Theo
Inhaling a breath, I give Kim’s front door three light knocks. It swings open, and her eyes grow rounder.
“Theo, what are you doing here? The wedding’s not for two more days, right?”
“About that … can I come in?”
“Certainly.” She steps aside for me to enter. As she shuts the door behind me, I admire the living room of her condo. It’s neat and modern, decorated in white and shades of blue.
There is a glass vase on a glass coffee table, and my first thoughts are of my son throwing the bowl and my daughter putting her sticky fingerprints on the table.
“So, what brings you here?” I take in the sight of her casual attire. Damn, she’s sexy in a pair of black yoga pants and a teal tank top. She glances down. “Sorry, I’ve been working out and doing laundry.”
“Don’t apologize. You always look fantastic. Uh, I’m sure you can imagine the chaos surrounding this case with Adrian and the police officer.” I wave my arm in front of me. “Reporters won’t leave Submission, and they follow him and Victoria anywhere they go.”
“Yes, I can imagine.”
“Well, they’ve decided to have their wedding in a more intimate setting. It’s going to be on Christmas Eve now and inside their penthouse. Only family will be there. We’ll be celebrating Christmas after, opening presents … the whole bit.”
She gives a knowing smile. “It’s fine, Theo. I understand.”
“Since they moved the date, I’ll have my children—”
Her hand flies up. “Theo, I get it. You don’t need to explain. I wouldn’t feel comfortable intruding on your family’s private time.”
I sigh and approach her. She turns her head away as I take hold of her shoulders.
“I was truly looking forward to having another date with you. Let’s do it another day.”
She bites on the corner of her lip and doesn’t look back, so I lean over to run my nose along her neck up to her ear.
“I’ve missed how you feel … how you taste.” Her body quivers against me, and she moves her hands to my waist to hold still. “I know you miss me, too,” I utter in her ear.
“Please don’t make this harder, Theo.”
I bring her chin back to me and hold it.
“Kiss me and I’ll leave.”
Wincing, she lets her eyes stray away.
“I don’t want to kiss you. Then I can pretend our goodbye hasn’t happened yet.”
“Kim, please look at me. I have to see those beachy-sand eyes up close one more time.”
She finally gives them back to me, and I stare at them. I feel her breath on my face, and I could swear I hear our hearts thumping fast.
I hug her cheeks in my hand and softly kiss her forehead. “This isn’t goodbye, sweetheart. I’m going to get my shit straightened out, and then I’m coming back for you.”
Tears prick her eyes, and she swallows.
“I’ll be waiting.”
My hands slip free from her, and I tread to the door. I pause after opening it, but I resist the urge to look back. I won’t say goodbye. Our time together isn’t over.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Victoria
“This dress is over the top,” I say with a frown as I fidget and stare into the full-length mirror in our master bedroom.
“It doesn’t matter whether you wear it in this penthouse or in a church, it’s exquisite and belongs on your incredible body. Now, stop frowning; it’s your wedding day,” Sadie orders.
I suck in a sharp breath and admire the floral lace over a sheer fabric that makes up the off-the-shoulder gown. The white lace is like patchwork, sewn sporadically, leaving some areas sheer to see my skin beneath.
I twist my torso to take in the sight of the back. The same patchwork of lace covers my shoulder blades, but then the gown is sheer down to the top of my buttocks.
A long row of pearls are all that adorn my back, stretching from the top of my spine to the bottom. The snug mermaid-style dress flares at my calves, and Sadie lifts it so I can slip on my white heels.
“I’d bend over to help with that, but I think Collin would fall out,” Nicole says. She grants a glowing grin and covers her belly, which is huge since she’s due to deliver my nephew late next month.
After Mom steps between the mirror and me to ensure every one of her short blond hairs are in place, she spins and clasps her hands at her chest.
“Oh, your father would be so proud of all his girls. Overwhelmed but proud.”
We all laugh in agreement. Dad sure would have his hands full with weddings and babies.
