Camille smiled at her kindly and seemed to understand the pressure that she was imparting, even unintentionally, on Regina. “Alright then, something old, new, and borrowed.” Cami touched the cobalt blue roses in Regina’s bouquet. “You have quite a bit of blue, so I think you’re all set. All the best luck in the world, sister.”
Regina reached for her and wrapped her arms around her in a fierce hug, feeling her chest tighten with emotion as she held on to her new friend and family member, and she willed herself not to cry, not to show her hand or reveal any part of the truth. She had to keep up her façade at all costs.
Relief flooded through her when Marie walked through the bedroom door at that moment, her face flushed and her smiled wide. “They’re ready! Let’s do this thing!”
The ladies walked out into the gardens at the side of the mansion, and from where they stood, they could see the whole of the ceremony. There were four hundred seats, each one filled with a guest, all of them set along the immaculately trimmed and emerald green lawn, facing the ocean. A wide white swath was set evenly between the seats, and at the end of it was a thickly flowered archway that stretched out six feet in length and stood seven feet off of the ground. It was adorned with gossamer white fabrics that billowed and danced in the gentle breeze, and green vines with blue and white flowers, woven into the framework of it. Beneath it there was a platform, wide and white, and on the platform stood a minister.
On a lower tier of the platform stood Ryder, and beside him were his brothers, Lucas and Pierce. Off to the left of the platform was an orchestra, playing beautiful music as the sun shone down on them and glistened off of the rolling blue and green waves that rolled into the shore.
“It looks like a dream.” Regina said in a soft voice as she took it all in. “Except I haven’t ever dreamed anything like this.”
Cami leaned over and kissed her cheek. “Well, let’s make your dream a reality.” She gave Regina’s hand a gentle squeeze and then turned and walked to the end of the long white aisle. The conductor of the orchestra was signaled, and he shifted the music slightly. Camille walked down the aisle, her cobalt blue dress blending into the white just as everything around them in the wedding décor did.
Marie waited until Camille was halfway down the aisle and then with a hearty hug for Regina and a whisper of good luck, she began her walk, and Regina watched her. With every step that her best friend took, she felt her heart begin to speed up. The moment was arriving, like a speeding train headed straight for her, and the cool businesslike head she had managed to keep on all morning disintegrated, and she began to wonder just what in the hell she was doing.
She forgot for a long moment, as Marie reached the end of the aisle and the music changed again, and the orchestra began to play the wedding march. She felt her heart pounding and blood rushing, her skin grew warm and her breath was short and shallow as she forced herself to take the first step, and then the second, and to continue them as she walked down the aisle, everything in front of her fading into a tunnel vision scope.
Regina walked through sea of strangers; all of the craning to get a look at her as they stood and gazed at her, all of them curious, some of them smiling, some of them simply watching, all of them thinking behind their silent eyes. Her mind was going a million miles an hour as she felt all of them around her, all of them trying their best to look into her.
She couldn’t remember why she was doing what she was doing as her thoughts scattered through her mind like wild summer lightning through the night sky. Then, almost in slow motion, as she stared straight ahead of her, walking one step in front of the other, her eyes found Ryder as he looked back at her, and everything that was beginning to spin around her slowed down, and all of it faded away.
She locked her gaze on his black wavy hair and sky-blue eyes, on his confident expression, and she found an anchor to steady her in the storm of uncertainty that she was making her way through. He connected with her in their shared gaze, drawing her toward him as though she were on a tether and he was somehow reeling it in to himself.
Something about the pull felt like relief to her, like a saving grace. The draw to him felt sweet and strong, and all she wanted to do was give in to it. She realized that she liked the feeling of gravity that drew her, almost as if she was falling into him, and she only wanted to fall further, held by his gaze and the feeling of security, comfort, and safety that came from him.
Everything around her faded away; all the strangers and their peering eyes, the anxiety, and the uncertainty. All she could hear was the music playing all around her, and all she could see was him, standing at the end of the aisle, staring at her and waiting for her to come to him. He was transfixed with her, and she could see it and she could feel it.
A quiet voice somewhere in the back of her mind whispered to her, telling her to be careful and to keep her distance from him emotionally. The whisper nudged at her mind and her heart, warning her quietly, and she knew that she should listen to it, but the closer she got to him the louder the music became, and the more intense the draw to him, and she closed the whisper off, only focusing on what was in front of her.
It was unexpected to her that she would feel anything, but as she stepped up to the platform and he faced her, she found every strange feeling moving through her to be fascinating and intriguing, and she only wanted to explore them more. Her heart and mind felt as if they were embarking on some breathtaking, exhilarating adventure, and she only wanted more of it.
Ryder could not take his eyes off of her. He could not make himself quite believe the beauty of the woman in front of him. He had seen her often, he had talked with her, he had held her hand over and over again, he had held her in his arms, he had even kissed her, once. He thought he knew all that he needed to know about her, but standing there before her in the warm sunlight, with the sounds of the orchestra fading around them and the ocean washing up to shore behind them, he was mesmerized.
