Page 107 of Cloud Storm

“Lancelot has invited us to lunch with you tomorrow,” says Joshua. “We’ll tell you everything then, but now it’s time for us to get out of here and for you to prepare to walk down the aisle, where you will have a loving man waiting for you.”

“Dang, I asked Mr. Hatz to walk me down a couple of weeks ago.” Now I don’t know what to do. Mr. Hatz has been like a father to me, but they are my brothers. They saved my life, they gave me the chance to have a life at all.

Without their sacrifice I wouldn’t be here today. I’d be God only knows where with a despicable husband and a huddle of kids never allowed to act like true kids.

My brother smiles from ear to ear and rocks back on his heels, looking like a small child, the boy I grew up with.

“Ariel, we aren’t here to spoil your plans. If you asked Mr. Hatz to walk with you it’s because he’s important to you. Let him be, we’ll be more than happy to look at the beautiful woman you’ve become from the pews,” he replies just before the others slap him on the shoulder.

“Well, Suit,” I tell Lancelot, touching my flat belly. “You’ve just proved, once again, that I couldn’t choose a better father for my child.”

Oops, the words slipped out of my mouth without thinking twice.

Shit, my brothers heard and now they stare at Lancelot with identical expressions of disbelief and indignation.

“It’s good that you’re going to marry her in a few hours,” Joshua says, slapping Lancelot on the back. “I wouldn’t want to have to kill you and stain the carpet of this fancy place.”

My brothers stay for a while longer, and we talk while having breakfast. They tell me about their carpentry business and ask me about my bakery.

“We are so proud of you, baby girl. We all are, you were a rebellious child who’s grown into a strong, wonderful woman. You’ve done well,” says Nahum, his eyes still wet, so much emotion crackling in the air around us.

I’m proud of them too. They are managing to be successful in a very competitive world, working together, staying tight as a hive.

We are leaving for our honeymoon tomorrow night, but soon I’ll be organizing a trip to Pittsburgh to see them again. I want my child to be close to them. I’m determined to give our child a large, loving family.

My brothers are handsome men, tall and broad and strong. But the best part is hidden from the naked eye. They are caring, and loving, and they’re here with me on the best day of my life.

A short while later Joshua closes the door behind him, but not without stealing a last glance, leaving Lancelot and I alone in the room. I want to tell him so many things, but there are too many and they get stuck in my throat.

I kiss him, kiss him and kiss him some more, until we’re both breathing heavily, desperate to tear each other’s clothes off.

“Tonight,” he whispers and taking away the opportunity for me to reply, he puts a finger on my lips. “I’ll be waiting for you, you know where I’ll be.”

Giving me one last kiss, he leaves.

I’m anxious and excited.

I’m going to get married. I’m going to be a wife and a mom.

A little one—mine and his—is coming.

What could be better?

I call Roselynn and a few minutes later, she enters the room, bringing with her the girl who’s going to do my hair and make-up.

Everything has been magical. A fairy tale, a story only seen in the movies.

My flowers are the most exquisite I’ve seen, the weather is perfect. All the people who mean something to us are here, celebrating with us. And, in some mysterious way, the dress I chose fits like a glove.

We were looking around the city for something appropriate in my style and we couldn’t find the right dress, until one day I visited a second-hand store in a North County city, and I saw it. A gown of handmade lace in a vintage style. It was made for me. It’s delicate, unique, romantic, and sexy without showing too much. My rack looks great in it and I’m confident it’ll drive Lancelot crazy. Completing the assemble, I’ve crowned my head with fresh flowers, with no veil for this girl. Just the biggest smile ever seen for him.

“I’m pleased to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Hills,” the minister announces and we both smile broadly.

“Does that mean I can kiss my bride now?” Lancelot asks without taking his eyes off me.

He doesn’t wait for the answer, taking my face in his large hands as his lips hover over mine.

The pieces of my heart fall together. It isn’t cool outside but my skin has goosebumps. Lancelot’s hand on my back feels warm, possessive, and intimate. My eyes are closed but I can see clearly now.

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