Page 162 of Bastian

My nonna used to say that a woman’s wedding day was one of the most memorable days of her life. The happiest too, and although I am the happiest I have ever been, I can’t help but feel sad, too. It all goes back to my sisters.

How I wish they were here.

I reached out to my younger sister, Mila, but she hasn’t answered my texts in weeks. It’s beginning to worry me. We didn’t message each other every day with how busy life is now, but this disappearance act is unlike her.

“There’s never been a more beautiful sight.” I look at myself in the mirror and find Benjamin looking at me with a smile on his face. Seeing what he sees, I smile.

The off-the-shoulder, dainty yet modern lace fit, and exposed corset white wedding dress with a long train was designed by House of Arnault. Same for the stunning tulle cathedral veil. I sat down with one of Dionysious Arnault’s designers and shared my vision with her, and they made it come to life. A dream of a dress that has me feeling like the most elegant and beautiful woman that’s ever lived.

Conceited? Perhaps, but that’s exactly how I feel looking at myself in the mirror now.

Remembering that Benjamin is behind me, I turn to face him, and a smile breaks on my face when I see how terribly handsome he looks in his tuxedo right now.

My husband’s best man.

“Well, you cleaned up nice.” I say while walking towards him.

“Always a pleasure when you compliment me, my girl.” He steps closer and kisses my forehead lingering there for a minute as if he’s savoring this moment. Then he steps back with a smile that lights up his entire face, places the white veil over my face, and offers me his left arm.

Neither Sebastian nor I have families to come to celebrate with us, so we decided to have a small ceremony with just his men, our children, and our only friends.

Benjamin and Quinne.

For some, the fact that it’s just us might seem sad or pathetic, but not to us.

Our circle is small, and we value quality over quantity.

Interlacing my arm with his, I say. “Thank you for walking me down the aisle, Benjamin.”

The Viking looks down lovingly at me. “It’s the honor of my life, kid.” Holding me tighter, he guides me toward the double doors which lead to the White House’s Garden, where my maid of honor, Quinne, is waiting for me with a scowl on her face. “Wipe that look off your face, Jones. It causes wrinkles, you know…” I tell her in a bored tone. She replies by flipping me off and handing me my bouquet. Looking down at the arrangement of flowers, I frown. “These are not the flowers I ordered…”

I asked for white roses and got gold roses, instead.

Quinne grins, “Don’t look at me. This is all your man…”

Sebastian.

Of course.

Christ, I love that man.

Turning to Benjamin, I say. “Let’s go. He’s waiting.”

The double doors open, and as soon as I step through the threshold, music starts playing in the background.

This is it.

Forever is here.

From the corner of my eye, I watch as Shaw appears with my Ella holding onto his hand with a flower basket in her small hands. My perfect flower girl wears a lavender dress, the same shade as Quinne’s maid of honor gown, with flowers in her raven curls. My sweet girl gives me a thumbs-up as soon as her eyes find me.

“You look perfect, mommy!” She jumps up and down in place before the wedding planner takes her hand and reminds her what she needs to do.

And that’s exactly what she does.

With all the grace in the world, my little darling holds her head high and walks down the trail that leads to her father throwing gold petals as she goes.

Then Shaw, the big grump, takes Quinne’s arm, and guides her down the aisle.

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