by Toni Aleo
Leaning her head on my shoulder, she lets out a breath. “I know, baby, but we have to trust that she knows what she’s doing. And if it all comes crashing down in a heap of hell, then you know what? We will be there to catch her and help mend her wounds.”
“And then we kill him.”
“You’re damn right, we will,” she says, and I laugh as I wrap my arms around her.
“I can’t wait to marry you tomorrow,” I whisper against her hair as I watch as Claire’s hands cup that kid’s face.
“Me neither. Are you sure you want to marry me?”
I scoff, tipping her chin up so she’s facing me. “I’ve waited my whole life to hear you say ‘I do’ when the preacher asks if you want to be my wife, so yeah, I think I am sure.”
Grinning up at me, she runs her fingers along the hair on my jaw and I’m breathless, getting lost in her brown eyes. “Good,” she whispers. “’Cause I really don’t want to be left at the altar.”
“No worries, sweet cakes. I’ll be the hot one in the tux.”
“Good to know. I might have missed you,” she teases. “Marry Erik or something.”
“Cold day in hell, lady,” I say sternly and she laughs.
As she cuddles into me, I kiss her temple and whisper how much I love her. She giggles, running her nose along my jaw, basically making me the happiest man in the world. When Claire kisses the schmuck, I cringe and look down to find Reese watching me.
“Don’t worry about her,” she says quietly. “I know it’s hard, and I know you want to jump in and tell her to take it slow, but did we take it slow the first time we met?”
I chuckle as I shake my head. “No, we were at it like rabbits, which does not make me feel better, Reese.”
She laughs as she shakes her head. “I meant that no, we didn’t take it slow, but our love was real. You never know. It could be real for them.”
“Or it could be a train wreck.”
She nods slowly. “You’re right, but let’s hope she’s found her true love.”
“Why would we hope that?” I ask.
“Because we want her to be happy.”
“You’re right,” I concede, and she smiles.
“I know, now make sure to remember that ’cause I’ll be right this whole marriage.”
I scoff and shake my head before glancing back at where Claire stands wrapped up tightly in that kid’s arms. She’s looking up at him like he is her world, and the smile on her face is indescribable. She’s completely in love with him, and that scares the living shit out of me because, while I want her to be happy, I want her to be safe, and I don’t know if giving her heart to this kid is the safe route.
Can I trust him?
Chapter 37
Claire
“You ready?” I ask as Phillip paces in the room across the hall from Reese. I should be in there helping Reese get ready, but she has her mom, Harper, and Piper fussing over her. I was completely dressed in my long blue dress that hugs every curve when something inside me told me to check on Phillip. I’m glad I did. He’s sweating bullets and is white as a sheet.
“Yeah. I got this.”
“Then why do you look like you’re about to pass out?”
He cuts me a look and expels a long breath. “Because I’m nervous. What if she decides she doesn’t want to do this and runs out? She’s unpredictable! You know that.”
I smile as I lace my fingers and lean on my elbows. “You’re right, but I know she loves you and she wants this. I’m pretty sure she didn’t put us through all this wedding crap to bail on ya.”
“Yeah, true,” he says, wiping his face for the tenth time with a towel. “You look beautiful, by the way,” he says when he glances up at me. “So beautiful.”
I smile, my face cheek warming with color as I shrug. “Thanks. Wait till you see Reese. She’s stunning.”
A goofy grin comes across his face. “I can’t wait.”
I love how much he loves her. His love for Reese is soul-deep and so beautiful. I’m lucky to be on the receiving end of his love too because Phillip loves hard and with all his heart.
He lets out another breath and says, “Aren’t you supposed to be helping her get ready or something?”
“She has help. Figured I’d sit in here with you for a minute.”
“Making sure I don’t pass out?”
“Yeah, told you you’re looking a little white.”
He scoffs as he nods. “I didn’t think I’d be this nervous.”
“This is a huge deal. You finally got her to commit to only you.”
