Royally Duched Up: (Duched #3)

by Xavier Neal

  “Mrs. Sanders,” he begins at the same time he accelerates. “Please, let me be the one to reassure you my presence is not meant to frighten you so much as any person who invades Miss Brie’s personal space without her permission. Your daughter has…come to have adoring fans, though she doesn’t believe it, and Mr. Kellan would rather her have me at her disposal in case any of the less safe scenarios come to fruition.”

  Fans? No. That’s ridiculous. I’m not…famous. Just because I’m occasionally trending doesn’t make me famous. Or important enough to warrant my own personal body guard in every country despite what my fiancé and future father in law choose to believe.

  “I have one in Doctenn as well,” I say, placing a hand on her lap. “Again, just a precaution. I’m fine. I’m safe. We’re safe.”

  And not just because Viper, like Swiss, has a nickname intended to reflect his capabilities. Between me and you? I’d much rather have a guy named after a deadly creature than one named after a household tool like the screwdriver or something. At least Viper sounds possibly menacing rather than just pornographic. Are you wondering if my last comment has truth to it? Well that makes two of us.

  All of sudden the SUV completely stops. My eyes relocate back out the window to see we’ve arrived in front of the bridal boutique. The uncomfortable feeling I’ve been having all morning returns.

  Lack of a substantial breakfast, maybe? Jovi refused to let me eat more than an apple insisting I wouldn’t want to feel bloated during the process. Kellan agreed with her before slipping me a slice of bacon between kisses. See. He’s better trained than he even realizes.

  To my surprise, a valet comes to park the car and Viper escorts the three of us inside. In spite of the small appearance on the outside, the interior goes on for what feels like miles. The freshly polished dark hard wood floors and the chrome decor cultivate a chic impression. Along each of the gray painted walls are built in shelving used to display wedding dresses of various styles while in the very back of the store there seems to be units of colorful gowns, I assume for the bridesmaids. In the center are two curved white couches facing one another and a coffee table to separate them.

  Do you get the feeling this is going to wipe out my savings?

  “Brie!” My sister squeals joyfully during her exit from where I assume the restroom is. She swiftly strolls over to me, wraps her arms around me, and squeezes tightly. “You’re home!”

  I give us a moment to relish in my return. “I am.”

  “Did you just get in?”

  Pulling back, I answer, “Two days ago.”

  She doesn’t waste time frowning. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “We were just trying to take a day to rest before everything gets crazy. Between the last of our Christmas shopping and wedding plans, we’re barely getting to say more than good morning and good night.”

  No exaggeration. Plus, when you add Kellan trying to finalize all the plans he could for Hannah’s Hope before we left, there were a few days when it was more of an either or scenario. Never thought I would be anxious to have our honeymoon simply so we can have the ability to not only go to bed together but wake up that way too.

  Candice offers me the best look of condolences she can muster up. “Well at least you’re home now and we can actually go wedding dress shopping together!”

  The thought churns my stomach again.

  What if I can’t find a dress? What if we waste the entire day and I end up having to purchase something I like, but don’t love? Most brides get months upon months to shop, get fitted, and prepared. I know this is what I wanted, being married at the end of the month, but I never thought Kellan would scrap the plans we had for the ones I originally pictured. A little more heads up than I got would’ve been nice is all I’m saying.

  Forcing the uneasiness back down, I ask, “Why couldn’t we just pick you up this morning?”

  She tries to hide the blush coming to her cheeks. “I…I wasn’t home.”

  A playful smile crosses my lips. “No? Where were you?”

  Candice avoids the question and casually points to Viper. “Why do you have a clone of The Rock?”

  Told you.

  “Viper,” I quickly introduce them, “meet my sister Candice. Candice meet my in the states body guard, Viper.”

  His stoic expression instantly shifts the moment their hands link. Startled by the sudden change of facial appearance almost as much as the lingering shake, I hide my growing grin behind my hand.

  Do you see the connection too?

  “Pleasure,” he states softly.

  “Definitely…”

  My mother finally turns our direction with a displeased look.

  From their flirting or something else? She’s been making that face often lately. Wedding stress getting to her?

  Her unhappiness stabs itself my direction. “Do you know where they’re going today?”

  Completely clueless, I reply, “Who’s going where?”

  “Your father and Kellan.”

  “I didn’t even know they were spending the day together.”

  “Apparently, they’re going to pick out crummy wedding D.J.s, chocolate cake, and vegetable bread.”

  My face threatens a smirk.

  Really? My exact wording? Ugh. He’s adorable and a pain.

  “The last thing your father needs is cake!”

  My sister quickly joins the conversation, “Oh God, he can’t have cake!”

