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“Then you,” Bella says, shooting me a wink.
I smile at her and take the bouquet she hands me. The three of them grab their own bouquets, open the door, and walk out into the hall. I follow them until we reach the back door.
The music starts up outside, and Bella slips out. After a moment, Vivienne follows her.
“You’ve got this,” Liza says before walking out.
I close my eyes and count to five. At three, I put my hand on the door. At five, I open it.
I pause once before walking down the short steps and down the aisle. As I walk, I do my best to ignore the fact that everyone is watching me. I’m not used to being the center of attention like this.
When I see Cedrick, a calmness settles over me. For some reason, looking at him makes all the nerves go away. Instead, I just feel excited. Excited for this journey we’re about to embark on and all the happiness it could bring me.
Somehow, in all of this wedding madness, I forgot that I’m doing this for me. I’m going to have a baby, and that baby is going to have an amazing father and a huge family that loves them. There’s really no reason to be nervous.
A smile spreads across my face, and Cedrick’s face lights up upon seeing it. I find myself walking just a little faster, and my heart is beating like crazy from the excitement.
I know this is just a contract marriage, but the look on Cedrick’s face almost makes me forget it for a second. All of this just feels so real.
Once I arrive at the altar, Liza takes my bouquet, and Cedrick reaches out his hand, helping me up the steps. The music stops, and the wedding officiant begins speaking.
I don’t hear a word he says. All I can do is stare at Cedrick and try to remember to breathe.
“Cedrick, do you take Eleanora as your wife?”
“I do.”
“And Eleanora, do you take Cedrick as your husband?”
“I do.”
“Then I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. Cedrick, you may now kiss your bride.”
Cheering ensues, but it all fades away as Cedrick leans in and places his lips on mine. I lean into it, my hand making its way to rest on his chest. He places his hand on the back of my neck, pulling me closer.
I don’t want it to end. I know it’s not real, and yet I can’t pull away. Our lips move faster, and soon enough, I’m breathless.
We should stop. People are watching.
But maybe just a few more seconds won’t hurt.
He tastes so good, so familiar, like I’ve kissed him a million times before. I can’t get enough of that taste.
Finally, I force myself to pull away. Cedrick’s deep blue eyes appear brighter, almost like they’re sparkling. The cheering registers again, and I realize it never stopped.
Cedrick and I just stare at each other.
“What do you say, Mrs. Vanecourt? Are you ready to head to our reception?”
I smile, secretly enjoying the way that sounds leaving his mouth.
“I’m ready.”
And I am. Ready to go to the reception and celebrate. Ready to start this next phase of my life. And above all, ready to embrace the unknown.
13
CEDRICK