He smiles. “She’s always been mine, just hardheaded as all hell and didn’t want to admit it.”
“Very true,” I agree and he smiles.
“You’re a good kid, Claire. You know that?”
I grin as I squeeze my fingers together. “I was raised by the greatest parents in the world.”
Closing the distance between us, he hugs me tightly, squeezing me so hard that I can’t breathe. With his lips at my ear, he says, “I love you, Claire, so much, and I am so proud of you.”
“I love you too, Phillip.”
“And remember when we’re in the Hunger Games, I’ll die for you.”
“Thanks,” I say and then I start to laugh so hard it hurts, but I don’t let him go. There was a time when I declared that I would kill him in the Hunger Games, but I think we both knew that wasn’t true. I continue to hold him tight, fighting away the tears because I don’t want to mess up the makeup that took forever to apply. I also know that if I start crying, he probably will too, and I can’t handle his tears. I’ll come undone, and I already don’t think I’ll be able to hold it together during the wedding. There is something about a man crying that guts me, so I’m going to pray that Phillip doesn’t lose it.
Pulling away, he kisses my cheek and says, “You like that kid, don’t you?”
I smile. “Yeah, I do.”
He lets out a long breath, his eyes locked on mine. He’s giving me that “I don’t want to accept you have boobs” look, and I don’t know what to make of it. “The main thing I have to remember is that I want you to be happy, and because of that, I’m gonna be nice to him.”
A grin cracks across my face. “Oh, how sweet of you.”
He sets me with a look. “But the moment he hurts you, Claire, he’s dead.”
I laugh again, nodding my head. “I wouldn’t expect anything else.”
“I hope it doesn’t happen though,” he admits.
“Me neither,” I say, letting out a long breath. “I love him a lot.”
“Just be careful, kiddo.”
“I know,” I say and a knock comes at the door.
Looking over at it, Phillip says, “Come in.”
The door opens and in comes a man about the same height as Phillip. He looks a lot like Phillip – the same blue eyes, blond hair, and bone structure – but I have never seen him before. Looking at Phillip, confused, I’m about to ask who it is, but Phillip’s face is white again, shocked.
“Miles? What are you doing here?” he says, letting me go and walking toward the man.
“Came for the wedding. Reese invited me.”
“Oh shit, it’s great to see you,” he says and then they hug, awkwardly, I might add. “I’m so glad you could make it.”
“Yeah, me too. I didn’t know if I should come. My dad – our dad – wasn’t too happy about it.”
Our dad? What the hell?
“Phillip?” I ask, and they both look at me.
“Oh, um, Miles, this is my niece, Claire. She was my sister Rochelle’s daughter,” Phillip says, bringing me toward them. “Claire, this is my half brother, Miles.”
Shocked, I meet his gaze and he gives me a half smile. “So are you my uncle?”
“No, he’s my half brother. We have the same dad, not the same mom,” Phillip says, a grimace on his face.
“Oh,” I say, looking back at Miles.
“It’s nice to meet you,
nonetheless.”
“You too,” I say, shaking his hand. “This is weird.”
They both laugh and I smile. “Yeah, a little, but I’m really glad you’re here. Reese will be excited to meet you in person.”
“Yeah, I mainly wanted to stop by before everything got started ’cause I know once you’re married, everything else won’t matter.” He takes in a deep breath and then says, “I wanted to say that I’m sorry for the last few years.”
“It’s not your fault. Don’t worry about it.”
“Yeah, but still,” Miles says, and I feel like I shouldn’t be here.
“I’m gonna give y’all some privacy. I think Reese needs me,” I say and they both look at me. I almost think they forgot I was in the room.
“Yeah, okay, I’ll see you out there,” Phillip says.
“Yeah, good luck,” I say before kissing his cheek and then I escape from the weirdness of that situation.
