He leaned down and captured my lips in a searing kiss that had my insides twisting. When he pulled away, I could feel my heart filling with what could only be described as love. It was that warm fuzzy feeling that blanketed you and made you feel bolder and safer.

“I love you, Daniel.”

“And I love you, Selena. Now and forever.”

“Now and forever.” I echoed his words; the vow made between the two of us filtering into the air and solidifying in the space between us.

“Will you marry me, Selena?”

It was the moment I had only dreamed of. “Yes, absolutely.”

Chapter thirty-six

Epilogue

Selena

Istaredatmyselfin the mirror; the gown was perfect in every way. I looked like Cinderella, as little Ella liked to say. A tight-fitting bodice that raised my boobs ever so slightly, giving me that sexy cleavage but still keeping it modest. I had my hair in an elegant updo. My something borrowed was a tiara that had been handed down from one Sinclair bride to the next, and now it was my turn to grace the beautiful piece. I truly did look like a princess.

My something blue was the engagement ring that had been gracing my finger for the past year. Something old was the diamond earrings I had been gifted by Claire, who had gotten them from her grandmother. I didn’t want to accept them, but she insisted since we were about to become sisters.

It was funny how I had not only found love, but I had found a true home in the Sinclair family. I had also found a home in Amelia and Nate. They were my people; they were my light. And now we would only add to that light from here on out.

If I had it my way, we would have been married the day we got engaged. But this man said that I deserved the wedding of a lifetime.

I never cared for his money, but marrying a billionaire was very nice. Flying in private jets and having a taste for the luxe life wasn’t the worst thing in the world. And though I had not admitted it out loud to him, having our wedding at the iconic Lake Como was a dream. One that I had not even dared to imagine in my life. But whether he was worth one dollar or a billion dollars, I would love him all the same.

I turned in my dress, making the skirt twirl. I couldn’t help but smile at my reflection.

Claire and Amelia were in the other room getting their final touch-ups done. I looked out the window to the lake. The sun glistened against the Italian waters; the birds moved through the clear sky. The breeze filtered into my bridal room, fanning my face. I let out a shaky breath, but it wasn’t from nerves or fear—I was excited. I never thought that this day would ever come for me. I had been so closed off to the idea of love and everything that came with it. I had believed it was possible for others but never for me. I felt cursed, unlovable, and undeserving of something so pure and good. But along came a brooding, beautiful, tall man who had somehow chipped away at the iron wall I had placed around myself.

I stared down at the ring on my finger. The teardrop, blue diamond was set with a halo of white diamond and a platinum band. It was luxurious and expensive, but it was also me in every way.

Today was the big day. I was marrying the man who set my heart ablaze. The man who had ruined me in the best way possible. He had broken me down to reveal the light that had been deeply embedded within me.

“Finally,” that one word came with so much relief in my voice. The weight that had been pressed down on my chest finally lifted. There was no Marcus, and I didn’t need to be constantly looking over my shoulder.

That night years ago would forever haunt me. But this last incident with Marcus was the day that I finally found peace. Justice had been served, and I was finally set free. Thankfully, to my future husband and forever protector, Daniel.

The door opened, and my eyes found a pair of forests in the reflection of the mirror. To this day, my heart still skipped a beat every time I saw him. I didn’t think that I would ever stop feeling those butterflies, and I never wanted to stop.

“You know it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding, right, Sinclair?” I cocked an eyebrow, holding my gaze. I may have been the perfect vision of cool and calm, but I was the complete opposite.

“You see,” his voice sent a wave of pleasure down my spine. My skin tingled from the excited vibrations that radiated from my body. “This woman I know told me that I needed to try to break a few rules now and again. I think the exact words she used were, ‘Take the stick out your ass and live a little.’”

Both of our faces spilled into matching grins, the mischief dancing in his irises.

“This woman sounds rather wise if you ask me. You should listen to her.” I turned to face him. There were only a few feet between him and me, but I felt him everywhere on my skin. My eyes roamed the length of his body. This man had always been a sight to behold, but today, he may as well have been a Greek god. Black fitted suit with a black bow tie. His hair was gelled back, and he was every part the Prince Charming to my Cinderella.

“My eyes are up here Abrams.” He crossed the small distance between us, his eyes moving up and down my body shamelessly. He walked right up to me, his eyes shining bright. “My God, you are stunning, Sel.”

I blushed, “Even with my caked face?”

Truth be told, my make-up had been kept very simple. I understood that today was my day, and I was meant to outshine everyone. But then only person I wanted to shine for was the man standing in front of me.

Daniel grabbed both sides of my face. Our eyes connected, and everything stopped. The world faded into the background, and all that existed was him and me.

“We’re getting married today.” I closed my eyes, leaning my head against his chest. I closed my eyes and committed this singular moment to memory. I didn’t want to forget this moment. This will live in my heart forever.