“Afterward, she was probably sorry she didn’t get a picture.”
“I’m going to pay someone to organize all the pictures that we’ve accumulated and make sure everyone gets a copy.” The motor started, and Brad stood Mila on the bench between his legs for a better view. “We’re going that way.” He pointed. Mila clapped. Without taking his eyes or hands off her, Brad said to me, “When the docs are signed and sealed, I’m going to have her spend the night, like a sleepover, until she’s comfortable with me and her new digs.”
“She’s already comfortable with you. I love that she’s responsive, making noises and attempting to talk.”
Brad laughed, looking embarrassed. “I repeat ‘Dad’ over and over and point to myself.”
“I’m going to miss little Miss Sweetness here.” I brushed Mila’s hair with my fingers. She rewarded me with a smile.
“We’ll be seeing each other every day when we all move into Fab’s hotel.”
“Hotel?”
“First she suggested being neighbors, and I thought that idea sucked.” He mouthed the last word. “Now she’s talking about all of us under the same roof.” He rolled his eyes. “I know I’m going to be ganged up on, and I’m telling you now—not giving up my condo.”
I banged my head on his shoulder. “Haven’t heard a word about these new ideas. You already know this, but if Mother and Fab unite on an idea, heaven help us both.”
Chapter Forty-Two
Fab had insisted we have lunch out on the patio as she went over the checklists one more time and didn’t get an argument from me or Mother. Creole and Didier were engaged in a fierce game of basketball in the pool, water flying everywhere.
Brad had inquired if Caspian had a harness so he could take Mila on a bike ride. He clearly didn’t know what Brad was talking about, but one showed up the next morning. With Mila strapped to his chest, dad and daughter had gone for a ride around the island. Brad had gotten a packed lunch from the kitchen and planned to stop and eat on one of the grassy areas.
The family dinner had originally been set for Friday, and it was at my suggestion that it was moved to Thursday so we could get our drunk on and not show up hung over for the wedding. The men had set the bachelor party for Wednesday. Invitations to a private club had been secured, and there would be top-shelf liquor, an array of the finest cigars, poker, and scandalous entertainment to enjoy.
“That’s a terrible idea. The guys should have their party here,” Mother said when I told her of the new schedule. Spoon, who’d been standing behind her, smirked, but it vanished fast when Mother looked up. “You should’ve told me.”
He held out his hands. “I could hardly say no. It’s all for a good time, and won’t get out of control.” He winked.
“We could take a vote,” I challenged. “Let’s take a vote. Spoon’s vote counts five, as he’ll be voting for the guys. Caspian can cast his own vote.”
“I’m abstaining.” Caspian laughed.
“That won’t be necessary,” Mother said. “I’m stressed over nothing.”
Fab hugged her. “Anyone would be stressed with a million things to think about. We both deserve a drink.”
“We do, don’t we?” Mother smiled.
They’d bonded more than ever over the wedding details, and I felt less guilty when I thought of running away. I needed to follow the advice I gave Creole and tell Mother how I was feeling. If anyone could come up with a plan to please everyone, it would be her.
A tray of flavored water and glasses showed up. I suspected it was Caspian’s way of saying he didn’t want us getting our drunk on. So much for the pitchers of margaritas I’d envisioned. I looked up at him, wanting to glare, but managed to behave. He grinned, sensing my frustration.
“I’ve been thinking about entertainment for the family dinner. I’m thinking a fight.” I air-boxed.
“You got a good reason to start one?” Spoon asked.
I shook my head. “I’ll ask around and see if anyone’s got any grievances to air.”
“If not, I’ll come up with something.” Fab laughed. “You’ve so corrupted me.”
“Pot!”
“I’m Kettle,” Fab said, slapping her hand down on the table.
“No. You are not.”
“Children, please.” Mother patted the space between our hands.
Fab smirked.
It felt good to sit here in the sunshine without a care. “At least Brad’s not bringing Phil.” I did a double take at Mother’s expression. “What’s that look on your face?”