Crossing the hall, I open the door and the first thing I see is the back of Reese, her dress falling ever so gorgeously down her body. Her hair is up in a very intricate hairdo, braids and curls all wrapped into one. Her eyes meet mine in the mirror, and she smiles. I smile back and come up beside her, leaning my head onto hers as we gaze into each other’s eyes in the mirror. Unlike her hair, mine is down in one long braid, but with a bump at the top, giving it a very elegant look. Her makeup is done so softly, almost classic, like her dress.
And by the way, the dress is looking a little snug. Especially around the midsection. She’s gained some weight, but I wouldn’t dare tell her that. She’s stressed out, and the way she deals with that is Ben & Jerry’s, and who can blame her? I’m a whore for those two men too.
Putting her hand up on my cheek, her big diamond ring sparkles in the light, and she smiles as she whispers, “You’re gorgeous, Claire.”
“So are you.”
“I don’t look fat? My dress is tight,” she says, her face dropping the grin from before. “I curse you Ben & Jerry!”
I laugh as I shake my head. “Not at all, you’re gorgeous.”
“Such a smart girl.”
She winks at me, and I grin as I wrap my arms around her waist. I hear cameras going crazy, but I don’t care about them. I’m mentally treasuring this moment with a woman whom I look up to and love.
“How’s Phillip?” she asks.
“Good. His brother showed up, Miles?”
“Did he? Good,” she says with a grin. “I was hoping he would.”
“Yeah, it was weird,” I inform her.
“Yeah, they have a strained relationship. Hopefully, his coming will mend it.”
“Phillip seemed happy to see him,” I point out.
“He loves Miles. I know it was important for him to be here.”
“You’re a good fiancée,” I say with a grin, and she returns it.
“I try,” she says with a wink. Standing up, she goes to the desk before turning to me with a little box in her hands. “I got you something.”
I smile. “Oooh, what?”
She laughs as she hands it to me. It’s a little blue box, and that means one thing – it’s from Tiffany’s. Opening it quickly, I’m suddenly fighting back tears when I see a necklace that holds a heart charm. The chain is silver and gorgeous, but the charm is a thing of beauty. It’s made of diamonds, except for three colored stones that I know are Reese’s, Phillip’s, and my birthstones.
“Turn it around,” she says, and I swallow as I do as she asks. On the back, it is engraved: So you always have a piece of us with you. Love, Reese and Phillip.
“Oh, Reese,” I gasp, running my finger along the engraving. “It’s amazing.”
She takes it from my hands before putting it on me. Looking in the mirror, I take in the beauty of not only us but also the necklace as she wraps her arms around my waist.
“No matter what, Claire, we will always be here for you. We are your rock. We love you. I love you.”
A small tear streams down my face, and I wipe it away quickly. “I love you. Thank you.”
She kisses my cheek and leans her head on my shoulder. I hear a camera again, and I hope that shot came out. I want it, but just in case, I mentally lock this moment away.
“It’s time, guys.”
I turn to see that it’s Reese’s dad, Blake, and I smile. “Hey, Papa.”
He smiles and says, “Hey, sweet girl, you look gorgeous.”
“Thanks. You clean up nicely.”
He laughs as he comes up beside us. “I try to for weddings.”
Reese turns then, meeting her father’s gaze. “You look stunning, baby – my last girl to get married.”
Tears fill Reese’s eyes as she nods. “I can’t believe it.”
“Me either, darling, come here.”
I choke back the tears as they hug tightly, and I watch as he whispers something in Reese’s ear. Sensing it is a private moment, I look away and suck in a deep breath. I wonder if Phillip and I will be a blubbering mess at my wedding. More than likely so. Not that I’m thinking of my own wedding – that’s far away – but still, I can’t wait for that moment. I used to see myself marrying a dancer, but now I have my eyes set on one hell of a sexy hockey player.
“Okay, it’s time, Ms. Allen,” Ginny, the wedding planner that Phillip hired yesterday, says. “Claire, you’re first.”
