Page 151 of Betrayed in the Dark
He chuckles, rubbing his chin. “I guess it’s turning into a new tradition, huh? Me walking the brides of this family down the aisle.”
“I wouldn’t want it to be anyone else.”
He clears his throat. “I’m sorry that Dad’s not here to do this part.”
I roll in my bottom lip, holding back every emotion. “He may not be able to walk with me down the aisle, but he’s here.”
“You’re probably right.” He grins. “A bird shit on my jacket earlier. Do you think that was him?”
I press the palm of my hand over my mouth as a laugh bubbles out of me. “Most likely. Probably getting you back for wrecking his favorite car when you were a teenager.”
Vin laughs and pats his pocket before retrieving a letter, which he holds out for me to take. “Eli asked me to give this to you to read before we meet him out there.” I accept the letter, curiosity taking over. “I’ll go make myself a drink and give you a minute,” he adds as he walks away.
I place my bouquet on a side table and carefully tear open the envelope. Pulling out the folded piece of paper, I hold it in front of me.
“Oh my God,” I say softly as tears steadily fall down both cheeks. I place a shaking hand over my wildly beating heart, overcome with so many emotions.
This man is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
How I ever doubted that… I shake my head.
There’s no use in looking back on the past when my future is so clear.
It’s one with Eli by my side.
“Thought you might need this.” Vin hands over a tissue, which I take, carefully dabbing at my face.
“Thank God for waterproof mascara.” I chuckle as I tuck the letter back into the envelope and replace it with my bouquet on the table.
“I’m so fucking happy for you, Madeleine,” he tells me just as the quartet outside begins playing, signaling to me that it’s time. “You ready to go get your happily ever after?”
“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.”
With my heart racing, we step out the door, leading to the path of white flower petals that extend all the way to the dock. Lanterns hang in a row on each side of us, guiding our route.
To the left of the dock, Scarlett and Alina stand on the grass, both looking absolutely beautiful in their champagne satin dresses and dabbing at their eyes. On the right, Leo, Mauro, and Alex are dressed in matching black suits with champagne-colored ties.
As we get closer to the dock, all the guests stand, and Eli turns to face me, his eyes taking in every inch of me as if seeing me for the very first time.
That’s my husband.
He fights back tears but loses the battle the moment I mouth,I love you.
I love you,he mouths back, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he quickly wipes at his face.
Vin leans closer to me, whispering so only I can hear, “If he hurts you, just give me the word, and I’ll kill him.”
I elbow him inconspicuously in the ribs, and he lets out a grunt as we take the final step.
Vin places my hand in Eli’s, who gently tugs me to his side, intertwining our fingers.
The officiant speaks, but his words blur in the background as Eli presses our temples together.
“Why do I feel like you’re going to make me cry again?” I ask, closing my eyes.
He grins. “I take it Vin gave you my letter.”
“He did.” I open my eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me any of that before?”
