Only His Touch: Part Two (The Untouched Series Book 5)

by Lilly Wilde

  Beth asked that I close my eyes as she sprayed something over my face and then it was time for me to go to a different room. I wondered what Aiden was doing. Was he being ushered from station to station? Was he already dressed? Was he nervous? My chest started to hurt. I took a deep breath as a new roll of panic surfaced. Several more deep breaths followed, but I couldn’t seem to get enough air.

  “Aria, are you okay?” Beth asked.

  I couldn’t reply. I was too busy trying not to pass out.

  “Anna, I think we have a problem,” she yelled across the room.

  Anna was beside me in little to no time. “Aria, look at me. Slow down.” She motioned with her hands the breathing pattern she wanted me to follow. “Get her some water, please.”

  Beth hurried off and quickly returned with a glass. “Here you go. Don’t ruin your makeup,” she said, as she passed the water to me.

  After I’d taken a few sips, Anna asked, “Are you okay now?”

  I nodded and passed the water back to her. Note to self. Don’t think about anything else.

  Beth retouched my lipstick and then I was headed to the room where the other girls were all seated, waiting on me. It was time for the age-old ritual of something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue.

  “After this we’re going to get you in your gown, and then it’s show time,” Anna said. She offered a smile and then left me with the others. I took a seat between my sisters, Allison, April, Sloan and Sienna.

  “I was nominated to go first,” Lia said. “And I have the something old. It symbolizes continuity with your family and the past, so I thought this would be perfect.” Lia passed me a small silver charm. “This is the coffee cup charm that Dad gave to Mom on their first anniversary.”

  My parents had met at a coffee shop in Italy, and she’d worn that charm bracelet every day until he’d disappeared. I never thought about what had happened to it until now. “Thank you, Lia,” I said, and gave her a hug. She had no idea how meaningful this tiny trinket was, especially now, knowing what I knew, what I had to keep secret. I was sure this was something Mom would have given me, and in a way she had—through her daughter—through Lia. I love you, Mom.

  “I’m next,” April said and cleared her throat. “I can’t believe I’m doing this with the one person I thought would never have a boyfriend, let alone a husband. I’m so thrilled for you.” She beamed. “Okay, so I’m something new.” April passed another charm to me. It was a key with the word friendship written on it. “So, this is a reminder of us. Of our friendship. I know we have some things to work out, and I know it’s not quite the same as it was, but I hope we can get back there. And so this is a symbol of a door that will never be closed to you. We became friends by chance, but we’re sisters by choice. And that’s what you are to me—my sister. I love you, and I’m so happy for you and Aiden and as a friend, as a sister, I promise to always love and support you both.”

  “You guys. I don’t know how I’m going to make it through this. This means so much,” I said and glanced at each of them. “Thank you, April. I hope we can get back to where we were, too. Thank you for being here and standing up for me today.”

  “I’m next,” Bianca said, taking a seat on the opposite side of Lia. “This is something borrowed.” She passed another charm to me. After a close inspection, I recognized it as another one of Mom’s. It was a fish. “Something borrowed is usually an item from a happily married family member whose good fortune in marriage is supposed to carry over to the new bride. I know Mom and Dad didn’t get their happily ever after, but when they were together, they were very happy and very much in love. Of course, I was too young to get a lot of that, but the stories and pictures Mom shared with us were like something from a romantic movie. I know you and Aiden will be just as happy.”

  “Thanks, sister. I love you,” I said, as she pulled me into a hug.

  I glanced at the others and wondered who of the Raines would be first. “Aria.” Sienna grasped my hand and her lips pursed into a tight smile. “I know I was no less than horrible to you when you first came into our lives, and we’ve come so far since then. I couldn’t ask for a better woman for my son. You and he are truly made for one another, and you’ve taught me something about love and partnership that I hope to bring to my marriage. I wanted to be the something blue.” She passed a small rectangular box to me. “We thought it would be lovely if all the gifts were in one place, so when you wear it, you’ll be reminded of all of the beauty and joy this day has given you.”

  My eyes watered and I blinked profusely, hoping to stop the tears that were desperate to escape.

