by Ruby Rowe
“Aspen, would you help Sasha out?”
“Sure.” Smiling at me, she tucks a strand of her shoulder-length hair behind her ear. It’s light brown like mine but shorter.
“Thank you.” I open the rear passenger door and hand her my dress that’s hanging inside. After grabbing a bag I packed and my purse, I follow her and Greyson to the door.
The wedding starts at two, and it’s only ten in the morning, yet Greyson’s mom insisted we arrive this early. Maybe that’s customary.
As soon as I’m standing in the foyer, I look up at the triangular, high ceiling and wooden beams running horizontally across it. Wow.
I glance to the floor next, and instead of marble, like what’s in Ellis’s home, this one is a made of a shiny oak I imagine you could slip on in a pair of heels.
Hearing voices, I look up from the impressive floor and spot Ellis’s mom, another older woman, an older man, and a younger guy coming toward us, smiling.
“Greyson, I’m glad you’re here,” Ellis’s mother says before she kisses his cheek.
“Hello, Aunt Estella.”
“Ellis and Camilla are running late. She wasn’t feeling well this morning, but did you hear the news? I’m going to be a grandmother to three more babies.”
“Yes, the news was shocking to say the least.”
Her grin widens as she turns to face me. She and the other man and woman, who I’m guessing are Greyson’s parents, size me up.
“Sasha, it’s so nice to see you again. It’s been a while since we had dinner with you at Ellis’s,” Estella says.
“It’s great to see you again, too.” My lip quivers as they nod and smile, and I wish his parents would say something. Stepping around them, the young man sticks his hand out for me to shake.
“I’m Lawrence, Greyson’s brother.” I notice his blond hair is similar to Greyson’s except Lawrence’s has natural brown highlights throughout.
“Hi, it’s nice to meet you.”
Greyson steps back to stand next to me. “Sasha, these are my parents, Ron and Mary Ann. Mom, Dad, this is my girlfriend, Sasha.”
“Welcome to our home, hon,” Ron says. “You look a lot like your sister. Don’t you think, Mary Ann?”
“Yes, I see the resemblance. You’re pretty like her.”
“Thank you.”
She gives me a genuine smile. “Greyson is quite smitten with you. I’m glad we’re finally meeting.”
“I’ve looked forward to it, as well.”
Ron chuckles. “I love your accent, darlin’. It’s got that sexy southern drawl to it.”
“Ron!” Mary Ann scolds. Her sideways glance his direction could cut glass. “You don’t use the word sexy when speaking about your son’s girlfriend.” She looks back at me and smiles again. “Ignore the old man. That’s what I have to do. Well, after I scold him.”
I giggle, and leaning down to my ear, Greyson whispers, “See, I told you they’re crazy. It’s why I still drink.”
They all begin talking over each other, and Lawrence says something to Greyson, so I’m thankful when Aspen gently grabs my arm and pulls me away.
“Come on. We’ll take your stuff to the bedroom.”
We walk up a wooden staircase, and with each step, the same oak floor shines below me. Once we reach the top, I look to my left, and there’s a railing where you can stand and look over at the foyer below. There are doors all along the hall across from it, and I wonder if they’re bedrooms.
I want to go look over the black iron railing, but Aspen directs me toward the right where there’s another hallway of doors. We pass two of them before she opens the third one.
“Here you go. This is Mary Ann’s sewing room and where you and Camilla will get ready. Since there’s not a bed in here, she thought it would give you plenty of space. I’ll change in the bedroom next door.”
Sliding open a closet, she hangs my dress in it and points to another door. “The bathroom’s through there.”
“Thank you.” I set my bags in a fancy cream chair. “I thought Camilla would be with me when I met Greyson’s family, so thank you for being there.”
“Aww, the Burkes are kind and welcoming, so don’t feel nervous. It’s great to have another woman in the family, and I’m thrilled to see Greyson happy.”
I look at the cream oval rug over the hardwood floor. Burgundy and green are woven through it, and I wish I could stare at the pattern a while to take my mind off how nervous I feel. “You’re happy he’s with me?” I ask quietly.
