by Mari Brown
Gracie pinks but a lovely smile takes over her face. “It is. He asked last night.”
Squeals follow as the three women in the room began fawning over the engagement ring. I recall them doing the same thing when I got Kat her black diamond engagement ring. Women went stupid over that shit. To me it was just a rock, nothing more. Okay, I’m lying a bit to myself. I remember the pride I felt slipping that ring on Kat, making it official that she was mine.
“Well guys, I think we have been forgotten.” I say with a chuckle as the three women take off out of the room. I have no clue where they are headed and they didn’t volunteer the information. I watch as my girl is the last one to exit the room I admire her ass as it sashays out of the room. “So what are we going to be up too?”
We have at least an hour before lunch will be served. I look around at the men sitting in the room. I find pride in the fact these are my friends and family. Although it’s looking more and more like it’s all going to be family in this room.
“Can we play basketball?” Seth pipes up for the first time since he got in trouble
“Sounds like fun, man.” Justin answers. Each of the other men nod their heads in agreement and we slip out the doors to go to the court we have in the backyard.
***
“Cole, lunch is ready.” Kat’s voice calls from behind me. I turn toward her when a little body slams into me. I turn back to see. I stagger back on my feet.
“Sorry, Cole.” Seth says while untangling himself.
“It’s okay, buddy. It’s Kat’s fault for distracting me.” I ruffle the hair on top of his head as I smile at my woman still laughing in the door.
“Y’all come in and clean up… Lunch is ready to be served.”
The guys all head inside. I stop to stand by Kat. I look at her appreciating everything that I know is mine for now and forever. There is no way I’m going to let this woman ever walk out of my life again.
“You okay?” Kat asks. She eyes me strangely.
“I’m good. I’m just feeling thankful for you.”
“Oh yea? Why’s that?” She asks.
I step around her but pause and turn back. “I’m a lucky man to have a fucking woman like you.” Then I walk into the house. I feel her eyes boring into my back. I resist the urge to turn around but I’m sure that I left her blushing. I head upstairs to use my bathroom to rinse off real quick before joining the rest at the table for lunch.
Chapter 28
Kat
“I’m going to throw up!” I say to no one in particular. I stare at my reflection in the full length mirror. My hair is pulled back from my face and held in place with a tiara that shines with rhinestones. My black curls cascade in uniformed ringlets all around. My makeup is flawless. It should be. Bruce paid a small fortune to ensure I looked my best today.
This is the biggest day of my life; the day I marry Cole Fucking Knight. How did I end up here? I never dreamed it would end up this way when I started dating Cole back in high school especially after I walked out on him.
“You’re not going to throw up.” Julie states. She’s fussing around me straightening and fluffing my dress in all the right places. My perfect black wedding dress is made of French lace with a multi-layered skirt with sheer peek a boo sections and a flowing train made of tulle. The back is low cut and the bodice is light sheer hand appliqued to perfection.
“Why am I so fucking nervous?” I exclaim.
“Because you’re getting married.” Ali replies to me. “Duh!”
“Did you just duh me?” I turn on my old college friend. My wedding was bringing my two worlds together; the girl from Belmont and the sorority girl from UCLA. Ali was my first friend at UCLA so it made sense that she would be a bridesmaid. She married Luke’s twin, Liam, not too long ago and I was happy to see them and the older Smiths here for my wedding.
“You looking fucking stunning. Hell, I kind of want to go lesbian for you.” Marisol pipes up from the chair she is slumped in. She has yet to put on her bridesmaid dress, saying she would just mess it up if she put it on too soon.
Gracie giggles at Marisol’s words. “You’re beautiful and it’s perfectly natural to be nervous. It’s a BIG day!”
I step back from the mirror and look at the women I’m closest too. I smile as my eyes land on each of them. “I’m so fucking happy each of you are here for this.”
“As if I’d miss you marrying that asshole.” Marisol says with a laugh. “Plus, it gave me the perfect excuse to shack up with Landon for a couple of days.”
“Yes, I noticed you two arriving together this morning.” I say to her with a wink. Marisol laughs as she sips on her champagne. I want a glass of the bubbly liquid. I grab one off the table and down it in one gulp.
“Easythere, you don’t want to be drunk going down the aisle.” Julie says with a laugh.
“It will take more than a couple glasses of champagne for me to be drunk.” I retort.
It’s time to give each of these special women my gift for them. I dart behind the screen I changed behind. I dig around for the bag with all their gifts inside. Finally finding thepurple bags, I rejoin the others.
“Ladies.” I call, getting all their attention “I can’t thank each of you enough for sharing this day with me. Marla…” I call to the coordinator. “Cole and I wanted to give you a tip in addition to the salary we paid you. I hope you enjoy it.” I watch with fascination as she tears open the envelope I hand her. Tears form in her eyes.
“Kat, this is beyond anything I ever imagined.”
“What did she write you a check for, 100k or something?” Marisol asks trying to lighten the mood.
“Even better.” Marla says while swiping her eyes. “They just paid my son’s tuition at the special school for the blind until he graduates.”
“Holy shit!” Ali exclaims. “That’s fantastic.”
