Page 70 of It Takes a Thief
The women all give me a big hug, and my throat tightens with emotion. Becoming best friends with Charity when I first moved to New York was the best thing ever. Now, I have three more amazing friends who feel like sisters. Plus, a couple of brothers in Knox and Ryder.
And, of course, I have Linc. My hand drifts down to cover my stomach.We also have a little something else,I think. He’s going to flip out when I tell him my news.
Clearing my throat, I accept my bouquet from Addie.
It’s time to marry the man I love.
∞∞∞
My parents spared no expense, and our wedding is dubbed “The Wedding of the Century.” When the people of Arcadia learned how Linc and I met, how he was my bodyguard and we fell in love, they called it a true fairytale.
Everything goes off magnificently and my heart squeezes when Linc chokes up during our vows. I may shed a tear, or ten, and when he kisses me beside the jasmine-covered cliffs with the sea hitting the rocks below, I feel his love for me to the depths of my soul.
The ceremony complete, we all move back inside where the main ballroom has been set up for a major celebration. Extravagant would be putting it mildly. If I thought my birthday party was indulgent, this is beyond decadent, with a full orchestra, fountains of French champagne, endless flowers and so much food, I don’t even know where to begin. My parents invited everyone to the reception, and I know it’s going to be an absolute whirlwind.
My simple, yet elegant, white satin gown shows off my curves and dips in the back. Right now, Linc’s warm hand rests low on my bare back and a shiver runs through me.
“Are you cold?” he asks, immediately noticing.
“No. Just thinking about our honeymoon.” We’re flying to the Greek island of Santorini after the reception, and I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to anything as much as I do this. We’re staying in a private, cliffside suite overlooking the Aegean Sea. It’s going to be epic.
“Oh, really?” His hand slides lower, fingers dipping precariously into the back of my dress.
Before I can respond, Linc’s crew sidles up. Addie, Brighton and Hunter give him hugs, while Knox and Ryder slap his back and kiss my cheek.
“So does this make you a prince?” Knox asks.
“Oh, God help us,” Ryder exclaims. “I am not bowing down to you.”
“Only Prince Consort,” Linc replies with a grin, and we all laugh. Then he sweeps me onto the dance floor, and I’ve never felt more like a princess. When I’m in his arms, looking up into his dark brown eyes, my heart somersaults.
“Nice crown,” he murmurs. “It’s giving me ideas.”
I arch a brow. “What kind of ideas?”
“The kind that involves you wearing it later tonight…and nothing else. I’m wondering if I can knock it off your head...with just the right amount of hip force.”
“You are so bad,” I whisper, “and I love it.”
He twirls me around, spinning me out then reeling me back in for a dip. Slowly, he pulls me back up, our gazes locked. I wasn’t planning on telling him until tonight, but the moment seems so perfect.
“Linc…”
“Yes?”
“There’s something I need to tell you.” Instead of saying the words, I take his big hand and drag it down over my belly. His espresso eyes go comically wide.
“You’re pregnant?”
I nod, and before I know it, he’s lifting me up and spinning me around. When he finally sets me back down on my feet, I’m dizzy. Then he leans down and captures my mouth in a kiss not exactly suitable for all the guests watching us. But they laugh and cheer, clinking silverware against their glasses.
As the tinkling sound of approval fades, I wrap my arms tighter around his neck. “That was the best response I could’ve asked for.”
“Thank you, Princess,” he murmurs, almost reverently.
“For what?” I ask, searching his serious gaze.
“For believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For loving me fiercely. For racing across the ocean to come to my rescue. You’re a force to be reckoned with, and I can only imagine how tough our son is going to be.”