  “Aria, don’t you dare cry,” Sienna warned. “We don’t have time—”

  “I know. To redo my makeup.” I fanned my eyes to hold off the waterworks. “No tears. See.” I opened the box to find an exquisite sapphire and diamond bracelet. “Oh. This is beautiful.” Sienna helped me affix the charms and then fastened the bracelet on my wrist.

  After Sienna hugged me, Sloan assumed her mother’s seat beside me. Sloan and I had a small chat after dinner last night. It was awkward, but I’d assured her that I was okay with her and Kellan. I was actually glad to see how much she really liked him, and it was easy to see that she was hoping for the chance to get to know him better. I couldn’t begrudge either of them that.

  “It’s finally our turn,” Sloan said. “This is a silver sixpence, which represents wealth and financial security.”

  Allison passed the silver coin to me. “Mom says it’s supposed to go in your shoe,” she added, and rolled her eyes.

  I laughed at her. I simply adored Allison.

  “Your left shoe to be exact,” Sloan said. “This was minted the year Aiden was born.”

  “Oh, wow. Thanks, you two,” I said, and hugged them both.

  “Welcome to the family, Aria.”

  “Thanks, Sloan.”

  “We’re going to officially be sisters now,” Allison said. “I knew from the moment I met you that you were the one for my brother. I just knew it.”

  “Yeah. You certainly hammered it into my head enough.” I smiled, thinking back to the times when Aiden and I had been apart, and both times, Allison was there pleading her brother’s case.

  “I’ll make sure he does something especially nice for his number one supporter,” I said.

  “That would be great. I need a dance partner for some practice in my upcoming performance, so get him to do that…minus the piano lessons,” she added.

  I laughed at her again. “I’ll see what I can do.”

  “Have them review the seating chart. She’s not supposed to sit there.” It was Anna and she was speaking into her headset. “Okay ladies, it’s about time. Let’s get you to your appropriate places.”

  I received final hugs as everyone dispersed, and then Fantta Currier herself helped me into my wedding dress, and I started to spaz out again. She directed the stylists on the placement of my veil. I didn’t want it covering my face so it was clipped into my bun.

  I was back in the story book. Everything was happening around me. I was crowded as final adjustments were made. Emilie entered in a rush and requested we all get to our spots, leaving me alone with Lia and Bianca. I was looking at the bride in the mirror, absolutely amazed that it was me. She looked like royalty.

  My dress was stunning. It was a delicate lace bodice gown with a dropped waist. I gathered a handful of the material, lifting just enough so that I could turn to glance over my shoulder in the mirror. The gown was accentuated by an intricate design of embroidered lace with beading and a natural sheer neckline that transitioned into a dramatic low back. The extravagant multi-tiered tulle skirt flowed into a chapel train. I turned again and studied my reflection from head to toe.

  “Wow,” Lia said. “You’re an absolutely beautiful bride, Aria.”

  “Mom would be so proud,” Bianca added.

  I turned toward them just as Anna en
tered the room again. “No, no. Don’t make her cry. You’ll ruin her makeup, and there’s no time to spare. Let’s get her to the entrance,” Anna said.

  I took one final look at myself in the full-length mirror. I didn’t recognize the person staring back at me. Fortunately for me, I’d be the only one in a wedding gown, otherwise I didn’t think Aiden would recognize me either. It reminded me of the first time I’d had to dress for the part when it came to Aiden. And like that time, I was wondering what he would think when he saw me.

  “Aria, are you ready?” Bianca asked.

  “Yes, I’m coming.” I said a quick farewell to Aria Cason, and then I turned away from the mirror, taking the final steps that would say good-bye to her forever.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lia and Bianca balanced me as we stood outside the large doors of the palace. My eyes were cast downward as I repeatedly clenched my fists. With a nervous twinge in my stomach, I recited my vows. My legs started to weaken as I stood there, struggling to control my breathing so I didn’t pass out. Someone started tugging at my train and I placed my palm over my heart as it fought to keep up with my thoughts. It was beating so loudly that I knew my sisters could hear it, too. What was I doing? Me? Married? I never wanted anything more than a night of hot sex with a guy. How the hell did I go from that to this? Standing in an Italian palace about to commit the rest of my existence to Aiden Raine? I took another deep breath and then slowly exhaled. Oh hell! This was it. Lia passed my bouquet, and her smile disappeared as she took in my expression.

