Page 36 of The Naughty One
Romy was amazed at herself. After Dacre, she had struggled with trust, and yet here she was risking her heart once again for thisman.
As they dressed for the wedding later, Romy smiled at him. “Damn, man, you wear a suitwell.”
He was wearing a dark gray, exquisitely tailored suit which brought out the green of his eyes. He was grinning at her. “Woman, you should see what I’mseeing.”
The dark gold shift dress clung to her curves, simple in its design but perfectly matched to her olive skin tone. The lightest makeup and her dark hair falling in waves down her back completed her bridesmaid look. Blue couldn’t keep his hands off of her, kissing hertenderly.
She stroked his face. “Blue, today is all about Mom and Stuart. That’s all I care about today, so let’s put everything else aside for after they’ve left for theirhoneymoon.”
“I agree … but can I just say onething?”
“Go forit.”
“I love you, Romy Sasse, and there are things in my past I’m ashamed of, but nothing, nothing means more to me than earning and deserving your love and yourtrust.”
Downstairs,Artemis was arranging everything and everyone and Romy saw that some of the guests had started to arrive. She welcomed them in and made sure they had drinks before heading up to see how Magda wasdoing.
Her mother was uncharacteristically calm. “Hello, darling. Could you help me with this haircomb?”
Magda was dressed in a simple pale cream dress too, with only some ornate beading around the neck and sleeves. The hair comb was encrusted with rubies—a present from Romy’s grandmother when Magda had graduated fromcollege.
“You look breathtaking, Mom.” Romy hugged her gingerly and Magda beamed. She studied herdaughter.
“You look happier, darling. Did you and Bluetalk?”
Romy half-smiled. “A little. But today isn’t about us, it’s about you and Stuart. As the reckless middle daughter, I think it’s probably up to me to ask the awkward question. Are you sure,Mom?”
Her mother met her gaze steadily. “I am, Romy. I trulyam.”
Romy smiled. “Then I wish you nothing but utter happiness and joy forever. I love Stuart; he really is a good man. Oh, here. Dad sent a messagetoo.”
“He did?” Magda read the card James Sasse had sent. “That’s sweet. Your daddy is a good man, Romy. In spite ofeverything”
“I know, Mom. And now I have a stepdadtoo.”
Magda laughed. “Not quite yet.” She glanced at her clock. “Wow, that came around quickly. Forty-five minutes and then the nerve-wracking stuff will be over with and we canparty.”
Ahalf-hour later,Romy walked her mother down the wooden staircase and to the front of the aisle, Artemis serving as matron of honor, and a grinning Juno, resplendent in a man’s tuxedo, welcoming the guests to thewedding.
Blue and Gaius stood at Stuart’s side as he married Magda, Blue’s eyes twinkling with happiness as he winked atRomy.
God, I love you,she thought as she smiled back, and felt the weight of the last few weeks fall away from her. This was all that mattered, love, family, celebration. As Magda and Stuart said their vows, she wondered idly if she and Blue would ever get here. She didn’t even know if he regarded marriage as a goal. Romy never had—until she’d metBlue.
Her mother looked so overwhelmingly happy that as Juno declared them husband and wife, Romy burst into tears, making everyonelaugh.
The reception wasa laidback affair of chatting, casual speeches which made everyone laugh, soft music, and a buffet of such delicious food that it was soon gone and the caterers were thanked and sent on theirway.
Blue sat with Romy on his lap in one of the armchairs. Juno sprawled on the sofa, one of their guests’ toddler asleep in her arms. Artemis, Dan, and Octavia sat on the carpet, teasing eachother.
Romy watched her mother circulate the room, taking time to chat with every guest, introducing them to her new husband. Blue grinned at Romy. “Some of Dad’s friends are maybe a littletoo…”
“Snooty?”
Blue laughed. “I was going to say reserved, but snooty works. They can’t figure out what they’re supposed to do in such a relaxedgathering.”
Romy shrugged and snuggled into his arms. Blue pressed his lips to her forehead. “Romy?”
“Yes,baby?”