I grab my bouquet of blue irises and yellow Gerbera daisies and then hand Reese hers. Following Ginny down the halls, we come to a big black door and I know on the other side is my uncle, waiting for his bride. I look back at Reese and smile. Even with her eyes full of tears, she looks so beautiful, almost like she stepped out of a bridal magazine. Reaching out, she squeezes my shoulder and mouths that she loves me. I say the same back and then the doors open and I start out behind Harper’s daughter Ally and Elli’s daughters Shelli and Posey, as they throw little yellow flowers all over the aisle in their cute little blue dresses.
With a huge smile on my face, I walk slowly as all eyes land on me. Searching the packed room, I find Jude off to the side, sitting all alone with a great big grin on his face. My heart skips a beat at the desire that swirls in his green eyes. He looks dashing in a black tux jacket, a royal blue shirt underneath it with no tie. His hair is combed to the side, giving him a classic look, and I’m glad he is all mine. Giving him a grin that I hope he knows is just for him, I tear my gaze off him to make sure I don’t run into anything and find that Phillip is watching me, a proud smile on his face. Stopping in my spot, I turn to look back at the doors I just walked through, waiting for Reese to come in. In the front row is the whole Allen family, minus her dad at the moment.
What kills me the most though is when I look over at the other side where Phillip and my family is supposed to sit, it’s only full of hockey players. We don’t have family. Only each other and Reese, and I guess Miles, but even he is sitting in the back, not in the front, supporting his brother. Swallowing the tears from the pain of not having anyone here to support him or even me, for that matter, I blink a few times. Thankfully though, I look down the aisle where the door opens and Reese appears on her father’s arm, looking completely breathtaking.
I look over at Phillip, and the grin that is on his face lights up the whole room. He doesn’t need anyone; he has Reese. That’s all he needs. But to my surprise, he looks over at me, all the love in the world in his eyes as he jerks a thumb toward Reese.
“Hot, huh?”
I laugh along with everyone else; even Reese is laughing as she closes the distance between them. I watch, fighting the tears as Papa Blake gives Reese to Phillip, making him promise first that he will love her for the rest of his life. Of course, Phillip agrees, but unlike at the rehearsal where he brought Reese up to the altar, he pushes the birdcage veil up and cups her face, pressing his lips to hers. Everyone gasps and laughs but I didn’t expect anything else. This is my uncle we’re talking about.
“I didn’t say you could do that yet,” the prea
cher calls out as they part.
Phillip waves him off. “Do you see how gorgeous she is? I can’t wait that long to kiss the love of my life,” he says, his eyes locked on Reese’s.
And that’s when the tears fall.
Wiping them away, I watch as they come up to the altar and the wedding starts. It’s all a blur, really. I’m a weeping mess, and I know I should pay attention to all the undying love talk, but all I can do is wipe my tears and thank God that these two found each other.
“Now, you two have written your own vows, yes?” the preacher asks and they both nod. “Then let’s have at it, Reese?”
I can’t see her face, but I know she has to be smiling because Phillip is smiling big enough for the both of them.
“I didn’t want to love you when I first met you,” she says, and I can hear the collective murmurs through the crowd, but I ignore them. “I was supposed to live my single life with no cares in the world, but then you came along and threw those plans out the window. Now that I have you, Phillip, I couldn’t imagine life without you. You not only brought your love to me, you brought Claire, and made me the luckiest woman in the world.”
Ugh, she’s killing me. Tears fall in streams down my face and come faster than I can wipe.
“I love you, and I promise to love you for the rest of my life, no matter what. Good times and bad and all the times in between. It’s me, you, Claire, and the gift that is growing within me for the rest of our lives.”
Say what?!
I hear Elli holler something, even Harper and Piper are yelling, but I can only hear my heart beat in my ears. I’m pretty sure I heard her right because the whole room is in an uproar, but to be certain, I ask, “What did you say?”
And when they both look back at me, grinning, I know it’s true. “You’re pregnant?” I still ask, completely shocked.
“Yup,” she says, her own tears flooding her beautiful face. “Surprise!”
