Page 89 of Texting the CEO's Obsession
RILEY
All of my nerves drain out of me the second the music swells.
The massive mahogany doors sweep open soundlessly in front of me, leading out to a perfect dreamscape of flowers and the setting sun, family and friends all dressed to the nines and watching as I take my first step down the aisle. I decided against having anyone walk me down the aisle, even though Nick’s father offered. I grew up with just my mom, and I want to honor the fact that she raised me on her own today. She and Taylor stand in gorgeous light purple dresses on my side of the altar, Marcus and Thomas standing opposite them.
I can hardly hear the violins over the pounding of my heart, and I’m lightheaded with joy and gratitude, but my gaze doesn’t waver.
Standing at the altar in a custom tailored navy tux, beaming at me, is Nick.
My fiance.
My soon to behusband.
Strands of lavender hang from the ceiling, littering petals down on the floor. One clings to Nick’s shoulder, several catching in my veil as I close the distance between us.
Thrilled tears line my lashes, but I refuse to let them fall until I’ve at least made it through our vows. This is real. We made it through everything, grieved the loss of Bruno with his mother, discussed my new roles in both the business and the family, and we’re still standing.
I can hardly breathe by the time I step up to the altar, overwhelmed by how perfect everything is, by how perfectNickis.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think my wedding would be this stunning.
My eyes catch on his pocket square, something I would’ve overlooked if not for the edge of lace trimming it. On second glance, my heart almost stops in my chest.
The base of it is black, something that looks like stretchy cotton, bits of thin black and red glitter crusted metal sewn in artfully. It’s striking, like he is, and if I didn’t recognize the lace bordering it, I wouldn’t think any more of it.
But I do. It’s a pattern I’m intimately familiar with, one I’ve seen every time he had his face hidden from me in the beginning of our relationship.
“Is—Are those…?” I ask weakly, a broad smile tugging at my lips.
“My masks,” he whispers, smiling just as wide. “There’s no reason for me to wear them anymore. I thought this would be a better use for them.”
So much for not crying before our vows.
A tear slips down my cheek, and I wish I could fling myself forward and kiss him right now. Before I can toss my bouquet blindly behind me to Taylor, the officiant clears her throat and begins speaking.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”
I can’t focus on her words, too busy drinking in the sight of the man I love more than life itself. Those dark eyes don’t falter from mine, every ounce of his attention on me. His hands cover mine entirely around my bouquet, wide thumb brushing over my knuckles.
“I love you,” I murmur, low enough not to cut into the officiant’s speech, but loud enough for Nick to hear me.
From the adoring look on his face, he’s ready to ignore decorum and kiss me, too.
“I love you, too, Princess. Forever.”
Here’s to the rest of our lives together.