Regina was a vision; a dream of a dream, dazzling him in her white satin gown, her red hair all up in wide curls at the back of her head, her slender pale neck bare, save for the diamond necklace he had given her. Her blue eyes shone, and her full red lips were curved up in a smile that was for him; solely for him.
He knew that it was meant to be a farce, that it was supposed to be a business arrangement, but he’d had many business arrangements in his adult life, and none of them had ever gently tugged at his heart until it was nearly out of his chest. A small part of him struggled to remember that it was only supposed to be a surface arrangement, that there wasn’t supposed to be anything deeper or more meaningful to it than the show of a union and the following transfer of money a short period of time afterward, but he was entranced, and to his wonder and surprise, he found that he was enjoying it, and that he wanted more of it.
He wanted to gaze at her for a long while, he wanted to hold her in his arms and feel her against him, to touch her skin softly and kiss her lips. He wanted to breathe her in and discover her; all of her. Her body, her mind, her thoughts, her heart, her dreams, and everything that she had tucked away in her heart. It was a completely unexpected development to him, and he didn’t want to let it go. He only wanted to reach out for it even more.
The preacher spoke about the solemnity and joy of marriage, of the days to come, and all the while as he was speaking, Ryder and Regina looked at no one but each other. She knew that it was not real, but it felt real in more ways than she could have imagined. Still, though she knew that it was a farce, she wanted to do it. She did not regret her choice, and she could see in Ryder that he was not feeling regret either.
Something was passing between them, strengthening their bond, strengthening each of them and building upon what they had already grown together in their garden of friendship. The preacher asked for the rings, and Marie and Lucas gave the rings to him, and Marie took Regina’s bouquet from her.
Ryder reached for her hands and she felt their warmth and strength as they clos
ed around hers. It made her feel stronger, and she gave him a joyous smile, which he returned to her. They spoke their vows to one another; promises made to stand by each other, to care for one another, to partner with each other all of their days, no matter what may come, and to be true to their love and their vows until their last breaths on the earth parted them.
They each spoke the vow, I do, and to them each it sounded as real as any heartfelt vow that had ever crossed either of their lips. They traded rings, sliding the promise of their eternal circles onto one another’s fingers.
The pastor told Ryder that he could kiss his bride. He reached for her, bringing his hands up to her face and lifting it lightly as he closed his mouth over hers. His kiss was tender and light, sweet and slow, as if it was a precious moment that he wanted to make last as long as they could.
From the moment that his lips touched hers, she felt the rest of the world fall away, and it was almost as if the spark of life and light that burned in each of them was met in a culmination of perfection in their kiss.
When he finally lifted his lips from hers, they were each breathless, opening their eyes slowly and staring at one another as his hands drifted away from her face. There was nothing in the universe save for the two of them at that moment, and long seconds later, they were drawn unwillingly out of their shared reverie by the sounds of applause and cheering all around them.
Turning almost as if in surprise to see anyone else there, they both looked over to their sides at the mass of people who were witnessing their union. It took a moment for them each to blink away the quiet beauty they had shared alone and return to the present where they were anything but alone.
Drawing in a deep breath, Ryder took her hand in his and they turned and faced their guests. Marie returned Regina’s bouquet to her, and everything around them sped back up to a normal speed; the speed of life in real time. The dreamlike state she had been in slipped away, and she let out a sigh. It was done. She had gotten through it, and it was done.
Ryder walked with her, taking her from the platform and back down the aisle through a sea of cheers and applause on both sides of them. They walked to the enormous pool house, outdoor pool bedecked with live white swans and floating flowers, and a large patio. There were tents set up all around the area, and as they reached it, Regina blinked at all of it in amazement. She hadn’t seen any of it finished, and it was stunning and elegant.
Their bridal party hugged them and kissed their cheeks as they reached the reception area to form a receiving line. Guests passed them in a seemingly unending queue, congratulating them, introducing themselves, kissing Regina’s cheeks, shaking her hand, and wishing the couple every happiness.
The festivities began. The orchestra moved to a tent where they began to play again. Guests milled about speaking to one another and sipping at glasses of champagne. Their wedding feast was served, and everyone celebrated.
Marie leaned over to quietly whisper in Regina’s ear during one fleeting moment of stillness around them. “How are you doing? You’re alright?”
Regina couldn’t help but smile as she looked back at her friend. “I think I might never have been better,” she said happily, knowing that she meant it. “Even though…” she trailed off, leaving the rest of her sentiment unsaid. Marie nodded and smiled, knowing just what she meant.
Toasts were made by Lucas, Pierce, and Taylor, followed by toasts from Marie and Camille. All of them were warm and wonderful, all of them heartfelt. It was when Carter Carrington rose to his feet with his glass of champagne that the air grew exceptionally still, and Regina was sure that her pounding heartbeat might be heard by every soul in attendance as she looked over at her new father- in-law. She had no idea what he would say. He had remained mystifyingly quiet from the moment of their engagement onward, and though she had done her best to try to be friendly with him and make herself more familiar to him, he had kept himself shrouded in reticence, now letting any of his thoughts or feelings be known about her and the union with his son.