“Let me go see if the men are ready to begin. You won’t believe what the wedding planner has done to your dining room, Victoria. It’s a winter wonderland out there,” Mom adds before she exits the room.
Wow, it’s really about to happen….
Adrian
I adjust my bowtie, making sure it’s straight, as my brothers and I stroll through the house. The wedding planner has turned our large dining room into a winter scene like nothing I’ve ever viewed before.
“Holy shit. I think global warming has officially hit Vegas,” Simon says.
“Or a snowman took a shit in here,” Zev adds.
“Guys, really?” I ask. “It’s my wedding day.”
“Uh, actually it’s pretty cool. It reminds me of Ma and Dad and our winters in Jersey,” Simon says.
I smirk at him. He’s trying, anyway.
The entrance to the dining room is wide open, and the back of the room is a wall of glass that overlooks the city.
Our table and chairs and other furniture have been removed and replaced by ten high-back seats covered in silver fabric with bows tied at the back of them. They’re sitting on a light blue silky material that is covering the floor.
My eyes take in the trees with white branches lining the left and right walls, and tiny white lights nearly cover every inch of the room.
Cream and white flowers with sprays of silver and light blue are set up everywhere on a variety of different silver and white stands. It’s a little much for my taste, but I believe the girls will find it beautiful, and that’s all that matters.
I’m disappointed I’m not marrying Victoria in front of all our family and friends, only because I’m so proud that she chose me to spend the rest of her life with, but I’m trying to remain upbeat about it. I still get to make her all mine today, and that’s what counts.
Hearing noise from the living room, I turn and see that Reggie has shown up and is walking toward me. Cicely’s in the wedding, so Victoria insisted on inviting him.
“Hey, man,” he says, sticking his hand out to shake mine.
“Hi, thanks for coming.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” He’s smiling, and I’m surprised. I was expecting a glowering Reggie.
“Are we cool after what happened?” I ask.
“Yeah … after I had time to think about it. I would’ve never forgiven you if you’d hit her, but you didn’t, and taking that shot was likely our only option.”
“I had a split-second to decide, Reggie.” Shoving my hands in my pockets, I look to the floor. “For the record, I would’ve died after her if I’d shot her instead.”
“I believe you, so I thanked God that night for not having to witness either.”
He pats my shoulder. “Enough about that depressing shit. I’m here to see you marry my girl.”
I shoot a look at him, and he busts out laughing.
“I’m kidding, man. I’m ready to see Cicely. She’s doing much better now and is letting me take her mind off of things, if you know what I mean.” He sports a sly grin, and I shake my head.
“Good for you, Reg. Now, go find a seat. She’ll be out soon.” I follow him to the dining room where he sits next to Tara. She’s behind Aggie and Kruse, who graciously agreed to grapple with my niece and nephew.
Reba and Victoria’s grandmother are sitting in chairs across the aisle, along with her aunt Sara. Th
ere’s an empty chair waiting for her uncle, who’s walking her down the aisle, and of course, Theo, Zev and Simon are standing up with me.
That’s it. That’s who’s here besides Father Clark, who reluctantly but agreeably arrived to perform our ceremony in our home instead of the church. Oh, and the photographer, to capture our memories.
Our wedding planner starts some music from right outside our dining room, and it’s time. Victoria will soon be my wife.
Victoria
I’m so nervous. It feels like the first time I stepped inside Adrian’s office, but the excitement is compounded from months of lust and passion, love and support.
Sadie smiles at me over her shoulder before she rounds the corner to the dining room. Her short navy dress is adorable on her. It’s satin with cap sleeves, and some of her dark chocolate curls are dangling down from her updo.
Cicely reaches back and squeezes my head.
“Good luck, sweetie.” She smiles and winks before her walk begins. Her short dress is snug at her thighs like Sadie’s, whereas Nicole’s flares to include room for her baby bump. She begins to walk in front of me next, and I inhale deeply to settle my nerves.
