Page 74 of Suddenly Tempted
“I’ll be fine,” he said. “This time. Can’t say for sure I won’t need a little help later on though, so park that thought and we’ll come back to it.”
He kicked off his boots and his snowsuit trousers, and before long he was standing there in his wedding suit. Darcy did the same, struggling out of her rescue kit to reveal the beautifully tailored white dress beneath.
“It’s unlucky for me to see it before the wedding,” Devlin said, and she smiled.
“I don’t think that counts when the groom actually designed the dress,” she said, brushing her hands over the silk. “It’s a little wrinkled.”
“It’s perfect,” he said, taking her hand and starting to walk again. “You’re perfect.”
They began walking together up the slope, heading towards the group of guests gathered near the top. As they neared, Darcy’s smile grew wider when she spotted their ring bearers — Nibbles and Norman, their beloved rabbits — sitting primly at the top of the slope, each with a little ribbon tied around their necks, holding the rings in a tiny pouch. Nibbles, her fluffy white fur contrasting beautifully with the green grass, twitched her nose as if she knew she had an important job to do. Norman, slightly larger and more regal-looking, sat beside her, his ears perked up, looking every bit the dignified rabbit.
“Devlin!” Darcy cried, her hand flying to her mouth. “You brought the kids. You know they’re going to steal the show, right?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Devlin chuckled, watching the two rabbits with amusement. “Norman looks like he’s taking this whole ring-bearer role very seriously.”
The slope levelled out as they reached the top, where their friends and family stood waiting, champagne glasses in hand. They broke into a round of cheers and applause when they saw Devlin and Darcy coming. Blake Fielding was there, and he jogged towards them with a beaming smile on his face.
“Everyone safe?” Blake asked, and Devlin nodded.
“Well done. I always thought Devlin Storm was a great name for a super hero.”
“Darcy’s the hero,” he said. “I’m just her sidekick.”
Blake grinned. “Well, either way, you’re a lucky man.”
Devlin glanced at Darcy, his heart swelling with love. “I know I am.”
Blake gestured towards the guests gathered near the rocks.
“Everyone’s here,” he said. “This place is amazing. You picked the perfect spot.”
Devlin nodded, taking in the view. He’d once risked his life to get here, and it turned out to be the best decision he’d ever made. And the last reckless one.
“It’s pretty special, all right,” he said.
“I’ll go get in place,” Darcy whispered, leaning up to kiss him on the cheek. “See you in a moment.”
As she moved towards the rocky outcrop, Devlin turned to Blake, a hand on his shoulder as they made their way upwards.
“Thank you,” he said.
“For what?” Blake asked, frowning.
“For what you said to me months ago, back at the Royal Alpine. You were right. I found love, and everything makes sense.Everything.”
Blake face lit up with a knowing smile.
“I’m happy for you,” he said. “Now come on, let’s get you married.”
They walked up the slope together, rounding the rocks. Even though he’d been here countless times since the day he’d scattered his mum’s ashes, the view still took his breath away. Now, in the middle of summer, it was better than ever. The lush, green, burgeoning valley stretched for miles, cradled by the sun-drenched mountain slopes. It felt even more beautiful, knowing that this was where he would marry the woman who had changed his life for ever.
Hey, Mum, he thought, closing his eyes for a moment and seeing her there, smiling.Look at me now. I hope this makes you proud of me. You’d have loved Darcy and she would have loved you.
His mum would have been so happy to know how much he had changed. She would have been so happy that he had found love.
Two dozen seats had been arranged next to the rocks, facing the stunning view and a small archway adorned with thousands of tiny wildflowers. Beneath the arch, a priest stood waiting. Nearby, Nibbles and Norman, sat patiently, keeping the rings safe as the guests took their seats. Devlin and Darcy had wanted a small, intimate wedding, but nothing was going to stop their friends celebrating the nuptials, and at least half the seats were taken up by the people they’d rescued from the mountains.
Devlin made his way to the front, a little nervous now that everybody was watching him. Blake straightened Devlin’s bow tie, then brushed something from his shoulder.