“Very sweet of you and my brother.” Julie says with a gentle smile and a twinkle in her eye.
“I have something for each of you as well.” I begin looking at the tags on the bags and handing them to the respective women. Each one has a custom gift as well.
“Katarina, I’m going to kill you.” Julie exclaims as she grabs my neck trying hard not to mess up my hair or makeup. “I can’t believe you just handed me the deed to Duchess.”
“Believe it, sister. It’s all yours now for real.” I say smiling.
“Ali what did you get?” Julie turns to her future sister in law, I’m sure.
“Seriously Kat? This is too much.” Ali protests.
“Nonsense.” I tell her maintaining my smile. “It’s perfect for you.”
“I can’t take the deed to my house as a gift for being a bridesmaid …I would be here for free.”
“I know which is why I made sure your house is now free to live in.” I tell her with a hug. “I know that Liam makes decent money but you want to start a family and what better way than debt free in your house.”
“Thank you, Kat. Drew and I will find a perfect use for this gift” my future sister in law says grateful for what I’ve given her. “We got an all-expense paid honeymoon.”
“Alright, Marisol.” I turn to my friend. “It’s your turn to share.”
“Apparently, I just got an exclusive contract to be represented by the Knights and my own fucking gym.” She says trying to act like it’s not a huge deal.
“I know I went over the top but let me share a secret with y’all.” I carefully sit down in a oversized chair. “Bruce called me into his office about a month ago. He told me that every dime I’ve ever sent him was put into an account for the day I married.” I sigh as a soft smile covers my face. “He failed to mention it was a high yield account. Needless to say, I am a wealthy woman even without the Knights now.”
“Are you kidding me?” Julie asks “You think he’s done that for me?”
Laughter meets her question.
“That was very kind of him.” Ali speaks “I love how you became th
e daughter of his heart even without Cole in your life. It only makes it more perfect that you’re marrying Cole today.”
“Here!… Here!” Marisol salutes with her champagne flute.
Marla apparently left the room without me realizing it because next thing I know she walks in with Bruce following her. He looks so elegant in his straight line black tux. His sliver streaked hair only adds to his appeal. Tears well up in my eyes as I focus on this man who I love as a father.
“You’re gorgeous, Katarina.” he says with a grin. “A true Princes… no Queen.”
“Stop.” I tell Bruce as tears threaten to spill down my face and ruin my makeup. “I can’t cry.”
“Me either.” he says while stepping up and embracing me. The moisture in his eyes does not escape my notice.
“It’s go time people.” Marla says with great joy. She begins lining up the girls in the order they will march in with their respective escorts. My stomach leaps. I’m excited, happy, scared to fucking death all rolled in one.
“Let’s do this.” Marisol says as she steps up first. She is followed by Ali, Gracie and then Julie. I stay back until the end.
“You ready, Katarina?” Bruce asks.
“If feeling like I’m going to throw up is ready, then yes!”
Bruce laughs at me. “You remind me of Serena so much. Yet you’re so different.”
“I wish I had known her, that she could have been here to see Cole.”
“ME, too…me, too.”
Another thing the Martin family can be blamed for. Their jealousy taking away a wife and mother.
“Cole is just as nervous if it makes you feel better.” Bruce tells me.
“Yes actually I do feel better.” I say with a smile. “I’m ready to become Mrs. Cole Knight.”
Bruce tilts his head toward me, a soft grin on his lips. His eyes are twinkling with mirth. “My dear, I’m very happy to hear that. I’m ready to really call you daughter.”
Tears threaten both our eyes again. I’ll never understand how I got so lucky to be taken under Bruce’s wings. Even without dating Cole, Bruce stuck by my side. He was always my champion and benefactor. There is no way I would ever be able to pay him back for all that he has done for me.
Marisol and Pete are the first couple to enter the church. I listen as the strains of Canon in D Major stream out of the church. Despite the fact Bruce is holding onto me I feel weak in the knees. Ali and Luke are the next couple to enter the building. Marla is standing behind the door giving everyone a signal of when to start their walk. Gracie and Drew are the next couple. That only leaves Julie and Justin then it will be my turn. Julie did a fabulous job finding the perfect bridesmaid dresses. They are a dark purple chiffon with a cinched empire waist. As the twins make their way down the aisle together I begin to shake a little more. I’m thankful Bruce is walking me down the aisle. There is no way I can do it on my own.
I’m excited but nervous. I scan the church. It’s full on either side. I recognize a few faces as I move slowly down the aisle. The Wedding March fills the room. The sound reverberates off the roof. Cole stands at the end of the aisle. My heart races as I take in my man in his custom black tuxedo. I can’t believe how dapper he looks. He grins from ear to ear. I mumble under my breath “This is like candid camera.”
Bruce snickers “All eyes on the beautiful bride.”
I give a slight nod of my head. We reach the front of the church and I stand facing Cole. The love shining in his eyes blinds me. I can’t believe this is really happening. I’m about to become Mrs. Cole Knight.
“Who gives this Bride?” The priest asks.
My brother actually steps forward at this point. He takes my hand from Bruce before presenting it to Cole. “We do.” The two father figures in my life chorus. Tears pool again.
