Page 123 of Bound Bride
My life was in shambles and I balanced on the edge of the knife with only one goal in mind: save my family.
Now, there's nothing but love in my heart and a giddy excitement that makes my stomach twist around on itself.
I'm going to get married.
Technically, it's just a vow renewal, but I don't care. I planned everything with my mother and sister.
I chose my dress, and Kon chose a suit to match. I picked out the music, the flowers, and the guests, chose Calvin to be my bridesman and watched as Kon asked Ethan to be his best man.
Neither of them will admit to being emotional about it, but I know the truth.
This is my real wedding.
"Are you ready?"
Beatie's voice rises up from behind me, then she steps into view in the mirror.
She's smiling widely, having just received her six-month clean chip a few days ago, and she wears the pride well.
Dressed in a gorgeous peach dress, her hair spills around her shoulders and her teeth are white enough to almost make me jealous.
"Yes," I say with a deep breath and turn toward her. "I'm ready."
"Are you sure?" She narrows her eyes. "Do you need to pee again? We can do that really quick. Or if you're craving pickles again, Calvin left a jar just outside with the flowers."
"I'm okay," I assure her. "Truly. I feel… amazing, actually."
"Excellent!" Beatie beams. "Okay, let's get you down that aisle before your ankles swell up."
"Wow," I snort, taking my bridal bouquet from her. "You really know how to make a girl feel beautiful on her wedding day."
"You do look beautiful," Beatie smiles, and a hint of tears sparkles in her eyes. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen."
"Aw!" My face crumples immediately.
"Don't cry! Your makeup!" Beatie rushes forward and grasps my hand. "Don't cry!"
"You're so sweet!"
"Save the tears for Kon, okay?" Beatie cups my face with both hands, her bouquet tucked under her armpit, and she smoothes her thumbs across my cheeks to catch any stray tears.
"I love you, Beatie."
"I know. I love you too." Once she's satisfied my makeup remains in place, she loops her arm around my own and kisses my cheek. "Come on, let's get you married."
Soft classical music drifts down the private beach Kon hired out for us.
The hot sun bakes down through the lace covering my shoulders, and several guards I recognize—including poor Michael, who thankfully recovered after I ran him over—smile widely as I follow the white fabric rolled across the sand toward where Kon stands.
He's framed by a large white arch covered in thousands of colorful flowers, their petals drifting ever so slightly in the breeze.
The salt of the sea catches in my lungs, and I tighten my grip on both Beatie and my mother's hands as they walk me slowly down the aisle.
This is the kind of wedding I always dreamed of. Kon didn't think twice about making it a reality when I mentioned, late one evening, that a real wedding for us would be so beautiful.
He put things in motion, hired everyone I could ever need to help me, and told me to build my dream.
Little does he know that I already have my dream.
