“Why? Is she having problems? Did you see her yesterday? I only got a text this morning,” Hunter says, pulling out his phone.
I stand and take his phone, pointing at him with it. “Valerie is fine. No matter what happens, we are going down that aisle, remember?”
“How dare you not be stressed,” he growls, snatching his phone back.
I shrug. “Stressing about this won’t help the situation, it will only make it harder to work through.”
“Says the guy our wife uses as an experiment,” Chase barks.
I touch the braid that’s still in my hair from yesterday. I made sure it would stay, slept carefully. If I had my way, she would have done more, but I’ll keep this reminder of Valerie.
It’s a miracle we make it out of the house an hour later. Already, I’ve had to give orders to verify people with the guest list and to keep out press. Chase had to make it clear it’s a private wedding since somehow the date got leaked.
“Just wait until we get there,” Hunter sighs as he drives. “We’ll be fine, Chase. Lief will have to deal with the over eager venue manager. She’s got a thing for you, Lief.”
“Valerie took care of that with a threat,” I reply.
“Oh yeah, because that’s going to stop someone when they want you,” Chase snorts.
“I appreciate the compliment,” I reply.
“Can you muster some kind of emotion for us? This is supposed to be the happiest day of our lives and we’re up here stressed while you’re just the picture of peace,” Hunter says while glowering at me in the rearview.
My lips split into a huge smile. “We’re marrying Valerie today. Every plan could fall apart as long as we get to marry her. Nothing else matters. I’m overjoyed.”
“Wow, a big smile like that proves it,” Chase murmurs.
“Nothing else matters,” I say again.
When we get to the venue, and into our room, I see Roman show up. Hunter turns to look at him. “What other problems are there?”
“The bride is concerned one of you three will sneak out to see her. I’m here to keep that from happening,” he reports.
Hunter shoots him a glare. I know he was planning just that. How can I lie when I was hoping to do the same thing?
“Valerie is fine. The dress and everything else is right where it should be,” Roman assures us. “The photographer’s going to come in to take pictures of you three getting ready.”
“Good luck, I don’t have a-”
Hunter stops talking when he sees a bag on a hanger with his name on it. He opens it and sees an expensive tux in his size. He looks at me and I shrug. “My parents are capable.”
“Remind me to get them an amazing Christmas present,” he mumbles.
We take our time getting ready, but pose for photos as requested. Hunter does some photos in the hallway with the gold lining and in the library. Chase takes some photos on the stairs and against a gorgeous window on the landing. I let the photographer choose for me. I’m placed in the room with murals. I pose, then the three of us joke around and relax with some vodka.
Mr. Volkov joins us after a moment. Hunter and Chase are both on edge with parents right now, but Mr. Volkov approaches me. “I hope you protect your wife the same way you’ve protected my sons all these years. She’s lucky to have all three of you.”
He hands me a dagger. “Tradition.”
I shrug and put it in my coat. As if I don’t have a knife on me. I know our wife will. I look over at Lev as he whistles at us before joining. “I feel underdressed.”
“Good,” Hunter chuckles before patting his chest.
Gunner joins as well and winks at us. “I have a message for you.”
“From our bride?” Chase asks, focused on our woman.
“From Konstantin. He’s running security and wanted to let you know there have been no problems,” Gunner salutes us.