Her eyes turned sad. “Yes,” she touched her fingertips to her lips. “Keaton was his father’s name.”
“Oh,” my heart stuttered. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not your fault, Nova.”
My eyes misted. “It is my father’s fault.”
She sighed. “Children pay for their parent’s sins. It’s sad but true.” She shook her head. “But there ain’t a damn thing you can do about it, so there certainly is no use in crying, now, is there?”
“I,” I stuttered. “I suppose not.”
“Come over here and get into this dress.” She glanced down at the material in her hands. “You’re going to be a beautiful bride.”
My heart was pounding as I stood with Gabriella behind the patio doors. Through the swaying curtains, I could see Calix standing still at the altar. His eyes were on the door, but I knew he couldn’t see me. His expression was one of astounding confidence, but I had a feeling it was more a mask than anything else. This man, the man I was marrying - my captor - was a man of many masks. I had a feeling, however, that I was finding a way to see past the show he so often put on for those around him. And I knew now, as he waited for me to appear, that he was nervous.
I was surprised to find myself aching to calm his every worry.
“Are you ready?” Gabriella asked gently.
Music played a soft melody in the background and the sun was high in the sky. It was beautiful. Today would be a beautiful day. And I vowed, standing here watching the man I was moments away from giving my life to, that I would be happy today. Today, I would put aside all the pains of the past couple weeks and I would just smile, laugh and lose myself in a beautiful man’s arms.
Yes, I was ready.
I smiled softly. “I’m ready.”
She leaned in to kiss my cheek, handing me the stunning bouquet of gentle pink and white peonies. “I’ll find my seat and then the music will change and you can start walking to him, okay?” She squeezed my hand with hers and I nodded, feeling my throat tighten with emotions I didn’t understand.
I felt afraid, nervous, anxious and worried - and I wanted nothing more than to find myself in Calix’s arms where I was certain I would find a safe calm.
Gabriella walked away and I leaned into the wall, suddenly afraid my knees wouldn’t hold me upright a moment longer. Pulling in measured breaths, I tried to count out loud to calm myself when I heard the music change. It was time.
Oh my - it was time. Straightening from the wall, I fanned my face desperately, trying to rid myself of my anxiety without success. Finally, I shoved my face into my bouquet and breathed in the sweet, calming scent of the peonies. They were a comfort that reminded me of home - of my mom and her arms around me - and now, of Calix and the future I had with this man. Just like he’d taken my love of macaroons and used them to win my affections, he’d used peonies.
The scent of the flowers calmed me in a way I knew would aid in holding my frail heart together until I was standing in Calix’s presence, hopefully with his arms around me - his lips on mine. I needed to feel his strength, because today, right now, I simply didn’t possess even an ounce. I’d used my quota to get myself here - to this moment.
Taking a step forward, I felt my feet carry me through the white curtains and toward Calix. My eyes locked with his blues and I saw something in the deeps of his eyes that I knew I would never forget. If I lived to a hundred and ninety, I knew that I would forever carry with me the image of him now. He was handsome, his ebony hair was tousled and his suit was a deep, rich black that made him look both dangerous and enticing.
As I moved through the aisle, my eyes didn’t once stray from Calix. In his eyes, I found the courage to move forward. Locked in his gaze, I saw hope and relief and - although I didn’t understand it, I could have sworn I saw forgiveness.
Chapter 8
I’d never lived a night more elegant than this night. From the moment we’d said our, I do’s, the champagne had flowed. People laughed, danced, snapped photos that had long since stopped making me nervous, while engaging both Calix and I in flighty conversation. No one had asked the dreaded questions about my family - it was almost as though the people in attendance knew not to step on Calix’s toes.
The way the guests acted in Calix’s presence told volumes about the level of respect he had gained in the world of business. No one dared to question him and no one dared to question him about me. Instead, everyone prompted the conversation towards congratulating us, inquiring about our honeymoon, to which Calix shook his head with laughing eyes and replied. “The location of our honeymoon is still a surprise to Nova.”