“Me?” she said with so much sweetness, it made my teeth ache.
I looked around the room. “Who else? You want me to yell, ‘All mothers raise their hands’?”
“Madeline fixed him up, but he doesn’t know it yet,” Fab answered with a shrug, letting Mother know it was going to come out sooner or later.
“No. No. I’m putting my foot down.” I lifted my leg. “This one right here.”
Caspian cleared his throat.
“I know that look,” I said to him. “If we were children, you wouldn’t let me play with your precious princess.”
“I didn’t get where I am by being dumb. I’m staying out of this conversation. But I’m warning all of you that if a brawl breaks out at my dinner table, you won’t like my reaction.” Caspian wagged his finger at us.
“Who’s the woman?” I demanded.
“It’s not a date. It’s so we have the right number of people. Even Liam is bringing someone,” Mother weaseled.
I pushed my phone across the table. “Cancel now. Stranger hookups at weddings are weird.”
“Do you want me to tell her?” Fab blew out an exaggerated sigh. “If my opinion counts, and it does, your mother chose well.”
“Oh, all right.” Mother paused, waiting for our glasses to be refilled. “It’s Emerson. And… I was honest with her, even told her I wasn’t sure whether I’d warn Brad in advance.”
“Which means you won’t,” I said, picturing the twosome and liking it.
“The best part is Emerson laughed at my nerve. Told me it would be way more fun than being Ruthie’s date. Then suggested that I sandbag her mother—her word, not mine—with a surprise date.” Mother fairly gloated.
“Hmm… a date for the lawyer extraordinaire,” I said. “I have no clue.”
Spoon had left to snag a beer, no water for him, and showed up in time to hear the last part of the conversation. He settled in a chair next to Mother. “I can get her a date.”
Fab laughed at him, letting him know she highly doubted that he could.
“Youuu…?” I said.
“I know respectable people,” Spoon growled, not amused that we were grinning at him.
Caspian flipped down his sunglasses. Did he think no one would notice him still sitting there?
“You know, Mother, Mr. Dumont here is single.” I looked over, and his body stiffened. “Just a thought. Keep your eyes open for some nice little lady that might catch his eye.”
Caspian made some indecipherable noise, clearly not happy at the turn of the conversation. “Nice little ladies aren’t my type.”
“No kidding,” Fab said.
Okay. “Where’s the food?” I said, loud enough to cut the uncomfortable silence that had descended.
Chapter Forty-Three
Another perfect day dawned on Caspian Island—in fact, throughout the Florida Keys. The soft scent of the salty gulf wafted through the air, a slight breeze providing relief from the warm, rising sun.
The water crashed against the rocks and cascaded over the white sand in the distance as seagulls squawked overhead, forming the perfect backdrop for the wedding.
The curve of the island, an area still within walking distance of the house, had been chosen as the venue and staged for the ceremony. It was decorated precisely to the bride’s requirements, and it was apparent no expense had been spared. Trenches were dug on either side of the main aisle and lined with hot-pink rose
petals. Seashells and large starfish hung by ribbons from the sides of the white chairs set up for the guests.
At the end of the aisle, there was a small pedestal that formed the altar. The altar’s arch was built of bamboo, and a sheer fabric draped over it for a canopy, decorated with colorful tropical flowers—the peonies, roses, and orchids giving off an intimate feel.
Didier stood to the right of the altar, talking with the minister as he awaited his bride. Behind him stood Creole and Brad, his groomsmen, both dressed in white tuxedos. Theirs were the best seats in the house. With the exception of Caspian, the parents of the bride and groom hadn’t flown over. Instead, plans had been made for the couple to honeymoon in Bordeaux and renew their vows. Mother and Spoon were as excited about Fab and Didier getting married as if they’d been their own children.