“Yes. I was so thankful when he ended things with Whitney. He was miserable for years, but now he’s different. He’s hopeful and happy.”
“I wish Ron and Mary Ann felt the same.”
She shrugs. “They’re coming around. People often lose sight of what’s important when money’s involved.”
“What do you mean when money’s involved? Like how they want Greyson marrying someone from another wealthy family?”
Her eyes flit around the room. “Um, I probably shouldn’t—”
“I’m here,” Camilla says breathlessly as she strides into the room. “Aspen, hi. How are you?”
“Excited. Are you ready for your big day?”
“I am.” My sister tugs upward on her blue tank that’s being pulled down over her boob by her purse and another bag she’s holding in her left hand.
“Great. I’ll head downstairs to watch for the stylist to arrive.” Unlike earlier, Aspen’s eager to leave and is out the door before we can respond.
“Sasha, I’m so sorry,” Camilla says before she drops her things and pulls me in for a hug. I smell her shampoo, and it relaxes me. “I planned to be here when you arrived, but I got sick, and then I was trying to gather up all the stuff we’d need today and get Liam and Ellis out the door.”
I grab her shoulders. “Sis, it’s OK. I understand.”
“Lord, I could use a glass of wine.”
“Same here, sister”–I cock my head to the side and grin–“but instead, we’re going to be high on life.”
“So, how did the introductions go?”
“Everyone was nice, and Ron was a hoot like you said he’d be.”
“They accepted me, and you’ll be no different, especially once they realize how happy you make Greyson.”
“Aspen said she’s noticed the changes in him.”
“See, it’s happening already.”
“Maybe, but enough about me. Let’s get you ready for this wedding.”
Ellis
I put on my black tux jacket and adjust it to fit right. Anxious as hell, I shift my shoulders around a half-dozen times, and it’s during moments like this that I wish my brother was still alive.
Tony would know what to say to help me relax. I’m thankful I’m the lucky one marrying Camilla, not him, but I still miss the asshole whether he deserves to be missed or not.
Damn, I need a drink. Where is everyone? I grab my phone and type a text to Greyson.
Me: Can you bring me a scotch? Maybe two?
Greyson: Give me a minute. Camilla’s asking for me, too.
Me: Why? What’s wrong?
Greyson: Who said anything’s wrong? Chill.
Me: Forget it, I’ll have James bring me up a drink.
I dial my father’s number. “Dad, could you bring up the scotch?”
“I was already on it.”
“Thanks.” I hang up and take a deep breath.
Chill? That’s not possible on a day like today, and Greyson knows it. I thought Camilla and I were getting married in Italy with only a few people in attendance.
There weren’t supposed to be a couple hundred spectators, a jumpy play house and birthday balloons. My wedding day has turned into a circus.
My father walks in with a tray of glasses full of amber scotch, which should help calm my nerves.
“I thought we could make a toast with Ron and the boys.”
I swipe a glass off the tray. “I can’t wait that long.”
<
br /> James chuckles.
“Why is that funny?”
“I get how hard this is on you. I mean, I don’t really understand, but I know how worked up you get. Think about that beautiful bride and family you’re starting.
“When the year began, I never would’ve dreamed you’d be marrying today and expecting your second, third and fourth child.”
He cackles next, and the tray he’s holding shakes.
“Set that down before you spill our drinks.”
“Sorry, son, but it’s funny.”
“Don’t think for a second I’m not happy. This is one of the most important moments of my life, so I don’t exactly wish to share it with people I hardly know or like.”
“I don’t think you’ll feel that way once you see Camilla walking down the aisle. When I saw your mother in her gown, headed toward me with a smile, I wanted the whole world to see what a lucky bastard I was.”
The door opens and Uncle Rich, Lawrence and Greyson stroll in.
“How’s my nervous nephew doing?” Rich asks in his loud Texan accent.
