beside the bubbly. He’d stopped at Van Cleef’s on the way over and bought two simple gold wedding rings. He’d guessed Kelly’s ring size, using Julie’s hand as a guide.
Now and again he caught his mother glancing in his direction. No doubt she wondered—as did he—if Kelly would show. She’d been all the way out in Brooklyn already determined not to marry him. To make an about-face like that was not easy for her to do. She could change her mind again and leave him stranded.
That thought, even though this marriage was one of convenience for her, made his mouth go dry. Not only did he want to do everything in his power to protect her and Matt from Campbell, but he wanted Kelly for himself. In his mind they were a perfect match. He could only hope that once they’d tackled the bull that was Buzz Campbell, they’d have a clear road on which to start their adventure together.
Or, she’d want out.
Or not show at all.
Both options twisted him up inside. He wanted a fighting chance before she walked away for good.
A quiet knock on the door and the secretary stepped in. “Miss Sullivan, sir.”
Evan’s heart punched against his ribs as Kelly stepped into the room. She looked stunning. A formfitting sheath of sheer peach draped her body like a hug and stopped just above her knees. Her hair was pulled up at the sides and caught with a sprig of baby’s breath at the crown of her head. Delicate pearl earrings dangled from her lobes. The matching high-heeled sandals did beautiful things to her legs as she walked in, her head high, her eyes shining and her softly glossed lips slightly parted. Her cheeks looked pale, probably from nerves, but it gave her an ethereal fragile look, making Evan want to pull her into his arms and assure her she was safe with him.
Michael escorted her wearing his black priest vestments. On his heels came Matt in a pair of navy pants, a white shirt and polished black shoes. Matt ran up to Evan, who hunched down on one knee to greet the boy.
“Matt-man!”
“Hey, Dad! Mom said I could come if I dressed up.”
Evan didn’t miss the expressions on his parents’ or Michael’s face at Matt’s easy use of the term, Dad. Evan loved it. This little boy’s trust in him helped cement that he was doing the right thing. Evan stood to greet his bride.
“Kelly, you look amazing.”
She gave a guarded but grateful smile. “I didn’t have much time.”
He bent to kiss her cheek and used the opportunity to whisper, “What made you change your mind?”
A look of determination filled her face. “I need you, Evan. I can’t get around it.”
Not willing to misinterpret anything, he searched her gaze. Then he smiled. “I’m glad.”
Julie bustled forward. “Kelly, you had us thinking you’d be late shopping for something to wear. Here you are right on time and looking like an angel.” She pulled Kelly into a hug. “Under the best of circumstances a wedding can be nerve-racking. You must be feeling overwhelmed.”
Kelly laughed. “I wish the circumstances were different, Julie. Your support means the world to me.”
Sean McKenna offered her a fatherly hug and a kiss on the cheek. “With one look I can see why Evan fell so hard. You are a beauty. And redheaded.” He chuckled. “Evan is a braver man than I thought!”
The heat of a blush rose on her face. “Thank you...I think?”
Michael held out his hand. “How do you do, Mr. McKenna. I’m Michael Sullivan.” He glanced from Sean to Evan. “There is no mistaking you for Evan’s father.”
Sean clasped his hand. “Happy to meet you, Father Michael. Will you co-officiate the ceremony?”
“I’m here to give the bride away. Though Kelly, Evan and Matthew have my blessing.” Michael clapped Evan on the back as they shook hands. “Your son is a fine man.”
Evan laughed. “I’m glad to be on your good side, Father.”
Quince greeted them, then gestured to the group. “Now that we are all here. Shall we begin?”
The small party assembled before the desk. Evan and Kelly took their places before Quince. The wink he shot Evan said that from what he’d just witnessed he understood Evan’s choice in a bride. He acknowledged Quince’s concession with a satisfied nod.
Michael and Matt stood next to Kelly. Sean and Julie next to Evan. Kelly handed her small bouquet of roses to Julie.
Evan was surprised at how calm he suddenly felt despite his racing pulse