Page 90 of The Veiling

He rolled his bottom lip between his teeth, nodding. “I know you wish ou…they were here, but I’m going to get you down the aisle the best I can without us both tripping in the sand.”

I let out an awkward laugh, snorting. “I can’t seem to control my emotions today.” My eyes lowered to his wrist. “New watch?”

He nodded. “You like?”

“It’s awesome. Looks kinda vintage.” I ran my fingertips over it. “Did Laura get it for you?”

He cocked his head. “No, actually. Uh—”

Laura busted into the room. “Isab…elle.” Her mouth fell open with a wide smile. “Holy shit, beauty queen!”

“Tanya helped me get into it.” I snickered.

She rushed over, throwing her arms around me. “Oh my God, I love you.”

“I love you too.” I took two steps back, fanning myself all over again.

“Sorry.” She smiled.

“It’s okay.”

Noah winked at her, pulling her into his side. “We’ll be down soon. I have something I need to talk to her about. We still have a few minutes.”

“Sure thing.” She glanced at me, winking. “See you guys down there. Everyone’s excited and your hubby looks fantastic.”

“Of course, he does.” I pinned my lip between my teeth as she shut the door. I turned my attention to Noah. “What did you want to talk to me about?”

Clearing his throat, he reached into his inside jacket pocket. “I know you didn’t want to cry again, but the lawyer stopped by earlier and gave me two things that were found among Felipe’s things.” He revealed an envelope and a square shallow, black jewelry box. “This,” he handed me the folded piece of paper, “is a letter your parents wrote you the day you were born.”

Instantly, my mouth fell open, and I teared up once again.

“And this,” he opened the box, revealing a gold, bangle bracelet, “is a bracelet they had engraved and planned to give it to you on your eighteenth birthday with that letter.”

The room started spinning, and I began hyperventilating when he plucked it from the box and held it up.

“It says,She led with her mind, but she ruled the world with her grace and love.”

I tried my best to hold back my emotions, but it was useless. A waterfall plummeted from my eyes, and he took my hand in his, sliding the bracelet around my wrist. I dabbed the corner of my eyes and blotted my face before I hugged him tightly. “Thank you so much. I love you.”

“Love you too.” He patted my back with a quiet laugh. “You might want to read that letter after the wedding.”

I backed away, gripping it firmly. “Have you read it?”

“I did but I have a le…,” he slid his hands in his pockets, “um…yes…but only because I wanted to make sure no one was going to give you bad news on your wedding day.”

“Then, I’d like to read it now, please.”

He nodded once. “I’ll get your makeup artist to come touch up your makeup then. You’re going to need it.”

“Oh, boy.” I snickered. “Probably best. I’ll be ready in a few minutes.”

He smirked, nodding. “I’ll send her up and I’ll wait in the hall.” He strode to the door, disappearing.

I turned toward the window. The small crowd of our family and friends were now taking their seat in the white chairs on the beach, facing the ocean. I unfolded the letter, lowering my gaze to it.

Brother?! Oh my God!At that moment, any words failed me. My parents were always trying to protect us, making whatever sacrifices they had to, regardless of how badly it hurt them. Tears plummeted from my eyes as I stared ahead, wondering what Noah thought about the letter since he had read it and, I guess, had his own.

“Isabelle?”

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