Page 56 of The Exception

I lifted my hand, placing it over Graham’s chest as she’d directed.

“Great. Now, relax and look into each other’s eyes.”

Relax. Right. It was kind of difficult to relax when Graham was touching me. My body felt like a live wire.

I peered up at Graham, studying the hint of a few freckles on the bridge of his nose. My body was still buzzing from our kiss. Did he feel it too?

He lifted my left hand, bringing the back of it to his mouth for a kiss. “You are a beautiful bride,” he said in French.

“Thank you.” I continued the conversation in French. “You look—” I swallowed hard. “Really nice.”

“Jay always does a good job.” He leaned his forehead against mine, and the photographer continued snapping away.

“That he does. Thank you for letting Jo get a dress too. And giving her the VIP treatment at the Huxley Grand.”

“It’s not a big deal.”

“It is to me,” I said softly.

He pressed a kiss to my forehead, lingering. In that heartbeat, it felt…real. His touch. His words.Us.

“I’m surprised,” I said in French.

“By what?” he asked, continuing the conversation in French.

“I don’t know. I guess I expected something more formal for our wedding.”

“Are you disappointed?” he asked.

“Are you kidding? This is beautiful. It’s everything I would’ve wanted for my wedding.” It was like he’d taken my dream wedding Pinterest board and brought it to life.

Future me was fucked because I knew my future potential “real” wedding would have a hard time surpassing this one. The idea made me sad.

“Then what’s wrong?” he asked, a crease forming between his brows.

“Nothing.” I smiled brightly. “You’re making all my dreams come true.” It was true, if a bit cheesy, but weddings had the tendency to make me emotional.

“And you mine.” His eyes lingered on mine a moment longer before he asked the photographer, “Did you get everything you needed?” putting an end to whatever that was.

“Yep,” the photographer said, attention on the screen on the back of her camera. “I got some great shots.”

“Excellent. Thank you.” Graham turned to me. “Shall we?” He gestured inside, and I let him lead me through to the living area where Jo and Pierce were drinking and talking.

By the time we bid our friends goodbye, the candles were burning low. There’d been champagne and a decadent meal, a small wedding cake. I’d even caught Graham smiling a few times, though I figured it was mostly out of relief. We were married. He could claim the shares he needed.

Jo was last to leave, and when I walked her to the door, she gave me a big hug.

“Thanks for being here and supporting me. It means a lot,” I said.

“Of course. I’ll always be here for you. I trust that you’re making the best decision for you, even if I don’t fully understand it.”

I tugged at the corner of my eye, trying not to cry. My family would never,eversay something like that. So full of understanding and acceptance. I hadn’t talked to them since before I’d left for Ixtapa, and I didn’t intend to any time soon. At least, not unless they apologized for their behavior.

It had taken me longer than I’d cared to admit that my relationship with my family was toxic. But I was done. I was done being belittled and manipulated. And it made me appreciate Jo even more. It meant the world to me that my friend believed in me, no matter what.

“Have fun tonight.” She waggled her brows.

I rolled my eyes. “Goodnight.” I practically shoved her toward the door. “Thank you again, Jo. Seriously.”

---