  Rather than remind them both he will be doing exactly that in two weeks at my wedding, I offer the best comfort I can. “I’m sure everything will be fine. Kellan is aware of dad’s diet restrictions and wouldn’t dare stuff him full of beer and burgers or anything else that could jeopardize his health.”

  Kellan was the one who brought him a veggie burger the day he proposed to me…They really have very little to worry about. We all know out of the two of us I’m more likely to sneak my dad steak and potatoes while my husband-to-be is the one who would shove asparagus and grilled chicken with pecan crust at him. No, that’s not what we ate last night. He actually ordered us our favorite pizza before presenting me with a pre-nup and long lecture that included his opposition to the entire thing. I had no problem signing it, however his gratitude for lack of hesitation did keep us up much later than I probably should’ve been with this early ass appointment scheduled.

  I watch my mom’s face cycle through concern, fear, worry, and finally settle on acceptance. “You’re right,” she says with a deep sigh. “This is probably a good thing that they’re bonding.”

  “I don’t know about good,” I mumble as a woman in a black, one shoulder dress approaches.

  She pulls her black hair to one side and offers us a wide grin. “Hello, everyone! I’m Kristal, the owner of Weardeville.” Her dark brown eyes focus on me. “It is a pleasure and a privilege to have you shopping with us to today, Miss Sanders. We will be doing everything possible to make this entire process a magical one.”

  Curiosity doesn’t hesitate to make an appearance. “How did you know I’m the one getting married?”

  Her bright smile is blinding yet friendly. “While Kellan did send a lovely photo of the two of you for reference, it is my job to be aware of the bride to be in a room. From the way your family has positioned themselves just slightly behind you implies they are all prepared to let the attention center on you. Your sister, I’m assuming is the one standing to your left closest to your body guard by your similar features and your best friend is the one peering slightly over your shoulder hoping not to get in the way of what she’s labeled as a sacred family moment. And your mother, who looks stunning in the CeCe LaCal dress by the way, is the woman to your right.”

  Holy shit. She’s like a wedding Jedi!

  “Now,” she steps forward and takes my hands into hers, “I’m going to need you to take a deep breath and relax. I can imagine how stressed you’re probably feeling, but the only thing stressing is going to do is hinder your ability to
fall in love with something today. So, deep breath in…”

  I follow her instruction.

  “And out…” The moment I’ve exhaled, she adds, “Wine, champagne, coffee, or water?”

  My mouth cracks open in an attempt to argue it’s too early for two of those things when it hits me that life in Doctenn has groomed me to believe otherwise.

  Swear as soon as the sun rises in that country it is alright to start consuming alcohol. Like Vegas on a bigger scale.

  “Water,” I meekly reply.

  She nods at my request and turns her attention to everyone else. “And for the rest of you? What would you like? Please keep in mind, the champagne is complimentary.”

  “Champagne it is,” my sister speaks up.

  “Make that two,” Jovi quietly agrees.

  “Three,” my mother deeply sighs.

  Kristal grins wide and gives Viper a smirk. “Coffee?”

  He returns the expression. “You know me well.”

  An annoyed scoff causes me to glance over my shoulder at my sister.

  Does she know she made that noise out loud?

  Viper hides his amusement, keeps his eyes planted on the woman, and adds, “Thanks sis.”

  “No problem.”

  The new information causes me to giggle at the way my sister’s cheeks immediately rubricate.

  Hahaha. Happens to the best of us. Remember the lesbian at the gallery I thought was flirting with Kellan? Yeah. He didn’t let me live that down for days.

  “Make yourself comfortable on the couches and we’ll begin shortly.”

  The four of us relocate to the sitting area while Viper lingers closer to the doorway.

  Once we’re all settled, the conversation immediately centers on the reason we’re here. Unfortunately for me, everyone has a different opinion and a valid reason behind their suggestion on what would be most flattering. Knowing I should jump in the middle or at the very least contribute something to the conversation I sadly known nothing about, I listen on intently, trying to stuff down the trepidation in my throat.

  Can’t I just get married in my favorite sweatshirt and jeans?

  Kristal appears back in the room, this time with a petite blonde at her side, who happens to be carrying a tray of champagne flutes.

  Regret begins to radiate through me when the assistant offers me one. “Kristal thought you might change your mind.”

  I take the drink with a smile of gratitude.

  See. She’s gotta be like the Yoda of wedding gowns.

  Kristal moves to a point where we can all view her like she’s the new teacher in a classroom full of freshman. Everyone quiets down as the drinks are handed out. Her attention once more lands on me, which causes my stomach to spin. “Before we start looking through selections, do you have a style in mind?”

  Candice answers on my behalf, “I think a mermaid dress would be best. She’s curvy and doesn’t exactly have a ton of time to tone up. I think a dress like that would be the most logical option.”