Strains of soft music drifted through the crowd as guests arrived to take their seats on either side of the aisle. It was easy to see their net worth displayed in the designer clothes and accessories they wore, dressed in the highest fashion but comfortable enough for the beach. Remarks—about the decorations, how romantic the scenery was, and how they were eagerly looking forward to the main attraction: witnessing the stunning bride—floated upward.
“Did you rent all these people?” I asked, staring down at the beach from the window. “Don’t tell me that…” I made a quick calculation. “…hundreds of people are your best friends. After me, of course.”
“Didier put his foot down at a hundred.” Fab sighed. “They’re business friends of Didier’s from the old days and, of course, Caspian’s friends.”
“And how many of these people do you actually know?” I asked with a hint of a smirk as she glared at me. “Knowing how you are with names, I can’t wait to hear how you address all these… strangers.”
Fab covered her face with her hands. “I know,” she squeaked and then laughed.
“My advice? Forget names—it would be the talk of your tight-knit group if you called someone by the wrong one.”
Fab threw her arms around me. “No getting a new bestie while I’m on my honeymoon.”
“Zero chance of that. Besides, Creole promised me a few days away, down in Key West.”
Fab moved to stand in front of the floor-length mirror, turning from side to side and staring intently, as though there might be a flaw. “Do you think Didier’s going to like this dress?”
“You look absolutely beautiful,” I said.
Her white gown floated around her. “I almost don’t recognize myself. I feel like a glamorous actress.”
I’d listened to hours of endless planning by Fab and Mother, and even Caspian had had his say. Everything had gone according to plan. Everything was perfect.
Fab rubbed her stomach. “I’ve got the worst case of butterflies.”
“It’s nerves and excitement,” I reassured her.
“I can’t believe this day is finally here. For months, I’ve been afraid to look forward to it, afraid I’d do something to jinx it and Didier would tire of my antics and walk away. Now that it’s finally arrived, it’s moving too fast and I’d like to slow it down.” Fab put her arm around my shoulders, pulling me close and turning me towards the mirror. “You look amazing.” She hugged me hard.
We stood side by side, looking in the mirror. “I’m so happy for you both.” I smoothed the front of my emerald-green sheath dress. I didn’t argue when Fab insisted she’d be choosing my dress, and as it turned out, I didn’t have a thing to worry about. She’d also insisted that I pile my hair loosely on the top of my head. “Ready to get this show started?”
Fab nodded with a smile and turned to check herself in the mirror one last time. I interrupted her to hand her a carefully crafted bouquet of peonies and orchids.
“Have you got the ring?” Fab asked, raising an eyebrow.
Fab kept worrying that I’d lose it, misplace it somehow, even though I’d assured her that wouldn’t happen. She’d gone so far as to attach the ring to my bouquet with a ribbon, assuming it would be hard for me to lose something the size of a bouquet.
“Oh no… I can’t find it,” I said, picking through the flowers.
“You what?” Fab asked in shock.
“I’m kidding.” I laughed. “Time to breathe. I’ll show you how.” To calm her fears and wipe the frown off her face, I held my flowers out so she could see the wedding band secured tightly to the bouquet. “Your ring is safe… I’ve got this.” I gave her a quick hug before taking her arm and leading her outside.
Fab tried to relax as she said, “That wasn’t even a little bit funny.”
I chuckled. “On the contrary, I thought it was quite funny.”
She smoothed her dress in a nervous gesture. “I wasn’t this anxious on Didier’s and my first date.”
Mother waited at the bottom of the stairs, Mila by her side, looking like a princess in her white tulle flower girl dress, a basket over her arm. Mother was in an A-line princess V-neck tea-length chiffon dress in a shade similar to my own. I took my place behind her. Mother kissed us both, whispering, “You both look so beautiful.” She gave Mila last-minute encouragement, then was ushered to her seat by Liam, who sat next to her in the front row.
Creole and Brad kissed Fab’s cheek, told her how beautiful she looked, and wished her and Didier every happiness before joining me, one on each side.
