Page 158 of Enthrall Climax
She was in my arms again…Mia, my one true love.
MARCELLA’SFALLCOLLECTION WAS ABOUTto grace the runway any second now. Backstage, the models were scurrying around having the final touches done to their hair and make-up, and some last tweaks to Marcella’s glamorous gowns as they prepared to step out.
This promised to be her best show yet.
With Scarlet squeezing my left hand on one side, and Henry holding the other, we sat close to the stage, eager for the show to get underway. There was a tangible excitement in the air, with guests taking their seats, and friends greeting each other warmly. I recognized a few seasoned journalists who’d want to corner Marcella afterward, no doubt for an exclusive interview.
The buzz caused by New York’s Fashion Week crackled in the air and all of the butterflies in my stomach refused to settle down. This was probably the most exciting day of my life. I’d been invited to showcase one of my own designs in Marcella’s line-up.
No, on second thought, my most exciting day had been when I’d met Cameron—though it had been equally as wonderful as our wedding day. I’d worn my gorgeous Vera Wang gown and felt every part the stunning bride. I’d fallen in love with it, and Cameron had insisted that no one should ever derail what made us happy. The memory of seeing his face light up when I had walked down the aisle would stay with me forever. His expression had been one of pure happiness.
We had somehow persuaded Cam’s mom to let us downsize to an intimate affair in the Hamptons, low key and veryus.
Everyone we cared most about had made it to New York for our big day. We’d managed to elude the press and keep them from capturing a photo of Andrea Buckingham with Richard Booth—and also Cameron Cole and his new bride.
I’d designed the elegant, deep blue bridesmaid dresses, and Scarlet, Lotte, Penny, Bailey and Tara had looked lovely in them.
Both Richard and Shay had escorted me down the aisle and had given me away just as they’d promised to do. Henry had enjoyed being Cameron’s best man, and everyone agreed he’d given one of the most heartfelt toasts ever delivered.
Our wedding cake had tasted divine. It was a rich chocolate sponge because, well, what else could it have been if not Cam’s favorite flavor?
I loved visiting New York. We’d arrived a week ago and were staying with Henry, who was now living in our old penthouse. When we weren’t traveling, we were living between our beach home in Venice and Cole’s big old mansion in Beverly Hills. That way Cameron could get his surfing in and I could sketch on the patio with a view of the ocean.
One day I’d have a collection like this of my own. My heart soared with the possibilities.
Right now, Shay and his boyfriend, De Sade, were house-sitting in Beverly Hills, and Cameron had joked we’d have a hard time getting them out when we returned. It was good to see Shay in love, and De Sade looked happy, too. They were so damn hot together…though I kept that saucy thought to myself.
“I wish Cameron could be here,” whispered Scarlet. “He would have loved this.”
I let out a sigh. “Our babysitter couldn’t make it. So he stepped up.”
Henry shook his head. “Still can’t believe my brother is a stay-at-home dad.”
Though that was true, Cameron had perfectly balanced working from home on our philanthropic pursuits with the duties of fatherhood.
“You have got to be kidding me,” said Scarlet, staring off into the crowd. “Is that the great Cameron Cole?”
I blinked in surprise.
Cameron had our baby strapped into a sling. My cute little guy, Raif, who was only six months old, had his adorable head peeking out in front of daddy’s chest. He took everything in with those large chestnut eyes; the same eyes his daddy had. Cameron threw us a wave, and Raif’s toothless grin made us laugh.
“This feels like an alternate universe,” joked Henry, who surrendered his seat to his brother and moved over one.
“I’m not missing this,” said Cameron. “This is Mia’s day.”
“Apparently you’re great in the diaper department,” laughed Scarlet.
Cameron grinned at me. “I have ninja skills when it comes to wrangling this one.” He pressed his lips to Raif’s forehead. “We couldn’t miss this, right buddy?” He looked at me. “It was this little guy’s idea, Mia. I was all for having a quiet afternoon at home.”
I laughed and popped Raif’s pacifier into his mouth. “Is he hungry?”
“He’s okay.”
Leaning into Raif, I breathed in his sweet scent and smiled contentedly. Now, we could tell him he was at Mommy’s first show.
“This is so much fun.” Scarlet beamed at us.
Exquisite notes rose from hidden speakers and a minute later the first model stepped out onto the runway, her stride graceful and serene. Her gown was elegantly embroidered gold tulle, with a deep V-neck illusion and a full A-line skirt. It was embedded with delicate crystals that reflected the light as the material flowed and shimmied around her.
