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It was a lot—extravagant, incredible, mystical, and light years from the simple celebrations or weddings he’d witnessed over the past eight years.
Brad had a brief thought of eloping and avoiding all the fanfare, if he ever talked Arianna into marrying him. Then he almost laughed at himself. Arianna would want a wedding as insanely perfect and big as this one. He’d happily go through it with a grin on his face. If she’d agree to marry him.
Okay, he was getting ahead of himself. He didn’t know if he could even spit out the truth to her, and she was still in deep danger from a serial killer. Even if he spilled it all, she’d probably hate him.
The king looked like a vibrant, strong thirty-year-old as he swept the queen off her feet at the end of the send-off tunnel and carried her out the double doors of the ballroom amidst cameras going insane. The crowd cheered and cheered long after the happy monarchs disappeared.
Finally, the room settled. Guests chattered with each other and started filtering out, many stopping to tell Arianna how ‘lovely, exquisite, perfect, etc,’ the wedding had been. She’d received similar compliments all night and had beamed each time.
Brad let out a breath of relief. It was over. Arianna had done it, the killer hadn’t attacked, everything was perfect, and Arianna could be proud—and get some much-needed rest.
“I did it,” she breathed out.
“You did. With style.” He grinned at her. “I’m in awe of you and the entire evening.”
“Thank you.” She paused, closed her eyes, and smiled to herself. Her eyes fluttered open, and Brad wanted to kiss her. “I should supervise cleanup.”
“No.” Brad admired her resolve, but she was not supervising clean up. He wrapped his arm around her waist, earning a grin from Mason and a sweet gasp from Arianna. “Everything you have accomplished is incredible. This was all picture perfect. There will be plenty of people to clean up, and nobody on earth cares if carrying out the garbage and sweeping the floor is done perfectly. We’re heading back to the suite so you can rest.”
She looked ready to protest.
“Or …” Mason’s blue eyes twinkled. “I fancy a walk up to the solarium. Something relaxing after such a busy day.”
Arianna looked at him strangely.
Brad was pretty certain this was Mason’s attempt at matchmaking. He could roll with that. The solarium was beautiful and romantic. Mason could stand guard while he talked to Arianna. His gut churned nervously at the thought. Was he ready? If he didn’t take a chance now, they’d never have the opportunity to create a future together.
“I think that is a splendid idea,” Brad said, though nerves assaulted him. Seeing Arianna in her element today had been incredible, but it had also confirmed how much she had going for her and how little he did. He was a new recruit in the military, at twenty-seven years old.
He tried to be ‘Brave Brad’ as she used to call him, kept his arm around Arianna, and escorted her toward the door. Different guests or royals stopped her to tell her how perfect the wedding had been. She graciously responded. Brad noticed several people, especially General August and Princess Macey and Prince Malik and Princess Sophie, eyeing Brad’s arm around her waist, Arianna leaning into him. Were they thinking she was out of his league? They were right.
Brad kept walking with Arianna, searching for any threats even as his heart raced and he was hyperaware of her brushing against him, his hand on the curve of her hip, her floral scent tantalizing his senses.
This felt like their moment. Was it? Would he ruin her perfect night by confessing his mistakes? He prayed to know what to say, when to say it, and how to love Arianna unselfishly … if loving her was a gift he might be blessed with in his life.
He tried to take Mason’s advice and turn it over to Jesus, to somehow forgive himself and pray Arianna would understand, see his growth and penance, and give him a chance.
He also prayed to accept the Lord’s will. If heaven above could approve of Brad and Arianna being together, he’d praise Him, but if it wasn’t right …
He’d claimed to turn his heart to Jesus and to fight and protect in His name. Was it finally time to face his past and trust that the good Lord could help him and Arianna through this? He needed strength, mercy, and grace. From heaven above and the perfect woman at his side.
Please help.
His heart thumped so fast it was difficult to breathe. He’d thought facing vicious guerilla warriors with only a knife and a spear was terrifying.
Telling Arianna what he’d done eight years ago was much scarier.
ChapterNine
Arianna was walking on clouds.The wedding had been even better than she’d envisioned because of the people involved. King Nolan, now-Queen Madeline, and all the royal family were genuine, beautiful, and had made the event even more magical. Every detail and stress had been worth it. A lifetime of hard work, including a week or so feeling hobbled by her confinement, had paid off, and she was singing heaven’s praises. She couldn’t wait to talk to her dad tonight.
Currently, Brad had his arm around her and they were riding up the elevator with Mason to the solarium. Everything had come together perfectly for the wedding. Could she and Brad come together tonight in the beautiful rooftop garden? Brad seemed nervous.
She didn’t understand Mason’s role. He was smirking at them and appeared to have no problem with her in Brad’s embrace. Had he given up on his pursuit of her? She couldn’t imagine he would push her toward Brad, but she didn’t know what else to think of the arrangement.
They exited the elevator and walked quietly past the fitness center and spa area. Arianna’s heels’ rhythmic clicking and Brad’s quick breathing were the only sounds. They made it into the solarium. Other couples milled about, looking out over the sparse lights of the valley or at the plants, trees, flowers, or water features. Some sat on benches, hugging or talking quietly.
Brad escorted her through the garden and to a quiet spot.