The minister stepped forward and asked everyone to stand, and Fab knew it was time. Soon, all eyes would be on her. The music changed, and Brad bent down, whispering to Mila. Creole and Brad hooked their arms through mine and walked me down the aisle.
When I finished my walk, Fab whispered to Mila. The music began again, and Mila ran, then slowed and stumbled down the aisle, lining the path with white rose petals as she saw fit. She ran out of petals halfway down the aisle and decided to hurry and skip the rest of way, making her trip end faster. When she made it to the end of the aisle, the music stopped. Mother motioned for her to come sit by her side. Mila got halfway, then turned—her eyes zeroed in on Brad, and she ran to stand beside him. He scooped her up, holding her. A few chuckles could be heard amongst the guests.
All eyes turned to the dazzling bride.
The intro to the traditional bridal march started to play, and down the aisle came Fab. Her strapless wedding gown was embroidered on the bodice, with rhinestones and pearl beads sewn into the skirt.
Didier smiled at the sight of his bride, who’d stepped into view and had taken a couple of steps before she was met by her father. They exchanged whispers and kisses before he tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and walked her down the aisle, leading her to her groom. The walk seemed longer than it was in the rehearsal. The guests stared at her in awe, taking pictures, waving, and smiling.
Didier stood with his shoulders squared, his eyes on the love of his life as she walked towards him.
Fab was all smiles as she and Didier made eye contact.
“He will always be the love of my life,” Fab had whispered to me the night before. She faltered a step. I was sure her nervousness had kicked in again. Her father must have thought so too, because he squeezed her arm gently.
I wanted to tell her, “Only ten more steps to go—you’ve got this, Fab.”
After what seemed like years, Didier walked out to greet his new father-in-law and wife-to-be. When he met them, her father stopped and pulled her to him, hugging her. “I’m proud of you,” he said with a smile before presenting her to her future husband, placing her hand on Didier’s. As a way of welcoming Didier to the family, Caspian patted Didier on the shoulder before stepping back. Didier and Fab exchanged smiles.
“You’re gorgeous,” Didier mouthed, holding her gaze, and Fab blushed. They held each other’s hands and walked the rest of the way down the aisle, until they stood in front of the altar.
“You may now be seated,” the minister said to the guests, and everyone followed his direction. “Dearly beloved,” he began.
Didier he
ld Fab’s hands, gazing into her eyes. They exchanged vows, promising to take each other as spouse, constant friend, faithful partner, and lover from that day forward.
Fab’s voice shook with emotion as she told Didier how much he meant to her.
Didier smiled, watching her with all love and adoration.
It wasn’t difficult to see the love that Fab and Didier shared—it brought tears to my eyes. I’d been there since day one and had shared their journey.
After they took their vows, Creole and I presented the rings. Fab placed Didier’s ring on first, and then he put on hers.
The minister nodded in approval before saying, “If there’s anyone who objects to the marriage, they should speak now or forever hold their peace.”
I held my breath, but no one said a word, as expected. You never knew, though. Creole winked at me, and I knew he’d read my thoughts.
The minister continued, “With the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
The guests roared in approval as Didier swept Fab into his arms. His fingertips skimmed her cheek, guiding her face to his. His lips met hers full on, and he bestowed upon her a possessive stamp of ownership. Fab clutched at him, pressed herself against him, and centered herself in his embrace. The kiss was rough and passionate, and yet shockingly sweet, all at the same time.
The guests clapped as Fab and Didier walked together up the aisle, holding hands.
Books by Deborah Brown
PARADISE SERIES NOVELS
Crazy in Paradise
Deception in Paradise
Trouble in Paradise
Murder in Paradise
Greed in Paradise
Revenge in Paradise
Kidnapped in Paradise
Swindled in Paradise
Executed in Paradise
Hurricane in Paradise
Lottery in Paradise
Ambushed in Paradise
Psycho in Paradise Page 26