Page 21 of Worthy: Cassius and Faith

Cassius

I clutched the note against my chest. I loved that he’d mentioned tradition—nothing about our impending marriage was traditional, but in the whirlwind of the last twenty-four hours, I’d found myself clinging to the little things. Sleeping separately from my fiancé the night before our wedding. Wearing white. Gina had included a delicate sapphire necklace for me to wear to the ceremony, my something blue.

I might not have all the boxes checked off, but at least there were a few. And my wedding dress was gorgeous. Initially, I’d been listless when the valet appeared with five garment bags filled with white gowns. But as I’d tried them on in the quiet of my room, modeling them in the mirror, I couldn’t deny the tiny flicker of excitement I felt. As a girl, I’d dreamed of my wedding day and the dress I might wear. The gowns that Gina had chosen were designer, far more elegant than anything I’d conjured in my imagination.

The dress I chose was simple. It was strapless with a lace overlay, and I thought it was romantic, classic, and perfect. It made me feel like the princess I most certainly was not.

But you are somebody, I thought at my reflection. You’re a sister. You’re going to be a wife and a mother.

You’re somebody.

My eyes filled with tears, but I blinked them back. Why was that so hard to believe?

I had so much baggage that my baggage needed baggage. That was true. Still, I had to be honest with myself: I was disappointed in Cassius. He’d proposed, and he’d offered me a future filled with security that I couldn’t dream of having on my own. But I wanted more.

I wanted him.

I wanted to be somebody to Cassius Blackwood, more than a surrogate for his heir.

I glanced at the note again. More than anything, I wished he’d signed it with love.

The driver checked the rearview mirror, but he didn’t pull out. We’d been idling in the mansion’s circular driveway for ten minutes.

“I have to be in Boston by noon,” I said nervously. “Is everything okay?”

“Yes, Ms. Kensington,” he said. “But I have orders to wait. It won’t be long, now.”

I started to fidget, but two familiar figures rushed from the mansion a minute later. Macy and Tate wore colorful, flowing dresses, and they were smiling from ear to ear. They hopped in the back of the limousine, sliding in next to me, and both immediately started freaking out.

“You look stunning, unicorn!” Tate said, clapping her hands together. “You’re a beautiful bride!”

“Oh my God!” Macy said, fanning herself as her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve never seen a prettier wedding dress. You’re gorgeous. This is so amazing!”

I blinked at them as the driver eased the limo down the long, private drive. “What are you two doing?”

“We’re your bridesmaids.” Tate grinned at me. “Your Mr. Blackwood had Gina wake us up at the ass-crack of dawn and told us to get ready. Apparently, he thought you should have some friends at the ceremony.”

“He did?”

Macy nodded. “That was thoughtful of him, huh?”

“It was.” I was surprised, and touched, by the billionaire’s actions. “I’m really glad you guys are here—I’m so nervous.”

“Of course you are,” Tate said soothingly. “We literally talked to you two days ago and you weren’t even engaged yet. Now you’re in a white dress, getting married.”

They both eyed me but didn’t say a word. I sighed.

“I’m pregnant,” I admitted.

“I knew it,” Tate said.

“I didn’t!” Macy threw up her hands. “I never guess stuff like that!”

“Don’t say anything, okay?” I asked, miserable. “I haven’t told my brother yet. It’s too early. If something happens, I don’t want him to be crushed. He has enough to deal with.”

“Of course,” Tate said.

“You have my word,” Macy said. “By the way, congratulations.”

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