clanging into the gentle breeze. My father noticeably tightens his grip where our arms are looped.
“All good, Vannah?”
I swing my focus to the man responsible for raising and molding me. We’ve managed to drop most of our emotional baggage in the months since I finally let my feelings fly. The biggest shock is his continued support while I dominate in my freelance adventure with Global Winters. Our relationship still has room for improvement, of course. It gives us a mutual goal to achieve together, like in the old days.
After clearing the lump from my throat, I offer a jerky nod. “Couldn’t be better. Just wedding jitters, I guess.”
A knowing gleam enters his gaze. “Oh, I remember when—”
I press a finger to his lips. “Storytime isn’t necessary. Mom already shared in abundance.”
He chuckles. “She’s good at that.”
The amusement is infectious, tickling the corners of my lips. “Unfortunately.”
Minutes before the procession began, my mother was kind enough to entertain me with sordid tales of her special day. A daughter doesn’t need to hear about her father’s unbridled lust or how the sight of him in a tuxedo makes her mom purr. She even demonstrated for added impact. I gagged while attempting to change the subject. Audria, who just got married last month, countered with far less traumatizing advice.
But their words of wisdom vanished in a puff once they strutted off in all their bridal party glory.
I’m not nervous in the typical sense. My faith is resolute. It’s more about the long-awaited anticipation of seeing Landon’s face when I appear in my gown. Will his face reflect unconditional adoration? Is he planning to conceal his true emotions behind thick indifference for our family and friends? My answer is mere moments away.
The early summer air whispers along my bare shoulders, urging me forward. I lower my eyes and turn to face the crowd. Just one more deep breath until the reveal. My expanding ribs complain against the snug lace and satin confining me.
With a smooth pivot, my dad shifts into position beside me. “Ready?”
“Yes.” I exhale and look straight ahead.
Landon fills my vision at the end of our makeshift aisle. His dark stare is already waiting to capture mine—unwavering and intense. Any doubt I had is whisked away as his undeniable devotion fills the gap between us. With that penetrating stare, he’s proving that I’m fidgeting and fussing over nothing. The fierce desire that shines brighter in his eyes each day is reflected for all to witness. A sigh eases the tension I didn’t realize was gathering in my chest.
After all this time, I finally understand what this type of love feels like. Everything else fades into a muted splotch as I absorb his blatant affection. He regards me with a secret smirk that shoots molten lust into my veins. I imagine he’s picturing me in nothing but my wedding band, as he promised last night after our rehearsal. The heat in his gaze is a warm embrace on the coldest nights. I bite my lip as the fire blooms inside me.
My lids lower on their own—heavy and sultry—beckoning him closer. His flexing fists are curling against restraint, unstoppable passion waiting to be released. My own fingers twitch against the satin ribbon cinching my bouquet. A collection of soft pink and creamy white petals brush the embellished bodice of my dress.
A soft gust carries sweet nectar from the blossoming apple trees and flourishing gardens. We’re getting married at an orchard that Landon recently took on as an investment. To say I was shocked when he suggested this location is an understatement. The billionaire tyrant has lost a few harsh edges since we’ve been together. He’s even relinquished some of his tightly-guarded control every now and then. Emphasis, some. Not many are privileged enough to witness the true depth of his character. No, he saves those indulgences for me.
I barely realize the space separating us is shrinking. It’s a miracle that my slow stride remains fluid when I’m not cognizant of taking a single step. The ground seems to tremble beneath my heels, paving a seamless path to my future. Soon enough, my father is passing me off to the man who owns my heart with each fluttering beat.
Landon brings my hand to his lips, kissing my knuckles with the softest kisses. “My beautiful bride has rendered me speechless. You’re simply radiant, Savannah. I’m feeling rather possessive with all these eyes watching you.”
A blush burns along my cheeks. “And you’re very sexy in that suit,