Bleeding Heart (Captured Miracle Book 2)(23)

My heart hitched. “I would.”

Calix stood and my heart raced in anticipation. His hand closed around mine, tugging me through the bedroom and into the closet. On the back wall of the massive closet, there was a white dress hanging. It was stunning and so not something I ever would have thought to even try on. The dress was a classic kind of chic with long sleeves of elegant sheer lace and a bodice of matching lace over soft solid white chiffon. The breast was a modest sweetheart cut and the lace of the bodice ended in angled dagger-like edges into the flowing chiffon of the skirt. It was stunning.

Forgetting to breathe, I asked without breath. “Did you choose this?”

“I did.” Calix confirmed. “Do you like it?”

“Yes.” But I didn’t release his hand or move closer to the dress. “It’s beautiful.”

“The back is my favorite.”

My eyes swung to his. “Why?”

Calix chuckled as he released my hand to move toward the dress, flipping it against the wall.

My breath caught.

The back of the dress - well, there was no back. The same lace as the sleeves ran along the side of the dress, dipping low before connecting in the place where the base of the small of my back would rest. It would completely leave my back exposed.

I loved the dress, but had I chosen for myself, I would have chosen a dress that was slightly more conservative. I had a sneaking suspicion Calix knew this.

Calix spoke into the silence. “I want to be able to touch your skin all day and all night long, love.” He glanced back at the dress. “This way I can.”

“Oh,” I replied in a small voice.

Calix frowned. “You don’t like it?”

“I do,” I paused. “But I’ve never really worn anything like it.”

“I know.” He said matter of fact. “But you’ll wear it for me today, love.”

Slowly, I nodded. “I will.”

The cobalt of his eyes turned dark as a bang sounded on the door of his bedroom and a female voice rang out. “Calix McKnight, you open this door right now!”

I frowned, stunned. “Is that Gabriella?”

Calix growled. “Yes.”

I watched him prowl from the room before shaking off the stunned sensation creeping through my body, to follow him. I saw Calix open the door of his bedroom and then I saw Gabriella sweep into the room in a soft purple gown. It really was lovely, and she looked lovely, but she also looked stern enough to make me wonder why she was here.

“We have two hours before Nova is expected to walk down the aisle, Calix. I’ve been waiting all morning to get my hands on her.” She plopped her fists onto her hips. “Now, get out.”

Calix raised a brow. “I was just showing her the dress. I can help her into it.”

Gabriella raised a brow right back at him. “You will not be helping her into that gown, Calix McKnight.”

“And why is that?”

I squeaked. “It’s bad luck.”

Calix swung his head to pin me with his eyes. “You believe in that crap?”

“I do.” I nodded. “It’s bad enough that you’ve seen the dress before the wedding day, but it would be twice as bad if you saw me in the dress - before the wedding.”

He rolled his eyes. “It’s myth.”

“It’s tradition!” Gabriella snapped, pointing to the door. “Out.”

Calix grinned. Shaking his head, he walked determinedly across the room to me. Looping his arm around my waist, he pulled me against his chest before dipping his head to whisper-growl in my ear. “Don’t encourage her, love.”

I giggled at the play in his tone and he kissed the tip of my nose.

Gabriella sighed heavily, audibly. “Calix. Out.”

“I’m going, grandma.” Calix huffed.

“Don’t you sigh at me, Calix!”

Calix disappeared into the closet only to reappear with a black leather bag. Obviously, he’d been expecting Gabriella to kick him out of his room this morning, as he was so readily prepared. “I’ll see you at the altar, love.” Calix smiled gently and I nodded, feeling uncertain and determined at the very same time.

“Kay,”

He stiffened. “You good?”

I could see in his eyes that if he thought I wasn’t good, he’d kick bad luck to the curb before kicking Gabriella out of his room. I didn’t want that. I might not be good, and without Calix next to me, I might start thinking of reasons why I shouldn’t marry him, but I also didn’t want to ruin any part of this day. The wedding would happen and although I wished I could have my family present, I had no desire not to make this day as perfect as it could be.