  Her eyes widened. “Aria, are you okay? Do you need some water? Do you need to sit down?” she asked.

  I swallowed and tried to speak, but I couldn’t open my mouth. I rapidly shook my head and looked to the other side of me at Bianca. I had to rely on them a lot today. Bianca and Lia were giving me away. They were so beautiful, and they had been so great helping me put up with Sienna and all of the other details that had pretty much tempted me to start drinking like crazy again. I managed a sliver of a smile and let out another slow breath. The wedding staff walked past us and assumed positions to my right and left. With a nod to each other, they opened the doors. Oh my God. This is happening. I can’t do it. I can’t do it. I stepped back and Lia and Bianca tightened their hold on me.

  “You can do this,” Lia said. “You’ve got this, Aria.”

  “We’re right here, and we can go whenever you’re ready,” Bianca said.

  Anna appeared out of nowhere. “Is everything okay?” she asked.

  “Yes, she’s just a little nervous,” Bianca said.

  I could hear the string quartet and it was nearing my cue to start down the aisle, but I didn’t want to. I couldn’t even if I tried.

  “Aria, you did good. You have a wonderful man who loves you, and you have a beautiful son, and they’re both waiting to start this new family with you,” Lia said, rubbing my arm, attempting to soothe me. “Don’t be scared. You can do this.”

  Did I want to do it? Was this a mistake? Had I allowed Aiden to talk me into doing something I would have never wanted? I missed the cue and Anna rushed back over to make sure everything was okay. I thought she was more concerned about not having Emilie on her ass than she was about me.

  “She’s ready. Can you recue the music please?” Lia asked.

  I closed my eyes and started reviewing my vows again and then I drew a blank. Oh shit. There was supposed to be a copy in my bouquet just in case I’d forgotten them. That’s right. So I had a backup. Now all I needed to do was remember how to walk. Bianca had said he was waiting for me. It was true, Aiden was waiting for me. I was going to be his wife. We were going to be a family. Aiden and Lyric—they were both waiting for me.

  I loved Aiden and Lyric with everything in me. Aiden had said he and I were meant for each other. And I felt that. I knew that with every fiber of my being—we were. There wasn’t another soul I could imagine pairing mine with. It was him. It was always him, and it would always be him, and I didn’t want to keep him waiting any longer.

  I took a deep breath and unclenched my fist as my heartbeat started to slow. Once my breathing leveled out, I opened my eyes, and it was as if I were peering into the innocence of a childhood dream. The rays of the bright Italian sun were muted, filtering through the golden mosaic-paned windows and filling the Venetian palace with a soft shimmering light. It all looked royal—the vision of fairy tales. It was a day fit for a princess…Aiden’s princess.

  The guests stood as the music changed, and then all eyes were on me as I started my walk down the aisle. I was serenaded by the beautiful, soft sound of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Air” from the Suite No. 3 in D Major. And like the title of the piece, Aiden’s love flowed around me. It enveloped me. It filled me.

  I lifted my gaze to the end of the aisle and there he was—the man who made my heart leap from my chest—the man who’d touched the depths of my being.

  The only thing that mattered was the handsome groom expecting me at the end of my too-long walk. Aiden took my breath away each time I looked at him, and today was no different. He was dressed in a traditional black three-piece tuxedo, but there was nothing traditional about Aiden. He was an enigma wrapped in a paradox and shrouded in a conundrum, and he was custom made…just for me.

  It was as if I’d stopped walking and was floating down the aisle toward my future. Aiden was holding our best man in his arms. I hoped Lyric would behave, but if he was anything like his father, he wouldn’t. My heart smiled as I thought about their many similarities, and then I returned my glance to the man who promised he’d meet me at the end of the aisle, the man who loved me unconditionally.

  It had taken some time to get it right, but I was no longer the Aria I was a couple of years ago. I was still me, but a better version of me. I was Aiden’s—I knew I was his and his alone. I knew he was my destiny. And because of my love for him, I was finally the Aria I was meant to be. I knew I would not—could not—ever be the same after being loved by him.

