Page 44 of Desperate Vows

“Stop fidgeting, man,” Ari said over the music playing.

“Just wait. This’ll be you in a few days,” I shot back.

His face blanched. Yeah, that was right, buddy, you were next.

“Yes, but you chose this against my advice. I’ll be getting married to strengthen our family.”

My aunt appeared at the entrance to the nave, and suddenly, the music shifted into a classical tune. She started her walk down the aisle followed by my cousins. Anna entered, and I glanced at Ari.

His eyes were glued to her. I’d been worried he was getting into a marriage with a woman he wouldn’t even find attractive, but based on this response, I didn’t have to worry about that.

Thea waited one extra beat before she slid in. I swear. She and her entrances. My sister was gorgeous, and I saw a few guys with their tongues nearly hanging out. I was tempted to ask for names so I could find them later and cut them out. That was my sister they were gawking at.

The bridal march started as my eyes landed on Claire.

I didn’t want to get married quickly turned into I couldn’t wait. She was stunning. The gown was so simple and elegant. It was obviously a wedding dress, but it wasn’t the gaudy, beaded dresses I saw some women wear. The kind I absolutely hated. Her hair was pulled back, and it was curled. It cascaded down her back like silk and looked so soft I wanted to sink my fingers in it.

It hit me then that she hadn’t worn her hair in a braid since she moved in with me. Suddenly, I itched to know why. Maybe I’d ask. I hoped she would answer.

Her eyes found mine, and she smiled. I hadn’t seen her in two days, and it felt like the sun had decided to shine extra bright. She was glowing.

I was aware someone else was walking with her, but I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She walked toward me, and a swell of hope and pride built in my chest.

She stopped at the foot of the small set of steps. Her smile faltered as she faced Franklin. The man couldn’t keep the disdain he felt for her off his face. I suspect most would take his expression to mean he was sad to give his daughter away, but I knew better.

We went through the handing-off of the bride, and I immediately noticed she was wearing makeup. Not a lot, but enough that her eyes stood out and looked even more green than usual.

Claire smiled. “Hi.”

“Hey.” My eyes wandered over her. “You look so beautiful.”

Her eyes glittered. “I wanted to look pretty for you.” She blinked like she was shocked she said it.

Before I could question her, the priest began. I was surprised at how fast things went. With my feelings about marriage, I had thought this part would be the worst. When we were finally announced husband and wife, and I was told I could kiss the bride, I swept Claire into my arms, dipped her, and pressed my lips to hers.

As I was kissing her, I realized the nightmare of being married was replaced with a daydream of seeing her face when I woke up.

When the crowd erupted in cheers, I was annoyed that they were mostly people Franklin rubbed elbows with instead of family and friends. This was supposed to be family and friends. People we knew who were wishing us happiness and a long marriage.

It struck me as hypocritical. I should have been wishing and wanting the same thing, and I couldn’t even trust my new bride enough to tell her the truth about me or my family.

Claire and I rode in the limo to the reception in silence. Part of me wished it had been at the club just to see Franklin squirm. I wondered how he would have handled telling three hundred people they had to change venues.

As fun as it would have been to see Franklin scramble, I was impressed with the place she picked. The same cyan color she had used in the invitations was used throughout the wedding. It was tasteful and simple like everything else, including her.

The cake and dessert table were exactly as Thea described. Claire had picked colors and things that I liked. Things that honored my heritage and family. There was nothing that even hinted at honoring Franklin or the Benoit name. Maybe that was why I liked it so much. I guess that wasn’t fair since that was her heritage, but there was a part of me that hoped I was wrong about her working with Franklin and that this was her subtle way of saying it.

We were sitting at the head table together with Franklin to Claire’s right and Aunt Helen to my left. She leaned over and whispered, “My boy, your mom would have loved this. This looks almost exactly like her wedding. Thea said Claire was the one who put this whole thing together. She did a beautiful job. Don’t you think?”

I looked at her and nodded. She winked at me.

I put my lips to Claire’s ear. “This is really nice. That’s my favorite cake. My mom made it all the time growing up.”

When I pulled back, I was greeted with a smile. “I’m glad you like it.”

Franklin tapped his glass. “This calls for a toast.”

I was caught off guard when Claire grabbed my hand and squeezed it. I could feel her trembling. I pulled her chair closer and put my arm around her. If he insulted her, I would have to throw hands.

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