Page 30 of Treasured By 3

“Right now, yes,” I say, agreeing with Hunter. “Let Valerie decide how to handle her family. We still need to find a new photographer and let’s see if we can help with wedding plans.”

We check off a few more guests and Hunter informs some of the guys that if they show up with someone after marking it’s just them, their guests won’t be allowed in. Chase talks a few other people down from three guests to one, and I call Konstantin and Lev.

“Security at the wedding is imperative. I trust you, Kon, to run things, but Lev, if you don’t mind bringing some of your best as well, I’d appreciate it,” I say.

“Are we keeping certain people out?” Kon asks.

“Of the ceremony and reception, yes. Anyone who doesn’t have an invitation and/ or isn’t on the list. I’ll also be providing photos of individuals who are not allowed in,” I explain.

“I’ll need to see the venue to know how many people to bring,” Lev states. “I’m still in the area on business. Are you available tomorrow?”

“Yes. I’ll contact the woman I’ve been working with at the venue to ensure we can scout it,” I agree. “Noon?”

“Sounds good,” Lev agrees.

“I’ll be there,” Kon assures me.

Lev leaves the call, but Konstantin lingers. “Juliana appreciated the invitation Valerie sent. She appreciates Valerie in general, but being invited meant a great deal.”

“Of course,” I say. I leave out the fact that he shouldn’t have gotten involved with the woman he was hired to protect. I know keeping people apart is a losing battle. “You, the other men, and Juliana are very welcome to enjoy the reception, but I expect you to be on guard during the ceremony.”

“No problem at all,” he assures me before I hang up.

I set up a plan to get to the venue and see Chase relaxing as he talks with Hunter. I respect Chase’s concern about Valerie, but I have no doubt she can handle her father. Does she want to? No. Will she? Yes.

The next day, I head to the venue with Valerie in the passenger seat. Chase doesn’t want her staying home alone. Frustration radiates from her.

“Are we allowed to see your reception dress?” I ask.

“Hmm? Oh ... I don’t know the rule for that. I know you’re not supposed to see my wedding dress,” she says with a deep sigh.

“Are you worried about your parents?” I take her hand.

“My mother admitted to telling my father. She said she thought he’d accept it and give his blessing. At least they haven’t been together in person, according to Tristan,” Valerie says while squeezing my hand. “Sorry for being a mess yesterday.”

“You had every right to be.”

“Except now Chase is worried about someone hurting me,” she snorts. “My father talks a big game, but I’m not ten anymore. He can’t do anything to me.”

I kiss across her knuckles as we pull into the Larz Anderson House. “Seeing the venue will help. While I go over security checkpoints, you can mark areas you’d like to have photos taken on our big day. Two birds, one stone.”

“We need a photographer for that,” she reminds me.

I send her three website links before we get out of the car. “These three have good eyes. One of them is a photographer my parents work with for their events.”

Valerie follows up on that and stays close as the woman shows us around. Zoey–that’s her name. She keeps glancing at me and away. I try to ignore it. Valerie doesn’t need to be jealous on top of everything else. As Lev and Konstantin look over the different entrances as pointed out by Zoey, she moves closer.

“So, you and the other two I met are marrying the same woman?” she asks.

“Yes.”

“How does that work?” she asks. “Is it some kind of pact or something?”

“No. We all love her. It’s simple,” I state.

“It’s a little odd, you have to admit. Three such attractive men who I’m sure have no problem finding women agreeing to share one instead of being able to claim the complete love and devotion of three individual women .... well ...” She moves a little closer. “It’s just interesting.”

“Lief,” Valerie asks, while looking at something. “What’s our current RSVP number at?”

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