Page 61 of Finding You

He waved her off. “At my age, it’s always something. I don’t care if the guys know, but I do plan to call you later this evening. But since you’re so nosy, I’ll tell you now why I was in the hospital. I really was there to have tests run. For days, I couldn’t keep down any food. I was nauseous, and off and on I’d have abdominal and lower back pain. When I went to see my doctor,he had me admitted for tests. They discovered a kidney stone, and before your nosy ass asks, I passed it and I’m fine.”

Raven burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it. He sounded like his old self, and she was so happy that he was going to be fine.

“I’m glad you’re okay, and don’t forget to call me later. I have something to tell you.”

Her heart squeezed at the loving way he looked at her through the screen.

“I will, and I apologize to you and Zion for what Maximus put you through. You won’t have any more problems from him. I’ll keep him in line.”

After the meeting, by the time they climbed into Zion’s truck, Raven felt dazed. So many emotions were swirling inside of her and her mind and body couldn’t seem to decide which one to settle on.

In one sense, she was thrilled Christopher was still in her life and that there was a good chance Maximus would get jail time. On the other hand, it was disturbing to know she’d dated a man who was capable of the low-down dirty crap that he had pulled.

“It’s over,” Zion said as he brushed the back of his fingers down her cheek, and she turned to face him. “Maximus is out of our lives, our babies are safe, and you and I can move on with our lives together.”

Raven grinned and ignoring the pain in her shoulder, she leaned across the center console. She cupped her man’s face between her hands and touched her lips to his, kissing him with all the love she felt inside. When the kiss ended, she sat back in her seat and pointed for him to start the engine.

“Let’s get out of here. We have a wedding to plan!”

Epilogue

This is it.

In a few minutes, she would become Mrs. Raven Priestly, and she couldn’t wait. This was the first time all morning that she’d had a moment to herself. After hair, makeup, and the Priestly sisters assisting her in getting ready, she had asked for a minute alone.

As Raven stared into the full-length mirror, she almost didn’t recognize herself. She slowly ran her hand down the exquisite silver, sleeveless wedding gown that hugged her every curve. The bodice was adorned with crystals and pearls along with intricate silver leaves that intertwined and made the outfit look exotic.

Cree had helped her find the gown, taking her to several high-end boutiques despite Raven trying to stay on a budget. Once Cree learned Christopher was paying, and that he wanted Raven to get anything she wanted, Cree took over the shopping excursion. Not only had Raven gotten the gorgeous gown, but she had also picked up several sets of sexy lingerie, as well as a few items for the honeymoon.

She glanced at her cell phone, noting she still had ten minutes before the ceremony. Too afraid to sit down, she moved away from the mirror and her gaze took in the first-floorbedroom that Lynix had assigned to her. Like the rest of the huge home, the room looked like something out ofHouse Beautifulmagazine. The home, located in an affluent suburb north of Chicago, belonged to his parents and was one of their summer homes.

Lynix hadn’t hesitated when Zion asked if they could use the place for the wedding. Instead of just one day, Lynix had insisted they use it for the whole weekend. That had been perfect. They’d been able to have the babies’ christening the night before in the home’s beautiful sunroom. Only immediate family and godparents had been invited, including Teresa who had flown in a day earlier so she and Raven could have a girl’s day.

Raven had no idea Lynix’s family was rich and according to Zion, very few people knew Lynix was also wealthy. He came from old money and had a trust fund that he rarely touched.

And I thought he was just a cop.

A soft knock sounded on the door, interrupting her thoughts. “Raven, are you almost ready?”

She smiled at hearing Christopher’s voice. When she had asked him to walk her down the aisle, he had agreed immediately. He had also insisted on paying for the wedding, the reception, as well as her wedding gown. He had told her that as his honorary granddaughter, he was entitled to spoil her on her special day, and she had to let him. Which made her laugh and accept his generous offer.

“I’m almost ready,” she called out. “Give me five minutes.”

“Take your time, sweetheart.”

The past month had been a whirlwind of activity. The most important part had been Maximus getting arrested. Especially when it had been captured by reporters and blasted on national television. It had been a gift that Raven hadn’t known she’d appreciate. She wanted him to be humiliated at what he’d done.

Unfortunately, he was out on bail within hours, and Cree said there was a good chance he wouldn’t do any jail time considering the high-powered attorney he had hired. He would definitely be fined, face public humiliation thanks to the media and his celebrity status of sorts, as well as a couple of civil lawsuits that might be filed—one being from the clinic. Basically, Maximus would be tied up in legal battles for a while. His accomplice didn’t make bail and faced more serious charges.

She and Zion decided not to file a civil suit against Maximus or the clinic, wanting to put the whole incident behind them as they started their new life together.

A smile covered her face as she prepared herself to marry the man of her dreams. She was ready.

A short while later, she stood just inside double glass doors that led to the magnificent backyard where the ceremony would take place. She smiled at Christopher and admired how handsome he was in a black tuxedo with silver accents to match her dress.

“Ready?” Christopher asked, and she slipped her arm through his.

“Yup, I’m ready.”

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