Page 141 of Playing For Keeps
“Fire away.”
I pace the living room in our suite while ticking off mental boxes of everything I need for the ceremony. My excitement is taking up too much of my attention, so I fear I’m missing something.
“Here comes the bride.” Mel steps out of the bedroom Dori’s been getting ready in.
Mel’s wearing a simple, short, light-pink dress. It’s classy and perfect for the maid of honor.
As soon as Dori appears, my head gets light and my breathing picks up. She’s in a white slip dress, holding a bouquet of calla lilies. Her hair is in loose curls over her shoulders, and she’s wearing the perfect amount of makeup.
Not too much, but a little more than normal, so her eyes will pop in photos. At least that’s how she explained it to me when she was deciding what to wear.
“Dori, you’re absolutely gorgeous.”
She does a little curtsey and strides over to me. “Why, thank you, stud. You’re as handsome as ever in your tux.”
I want to roll my eyes at her nickname for me, but I don’t. Instead, Igo in for a kiss.
She backs away. “No. Not yet. I’m saving that for the ceremony.”
I suppress a growl because she’s been holding out on me since she got her IUD taken out, saying she wanted to wait until tonight.
“Very well. Ceremony it is.” I hold my arm out for her. “Let’s do this.”
She hooks her arm with mine. “This is probably the longest aisle any bride has ever had to walk down.”
Melanie runs in front of us and opens the door. We leave and are on our way to the chapel near the casino on the main level.
As we ride the elevator down, I can’t take my eyes off her. “I can’t believe you’re going to be my wife in less than an hour.
“I know. It’s happening so fast, but I wouldn’t change a thing.” She beams and glances at Mel. “I’m so glad you’re here to witness this.”
“You need someone to take pictures.” Mel smirks. “You know I’m only kidding. I’d hunt you down and kill you if you didn’t have me here.”
“I wouldn’t expect any less.” Dori leans into me. “I never thought I’d see this day come.”
“I hope this day is everything you’ve hoped for.” My chest heats, and my nerves ramp up.
This next part she isn’t expecting, and it could end terribly. I pray I made the right decision. My hands tremble, and sweat drips down my back as we descend.
We arrive on the main level and find our way to the chapel. As we approach, my legs get weak.
I spot him before Dori does. He steps into our line of sight.
She stops as soon as she recognizes him. “Aiden… What are you doing here?”
“Woah. I didn’t see that coming.” Mel stands on Dori’s other side.
Aiden dips his chin to me. “Jami asked me to walk you down the aisle. I’d be honored if you would allow me to give you away.”
Dori’s lips part, then her head snaps to me. “You did this?”
“I did. Aiden and I spent about two hours talking the other day. We’ve made peace with everything that was causing friction.” I gesture at Aiden to verify.
He confirms with a nod. “Jami’s my best friend, and you’re my baby sister. I’d be a stubborn fool not to recognize you two love each other. You always have. I guess that means you deserve to be together. Besides, I want to see you two happy.”
She shakes against me as she stares at her brother. “Are you saying you support our marriage?”
“I am. There’s nothing I want more than to see you in love and fulfilling your dreams. If you can forgive me for stupidly interfering in your life, I would feel more complete. I love and miss you more than words can say.” His sincerity shines in his eyes.
