Page 53 of Something Blue

“What did you forget?” I giggle, turning towards her.

But it’s Celso.

He is starting at me with his mouth open and his eyes wide with shock.

“You can’t be in here.” I stammer. “It’s not allowed - it’s against the rules or bad luck or something?—”

He walks towards me, reaching out and touching my face. His black tuxedo, with a blue flower tucked into his pocket - his dark hair slicked back and his eyes looking clear and sharp - I can’t stop staring at him. He’s so freaking gorgeous.

“You are a goddess, Neve. Myangel. Truly.”

“Celso.” I stammer, still horrified to see him in my room before we are supposed to get married.

He laughs.

“My sweet, innocent angel - fuck the rules and fuck bad luck. We make our own.”

I narrow my eyes at him.Fuck the rules.I like the sound of that.

He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a velvet black box.

“I wanted to give you these.” He says, taking one earring out.

Tear drop earrings in blue sapphire. They are stunning.

“You got these - for me?” I ask.

“They were my mothers. They are the only thing I have from her.”

“Celso.” I whisper, shocked that he would give them to me.

He removes the little diamond stud I am wearing and puts the tear drop sapphire earrings in for me. He turns me so that I can see myself in themirror.

“Something blue.” He whispers against my ear, his hand brushing over my stomach and my body sparking with wild fire.

When I look in the mirror, I see us standing together. We look like we belong. Like this is how it’s supposed to be.

I swallow hard.

He leans down and kisses my neck.

“I’ll see you in a few moments, my angel.” He says, his breath warm on my skin.

And then he’s gone.

For a moment I’m in shock, my skin still tingling. I reach up and touch the earrings, letting them dangle against my fingertips. They are so beautiful. It’s so special.

Dalila comes bursting back into the room.

“It’s time.” She says.

And so the chaos begins.

A wild, busy, noisy day filled with family, reporters, friends, strangers, promises, food, champagne - and all the while I’m trying to keepup with myself.

I’m fighting myself at every corner. I shouldn’t be enjoying it. I should be barely tolerating his hands against me. But everything seems so wonderful.

I could pretend I chose him. I could pretend I am in love.

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