Page 98 of Cross the Line
Her happiness is blinding, like staring into the sun. I don’t want to look away. I’d let her steal the sight from my eyes, the breath from my lungs. I’d let her do her worst and still be eternally grateful.
‘You look all right,’ she jokes before sparing a glance over at her family and remembering our audience. ‘I can’t wait to see Alisha.’
I chuckle. ‘I think you’ll love her grand entrance. Me and the boys get to carry her in like a princess.’ Then I force myself to greet Dr and Mr Williams. ‘Thanks for being here this weekend. I know it’s been pretty overwhelming.’
Dr Williams beams at me. The same dimples that dot her daughter’s cheeks appear in her own. ‘Neha told me to brace myself, but I never could have imagined all this. I’ve loved every second of it, though. Can’t wait for your wedding next.’
The last comment is said teasingly, but I’m already imagining myself under that mandap with Willow.
Slow your fucking roll, my guy.
From the corner of my eye, I see one of Alisha’s bridesmaids leaning out the back door of the house, waving to get my attention.
‘That’s my cue,’ I say to the Williamses with a nod to Oakley. He’s going to help with this part, since he’s practically family. ‘Almost time to escort the bride in. We’ll see the rest of you later.’
Dr Williams gives me a quick hug before shooing us off. But before I turn to go, I lock eyes with Willow.
Tonight. We’re finally telling Oakley.
——
My sister is officially a married woman. Which means that I’ve become the target of all the aunties’ match-making attention.
‘Beta, my friend Sonali has a granddaughter who is a trauma surgeon,’ one of the older women coos. ‘She would make a great wife. She could fix you back up after you crash!’
The women surrounding me cackle, bangles and jewels tinkling as they clap their hands like it’s the funniest thing they’ve ever heard.
The reception has been in full swing for half an hour, and already I’ve faced more offers like that than I can count. It’s going to be a long night if this keeps up.
I extract myself from the group of aunties as smoothly as I can and weave through the crowd of people mingling and eating and dancing, praying I don’t get caught by another woman who wants to set me up. A few people greet me as I go, but thankfully, they let me step out of the giant marquee.
Out in the night air, I draw in a deep breath, relieved to have escaped the direct assault of noise after such an intense day. Thankfully, every detail went smoothly, from the vows to the cocktail hour, and finally, the newlyweds’ grand entrance at the reception. But I need a break.
I’ve caught sight of Willow a few times, though every time I’ve tried to approach her, I’ve been intercepted by someone who wants to talk about my future and romantic prospects. I’ll find her later. How much later, however, remains to be seen.
‘Long day, huh?’ comes from behind me.
I glance over my shoulder and find Reid sauntering my way.
I try to laugh, but the sound that escapes is more of a pained grunt. ‘And it’s not anywhere near being over.’
Reid snagged an invitation to the wedding thanks to my mother, who practically adopted the kid when he and I lived together in Monaco. Every time my parents came to visit, she insisted that it was her duty to make sure he was taken care of, especially once she found out that his mother had passed away years ago and his elderly grandmother was his only remaining family. After that, he was invited to every family vacation and gathering, though he always politely declined. This was one invite he couldn’t turn down, though.
‘Gotta admit,’ Reid says, coming to stand next to me as he looks up at the shimmering fairy lights draped over our heads like a canopy. ‘This is probably the best party I’ve ever been to. Y’all really know how to make a wedding fun.’
‘That we do,’ I agree, clinking my champagne glass against his.
He laughs and sips his drink, watching me thoughtfully. ‘I saw Willow in there taking pictures. She still running your social media?’
I nod but stop myself quickly. ‘Actually, today’s the last day of her contract.’
‘No shit?’ He blinks, brow raised. ‘I’m surprised you’re letting her go. She’s really pulled you back from the brink.’
She most certainly did, and if I could, I’d insist she keep working for me. Workingwithme. But her reputation is too precious to destroy, and I want her to find the biggest successes in life.
‘I was honestly prepared to bribe her so I could woo her away from you,’ Reid continues. ‘I need someone like her running my social media.’
‘I won’t lie, your image is pretty . . . stuffy,’ I agree as diplomatically as I can.