  My short walk, which seemed somehow longer than it was, finally came to an end when I reached the altar. My sisters hugged me and took their places in line with the bridesmaids. Aiden passed Lyric to Nicholas, and then he reached for my hand and I placed it in his. I saw the wonder in his eyes as he looked at me, his mouth partially open as his enchanted gaze glided down my body. He subtly shook his head. “You’re an absolute vision, princess.”

  The orchestra fell silent as Aiden gently squeezed my hand and then my heart almost stopped beating. The eyes that stared back at me were a vibrant green, inviting me to rest in them. Once I did, the world fell away, void of everything except Aiden. I loved him completely…irrevocably and I was ready to be his wife. There was no fear, only the immense love and yearning I felt for this man.

  “Please be seated,” the minister said.

  I looked over at the area that my mom and dad would have been sitting. Aiden squeezed my hand again, and I turned toward him, once again lost in his eyes.

  The minister started, “Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family—we are gathered here today, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is. This is a celebration of love, and Aiden and Aria have chosen you, those who are special to them, to share in this day—to witness the joining and beginning of their lives.”

  Aiden smiled at me. All I could do was stare…studying his face. He’d been sporting stubble or a light beard for so long that I’d forgotten how much I adored his clean-shaven face.

  I focused on the minister—or tried to, at least—as he continued. “We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with Aiden and Aria the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make today. We also create a new bond and a new sense of family—one that will undoubtedly include some who are present here today.”

  The minister looked at Aiden and then me. “You entered as individuals,
but you will be leaving as husband and wife.”

  “Mommm-mmy,” Lyric cried.

  I’d been secretly trying to get him to say mommy before saying daddy, and he picked now of all times to show off. I glanced at Lyric, and his little arms were outstretched. I looked back to Aiden, and we both grinned. Actually, I was surprised Lyric had remained quiet for so long. The minister continued, and after a few moments, Lyric started rustling in Nicholas’s arms. Emilie stepped up to take him and he burst into tears. I glanced at them, wondering if I should do anything, when Dianna suddenly appeared, taking the baby from Emilie. When Lyric looked up and saw that he was in Dianna’s arms, he instantly calmed.

  The minister resumed, reading a scripture. Once he finished, I passed my bouquet to April and then Aiden and I kneeled as the minister offered a prayer for us.

  At the conclusion of the blessing, we again stood before the minister and he said, “Aiden and Aria have chosen to affirm their love by the lighting of a Unity Candle. The flame of the candle represents light and spirit. By lighting a Unity Candle, they signal their desire to not only join as one in their union, but to unite two families together as one.”

  Allison and Lia stepped up to light a side candle, which represented the separate lives, families and experiences before the wedding day. Afterward, Aiden and I used those candles to light the Unity Candle together.

  “Prior to this moment you each walked a separate path. With the lighting of the center candle you have now symbolically joined your once-separate lives. As two flames combined into one light, so now are your friends and family joined, through you, into one.”

  Aiden and I were holding hands again as the minister continued.

  “Aiden and Aria have written their own vows and would like to share them at this time.”

  After Aiden offered an encouraging smile, I took a deep breath and started. “You refer to me as your princess and like the fairytales have revealed, sometimes the princess needs to be rescued. That’s what you’ve done for me. You’ve rescued me.” My voice was shaky. I swallowed and continued, my tone leveling out as the truth of my words reinforced me. “Love can hurt, but love can also heal. Aiden, you’ve shown me that. For so many years, my heart was cloaked with confusion and pain. I didn’t know where or who to give my heart to until I found you. You’re the reason I believe in love again. Thank you for giving me a home for my heart.” I was struggling to hold back tears, but they came anyway. I took another deep breath and continued. “I didn’t have any dreams of love and happily-ever-after until you, and now those dreams have all come true because of you. My mother had written a letter to me in which she’d said you’d become my world. She was right. You are my world, and I can’t imagine a life without you in it. You’ve shown me what true happiness is, and you’ve taught me to trust and to stop running. You’ve given me so much love and understanding and patience. I promise to give you just as much. And I promise to love you all my life. I promise to never block you out. I promise to be your family. I promise to give you every part of me. It’s yours. And I take you, Aiden Wyatt Raine to be my husband, my partner in life, and my one true love. I vow to be your companion and your friend, to nurture and to grow with you throughout the seasons of our love. I give you my hand, my heart and my love, through sickness and health, through good times and bad, now until forever.”