A Merry Vested Wedding - Melanie Moreland Page 0,16

the building. I fiddled with my bracelet, sliding my finger over the smooth surface of the pearl. My mom noticed and smiled. Then she slipped a small box into my hand.

“Your groom asked me to give this to you.”

I held my breath as I opened the box. A set of earrings, pearls so similar to the one my dad gave me this morning, were nestled in dark velvet. They were surrounded by tiny diamonds that twinkled in the light. Delicate and elegant, they could be worn any time, but for today, they would be special. Brayden knew me so well. There was a small note, and I plucked it from the top.

Wear for me. I love you. B

I stifled a sob, and Mom helped me put them in. She nodded.

“Perfect. He chose well.”

“I think he had help.”

She smiled. “He and your father may have had a talk. But the idea was his.”

“Did he get his cuff links?”

“Yes. He loved them.”

I drew in a deep breath and glanced at the clock.

“Oh god, ten minutes,” I whispered.

My mom slipped her fingers under my chin. “Are you ready?”

“Yes.”

Jen lifted his arms. “Then, ladies, in your positions. We’re heading down to the back room now.” He looked at me. “I’ll send your father up in five. I’ll get the girls in order. You’ll be at the back. I’ll send them down at the right moment.”

“My sweater…” I asked, suddenly anxious.

“I will have it for afterward. Everything is handled.” His smile was wide. “All you have to do is be the bride. We’ve got the rest covered.” He handed me my bouquet. “All right?”

“Yes.”

I waited, listening for my father’s footsteps. When he appeared, he was silent, staring at me for a moment. His eyes misted over, and he wiped at his face, not at all embarrassed by his emotions. He leaned down and kissed my cheek, his voice thick. “The last time I saw a bride this beautiful, it was your mother.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Brayden is going out of his skin, waiting for you.” He smiled, although his eyes were watery. “It’s time to take you to him.”

“Please.”

He tucked my arm into his. “You sure you don’t want to duck and run? We could go get ice cream.” He winked, letting me know he was joking.

“Maybe after.”

“Anytime, Addi. Anything, anytime.”

I squeezed his arm. “I know.”

He sighed. “Then let’s get you married.”

I peeked through the door before the girls started their walk. The room was resplendent. The glow of candles, the scent of pine and roses, the garlands and trees twinkling with lights. I spied the groomsmen, dashing in their tuxes, waiting patiently. Ronan, Paul, and Jeremy all stood out, their broad shoulders towering over everyone. Thomas was smiling at something Liam said as they sat down, their usher duties done. Beside Brayden was Reed, standing proud, his hand on Brayden’s shoulder.

My breath caught at the sight of him. Tall, his shoulders straight, his hands crossed in front of him, looking anxious, was my Brayden. The light glinted off his light-brown hair, carefully brushed and gleaming. His chiseled jaw was smooth, and his tux fit him perfectly. He was built lean like his father, but his clothes hid the perfection of his taut torso, muscular biceps, and toned body. I knew those muscles all too well. How they felt under my fingers, the way they rippled as we made love.

His verdant green eyes were fixed on the aisle. Waiting for me. As anxious as I was to become united as one.

The music swelled, and Jen spread his arms.

“Ladies, it’s time.”

Brayden

I tugged on my sleeves, the new cuff links that had been waiting for me when I got here making me smile. Like my father, I enjoyed dressing up, and cuff links were something I liked to collect. These were amazing, inlaid with mother-of-pearl and a small sapphire the color of Addi’s eyes in the center. They were now my favorite pair, and I would think of this day every time I wore them.

I tried to concentrate on the girls as they drifted by, each one lovely, their gowns no doubt perfect. But I only had eyes for one woman today. And when she appeared, she took my breath away.

Far too slowly, she came down the aisle, her arm tucked into Bentley’s, his hand covering hers. It took all I had to stay in place, not to meet her partway down the flower-strewn carpet and pull her from her father and into my arms.

Had she ever been more beautiful?

Her