Page 136 of Risky Move

Tom had trouble inserting the cufflinks on his dress shirt. After bouncing them off the dresser twice, swallowing an expletive, he was ready to toss them off the terrace. Andrew walked into his room just in time to avoid any further annoyance.

“Let me give you a hand. Caryn always attaches mine—you’re not alone.” Andrew clapped Tom’s shoulder when he finished. “Anything else? Help with your tie?”

“I’ve got that. Do you notice the silence?”

“Caryn took Jenna and Daniel down to the bride’s dressing area,” Andrew said. “Caryn’s questioning her decision to include them in the procession.”

Tom chuckled. “No matter what happens, they’re so adorable no one will mind.”

“Just hope neither throws a tantrum. You know these three-your-olds. Jenna may keep all the blossoms, and Daniel could decline to give up the rings.”

“Andrew, just go with the flow. Mom’s on standby just in case something goes sideways.” Tom glanced at his watch. “About time to head down?”

Andrew nodded and handed Tom the tuxedo jacket. “The wedding planner has the boutonnières.”

“You have the rings?”

Andrew patted his pocket. “I tried to talk Caryn into letting Danny carry some fake rings, but no go. The wedding planner assumes responsibility for them until the ceremony.”

Tom fixed his jacket as he glanced in the mirror. “Dave and Lauren’s wedding at sea sounds better and better.”

“At least you’re not having two ceremonies like Caryn and I did.”

“Correct. My favorite’s the one on campus. The full production at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Montréal? Over the top,” Tom said.

“You know Caryn’s parents.” Andrew stopped short of rolling his eyes. “But nothing like two precocious grandchildren to capture their attention. Ready to head down? Martin’s meeting us in the lobby.”

* * *

Cassie smoothed the satin sheath over her hips and shifted to peer at herself from all angles. She loved the simplicity of the dress, from the semi-modest v-neck to the crisscrossed thin strips of material on her back—a row of bows to her waist. No veil, but she’d requested the hairstylist to weave thin pastel-hued ribbons in her hair—a surprise for Tom. Her heart always skipped a beat when he called her “His Rainbow Girl.”Tonight he’ll find rainbows in my hair.

She wore an antique pendant necklace from her mom as her “something old.” The something new came from Lauren—a pair of beautiful glass beaded flip-flops. She borrowed the exquisite diamond tennis bracelet from Caryn, and the single blue ribbon in her hair added the something blue.

“You look stunning, Cassie,” Lauren said.

Cassie held out her trembling hands. “Taking deep breaths…”

Laurent hugged her. “You’ll relax the instant you see Tom. Fair warning—don’t let your mouth hang open—he looks absolutely smoking in that tux!”

The door opened, and the wedding coordinator brought the bouquet to Cassie. She showed Cassie where to put her hands and how to carry it. “Lovely, dear. Your father’s outside. The mothers have taken their seats. And those adorable twins can’t wait to do their job.”

* * *

Lauren and Caryn slipped out the door, and Cassie’s father took their place. “My beautiful daughter,” he sighed, brushing her cheek. “Ready to greet your prince?”

Cassie nodded, then squeezed the bridge of her nose to quell any tears.

“Just hold on to me,” Trevor said, passing a white handkerchief to her. “Thought this might come in handy. You can hide it under your bouquet.”

Cassie laughed and took a deep breath. They heard music, and the coordinator opened the door.

“Wait for my cue, then go to the back of the aisle, just like we rehearsed. You’ll know to proceed when you hear the opening chords.”

The next few moments blended into a blur, Cassie so grateful her father took charge and ushered her on cue. She focused on not stumbling on the turf and only glanced up when they reached the center aisle. There, not a hundred feet away, awaited her doctor, so elegant in his tux, a smile that melted her soul and beckoned her forward. Their eyes locked and Cassie looked only at her groom until the moment came for her father to leave her with Tom.

“Be happy, Cassie. I’m so proud of you.” He shifted to Tom. “I wish for you and Cassie a lifetime of happiness and love.” He hugged his daughter, then settled her hand in Tom’s. “Take care of each other.”

Tom stole a kiss before escorting his rainbow girl to the flowered trellis. “Perfect timing,” he whispered in her ear. “Almost sunset.”

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