Page 52 of My Billionaire Casino Boss

The rehearsal dinner is a blast. We gather in a private dining room at the resort, surrounded by our closest friends and family. There’s laughter and good-natured teasing, stories shared, and memories made. Lily is radiant, her laughter ringing out above the din, her eyes sparkling with joy. Seeing her so happy, so relaxed, fills me with a sense of contentment I’ve never felt before.

The next morning, I arrange for Lily, her mom, Ally, Christina, and my mom to have a spa day. I figure it’s the perfect way for them to unwind and enjoy some pampering before the big day. When I mention the idea to Lily, she looks surprised.

“You want your mom to join us?” she asks, her eyebrows raised.

I nod, shrugging nonchalantly. “Yeah, if that’s okay with you. I think she’d enjoy it.”

Lily reaches up to cup my cheek. “Of course it’s okay. I think it’s a great idea. I’m just a little scared she’ll hate me.”

I laugh. “If anything, I’m afraid you’ll hateher. You two haven’t had any real time together, and she can be kind of a lot but she’s going to love you.”

So, while the women in our lives enjoy a day of relaxation, I spend the day with Eric and some of the other guys, playing golf and trying not to think about how in less than twenty-four hours, I’ll be standing at the altar, waiting for Lily to walk down the aisle toward me.

Despite the nerves that are starting to creep in, I can’t help but feel incredibly lucky. I’m about to marry the woman of my dreams, surrounded by the people we love. As I watch the sunrise over the mountains, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, I can’t help but think that this is exactly where I’m meant to be.

The golf course is a sprawling expanse of green, the morning sun casting long shadows over the manicured lawns. It’s just me, Eric, Lily’s dad, and my own father. It’s a strange group, but it’s a day for family, and despite the awkwardness, I’m glad we’re all here.

As we make our way through the course, the conversation is light, filled with gentle ribbing and shared laughter. As we’re waiting for our turn at the ninth hole, my father makes a comment that has me stiffening in surprise.

“Well, Thomas,” he says with a small smirk as he tees up his ball, “I never thought I’d see the day you’d settle down. Especially not with a girl like Lily.”

I frown, not liking the implication. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He shrugs, his gaze on the ball as he lines up his shot. “Just that she’s not exactly the type of woman I thought you’d end up with. You know, given your…status.”

Eric bristles beside me, but I hold up a hand, stopping him from saying anything. “Are you implying that Lily’s a gold digger, Dad?”

He looks surprised by my question or surprised to be called out—I’m not sure which. “Well, I didn’t say that—”

“But you implied it,” I cut him off, my voice cold. “For the record, Lily is the most genuine, kind-hearted person I’ve ever met. She’s not interested in my money or my status. She loves me for me, and I love her. So, I’d appreciate it if you’d keep your baseless assumptions to yourself. I don’t owe you any explanation but Lily’s family is far from broke. You would know that if you’d spent any time getting to know my friends when I was younger.”

There’s a moment of stunned silence, and then my father nods, a new respect in his eyes. “Fair enough, son. I apologize.”

With that, he takes his shot, the ball sailing through the air and landing neatly on the green. We continue with our game and I feel a sense of satisfaction. I’ve stood up for Lily, for us, and it feels so good.

I’m heading back to my room after breakfast on the morning of the wedding when I hear a soft giggle from down the hall. Curiosity piqued, I follow the sound, only to stop dead in my tracks. There is Lily, propping open the door to her bridal suite. Her sister is running down the hall with a CVS bag. Lily is in her wedding dress, a vision of beauty that takes my breath away. The dress is simple but elegant, hugging her curves and flowing down to the floor. I haven’t seen the dress she chose until now, and I’m blown away by how perfectlyherit is. Her hair is pinned up, loose curls framing her face. She’s laughing at something her sister has said. I’m rooted to the spot I stand in, unable to tear my eyes away from her. She’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. The realization that she’s mine, that she’s choosing to be mine, almost topples me.

She turns then, her eyes meeting mine, and for a moment, we’re the only two people in the world. She looks surprised, then delighted, then a little bit guilty. “Thomas,” she says, her voice soft as Christina slips by her and shuts the door with a soft click. “You’re not supposed to see me yet.”

“I know,” I reply, my voice rough with emotion. “But I’m glad I did.”

I close the distance between us, pulling her into my arms. She fits against me perfectly, her body molding to mine as if we were made for each other. I lean down, capturing her lips in a kiss that’s filled with all the love and longing I feel for her.

When we finally pull apart, she’s breathless, her cheeks flushed. “You should go,” she says, her voice shaky. “Before my mom catches you.”

I laugh, pressing one last kiss to her forehead before stepping back. “I’ll see you at the altar, Lily.”

As she closes the door, I hear a soft laugh from inside the room. It’s my mother’s laugh, a sound I’d almost forgotten, and I shake my head. The magic of Lily.

The wedding is everything I could have hoped for—everything Lily deserves. We’re standing on a cliff overlooking the White River National Forest, the sun is low in the sky, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. Lily looks ethereal in her wedding dress, her eyes sparkling with happiness as she recites her vows. It’s a challenge to keep myself from kissing her right now.

I take a deep breath and look deeply into her eyes.

“Lily, my brave, beautiful bride,” I begin, and just like that, I’m crying. “You’ve turned my whole world upside down in the best way. I vow to love you ferociously and always support your dreams. You are my favorite person, my best friend—sorry, Eric.” I pause while the crowd chuckles. “Lily, you’re the woman I want by my side when I’m a thousand years old with hair coming out of my ears. I didn’t know what love really was until I found you. Now I can’t imagine my life without your smile, your laugh, your kisses. I love you.”

I slide the ring onto her finger, where it fits perfectly against her engagement ring.

“Thomas” Lily starts, “from the moment I first saw your handsome face, I knew you were the one for me. Even as kids, when you were the pest splashing me in my parents’ pool, I was smitten. You were the one worth waiting for. I promise to love you no matter what. I promise to be there through good times and bad, on adventures and lazy Sundays, wins and losses. You are the man I want to wake up next to every morning and fall asleep next to every night. I’m so excited to spend forever with you. I love you, Thomas. I’m so lucky to be yours.” She slips the ring onto my finger, and I hold my hands steady.

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