Page 92 of Damien
Vanessa’s hand squeezes mine tighter as we approach. I return it to let her know everything will be fine. “Jules, this is my sister Dani. She’s theprincessyou’re dying to meet. But trust me—she may be wearing a tiara, but she’s very much like you and me.”
“Aww, you’re so sweet to think I’m a princess. Is it Jules?”
“Julia. But you can call me Jules. All my friends do. I think princesses should, too. Besides, you’re Dame’s sister, and that makes us friends, doesn’t it?” She adorably looks to me for assurance, and I nod in approval.
“Well, you can call me Dani—It’s short for Danika,” my sister says as she bends to look Jules in the eye. “You’d better consider me a friend. Damien’s my baby brother and if you’re a friend of his—you’re stuck with me, too.”
“See? Told you nothing special about her,” I tease.
“Damien,” Vanessa chides as she tugs on my hand. Like that would stop me from harassing my sister.
“Dan—I’d like you to meet my girlfriend Vanessa. Fair warning—she’s read all of your books, and I completely didn’t think to mention your alter ego. So, your rule of family not reading your books won’t stick with her, got it? And for the record—I had no idea she read your books when we started dating—so I can’t be found at fault either.”
Laughing, Dani stands to pull Vanessa in a hug. “It’s so nice to meet you. And don’t worry, I’m not that scary. I just didn’t need my brothers or Dad reading my smecksy scenes, if ya know what I mean?”
Laughing, Vanessa agrees, “I can see that. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you, too.” Then my sister cocks her head from the side and looks between Julia and Vanessa. “Wait… you’re Vanessa Larson, right? I thought I recognized you from your profile pic. It’s of Julia and you, right?”
“Ohmigoodness,” Vanessa rushes out. Then her jaw drops. “You recognize… me?”
“Well, you’ve been in my fan group for years. Of course I do. We’ll have to catch up sometime.” Then she shrugs. “Probably won’t happen at the wedding, but next time. Promise you’ll come up for a game with Dame. We can make a girls’ weekend out of it,” she says, including Jules, and my heart soars. I could kiss my sister for her kindness toward Vanessa. “Besides, who else will fill you in on all the dirty details of all that is Damien?” She smirks in my direction, and my adoration for her is lost.
“It’s time. All the guests are here.” Stacey pops her head in the sliding glass door.
“That’s our cue,” Vanessa says as she ushers Julia toward the door. “By the way, you look breathtaking. Congratulations, Dani. I’m so happy for you and Luke.”
An emotional “Thank you” is uttered as we walk out the door.
To my surprise, more guests have arrived. There are a few couples seated on both sides of the aisle. From the looks of it, they must be Renegade players—based on their size alone. The others must be close friends of Luke and Dani. I recognize some faces but don’t quite remember their names.
Taking a seat alongside my brothers, Vanessa, Jules, and I sit behind my parents. “I can’t see,” Julia whispers to her mom, and I motion for her to come sit on my lap since I’m taller.
Luke, his dad, and Sean Peters, the team’s get-back coach stand at the front of the gathering. With their backs to the water, they wait for the ceremony to begin. The view of Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound as a backdrop, they couldn’t have picked a more beautiful place for their wedding.
With Vanessa’s hand in mine and Julia on my lap, there’s no place I’d rather be, so I’m glad I didn’t make that bet with her last night. As I look to Derek, he’s clearly enjoying himself as well—so it looks like he’s out some cash when all is said and done.
When the music indicates the ceremony’s beginning, I hoist Jules right along with me so she can see as I stand to greet my beautiful sister. Stacey walks down the aisle separated by chairs, and Dani waits eagerly at the edge of the deck.
Dani’s stunning. Sunlight glistens off the intricate beads on her dress and sends a glow around her. Dad stands beside her and whispers something to make her smile even wider, and I can feel her excitement from here.
Glancing to Luke, his expression is priceless. A combination of love, adoration, and excitement all in one. His father pats him on the back and he exhales slowly as he waits impatiently for Dani to meet him.
Once the music stops, Sean speaks to the crowd. “I’ve been told there once was a time when Dani was jealous of my relationship with Coach. But rest assured, I only got handsy as part of my job.”
The crowd hoots in laughter as Dani’s eyes dart to Luke. “Ohmigod, you did not tell him that.”
Luke simply shrugs. He is so guilty.
Sean clears his throat to continue. “Now, I’m here to guide both Dani and Luke in matrimony, with you as our honored guests. Thank you for joining us. You may be seated.”
As Sean recites an opening prayer then performs the ceremony, I never let go of Vanessa. Maybe it’s my conversation with Jules earlier, but I know I want to propose sooner than later. As I watch my sister and Luke, I process what needs to be done to make this happen.
When Sean states, “It’s my understanding that you wrote your own vows. With her being the romance writer, I wish you the best of luck, Luke. Just remember marriage isn’t a competition.”
“Yeah, right,” can be heard from across the aisle, and the crowd erupts again.
Dani clears her throat and begins, “I’ll keep this short and simple. Luke, the moment I crashed into your life, I did more than fall for you. You became a part of me, and I can’t imagine my life without you. You push me to be better, you’re understanding when I get lost in my head, and you support me with each and every endeavor I can think of. You’re more than just my ride or die. You’re my best friend in the entire world. You’re my heart, my soul, and a part of my every breath. I know I’m capable of walking in this world without you—but I choose to be with you because you’ve made me see that life is better when you can share your ups and downs with someone. You’ve made the world more colorful, and I can’t wait to start this magnificent adventure with you.”
