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He was grinning because he thought he’d won.
And as I looked out into the crowd, frantically searching for any sign of Dominic there, I thought that he might be right.
The minister started talking, saying things I didn’t pay any attention to. My mind was elsewhere, my anger rising.He really didn’t come?I couldn’t fathom it. Refused to believe it.
As if on cue, the minister announced, “If there is anyone here who sees any reason why these two shall not be committed in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace.”
My eyes flew to my dad, who looked half-tempted to stand up. I gave him a quick shake of my head, hoping he’d listen, before I frantically searched the rest of the church for the dark eyes that I’d know anywhere, but Dominic wasn’t here. I held my breath and waited for him to speak up from wherever he was hiding, but there was only silence.
He hadn’t come for me.
He didn’t care anymore.
We truly were over.
“I object! These two should not be married!”
The boastful voice of the person I’d never expected to say those words struck my ears with such force that I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. I felt my shoulders sag with relief… and amazement. Trevor looked horrified.
Was this some sort of trick?
SAVE MY WOMAN
DOMINIC
Operation Object was in full effect. Michael and I drove to the church where the wedding was taking place, and I parked a few blocks away, so I wouldn’t draw any attention to the fact that I was there. An anonymous email had informed me that I wasn’t invited and then warned me not to show up. It only fueled me to do the opposite. Trevor had to have known that it would.
Michael and I had scouted this location the other day, noting how many entrances and windows there were around the building. I’d even drawn a really crappy map, and now, I could barely even read my chicken scratch.
“You go left. I’ll take right. Meet up at the tree,” I directed, and Michael gave me a thumbs-up before taking off.
Holding the crude drawing in my hand, I walked around my side of the building, checking each doorway and tugging on windows. Each one I checked was locked firmly in place. I’d actually expected that to be the case, considering that it had been renovated with air-conditioning about twenty years back. Before the addition, the windows were always opened at least halfway to let the fresh air in.
What I hadn’t considered was the fact that Dove would be viewable behind one of those locked windows. Hadn’t emotionally prepared for what seeing her would do to me. Dressed for a wedding, but not marrying me. Her oversize white ball gown caught my eye. It wasn’t even remotely her taste, but she still looked absolutely stunning in it. She was so damn beautiful that it caused me physical pain to look at her. I watched for only a few seconds, stopping myself from tapping on the glass to get her attention. If her green eyes had turned and met mine, I would have lost it completely. Nothing could have stopped me from shattering the window and dragging her out of it.
What was left of my heart started pounding so hard in my chest that I was convinced she could hear it. I bolted, finished my check, and headed across the street to meet Michael. He was already waiting for me under a giant shaded tree. We were far enough away that no one would see us unless they were specifically looking, but close enough that we had a bird’s-eye view of who was coming and going. There were so many people I didn’t recognize.
“Well?” Michael asked, raising his eyebrows in question. “Mine were all locked. What about yours?”
“Locked. Only doors accessible are the main ones. And they’re guarded.” I gave a nod toward the men stationed out front, greeting the guests and checking their invitations before allowing them access inside.
“Didn’t really expect security. Did you?” Michael asked, his voice a mixture of nerves and excitement.
I actually hadn’t counted on that. It never crossed my mind that Trevor would go that far to either keep me out or keep Dove in.
“Bit over the top, don’t you think?” I played it off like it was no big deal, but six against two wasn’t going to be easy.
Michael narrowed his eyes as he stared across the street, his hand shielding his gaze. “I don’t recognize any of them.”
I double-checked his assessment. “Me neither.”
It was unfortunate that we didn’t know any of the men. It would have made things at least a little easier.
“Okay. So, there’re six of them and two of us.”
My brain spun. I had no idea what to do that didn’t involve trying to fight our way inside. Fighting would be loud, and the last thing I wanted was to make a huge scene prior to even getting in the chapel.
“Maybe once the ceremony starts, they’ll change their positions? Go inside or guard Trevor at the altar?” I said my thoughts out loud.
