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“You wish you had dirt on me.”
“I’ve got plenty of dirt,” he assures me in an amused tone.
No way he’s got anything on me. “Pretend all you like, but I bet you a million Canadian bucks that the only ushering duties you’ll be doing today will involve getting Josie upstairs to your room—if you don’t trip over your tongue first, that is.”
The evening I spent wrapping Ava’s forearms in red rope, Josie, Jenny and Tabitha were settling into the hotel after flying over from London. Yesterday, the whole day was given over to catching up in the hotel’s spa and restaurants. Naturally, Tilly and her family are here too, Isla hanging out with the boys for a time as well, and the respective hen and stag parties crossed paths frequently. After meeting Josie, it was like Ellis had lost the power of speech.
He lifts a shoulder, swallowing a guilty smile. “And?”
I catch his eye, both of us grinning. “Would be cool if you and her hit it off—you know, like permanently.”
He splutters, looking disgusted. “The fuck?”
“But you should know she has some history with Laurence.” Laurence told me he didn’t sleep with Josie—for many reasons, but I’m not telling my brother that.
Ellis’s bravado vanishes, his eyes swinging to Laurence. “Really.”
“Yeah, maybe they’ll hook up again. Who knows?” I antagonise.
“Shit stirrer.”
I laugh. “I can’t wait to see how tonight ends for you.”
“Well, I think we all know howyournight will end,” he intones, nudging me with his shoulder. We’re facing down the aisle, waiting for my bride. And now I’m getting hard thinking about later.
Just then, the wedding planner signals to the female vocalist. The pianist begins to play and I take a deep breath, a sprinkling of nerves heating my blood.
“It’s time to get you wifed up,” Ellis says fondly as the guests stand from their cream linen chairs.
To the stirring sound ofFirst Time Ever I Saw Your Face,Ava enters through the far doors. Our eyes latch, and when she smiles it’s like all the oxygen has been sucked from my lungs.
How did I get so fucking lucky?
I catalogue every tiny detail about her. Designed by Alexander McQueen, the ivory-coloured, silk crepe dress is exquisite. Sleeveless, the bodice is tight and the skirts fluid and full. Despite the many lights, it’s clear she’s chosen a dress devoid of embroidery and embellishments, my wedding gifts at her head, neck, ears and fingers all the bling she needs.
She knows me too well.
Slowly, with Tilly and Sabine as her matrons of honour, Jenny, Tabi and Josie her bridesmaids, Ava walks towards me. All too soon the song is ending and she’s at my side, her bouquet of cream and pale yellow roses to match her canary ring, passed to Tilly.
The lace veil is long but doesn’t cover her face. It’s just flipped over her diamond tiara, her long, dark hair tied back in a low chignon.
“You look stunning,” I murmur, her wide smile and starry eyes shining back at me.
“So do you.” She traces my torso before concentrating on my face. “Thank you for marrying me, and for my wedding gifts.”
She lays delicate fingers over the necklace. Simple in design, it’s extravagant in materials. At the very centre of the necklace sits a black, five-carat, pear-shaped diamond. On either side of this central stone, the circular diamonds lighten, graduating from a dark grey to a light grey to regular white diamonds in a perfect, seamless ombre, the sizes gradually decreasing.
I worry that Ava will never be entirely confident of her place in the world. At times, her insecurities are too bold, making her doubt herself and her worth. It’s my duty to love and protect her. To show her how much she means to me every day, and I hope the pieces I make for her prove that.
“Because I love all of you,” I tell her, reaching for her hands now that they’re free of her bouquet. "All the bits that hurt and all the parts of you that are strong and bright and brave.”
“Don’t make me cry,” she begs holding back a conflicted smile. Briefly, she glances at the officiant before taking a step closer to me, whispering, “Thank you for finding me, for saving me, for loving and accepting me.”
I cup her face and kiss her, the escalating sound of happy murmurs sweeping through the wedding party.
And then I hear Ellis: “Later, dude. You’ve got all night.”
Laughter sounds as I pull back. “Baby, the vows are coming up. And as much as I hate to quote Ellis and give him credit for anything,” I say, meeting his eye quickly and smirking, “it’s time to get me wifed up.”
