Page 118 of Forbidden King (Magnolia Falls)

“You look gorgeous,”I said, as I watched Demi’s hairdresser, Ariel, attach the crown-style veil to the top of her head.

“I can’t get over this dress,” Brinkley said as she snapped a few pictures of Demi on her phone.

“Damn, girl. You are the most beautiful bride.” Peyton swiped at the tear running down her face.

“Thank you. And you all look so amazing.” Demi turned to look at each of us.

“I think it’s so cool that you let us pick our dresses out ourselves,” Tia said. Romeo’s sister was stunning, and she was home from college for summer break.

“I really appreciate it, because if you would have forced me to wear some frilly monstrosity, I would not have enjoyed that.” Ruby walked toward us, wearing a strapless peach sheath dress.

We were each given the freedom to choose our dress, as long as it was floor length and the color peach. I’d chosen a sleeveless satin gown with a high slit, showing off a little leg. Brinkley was wearing an off-the-shoulder tulle gown, while Tia wore a high-necked dress with a full skirt. Liz, Demi’s college roommate, was wearing a peach high-necked princess-style dress. Peyton had, of course, taken it up a notch and was wearing a skintight peach sequined gown. Somehow, we all looked like we meshed well when we stood together and looked in the full-length mirror.

“You girls look stunning,” Demi’s mom said, in a taupe floral gown with a jacket that was giving Jackie O. vibes. “And, Demi, there are no words for how beautiful you are.”

Demi pushed to her feet and hugged her mom before fanning her face to keep the tears back. “No crying. It’s too early, and I’m going to try to keep it together today.”

There was a knock on the door, and Ruby went to open it and see who it was.

“I came to check on my girls,” Cutler said, and we all gasped when he stepped inside. His dark hair was slicked back with gel, he wore a black tuxedo with a peach bowtie, and he had a peach floral pocket scarf tucked into the front of his jacket. My favorite part was the black velvet dress shoes on his feet that had his initials embroidered in gold on the tops. Nash had been complaining for days that Cutler had begged him for these shoes that they’d seen when they’d gone to get his tuxedo fitted.

“You look so handsome,” I said, pushing to my feet and bending down to straighten his bowtie.

“Thank you, Saylor.” He winked. “You look real pretty today. All of you do.”

“You are going to make some woman very happy someday, Beefcake,” Tia said, and everyone chuckled.

“I plan to.” He waggled his brows. “I’m supposed to tell you all that it’s time, and, Demi, your dad is on his way in here right now. You’ll come out last.”

Demi pushed to her feet and smiled down at him. “Okay. Let’s do this. Thanks for taking care of those rings for us.”

“Pops is holding my pillow out there, and I’ve got the real rings right here in my pocket.” He patted his chest.

More laughter. We all got emotional giving Demi hugs as we made our way out the door.

When I stepped out into the gorgeous foyer at Demi’s family home, the first eyes I saw were King’s. Dark and sexy as they scanned down my body from head to toe.

“You look gorgeous.” He pulled me close, his fingers intertwining with mine at my side as he whispered in my ear.

“So, this is how it’s going to be, huh?” Hayes feigned annoyance as I pulled back and chuckled.

“Yeah, this is how it’s going to be.” King kissed the tip of my nose and then turned to look at my brother.

“What do you think of these two, Beefcake?” Hayes asked.

“I think Saylor’s always been Uncle King’s girl, and I think you like it, Uncle Hayes,” Cutler said.

“I think my boy is onto something. I think he likes it, too.” Nash winked at his son.

“Whatever. It’s fine. If they’re happy, I’m happy.” Hayes smirked.

“Okay, take your positions,” Gina, Demi and Romeo’s wedding planner, said as she clapped her hands together.

We lined up with our partners, and Romeo was already standing at the other end of the aisle, where he’d stayed after he’d walked his mom and grandmother to their seats. The ceremony was taking place outside on the ranch, with the water off in the distance. It was a perfect setting for a wedding.

We got into our positions, with Nash and Liz leading the way. Next were Hayes and Tia, then Brinkley and Slade, followed by me and King and River and Ruby. Lincoln and Peyton were the last to make their way down the aisle. There were peach and white flowers draped along the chairs of the aisle, all leading to a giant arch covered in more flowers than I’d ever seen. Janelle had truly outdone herself with the florals.

King leaned down and whispered in my ear. “Someday, you’ll be walking down the aisle toward me.”

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