My arm loops through Uncle Martin’s, and we proceed to stroll to the entrance of the dining room. I try to inhale another breath, but the sight of Adrian tightens my chest. He’s distinguished in his tux, and a broad grin is showcased on his handsome face.
I grin back, ecstatic that he’s happy. He’s in the moment, not brooding like he so often does. All the stress he’s carried since before we even met is finally lifting from his shoulders.
His eyes never leave mine, and once I reach him, I hand off my bouquet to Nicole. Adrian exhales loudly.
“You steal my breath away, J.B.”
I feel the blush creeping up my neck as we stand before our family. Father Clark begins our service, and thankfully he shortens it since we’re not at the church.
We say traditional vows, and like Simon did at his wedding, Adrian states that he’d like to say something. He clutches my hands, our gazes tethered by commitment.
“I promise to give you as many wonderful memories as possible, Victoria. And like the classic cars we admire, we’re going to grow older together and be that couple others envy. We’ll be telling our grandkids about $3.29 milkshakes and the reclining seats in the movie theaters.
“Like cars, our lives are going to take on a few dents and scratches, but they’ll be worth it because they’ll mean we shared a life that was truly lived … and truly loved. Take this ride with me, my pearl.”
I nod quickly, tears falling to my cheeks.
“Of course, Adrian. Always and forever.” His thumb reaches out to brush away my tears of joy, and he smiles when a song comes on I wasn’t expecting.
“This is for you, baby,” he whispers.
It’s the song “Never Stop” by SafetySuit and tells what Adrian feels in his heart. I’m moved that he thought to share something so personal with our family.
Once it ends, Father Clark directs us to exchange rings. He announces us husband and wife, and we kiss. Miranda yells, “Oooh, yucky,” so we snicker against each other’s lips.
Our family claps as we turn to them, and I’m overcome by contentment. Life is perfect at this moment, and it’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
Aggie
“Oh, thank goodness we’re out of those dresses,” Tara says to Sadie before they sit next to me on the sofa. “I had to peel mine off after all the delicious food I consumed.”
“I know. I stuffed my face, too,” I say. Once we finished feasting on an abundant meal, we all changed into more comfortable clothing. I’m now in jeans and a red sweater.
After the wedding ceremony, the wedding planner and staff transformed the room back to its original state, leaving only some holiday decorations behind. Caterers then delivered a spread of food. There was everything from hors d'oeuvres to turkey and ham.
Also covering the two tables set up were mashed potatoes and gravy and roasted red potatoes, every other vegetable dish you could imagine and rolls.
There were too many items to list. Oh, and the desserts were to die for. As a family, we sat around the long dining room table and enjoyed a meal together.
Now, we’re all stuffed and eager to watch the children open their presents. Except for my siblings, their significant others, and Miranda and Elijah, everyone else has gone home.
My family begins finding their spots in the living room. Zev sits in one of two chairs to the right of the sofa, and like a kid, Simon noses by the tree, putting gifts in piles.
Miranda is jumping around him, talking a mile a minute, her high-pitched voice loud and cute.
Theo takes the chair next to Zev and holds Elijah in his lap. Simon carries a giant square box over and sets it next to him. Miranda’s right on his heels, squealing with excitement.
“Daddy, Uncle Simon and Aunt Sadie bought me this huuuumongous present. Can I open it now? Pleeeeease?”
“After all the gifts are passed out, Mir.” She gives a pouty face, but her smile promptly returns as she stares at the box that’s as tall as she is.
Watching her and Elijah makes my stomach nervous, so I cover it with my hand. Like he’s a mind reader, Kruse approaches and towers over me as I sit on the sofa.
He’s sexy in designer jeans and a thin grey sweater. The sleeves are pushed up his forearms, and his hands are on his hips. His eyebrows lift in amusement.
“I’m sittin’ next to my girl, so which of you are moving?”
Sadie snickers, and Tara rolls her eyes.
“Some friend you are,” she quips. Smiling, she gets up and strolls over to Zev to sit on his lap.
