in your arms." She tips up her chin. "Will you kiss me properly now?"
* * *
“You did it!" Zara beams at me. "Thank god, you didn’t botch this up."
"Your confidence in me, as always, is awe-inspiring," I deadpan.
She leans up, and when I lower my head, she kisses my cheek. "Don’t fuck this up. And if you make her unhappy in any way, you’ll have me to deal with."
"I’ve learned my lesson. I can promise you, I’d rather kill myself than do anything to cause her any kind of pain."
"Hmm." She aims her forefinger and middle finger at her eyes, then at me. "I’m gonna hold you to that, kiddo." She turns to a laughing Abby. "I’m so happy you’re my sister-in-law. Will you consider working with me on my team now?"
Abby hesitates.
"Please? You can keep your other clients. Just lend me your brains when I need them on the occasional brainstorming for a project, I need the kind of fresh perspective you bring to a plan."
"Well, I’m going to be taking the lead on Cade’s communications again."
I do a double-take. "You are?"
"Can’t stand how bleak your social media feeds look. Besides, who better than me to represent your image in the media? Especially now that your focus is moving on from sponsorships to actually mentoring the cricket team. And the non-profits you’re working with need their stories told. You have a great platform to support them and get the word out about their work. It would be a pity not to use that opportunity—" she breaks off at the wide grin on my face.
"What?"
"I’m just fucking happy to see you happy, babe."
Zara laughs. "The big bad King, in love and with eyes for no one but his bride." She raises her gaze skywards. "There is a god, after all."
* * *
"What is this?" I peer into the mug of steaming liquid that one of the serving staff has deposited in front of me.
We’re at the post-wedding lunch being held in a tent that the Sterlings set up in the bottom of their garden. A long table runs down the center with our friends seated on either side. Abby and I are at the head and Sinclair and Summer are at the other end. Sinclair’s whippet Max sits on his haunches between Sinclair and Summer’s chairs. His head is snuggled into Sinclair’s lap. The cutthroat billionaire, glances at his wife with an adoring look, then he rubs his dog behind his ears and his expression changes to one of contentment. Even a month ago, I’d have made a snide remark about him having lost his balls; now I know how he feels. Now, I know there’s strength in accepting the love that overwhelms me whenever I look at Abby. Now, I’m sure that reveling in that state of happiness is more satisfying that winning the world cup or bagging a billion dollar sponsorship.
The staff pour wine into everyone’s glass but then place this mug filled with something that’s definitely not wine in front of me.
I glance up to find Sinclair smirking at me, as is JJ. Michael’s glaring at me with a look on his face that indicates I’m about to dig my own grave.
"You liked chamomile tea so much the last time, I thought you would enjoy a cuppa," Abby offers sweetly.
I glance at her and find her features wear a sincere expression. Only her eyes gleam with suppressed mirth.
"Umm, it’s not that I like chamomile that much—"
