Page 99 of Steps

Taking a deep breath, her face brightens again,and she gestures for me and Alison to go ahead. “Okay. It’s time.”

We mosey outside to the decorated tent where overfifty guests are patiently waiting.

Varen’s intense shades of blue watches only me ashis sister and I draw close. Damn, he looks so good in his gray tux, black hairslick back and handsome as ever. My heart flutters as he moistens his lips. Butthen he glances away, catching himself.

A cellist begins to play a dreamlike melody. Varenpositions in between us, taking our hands. We start walking, smiling at Grandpaand Grandma Kirby as we saunter down the middle toward Daniel at the arbor,beautifully decorated with white and peach roses; my mom’s favorites.

Daniel seems nervous, rocking back and forth andwringing his hands. He’s dapper in his gray tux, dark brown hair freshlytrimmed. A broad grin stretches his lips, and he lights up with excitement whenhe sees my mom. She smiles in return as she comes to meet her groom. Guestsooze and gush over her stunning dress.

“My God, you’re gorgeous,” Daniel praises, tearsfalling down his face when she reaches him.

Mom wipes them away. “And you’re handsome.”

They chuckle with each other, hold hands, and turnto face the Scottish officiant, a longtime friend of the Kirby family.

I can’t stop myself from staring across to Varenduring the exchange of vows. His sharp gaze is set on me as well, causing astir of emotions.

Joy buds in my heart for both my mom and Daniel asthe officiant announces them as husband and wife minutes later.

Everyone claps and cheers. Our parents share theirfirst kiss as newlyweds, and Mom beams at me before strolling down the aislewith Daniel at her side. We follow soon after, and the photographer leads usaround the jaw-dropping property for pictures.

Quite a few are snapped with all of us together, abunch with only Mom and Daniel, and of course, some with just Varen, me andAlison. He lightly touches my back whenever we get close, making me struggle tokeep my shit together. He requests for photos with only me, and then withAlison, so it doesn’t seem weird.

After the photo session ends, we return to thereception and resume celebrating with everyone. Marie stays busy, making sureeverything is perfect. From the wine to the food and live music, everything isin accordance.

Throughout the festivity, I notice August watchingme. He has a concerned look on his face.

As the evening transitions into the night, theromantic wire lights get their full shine. I sneak away from the reception atthe end of all the toasts and once everyone starts dancing to the down-tempomusic from the live band.

I wander around the side of the castle, down thesteps to another quiet garden, and stroll over to the withered fountain. There aresmall lights in the grass, like a setting from a romance movie.

“Did you make a wish?” August asks, causing me tojump.

“Geez.” I laugh and touch my heart.

He moves closer. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to startleyou.”

“It’s fine.” Motioning to the fountain, Itell him, “No. I don’t believe in those things, to be honest. Even if I likereading and writing about them.”

A frown morphs his features. “Are you okay,Latoya?”

“Why don’t you leave her alone,” Varen grunts,treading across the garden to us. “She’s mine.”

He brushes past August and grabs my hand, towingme away with him.

My heart races. Electricity shoots through my bodyfrom the touch of his hand. I miss him so much, and everyone might notice if hekeeps this up.

“Varen, what are you doing? You can’t act likethis in public. They’ll see that you’re jealous. They’ll see—”

“I don’t care right now.” He turns and cups myface with both hands. “I wish things were different, Toya. Wish I’d found yousome other way. But we have this great thing between us, and I don’t want tolet it go. I can’t.”

“Varen—”

He shoves his mouth to mine, kissing me hard. Igrip his back, desperate for him while melting in the force between us.

A yelp resounds nearby. I break away fast, bodystiffening as I see Alison.

“Oh, my God.” Her eyes are wide with shock. “Sothis is why…” She seems to be piecing things together.

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