Page 156 of Black
Steve stood by the end of the stairs and looked at me with awe. “You blow me away,” he said and offered his arm to me. A week ago he had asked me if he could lead me down the aisle and I told him yes with a large knot in my throat. Steve was, after all, my grandfather – and the fact that I hadn’t seen Brent, my father, since the big clash at the brunch three months ago was actually a relief. Gabriel had always spoken about Steve as a bully and maybe he was… he did, however, treat me with care and courtesy and looked proud when he led me out into the garden.
“If I get nervous, promise to hold on to me and don’t let me run away,” I joked. “I really want to marry Gabriel.”
He tightened his hold on my arm. “And you will, my girl,” he promised with a gleam in his eyes.
As the music started playing Violet took Mia’s hand and with a last smile of reassurance they went down the aisle together to take their positions.
Steve inclined his head to me and then we started walking. I heard murmurs and people taking pictures but my eyes were fixed on Gabriel, who stood tall and straight, glancing right back at me. When I got closer I saw that his eyes were moist and that his lips were slightly quivering. It made me squeeze my bridal bouquet harder, trying not to cry myself.
Steve had a satisfied smile on his lips when he handed me over to Gabriel, who leaned in to hug me.
“God, I can’t even describe in words how radiant you look or how much I love you,” he whispered before releasing me from the hug. Meeting his large brown eyes, with that almond shape that I love so much, I saw promises of devotion and loyalty mirroring the emotions in my heart. I blinked, hoping that my mascara would be as waterproof as the stylist had promised.
I have no clue what the priest spoke about. I couldn’t focus on his words because all I could see was the man in front of me, so insanely out of my league and yet here to commit to me for the rest of his life.
We exchanged rings, we saidI doat the right time, and then the priest announced us man and wife… Mr. and Mrs. Thomas.
“You may kiss your bride,” the priest said with a smile, and Gabriel didn’t hesitate but pulled me into a deep kiss that had everyone in the wedding party breaking out in joyous cheers.
“My wife.” He beamed down at me and stroked my cheek. “It’s official.”
“I know,” I said and leaned up to kiss him again. “You’re mine now. Every part of your deliciously tattooed body belongs to me.”
Humor sparkled in his eyes. “You better believe it, because your sweet ass belongs to me too.”
The reception was centered on the large terrace; Katie had outdone herself with beautiful food and expensive wine for everyone.
I found Daniel and Violet standing by a high table enjoying themselves. Daniel squinted his eyes because of the sun and smiled. “It’s hard to get used to seeing you like this… but I have to say that you look real pretty in white.”
“She looks gorgeous,” Gabriel said from behind.
I introduced him to Daniel, who’d never really had a proper chance to meet Gabriel. Violet, of course, he knew, and they smiled at each other.
“I see my advice worked,” she said.
“Yup, the best-spent three hundred dollars of my life,” Gabriel said and winked at me.
“What did you pay Violet three hundred dollars for?” I asked.
“To give me advice on how to win you back.”
I grinned. “So you actually believe in her abilities.”
“Not as a psychic… just as a friend who knows you well.” He turned to Violet. “No offense.”
She shrugged with a soft smile. “None taken.”
I spotted Darren and waved him over. To my delight he was with Bruce, which made sense since Bruce was the one who originally introduced me to Darren.
“Come here, my little angel,” Darren said and kissed me on my cheeks. “Such a beautiful wedding.”
Bruce nodded and shook our hands. “Very beautiful indeed.”
I had never seen Bruce outside of camp and he looked so small next to Darren – who had dressed extra formal for the occasion, which in Darren’s case meant that he was wearing tight yellow pants, brown leather shoes, a green vest, and a blue topcoat in velvet with a yellow bowtie. Funny enough, he did look elegant, in a sort of stylish-nobleman-from-eighteen-hundred-and-something way.
I knew Gabriel would comment on Darren’s attire when we were alone, but to his credit he kept his judgmental comments in check and stayed polite.
Daniel on the other hand shook Darren’s hand and made a low chuckle. “Where’s the hat?”