He walked over to stand between them both. She looked up at him and Ryder looked out over the crowd of their guests. Carter lifted his chin and his voice, and spoke in a clear and strong tone, looking directly at her. “It is with a wide-open heart that I wish to welcome Regina Carrington into this family. I wish for her and my son a lifetime filled with happiness and love, like his mother and I shared.”
Ryder’s jaw clenched and he turned his head from his father. Regina saw it and pondered it for a moment, but then looked back at Carter. The crowd joined in his toast, and then he turned to look at her directly. He set his hands on her shoulders and peered directly into her eyes.
“Regina, you are a Carrington now, and that makes you a daughter of mine. Remember that, always.” He spoke sincerely, yet she wasn’t entirely sure that she believed him. He leaned in and kissed her cheek lightly, then gave her a nod and a smile and dropped his hands from her shoulders. “Congratulations, my dear.”
She thanked him and he walked away from them. She watched him go, looking after him with surprise. She hadn’t expected a warm welcome from him. He had been so distant and quiet that it was the last thing from her mind, but she was grateful to get it. It made her wonder if her new life in the Carrington home was going to be easier than she had imagined it might be, with the entire family welcoming her. She hadn’t hoped for it, but if it was to be that way, she was deeply thankful.
The afternoon wore on into the evening, and the celebration grew more joyous as the time passed. Garrett asked Regina to dance and she was thrilled to do it. He took her by the hand and led her to the dance floor.
“You look wonderful in your suit.” She told him admiringly with a wide grin. He had come dressed in a very well made light lavender suit, with a lavender and silver silk tie.
Garrett beamed at her. “I knew you’d love this. This is what your gift went to. This and those go-go boots I’ve had my eyes on for a while. I thought about wearing them but they just don’t go with this suit, so I’m partially norm at your big day.”
She laughed softly. “Well, we’ll save the go-go boots for another day, and I love the suit. I’m so glad you have it.”
He turned her elegantly around the floor. She raised her eyebrows, impressed with him. “How did you learn to dance so well?”
He rolled his eyes a little nonchalantly, “Oh honey, I’ve been dancing since I was seven years old. Every kind of dance I could get my feet into. It’s one of the joys of my life. It’s an expression of the soul, and when I dance, my soul sings.”
“Yes, it certainly does. I feel like Ginger Rogers.” She grinned, looking up at him.
He glanced around them surreptitiously before leaning closer and speaking softly into her ear. “So how’s it feeling so far? Everything okay? Are you alright?”
She nodded with a widening smile. “Yes, actually, it’s all good. I was really nervous going down the aisle, but I just focused on Ryder and then it was easy. I just… sailed through it. I think everything is going to be okay now. I’m not afraid anymore. I know that I can do this.”
He cocked one eyebrow as he looked down at her. “Do you know, I think you’re right. I have no doubt that you can do this. You’ll ace it. All the same, I wish you the very best of luck, doll-face.”
Regina grinned and leaned up to kiss his cheek. “Thank you, Garrett. That means so much.”
The celebration would go late into the evening, but Ryder and Regina hugged their friends and family and bid everyone goodbye before the night grew too long, and he put her into the back of a long stretched black limousine.
They disappeared down the road into the night. Regina was lightheaded from the champagne, and giddy in her new role as Ryder’s wife. She was staring down at the big diamond ring on her hand as they rode along to the airport, and Ryder was watching her quietly. He spoke finally, and it seemed to draw her from her thoughts.
“What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?” He asked, his e
yes taking in everything about her. He hadn’t been able to look away from her much since he had watched her walk down the aisle.
She lifted her eyes from the ring on her left hand to the man sitting beside her. “It’s all so… surreal. This isn’t my life at all. This isn’t normal for me. When I was a little girl and a teenager growing up, I never thought that my wedding would be anything like what we had today. I never thought that my life would be… like this…” She looked around at the limousine that they were riding in. “Even if it’s just for a short time. It’s… it’s so strange. I guess I’m just trying to wrap my head around it.”
Regina paused then and looked fully at him. “What about you? This has to be pretty strange for you as well, doesn’t it? How are you feeling?”
Ryder looked down and laughed quietly, giving his head a shake. “I’m… surprised. I didn’t think it would be like this. I didn’t expect to… have it feel like anything but business. This doesn’t feel like business.” He raised his eyes to hers and gazed at her meaningfully.
For a moment, she felt the magnetic bond between them, the same as she felt it walking down the aisle toward him, and she turned her head away quickly, looking straight ahead, telling herself that it was best if she ignored that feeling and focused on the money and the job. “No, it doesn’t really.” She admitted honestly. “I guess it feels more like…” she hesitated, knowing that what they were saying would set a precedence, “it feels like a good friendship.” She said, looking back at him with a pleasant smile.
The Billionaire's Secretly Fake Bride (MANHATTAN BACHELORS Book 3) Page 16
