Page 83 of Do Opposites Attract?

‘It bloody should be. It cost me most of my savings.’ Before she had a chance to interject, he was talking again. ‘Speaking of which, we need to talk about where we’re going to live and about your money. I’ve spoken to your parents, told them I’ll sign anything to make sure your inheritance is protected.’

Brianna held out her hand. ‘Come with me.’ She led him up the stairs and into the bedroom. There she slid into his arms. ‘I want to live here, in this house, with you. We’ll manage off your salary. The rest of the money can stay in the bank. It can be a trust fund for our children, a large donation to charity or something for us to splurge with in our old age. I don’t care. All I want is right here.’ Gently she pushed him onto the bed. ‘Now, it’s time to make love to your future wife.’

Epilogue

Brianna looked at her reflection in the mirror and knew she looked like a bride should look. It wasn’t the artfully dressed hair, or the stunning slim-fitting white bridal gown that made the perfect picture. No, it was the sheer happiness radiating from her eyes that really said it all.

Her father came up behind her, circling his arm around her waist. ‘I know I should be feeling sad at this moment, giving up my daughter to another man, but to be honest, that isn’t how I feel.’ He took a step back and studied his daughter. ‘You look so radiant, so full of life. Just like your mother did on her wedding day. I know you’ve found that special someone. The love of your life. So I don’t mind handing you over to Mitch, because I know that’s what you want. Besides, it actually feels as though I’m gaining a son, not saying goodbye to my beloved daughter.’

Brianna leaned in close, as she had done so many times over the years. ‘Good, because you will never get rid of me.’ She gave her reflection one last look. ‘I hate to sound conceited, but I think I look pretty damned good.’

Her father chuckled. ‘So do I.’ He gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek. ‘Come on then, let’s not make Mitch wait any longer. I imagine he’s having a hard enough time in that church.’

When it had come down to choosing guests for the wedding, it had become only too painfully obvious how few people Mitch had in his life. His family had consisted only of Catherine, though her utter delight at the news had surely been worth more than an army full of distant relatives. His list of friends had also been a short one. The Medic SOS team — those who weren’t abroad — and two mates from his army days, one of whom he had chosen as his best man. It had been a stark reminder to Brianna of how much Mitch had once isolated himself and how much he’d moved on since. He’d even agreed to a large wedding,which meant right now he was sitting in a chilly church, surrounded by a congregation most of whom he’d never met in his life. Suddenly she was anxious to see him.

She had imagined gliding serenely down the aisle, bestowing an elegant smile on the guests as she did so. Instead she almost ran down.

Her father tugged her back. ‘Slow down,’ he whispered. ‘It’s not the hundred metres sprint.’

But she couldn’t. All she wanted to do was get to Mitch. To make sure he was there, that he hadn’t got cold feet and fled at the sight of the crowded church.

When he came into view, she finally slowed. He looked amazing. Though he’d baulked at the suggestion of wearing a morning suit, he had agreed to a tuxedo and white bow tie. With his face glowing with health and his hair cut short, just as she liked it now, he was to die for.

But even better than his rugged good looks was the love that radiated out of his deep brown eyes when he turned and saw her. She took his outstretched hand and beamed as he squeezed it gently.

* * *

All too soon the service was over, the photographs taken, the meal served and the speeches made. Her father had been charming, the best man witty. Mitch had been achingly sincere. He had begun by thanking her parents for accepting him into their family. He had ended with his deep gratitude to her for giving his life meaning and for teaching him how to love. When he promised to love and cherish her for the rest of his life, she had wept for the first time that day.

Having now repaired her make-up, Brianna was ready to catch up with her family. She spied her mother talking withAbigail, Henry’s mother, and strode over to them. Thank goodness her parents had agreed Henry wouldn’t be invited.

‘Darling, I don’t want to worry you,’ she overheard Abigail saying, feeling a weird sense of déjà vu. ‘But Henry tells me Mitch comes from a rather unsavoury background, if you know what I mean. I hear his mother was a working girl . . .’

Brianna froze. Damn Henry and his ridiculous desire to ruin what she and Mitch had. She was about to wade in and say her piece, when her mother interrupted Abigail with a curt wave of her hand.

‘Abigail, I know all about that poor boy’s childhood and what he had to endure. How he found the strength to get through it and become the man he has, I will never know. I’m proud to have him as part of my family, as my son. If you value my friendship, you’ll remember that.’

To Brianna’s surprise, her mother rose from the table and headed off towards the bar, leaving Abigail alone and red-faced. Trying to hide her grin, Brianna shot off after her. ‘Did you and Abigail just fall out?’

‘When that woman bad-mouths my family, she is no friend of mine.’

Brianna grinned, hugging her. ‘Oh, Mum, you’re priceless.’

The day blended into the evening, when more guests arrived and the party really started to liven up.

‘Here, bride, have another glass of champagne.’ Melanie thrust yet another glass into her hands. ‘If you can’t get drunk on your wedding day, when can you?’ Brianna accepted the glass gratefully and took a sip. ‘So where is that heart-throb husband of yours?’

For a moment Brianna was puzzled. Then she broke into a huge goofy smile. ‘Oh, Melanie, it feels so strange, thinking of Mitch as my husband.’ She scanned the dance floor. ‘Look, therehe is. Dancing with my great aunt, would you believe. He even looks like he’s enjoying himself.’

‘Umm, and I do believe she’s flirting with him a little. Look at her, gazing up at him in adoration. You’re going to have to go and claim him soon.’

Brianna laughed and settled back to rest against the table. She was delighted at how well Mitch had settled into her family during the six months since he’d proposed. Especially how he’d got on with her parents. Because they all loved her, they’d been determined to make their relationship work. Somewhere along the line though, their mutual like and respect for each other had meant they’d stopped having to try.

‘Well, as you’ve bagged the hottest male here tonight, I’ve had to look for the next best, as usual.’ Melanie’s eyes weren’t on her. They were fixed on the dashing man walking towards them, elegant in his handmade evening suit. ‘And, do you know what? I think I’ve found him.’

‘You and Frederick?’ Brianna exclaimed.

‘Umm, yes, it would appear so.’

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