Page 77 of Conflict
“I CAN’Tbelieve I’m getting married,” Ari whispers, staring at her reflection in the floor length mirror.
She is the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen. Her wedding dress is elegant, with white lace that flares out into an A-line at her tiny waist. The barely visible bump only adds to her beauty. As does her natural pregnancy glow. My sister’s never looked happier, and my heart swells with my own happiness for her.
I can’t believe how much has changed in just a few short months since she ran out on Benjamin and crashed—almost literally—into Branson.
Tears threaten, so as not to ruin my makeup, I tease her. “I can’t believe you managed to plan two weddings in the same year.”
She turns, her smile soft, and places her hands on her belly. “And make a baby.”
I laugh as I wrap my arms around her. “I’m so happy for you, Ari. Branson is truly your soul mate, and I’m so glad you found each other.”
She hugs me back then swipes at her eyes. “Pregnancy hormones are bad enough without you being sweet and making me cry.”
I shoulder-check her. “Hey, at least the morning sickness stopped. Imagine how Branson would feel if his blushing bride upchucked at his feet.”
Her eyes widen in horror then relax with delight. “Thank goodness, indeed.” Her gaze softens. “Thank you for being there through all of this. Ben, the running away, the whirlwind with Branson. I couldn’t have done any of it without you.”
“Hey, that’s what sisters are for. I’ve always got your back.”
It’s not long before there’s a knock at the door. Amelia pops her head in and smiles warmly at my sister. “Are you ready to become my daughter?”
Ariana, tears welling yet again, smooths out the front of her dress and stands. “I’ve never been more ready for anything.”
The whole affair is somewhat of a whirlwind. As maid of honor and best man, Knox and I walk down the aisle together last, right before my sister. The whole time, I feel Shane’s eyes on me. I sneak a quick peek over and see him standing next to Cohen, filling out his tux like nobody’s business. My heart does a silly little flip-flop at the sight of his rich chocolate hair and his penetrating blue eyes. What was supposed to be a glance turns into nearly a downright stare, and it’s not until we’re near the altar that I tear my gaze away.
Just as we’re about to go to our separate sides, Knox leans in close and whispers in my ear, “Why do I have the feeling we’ll be family one of these days?”
When I jerk my head up, his eyes dance with delight. I rise onto my tiptoes and reply, “Because your cousin has been eye-fucking me and glaring at you since we began walking down the aisle?”
I leave out the part where I’ve been doing the same—eye-fucking Shane, not glaring. Because no woman glares at Knox Wellington.
With unceremonious amusement, Knox’s head falls back as he barks out a laugh. I blush when I his wife’s lips twitch and she shakes her head at her dear husband.
Knox pats my arm and deposits me right next to Charlie. “You’re gonna fit in around here.”
A blush creeps onto my cheeks, but it’s forgotten the moment the music changes. Ellie Goulding’s “How Long Will I Love You” plays as Ariana walks down the aisle towards her man. Branson’s eyes, glistening with tears, are locked in on my sister.
I remember when Ariana told me that, the first time she heard this song two months ago, she knew there could be no more perfect song to transition to Branson Wellington’s wife. She wanted to surprise him with this song, and by the captivation on his face, she has done just that. The beautiful words are a promise to Branson to love him as long as the stars remain, as long as the sea meets the sand; she will love him for forever.
The two have eyes only for each other. As soon as she reaches him, he cups her face with both hands, his gaze burning into her. He murmurs something, low and indiscernible, and I feel the urge to look away. The moment between them is so breathtakingly intimate. And when his lips graze hers before they even begin their vows, a shiver runs down my spine. Unexpected longing takes root in my heart and I have to fight not to look at Shane.
I’ve never felt this way before. This…yearning. Because now that I see what my sister has, I want that kind of love. I want that intimacy. I want all of it, and a small part of me wonders if Shane carries that same devoted gene all the other Wellington men seem to possess.
At the thought of him, I dart my gaze to where he’s standing. I find his eyes, hot and heavy, already fixated on me.
And that’s how we remain for the rest of the ceremony.
Through the vows, the rings, the I do’s, even the pronouncement of man and wife and the permission for Branson to kiss the bride, he holds me in his penetrating gaze and never lets go.
Men, we don’t cry. Except for certain pivotal moments in our lives. Like getting kicked in the nuts. Seeing your firstborn right after your woman has given birth. And for Branson, it was when the love of his life, the woman who changed the game, walked towards him, placed her hand in his, and gave him her heart.
Even I got a little choked up. So I fixed my gazed on the maid of honor and wondered…
Could that be us?
Two nights together and, apparently, I was ready to get down on one knee. How crazy would it be to speak up and ask if we could make this a double wedding? To tell Alyssa we need to get on baby-making as soon as possible so their cousins could be close in age.
Everything I never thought I wanted, I suddenly do.