“Good. Grab a drink. We’re making a toast before I throw this back and have another.” They all take a glass off the tray.
“I want to do the toast,” Greyson says.
“No, you’re the best man,” Uncle Rich replies, “so you get to do that after the wedding. Right now, I’m toasting my favorite nephew.”
My dad rolls his eyes at his brother.
“To Ellis. He might be the most uptight of our bunch, but he’s also the most loyal and honest man of this family.” Uncle Rich looks at his sons.
“Sorry, boys. I love ya, but it’s the truth. Ellis will put you in your place when you’re doing wrong, and he’s always had our backs when we’ve acted like idiots. So, to Ellis... May he live a happy life with his gorgeous wife and learn how to use fucking condoms. Cheers.”
The laughter ensues as I roll my eyes and smile. I swallow down my drink, and Greyson holds out an envelope afterward.
“This is from Camilla.” The room becomes quiet as I take it from his hand.
“What is it?” I ask.
“I don’t know, but it better not be a Dear John letter because that’d be pretty fucked up about now, especially when she’s full of your offspring.”
“Shut up, Greyson,” Lawrence says.
“Should I be alone when I open this?” I utter as I open it. I guess a part of me doesn’t want to be. Reading the paper in my hands, I bring a fist up to my mouth and fight back the tears.
“Well, what the hell does it say?” Uncle Rich asks.
To regain my composure, I swallow.
“It’s a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage form.” Wiping my eyes, I smile. “It’s the application to add my name to Liam’s birth certificate. It’s felt like an eternity waiting for her to bring this up.” I blow out a breath. “I needed Camilla to do it on her own when she felt I was worthy.”
My father smacks me on the back. “I guess she was waiting for you to make an honest woman out of her.”
“I guess so.”
“She told me to give you this after the envelope.” Greyson pulls a small white box from his tux jacket. I open it and find a folded note inside that says, “To Daddy, from Liam.” It appears he traced each letter.
I look in the box, and there’s a set of cufflinks with an imprinted drawing of a man’s face on each with the word Dad below it.
“I’ll be back.” Rushing from the bedroom, I bustle down the hallway to the room Camilla’s in. I swing the door open, and Sasha gasps before yanking down the sundress she’s got pulled up to her neck.
“Ellis!” Camilla yells.
“Sorry, shit,” I say as I cover my eyes, but it’s a little too late. OK, a lot too late.
“Thank goodness I wasn’t in my gown yet,” Camilla snaps. I look around the room as my cheeks warm. My mother, Aunt Mary Ann, Sasha and Camilla are staring back at me with scowls on their faces.
“Sasha, I’m sorry, but all of you need to give me a minute alone with my fiancée.”
“She has to get her dress on. The wedding’s starting soon,” my mother says. “I swear, you’ve never had any patience.” Pursing her lips, she lifts her eyebrows.
“I know, but I need a damn minute alone with her, so out.” Groaning, they all start to leave the room, but Sasha crosses her arms and stops at the doorway.
“I’m telling Greyson you saw me in my sexy bra and panties so he can bitch at you about it for the rest of our lives.”
“Fair enough; now go.”
They leave, and Camilla smiles bashfully, eyeing what’s in my hand.
“This is about your gifts,” she says. I head right for her and pull her into my arms. “Oh, don’t mess up my hair,” she adds.
“Thank you. I can’t tell you how much this means to me.” I lean back to get a good look at her beautiful face. “It’s like I found out he’s mine all over again. It feels fucking amazing.”
“That’s because he’s amazing. I meant for him to give you the cufflinks this morning, but things were too hectic, and now Aspen’s entertaining him downstairs. That’s his actual drawing of you, Ellis.”
“That makes it even better. I’ll go find him to help me put them on.” Giving her a kiss on the forehead, I smile. “I have a present for you, too. You’ll find out what it is after the ceremony.”
“OK, I guess I won’t get mad since this sounds like one of those good secrets.”
