Page 63 of His to Claim

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EPILOGUE: CARLOTTA

The next day is sunny and unseasonably warm. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day to get married. My mom slides the rear glass walls back which open up the entire rear half of the house, connecting it directly to the cobblestone patio. A trellis shadows the patio and it’s covered by flowers and vines. A fountain gurgles and there’s an archway made of evergreen boughs sprinkled with holly. Damon and I will stand beneath it for the ceremony and exchange our vows.

There’s a palpable excitement in the air and I am beyond ready and excited. The girls help me with my hair and makeup, and then I slip into a long, white dress made of the softest satin. Alessia touches up my lip gloss while Hannah adjusts the sprigs of holly scattered throughout my hair which is swept back off my face and in a pile of waves at the nape of my neck.

“You look stunning,” Gabriella says, and they all nod in agreement.

“That man isn’t going to know what hit him,” Blake adds, and we all laugh.

My hands are clutched together and I realize I’m wringing them nervously.

“Are you ready?” Alessia asks.

“So ready. But, I’m nervous,” I admit.

“Don’t be nervous,” Gabriella says. “You’re about to marry the man you love with your friends and family right here with you. We’re so happy for you.”

“So very happy,” Gia states. I’m so glad Alessia’s sister and Leo came to join us, too. Everyone I love most in this world is here and Gabriella is right—there’s no need to stress or worry because this is truly the happiest day of my life.

“Thank you all so much for being here. It means the world to me—and Damon. His parents have passed, so we’re his family now.”

“And we’re so happy to welcome him into the fold,” my mom says and hugs me.

I feel the prick of tears, but I can’t let myself cry or I’ll ruin my makeup.

“Don’t even think about crying,” Alessia warns me, and I crack a smile.

“I won’t. At least, not yet.”

“At least wait until after you say ‘I do’ and then I can touch you up.”

“Okay,” I say with a chuckle.

“Hey!” Angelo calls from out in the hallway. “Everybody decent in there?”

“Yes!” I call back and my brother strolls in, hands in his pockets, looking beyond handsome in his suit. He takes one look at me and whistles under his breath.

“Damn, sis, Archer is one lucky man.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, tears threatening again.

“Don’t you dare cry,” he says, and everyone laughs.

“I won’t!”

He gives me a hug then nods to the back patio. “Your man is waiting. Are you ready?”

I nod my head. “I’m ready.”

“Don’t forget your bouquet!” Hannah hands me the small arrangement of evergreen and holly, interspersed with white roses and mistletoe. It’s perfect and I take it from her with a grateful smile.

Then Angelo offers his arm and escorts me out into the hallway while the girls and my mom wish me another round of good luck and go take their seats.

My dad waits for me and Ang hands me over. “See you up there,” he says with a wink.

“You look lovely,” my dad says and I smile.

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