Page 3 of His Bride

“But it would be an honour,” heprotests.

“Ibet.”

He cackles at that, but leaves it be, and we sit together in silence, watching guests arrive for mywedding.

“I’m grateful for everything you’ve done,” I finally tell him. “Seriously. I’m glad you’re mybestman.”

He throws his arm around my shoulders and waves at the photographer who has caught sight of us. Then he claps me on the back. “I didn’t know I had a brother until you dragged me up the Chief. I’m proud I’m standing by your sidetoday.”

Jesus, my throat is gettingtight.

But Lachlan saves the day, appearing at the side of the photographer on the far side of thebridge.

As my security detail approaches again, I hear the radio crackle, and I wave them off. “Yep, tell him we’re on ourwayback.”

Lachlan gives me a serious nod when we reach the viewing platform outside Summit Lodge again. “Hugh just radioed. Ellie’s left the hotel. It’sshowtime.”

2

Ellie

When we stepoff the gondola, Lachlan is waiting. He takes my parents ahead, and Hugh, another member of the security detail, hangs back with me, waiting for the all-clear.

“I never thought I’d have RCMP officers coordinating my walk down the aisle,” I say after he listens to a burst of chatter on his earpiece.

He grins at me. “I never thought I’d get to have the best seat in the house to watch my prime minister getmarried.”

“Are you right upfront?”

He laughs. “I’m standing at the back, actually. More of a figure of speech, but honestly, this is a greathonour.”

“The honour is ours, I promise you.” My head is starting to spin a little, and I take a deepbreath.

“Would you like somewater?”

I shake my head. “I’m fine. Do you knowwhere—”

Before I can finish the question, my maid of honour sweeps around the corner. “Everything looks perfect out there,” Sasha says as she gives me a quick, gentle hug, being careful around my bouquet. “Just getting the last few people seated, and then it’sshowtime.”

I nod, and the buzzing in my ears gets louder. It would be terribly bad form to faint before I even get down theaisle.

“Are you okay?” Sasha gives me a concerned look. “Youseempale.”

“I’m…”

Hugh steps closer. “Tip your head up, chin to the sky, and take a slow deepbreathin.”

I do as he says, and the spinningslowsdown.

“Good. And again,” he murmurs. Does he know he has a Dom voice? Maybe that’s why he was added to thesecurityteam.

I giggle at the privatethought.

“Is that better?”Sashaasks.

I straighten my headagain. “Yep.”

Hugh laughs. “Don’t forget tobreathe,okay?”

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