I wink at her. “Get your gown on, my Rose. I’m ready to show you off to the world.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Sasha
“You’re beautiful,” Greyson says. He stares at me, seeming lost for words, as I wait behind a white screen that shields us from the wedding guests.
Like Ellis, he doesn’t seem to understand he’s not supposed to be hanging out with the girls before the ceremony.
“Thank you. You look amazing today, as well.”
“I’m a dude. We can only do so much to improve our appearance, and I’m not saying you need to improve anything; you’re always beautiful, but you look, I don’t know … angelic today. Yeah, how a hot angel would look.”
I glance down at my flowy pale pink dress and snicker.
“I don’t believe angels are to be viewed as hot.”
Clutching my waist, he brings me in close. “Well, I have my very own angel now, and I think she’s pretty hot.”
I push back a feathery stray strand of my updo and give him a kiss.
“I’m so nervous,” I murmur against his mouth.
“I’m damn excited. Everyone gets to see you on my arm. It’s my F-you to all those who gave up their happiness for the dollar.”
“I don’t think that’s supposed to be your intentions when in a wedding, but OK.” I bump his arm. “You better get back to the guys; we’re about to begin.”
Giving me one last kiss, he strolls off, and I take a deep breath.
“I get to carry the rings,” Liam shouts.
“I know,” I say to him with excitement as he waits in front of me and Aspen with the flower girl. Her mother, who I believe is a distant cousin to Ellis, squats down to talk to her.
Camilla hurries up to say something to Liam, and once she’s behind me again, I straighten the bottom of her gorgeous dress.
“Are you ready?” I ask.
“Yes, and I can say that with certainty.”
I feel bad that my sister doesn’t have a father to escort her down the aisle, but ours wasn’t deserving of the honor to begin with.
It’s cool her soon-to-be father-in-law already thinks the world of her and offered his services.
Beautiful music begins to play, and the flower girl and Liam begin their walk. I hear the awws as the two of them pass by the guests. Aspen looks back at me with wide eyes.
“Here we go.” She and Lawrence are in the wedding party, too, and once again, I’m glad to have her here for support.
I walk around the
makeshift screen, and as soon as I spot everyone sitting in their white chairs, dressed impeccably, I struggle to breathe.
Thankfully, the sky is clear today, so there was no need to move people under the reception tent for the ceremony, but I’d like to go hide under it at this moment.
Being with Greyson means I’ll have to attend many uncomfortable social functions, so I need to get used to this. I hear these people host more parties than nightclubs.
I keep walking forward, not taking my eyes off the guys at the end of the white runner, but I think I hear whispers as I pass people.
Along with Lawrence and Greyson, Ellis is grinning, which I seldom see. My nervousness increases the closer I get, so I squeeze my bouquet of pink and white roses.
Reaching the end, I stand across from Greyson. We gaze at each other, but it’s brief since Camilla is beginning her walk with James.
Everyone stands to watch them, and my sister struggles not to bite her lip, which means she’s nervous, too, but the grin she’s boasting reveals her happiness, as well.
Once she approaches me, I take her flowers. She turns her back to me, and I admire the row of white buttons trailing down it over a sheer material.
Her gown flares out at the waist and is embellished with vines and flowers made of lace. My sister looks stunning today.
The minister from James and Estella’s church talks a bit, and once he’s finished, a song begins to play. It’s coming from behind me, so I turn my head to have a look.
My mouth falls open as soon as I spot Whitney Peterson, but I snap it shut and shift back to the guys.
Greyson frowns before his eyes dart to mine, and I see the way they attempt to apologize. His wrinkled forehead adds a sorry, too.
The sounds from Whitney’s cello are mesmerizing, and I’m not surprised she’s performing since Mary Ann and Estella planned the wedding.
My sister’s easy to please, and considering how quickly the event was pulled together, she let them take the reins.
Knowing Whitney’s here, I have a difficult time focusing on the rest of the wedding. Since Ellis struggles with social anxiety, he and Camilla chose not to say their own vows, so my mind is elsewhere as they speak, worrying about Greyson being around his ex today.