  I tip the glass back and swallow my irritation.

  A bloated black Arielle on my wedding day. Awesome.

  “See, I was thinking, something short,” Jovi says from her spot on the couch opposite of me. “Show a little leg. Add a splash of color. That screams Brie.”

  The corner of my mouth attempts to lift.

  Did that sound sweet or more like artistically slutty?

  “While I want to agree with you Candice, I can’t help but see her is something more classic, like an A-line gown. Simple. Modest,” my mom says cheerfully.

  Feeling like I’m stuck taking a multiple choice test with no correct answer, I have another gulp of the bubbly beverage.

  I wish it was a beer, but I’ve grown a fondness for this.

  Kristal nods and waits until I’ve had my fill before asking, “And you, Brie? Do you…have an opinion?”

  Slowly lowering the glass, I give her a pleading look.

  The last thing I want is to let any of them down, ya know? I mean, I get it. The day will be about me and Kellan, but it’s so much more than that. It’s the first time any of my mother’s children are getting married. It’s the first time Jo gets to be a bridesmaid. It’s the first time my sister really gets to do the big sister thing and make a fuss over me that counts. How could I live with disappointing any of them?

  “How about this?” Kristal begins warmly. “Why don’t we start with the bridesmaid dresses? Do you have a specific requirement in mind?”

  I shake my head. “Just that they’re all the same shade of blue. Style, cut, and all that jazz is whatever they’re comfortable with.”

  “Fabulous!” She exclaims. “Do you have the shade of blue on hand or know the specific color name?”

  Realizing more and more how Kellan truly is completely in charge, I shake my head again. “Unfortunately, no. My fiancé is basically handling all those details.”

  “I have it!” Jovi squeaks proudly.

  My shock filled eyes fall on her. “What?”

  She cautiously states, “I’ve been helping Kellan coordinate with the wedding planner while you two were still in Doctenn…”

  A smile slips onto my face without my consent.

  Of course he would enlist my best friend.

  “And your name is…” Kristal waves a hand for to insert it.

  “Jovi.”

  “Jovi. How lovely,” she says with a wink. “Jovi, could you show my assistant the color, and then if you two would actually follow her, she will help you navigate your personal choices. I have the measurements of the other bridesmaid, who made sure to inform me she’s open to whatever it is decided since she will look like a sea cow regardless.”

  Poor Soph. She’s so unhappy with her appearance it breaks my heart. It’s crazy to me! She really just looks like she’s trying to smuggle something out of the grocery store underneath her shirt. She’s essentially the same size she was pre-pregnancy everywhere else except her slightly expanded stomach.

  Kristal snaps her finger and a woman who looks like an exact copy of her comes strolling our direction.

  I can’t possibly be that tipsy already…

  “This is my twin sister Kristine. While I have a tendency to focus on the bride, she has an amazing knack for focusing on the mother of the bridal party. She will assist you, Mrs. Sanders in your journey to make the statement you wish to convey on your daughter’s special day.”

  I give my mother a glimpse, relieved to see excitement.

  “If you will kindly follow her, she will be at your service.” Before any questions can be asked, she announces, “I’m going to spend a little one on one time with Brie and once we have a few choices to try on, we’ll congregate back together. However, I want everyone to take their time during this process. There is no rush whatsoever.”

  “Do you not have other clients scheduled?” Candice asks exactly what I was thinking.

  “Not today,” Kristal replies slowly, eyes wandering back to meet mine. “Kellan rented out the entire shop.”

  “Of course he did,” I mumble.

  “He wanted you to have all the time and attention you need.” Her smirk stretches. “He also said to ignore the price tags. It has been taken care of.” My mouth hits the ground to demand she disregards that portion of his request when she informs, “King Kenneth has taken care of all the bridal party expenses. He sends his love and best wishes you find something that makes you feel as beautiful as you all are.”

  We collectively swoon.

  Didn’t see that coming…

  “Shall we?” Kristal offers her hand to help me up.

  With one final deep breath, I place my glass down, put my grip in hers and allow the painful process to begin.

  She leads me far away from the rest of my party to a rack towards the front. Thankful as well as relieved, I do my best to muster up the excitement I should be feeling.

  This should be fun! This should be exciting! This shouldn’t feel like I’m
picking out the clothes to wear at my own funeral…Why does it? What? Of course I wanna marry Kellan! I just…what if he puts all this work into our special day and it falls short because I couldn’t do my part and get the right dress?

  “I know what you’re thinking,” she says in a soft tone. “But I promise you, no matter what you decide to wear, it’s going to be perfect. It might piss people off, it might make people talk, but this day is about you and your husband. No one else.”