Page 146 of Reputation (Tempt)

When Emerson texted me, I clapped a hand on Declan’s shoulder. “Can you go upstairs? Emerson wanted your help with something.”

“Sure,” he said, setting down his drink and heading for the stairs just as Kendall rejoined us, flashing me a watery smile.

After a few minutes had passed, I gave Brooklyn the same message. Emerson and I had suspected that Brooklyn would be too excited to keep our surprise wedding to herself, but we’d wanted to let her in on the secret before everyone else. So this was the best solution we could devise.

“If everyone could please join me in the living room,” Juliana said, gliding down the stairs. Conversation jerked to a halt.

She pushed open the double doors to the living room, where all the furniture had been removed for the ceremony. She’d been here preparing all day. I’d paid her extra, of course, since it was Christmas Eve. But she’d assured me it was no big deal since the wedding was so small and she was staying just a few miles away with friends.

Everyone stopped talking, a variety of confused expressions playing on their faces. I heard people whisper, “What’s going on?” and “Do you know what’s happening?”

But as soon as they entered the room, there was a collective gasp as the answer became clear. An aisle lined with chairs led to a floral arch Emerson was absolutely going to love. It was covered with evergreens and red roses and other seasonal flowers. And so many candles. It was so romantic, and I couldn’t wait for her to see it. I couldn’t wait to seeher.

A pianist started playing the baby grand piano—all acoustic versions of Taylor Swift songs. It was intimate and perfect.

Graham frowned at me, as did most of the guests. “What’s going on?”

“Surprise!” I said, moving to the front of the room where Pierce stood, waiting to officiate the ceremony. “Emerson and I are getting married.”

“Wait,” Knox said, pausing mid-stride with his hand on Kendall’s back. “What?” He turned to her. “Did you know about this?”

She lifted a shoulder, suppressing a smile. “Maybe?”

“We didn’t want to wait until the spring. And we wanted something more private and intimate.”

“Well…” James peered around, dabbing at the corner of his eye with a handkerchief. “This certainly fits the bill. It’s stunning.”

“Thank you,” I said, relieved that he didn’t appear upset by the change of plans. Of everyone, he’d been the most excited—and invested—in the big wedding. “Sorry to have kept you all in the dark, but we wanted it to be a surprise.”

“It certainly is,” Astrid muttered, loud enough for me to hear.

“If everyone can please take their seats,” Juliana said, appearing in the doorway. “We’re ready to start the ceremony.”

Everyone did as Juliana had asked, and a hush fell over the room. I looked around, feeling a sense of rightness. Of peace and contentment and home.

I smiled and took my place beside Pierce. The fragrance of roses and evergreens perfumed the air, and I took a deep breath to center myself in this moment. To cement it in my mind.

The song changed, shifting to an acoustic version of “Snow on the Beach,” and Brooklyn walked in holding a small bouquet. She’d changed into the dress we’d chosen for the wedding—a champagne color covered in sequins. She was already crying, and she looked so beautiful. I smiled, ignoring the sting at the bridge of my nose while I waited at the altar for her to join me.

I pulled her into a hug, kissing the top of her head. “You look beautiful.”

“Thanks, Dad. Wait till you see Emmy,” she whispered.

I smiled and straightened as the song changed again to “Today was a Fairytale.” So far, that certainly was turning out to be true.

Emerson and Declan appeared at the threshold of the living room, and everyone turned to look at her. She was radiant. Her lace gown sculpted to her athletic body, dipping low on her chest before flaring out at her knees.

She wore a gorgeous ruby necklace and earrings from my mother’s collection. It complemented the style of her dress and her engagement ring. And I couldn’t wait to slide her wedding band on her finger.

I drank in the sight of Emerson walking down the aisle toward me, a huge smile on her face. A tear snaked its way down her cheek, and she quickly wiped it away.

Declan stopped when they reached me. Pierce waited a beat before saying, “A marriage is nurtured by love, support, and mutual respect. And it is bolstered by the love and support of the couple’s family and friends. With this in mind, do you give your blessing?”

My eyes widened. Pierce hadn’t talked about this with Emerson and me, but I knew she hadn’t wanted to be “given away” using the traditional terms. That said, I had no idea how Declan would respond.

Even though it had taken him some time to warm up to me, Declan’s and my relationship had come a long way the past few months. Sometimes we even worked out together, though he about killed me with his drills. And he adored Brooklyn.

After a tense beat, Declan said, “On behalf of those here today, and those who have gone before, I give our blessing.”

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