Page 46 of Bound to the Daddy

I glance up at the row of mirrors, watching the women work. They seem so easy with each other, so carefree. One makes a joke, and the other laughs. Even though they’re all at work together, they still all have each other.

No one else is here with me. Aren’t there supposed to be friends nearby to help shore me up and stand by me at the altar? But then, it’s not as if I have any friends. Not really. Not like them.

If only Mom were here.

Tears burn my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. My makeup is pristine, and I don’t want to mess it up. But that’s not the real reason, and I know it. I don’t want this man seeing me as a mess the first time we meet. There will be plenty of time afterward for him to discover my neurosis.

“Five minutes until it’s time to leave. Let me take a look at you.” The main assistant comes forward and fusses with my dress and hair before giving me a bright smile. “You’re such a beautiful bride. May you find happiness and contentment in your match.”

I do my best to give her a smile, but even to me, it feels forced, almost like a grimace.

“I know you’re scared, but please don’t worry. It’s very rare a match turns bad.”

“Rare,” I croak out. “But it’s possible.”

“Yes, it’s possible, but if the man is truly abhorrent, the Governing Body can free you from the match.”

“That is, unless he kills me first.”

She laughs so hard her body shakes. “So dramatic. You will never be matched with someone like that. Now come. It’s time.”

Dramatic. Sure. I’m about to marry a complete stranger, and I’m the one being dramatic. Reaching down to my bracelet, I fiddle with a few of the baubles. At least he was kind enough to consider that I might be feeling anxious.

Just touching it makes my heart slow down a touch. Perhaps he’s a good guy, after all? Grabbing my bouquet, I double check that the ring still dangles from the ribbon wrapped around it.

Though I’m not sure exactly what I expected, I thought the chapel would be right off of the room I was in. Instead, I have to traverse a myriad of hallways until stopping in front of a thick door. My heart pounds so hard in my chest, I’m surprised no one else hears it.

The women give me their well wishes and walk away, leaving me alone. I shouldn’t be alone. Why is no one here with me?

The door opens, allowing a faint strain of some classical piece to reach my ears. Can I run? Should I try? The man at the door seems nice enough. Maybe he’ll give me a head start.

Shaking my head, I fiddle with the bracelet, allowing the texture of the diamonds to calm my brain. Just one foot in front of the other. That’s it. I can do that. Can I?

I move my foot. Yes. I can do it. Can I do another? Another step. Soon, each one comes quicker and far smoother. It’s as if my brain knows the answers to all my questions are at the end of the aisle, and my body wants them so it can calm down.

With each step closer, a familiar scent teases my nose. But I can’t completely place it. It’s spicy and heady, causing my core to ache and my nipples harden. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say it’s Mr. Rothsbourne. But then, the cologne is all wrong.

It’s certainly not Brody. His scent was never so potent. If the man is rich, maybe Mr. Rothsbourne is here as a friend or ally?He did say he was occupied for most of the afternoon. Honestly, that makes the most sense. It also allows me to calm down just a fraction.

If this man is good enough for Mr. Rothsbourne to stand by, then he can’t be all that bad. Holding that thought in my head, I make it to the end of the hall where another large Alpha stops me. The music changes, shifting to the bridal march.

It’s now or never.

Taking a deep breath, I walk around the corner. The right side of the room is filled with men and women, all of them beaming at me with happiness and possibly love. They’re so packed that I can’t see Mr. Rothsbourne. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe it was just wishful thinking.

On the left side, only one person stands in the pews. My old boss. She doesn’t look unhappy, exactly, but she also doesn’t look thrilled. And that’s when I force my gaze to the front.

A man stands at the altar, his back turned to me. He’s massive, an Alpha of great stature. Certainly not Brody. It was always a point of contention for him. He detested being an Alpha, yet having the breadth of a large beta.

No. Whoever is up there is all Alpha.

My steps falter as I propel myself forward. The people to the right of me gasp and sigh, their demeanor seemingly thrilled with me. It shores me up, giving me the courage to keep walking. Just a few more steps and I’ll be at the base of the stairs.

I stop, staring at the massive back of the man waiting for me. Will he be kind? Will he be gentle? Will he be-

“You may turn around and face your bride.”

He turns. The man turns to me. Ever so slowly. But soon, I know exactly who’s waiting for me at the top of the aisle. The flowers drop from my hand and scatter on the floor, flopping against my feet as Rex Rothsbourne turns all the way around, his lips quirked into a knowing grin.

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