Page 89 of The Saint

He took my hand, and we faced each other before the priest, ready to declare our undying love for each other before God and the five hundred people gathered to bear witness to our union.

He continued to look at me the same way, the most handsome man I’d ever seen, eyes bluer than the goddamn sky. He’d shaved, so his jawline was smooth, and the shadow along his mouth was even more distinct.

The priest continued, and I mouthed, “You’re so hot.”

He smirked, and the twinkle that moved into his eyes was pure joy.

We didn’t exchange rings because I already had mine, and he’d inked his days before to make sure it was healed for the big day. So we took each other, there under the Paris sky with the Eiffel Tower in view, and promised to love each other forever.

The reception at the Four Seasons was a big blowout, everyone drinking and partying, having the best time of their lives. I’d never seen Bastien dance, but he moved on the dance floor like it was yet another thing he was good at.

The party went until two in the morning, and most of the guests were still there when the party ended. The lights flicked on, and people began to grab their jackets and coats to prepare to depart.

Bastien wrapped his tux jacket around my shoulders. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart.” He said goodbye to a friend and his wife, and what should have been a brief departure turned into a long conversation.

I stepped into the hallway, keeping the jacket tight around my body to stay warm.

“Sad it’s over?” Luca appeared, drunk in the eyes like he’d had a great time.

“Not as sad as you, I think,” I teased. “I get to go home to Bastien and see him naked. The rest of you don’t.”

He chuckled. “I’ve already seen him naked, so you can’t hold that over me.”

“Why have you seen him naked?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Long story.”

“It shouldn’t be that long.”

He rubbed the back of his head and gave a quiet chuckle. “Something I’ve been meaning to tell you. Bastien didn’t want any speeches, so I didn’t get to say it then, but…the two of us got a drink together months ago. This was before he asked you to move in, before things got super serious.”

“Okay.”

“He said he knew you were going to be his wife. Said he knew you were the one.”

I’d never understood Bastien’s love for me, but I would never question it, not when it was the greatest thing that had ever happened to me.

“I told him he was crazy, that he barely knew you, but he told me he just fucking knew. And he wanted me to tell you that on your wedding day.”

I felt my eyes soften so much they actually ached. “I know how lucky I am, Luca.” I knew that any woman would resort to any deception to have what I had, the unwavering love and loyalty of a man like him.

“I think he’s luckier, if I’m being honest with you.” He came close and gave me a one-armed hug. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you. See you later.”

“See you later.” He walked off and disappeared into the crowd of people.

Bastien returned, his arm moving around my waist before he pulled me in close for a quick kiss on the mouth. “Ready, sweetheart? It’s raining, so I’ll bring the car around.”

“It’s raining?”

“Yeah.”

I loved the sunshine, loved the fact that I could wear this dress without being cold, but I loved the rain the way I loved my husband. “Can we walk?”

“You want to walk home in the rain?” he asked, slightly amused.

“Yes.” I loved it when he smelled like the rain, when his hair was slightly damp, when the scent was heavy on his clothes. It reminded me of those nights together, in my bed or in his house, sitting outside in cafés or when we’d left the bar after my shift. It was special to me. “Then when we get home, we can warm up in front of the fire…”

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