Kruse plops down next to me and takes hold of my hand. “You OK? You’ve been a little quiet today.”
“I’m just taking it all in. This year’s Christmas is quite different than the past ones, but it’s been great so far.”
He kisses my cheek and clutches my hand a little harder. “True. I hate that your mom can’t be here, but you won’t be alone tomorrow since you’re spending Christmas with my family. I owe you a gift for your bravery.”
I give his hand a squeeze. “Oh, your family is great. Mom would be so happy for my brothers and me. I hope she somehow knows how magical our lives have become.”
We turn our gaze back to Simon and Miranda. With his guidance, she has passed out all the presents.
“OK, I get to go first,” she yells, brushing her auburn hair off her face.
“She looks like you,” Kruse says. His words have my stomach doing flip-flops all over again, so I tighten my hold over it.
Miranda begins shredding the paper off of the box.
“Oh, my gosh, Daddy! Uncle Simon got me drums!” Glancing around, I see everyone’s eyes widen as they snicker.
“You … you … you’re lucky there are ladies and children present, Jersey, or a slew of profanities would be shot your way. You’re so getting paid back for this after that kid of yours is born,” Theo says.
Simon cackles, throwing his head back. He gives the rocker horns sign. “That girl’s gonna be a rock star one day.”
“I had nothing to do with this, Theo. I wanted to buy her a doll,” Sadie says with a giggle.
Theo’s still shaking his head. “You just wait, baby brother.”
Elijah, now two years old, opens his first gift next. It’s a small plastic drum set so he can play, too. He pulls his slobbery finger from his mouth and smiles, showing his little white teeth. He takes the attached stick and begins to bang on it.
Shaking his head again, Theo looks down at Elijah.
“Like this drum, Uncle Simon’s going to get a beating.”
“Just let Jersey babysit at your house, Theo,” Zev says. “Then, he can hear for himself how great his gift is.”
“That’s a fantastic idea,” Theo says, pointing to Simon.
As my brothers bust each other’s chops, I lean my head over to rest it o
n Kruse’s shoulder. I’m overwhelmed by the warm emotions consuming me.
Nostalgic memories of childhood Christmas’s flood my mind, and I savor them briefly before I return my attention back to the amazing moment I’m a part of now.
Glancing across the room, I watch Adrian and Victoria. They’re sitting on the floor by the decorated tree. Victoria’s between his legs, and Adrian has his chin resting on her shoulder. She’s wrapped up in his arms, and it appears they’re cherishing the sight of everyone as much as I am.
“Adrian, when do you two leave for Maui?” I ask.
“Tomorrow afternoon.”
“We’ll be gone two weeks as long as this case doesn’t interfere,” Victoria adds.
“My attorney assured me it won’t. You’re stuck alone with me for fourteen days.” He kisses her cheek and hugs her harder.
“The smiling faces in this room are a beautiful sight,” I murmur to Kruse.
“Yes, they sure are.”
The Cassano family is all together, happy and hopeful, and I get to share it with Kruse.
This night is surreal.
“Come on. I need to steal a minute alone with you,” Kruse says as he stands.
“Right now?” I ask.
“It can’t wait.” Still holding his hand, I follow him to the kitchen.
He grips my other fingers, too, and blows out a quick breath, dramatically lifting and dropping his shoulders.
“Kruse, what is it?”
“Here goes … I’m going to ask you to marry me soon.”
I snicker. “OK. I don’t think you’re supposed to tell me ahead of time, but it’s sweet and a relief to hear.”
“I’ve been sure it’s what I want since I saw your face in New Jersey, but I don’t think it would be right to ask you on Adrian and Victoria’s wedding day. Also, I still need to buy a ring.”
“Then why are you telling me?”
“What if I died tonight in my sleep and you never knew I was going to ask you? Time’s precious, and I realized today that you should know my intentions.”
Checkmate (The Cassano Series Book 5) Page 23