Page 115 of An Accidental Love Affair

He held her hand. “Before we go out there, I want you to know how proud I am of you. You’ve accomplished every goal you’ve set for yourself and a few you didn’t know were possible. You are a truly amazing creature, and I thank God every day I was blessed to be a part of your life, watching you become the woman you are now.”

“I couldn’t have done it without your love and support. You know that, right?”

He nodded. “I’m sorry I wasn’t always so supportive.”

She smiled. “You were my rock when I needed you. That’s all that matters.”

Nicholas began to tear up. “I’m not ready to give my little girl away, but I can’t think of a better man to share you with.”

She hugged him. “I love you too, Daddy.”

He held out his arm to her. As she turned from picking up her bouquet, she took it and he led her down the hall to the living room. Everyone oohed and ahhhed over her before climbing into the cars.

She shared the first car with her mother and father, while Lindsey, Laura, and Audrey took the second car. “Range Rovers?” she asked. “Are we going to the ruins?”

“How did you know?” her mother asked.

Nicole smiled in memory. “It’s a long story.”

It wasn’t a long ride. Soon, they were stopping in front of the ruins, but it didn’t look the same. It had been renovated—the outer walls repaired and painted and the grass and weeds pulled from the foundation. A new stone pathway graced the ground, granting them a smooth surface to step upon as they exit

ed the cars.

As the others went inside, Nicholas and Nicole lingered behind the closed doors. She could hear music playing, not the usual classical, but love songs—the sappy kind Reece swore he hated.

Nicholas was studying his daughter’s face as she absorbed all that her fiancé had done for her. “He really does love you, Coley.”

Her hand touched the wooden door, her eyes full of revelation. “I’m finally beginning to believe it.”

“At last.”

The music grew louder as the doors opened to the bridal march playing. Nicole crossed over the threshold, hesitating as she made her first step. But as she gazed ahead, finding her groom, her stride grew more confident with every forward step. At one point, it felt like she was dragging her father down the aisle, instead of being led there on his arm.

“Slow down, girl, he’s not going anywhere,” she heard Davis Sylvester whisper as she glided by.

She turned her head quickly, blowing him a kiss, but her eyes went straight back to Reece as he stood with the minister in front of the raised dais.

The great hall was lit only by candles, but it was bright and beautiful. Trestle tables were shoved against the walls, and benches were situated in straight lines across the floor, creating an aisle for them to walk down. There were no flowers, but vines and assorted greenery decorating every surface. It was enchanting.

Her face lit up as she locked eyes with Reece; his smile was wide as well. She noticed in her peripheral vision a few camera flashes, but not a single paparazzo was present. He had done this for her. His little stunt with the press had given them the privacy they desired.

Reece held out his hand. She took it, joining him before the minister. He leaned over to whisper in her ear. “You look exquisite.”

She smiled up at him. “And you, my lord, are very handsome.”

“Have you met my best man?”

Nicole figured he’d asked his brother, but when he jerked his head over his shoulder and down, she followed his gaze. Her eyes widened. “Tugger!” she squealed, happily surprised to see her bulldog and in a tuxedo, no less. She laughed at the silly dog.

“I thought it was time to bring him back to the motherland. He’s the only slobbering male I plan to share you with.” He kissed her forehead. “How do you like your surprise?”

“I’ll tell you after we share a name.” He chuckled, turning back to the minister.

The ceremony was quick and their vows traditional. Music played, and at one point N’Sync’s “This I Promise You” was ringing through the hall. Nicole’s eyes welled with tears as she gazed at Reece, while he mouthed the words to her. God, she loved this man!

The minister led them off to the side to sign the church register before returning them to the center of the aisle. Reece turned her toward him, lowering his head.

“Hello, Mrs. Woodhouse.”

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