“Dearly Beloved we are gathered today….”
Chapter 29
Kat
The ceremony is short and sweet, the traditional vows exchanged. We place the black and gold bands on each others fingers. The priest announces, “I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Cole Knight.”
The church comes alive with clapping as the crowd stands. The strains of Bittersweet Symphony begin playing as Cole and I make our way towards the back of the church. I’m not sure how we get down the aisle because we only have eyes for one another. I’m thrilled it’s official! I’m finally Cole’s wife.
As we exit into the foyer Marla is waiting for us. She hustles us to a side room. “Your reception dress is in here but we need to do photos first. I’m here to make sure you stay put together until photos are done.”
I laugh at Marla’s words. “What makes you think I wouldn’t?”
“Really? I’ve been with y’all for six months you don’t think I’ve noticed how often y’all sneak off together.”
Cole chuckles. Marla does have a point. Cole and I are worse than horny teenagers. If the mood strikes, we act on it. I’m glad Marla is here to stop Cole and I until after pictures,maybe even longer. I’m thinking there are too many business acquaintances around for Cole and I to be anything but on our best behavior.
“Marla, you make a valid point.” Cole and I would be all over each other and forget about the guests. I’m glad she is here. It’s not long before she ushers us and the wedding party back into the church where pictures galore are taken. Family shots, bridal party shots, the groomsmen etc. It takes us thirty minutes to get through the shoot. Marla then escorts me back into the side room where she and Julie help me get out of my wedding dress. I trade it in for a black dress that is the same style as the bridesmaids. I wanted a fun comfortable party dress for the reception.
Cole is waiting in the foyer with my brother. I’m a little surprised to see that my brother stayed behind.
“You didn’t go over to the reception with Gracie?”
“No .I wanted to talk to you for a moment.” Drew looks at Cole before turning back to me. “Our mother is standing outside.”
“What the fuck?” I am angry how dare that woman show up on my special day.
“She apparently snuck in to the ceremony and now she’s waiting for a chance to talk with you.”
“Have we figured out who is supporting her yet?” I ask.
“No.” Cole answers. “Hunter says whoever it is, they're covering their tracks well.”
I straighten up and begin walking with my head high toward the front doors of the church. Cole steps up beside me quickly.
“What are you planning, Kitten?”
“I’m going to talk to her and see if I can figure out what the fuck she is up too.” I state with determination.
Drew pushes the wooden door open and holds it as Cole and I step out into the afternoon sun. The street in front of the church is quiet. There is a man walking his dog down the sidewalk. I see the cunt clearly standing at the base of the stairs. Her head turns as she hears us and our eyes lock. She stands there with her hair perfectly cut and styled in a short bob. Her clothing is designer. Her eyes are still dark and filled with anger and hate. I remember those eyes well. The times she turned them on me and would beat me until I started fighting back.
“Katarina…” My mother calls out.
“Diana.” I reply. I refuse to call this woman mom anymore. “What do you want? Why are you here?”
Her hand comes around her neck rubbing nervously as her eyes look down. She is already submitting under the confidence I have now. There is no way this woman will ever reduce me to the scared teenager I once was.
“I just wanted to be here to see my girl get married. I’m surprised you didn’t realize that your real father was in attendance at your wedding.”
“What?” I ask shocked.
“What the hell are you talking about, woman?” Drew interjects.
“It’s funny he doesn’t know about you. But he’d believe you were his.” She says with a tight face. Tension lines crease her forehead.
“Who?” Cole demands. Diana laughs long and hard.
“You are in no position to ask for anything.” I tell her. “I can easily do some digging and research to find out for myself. It will just take longer than if you just tell me.”
“All I want is to be part of your life.” She pleads.
“It’s not happening.” I say as I move around her and head toward the car waiting for Cole and me.
“Wait! Katarina, please.” She comes after me grabbing my arm roughly. It jolts me to a stop. I shrug my arm of her grip.
“Don’t touch me again.” I say through clenched teeth. “I need nothing from you.”
“Your father, and your half brother and sister were all in attendance at your wedding. Wouldn’t you like to really know what you missed out on?”
“I’ll find out on my own. I don’t need you.” She fails to realize I have enough clues to narrow down who it might be. I keep walking toward the waiting car. Rocco stands there with Pete, both on alert, watching the women who gave birth to me. It’s clear to see they are angry. I’m secretly delighted that these men have my back.
“You okay?” Rocco asks quietly as I move to stand beside him.
“I’m fine.” I say. I watch as Cole stands between me and Diana. Drew is exchanging heated words with her. He grabs hold of her roughly. I can only hear the sounds of their voices and not what’s being said. My brother snaps his fingers and Pete immediately moves to his side. It’s not long before Pete begins dragging my mother off down the street.
“Pete is going to make sure she gets home and a guard sits on her until after the reception.” Drew says anger clear in his tone. “I know who your biological father is though.”
“Really? Who?” I ask my brother.
“Warren Richmond.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?” Cole asks.
I’m speechless. It would explain the instant connection I sensed between Nancy and Landon. Why we had similar traits. Warren Richmond is my father. It’s just too much to process.