Brothers of Paradise Series

I’ve only been to a few weddings before, but each time, this is what I want to see-the look on the groom’s face. Call me a romantic, but it floors me every time.

Hayden doesn’t disappoint.

The raw emotion on his face brings tears to my eyes. From the way he’s staring, there might as well be no one here at all, and that’s when I realize that this whole wedding is just for her. All of it. He would be just as happy in a courthouse, and he would look at her the exact same way, knowing she was agreeing to spend her life with him.

Only then do I look at Lily, and she’s glowing, a vision in white lace. Her smile is as broad as I’ve ever seen it, but there are tears in her eyes, too.

I swallow my emotions and watch in stunned silence as Mr. Marchand kisses her on the cheek and hands her over to Hayden.

Their vows are short, but they’re spoken with the kind of stark sincerity that betrays far deeper emotions. They’re raw. And I can tell that it’s held short because it’s private; this couple isn’t showy. It makes me like Henry’s family even more.

Hayden and Lily say I do. His voice is low and vibrating with emotion; hers nearly breaks with it. Their kiss makes me teary-eyed again, to my surprise. I’ve just met them, and still… It’s the kind of wedding that makes me long for the day I might have my own.

Mrs. Marchand reaches for my hand-unexpectedly-and squeezes as we both watch them together up there. I squeeze back.

Henry’s eyes find mine again. This weekend, we’ve gone from almost strangers to almost lovers. I don’t know how to act around a man who brought me over the brink, who walked hand in hand with me along the beach at midnight, and who will sign my next paycheck.

The ceremony finishes and people all around me start to rise, watching the newlyweds walk down the aisle hand in hand. We make our way outside, the reception held on the lawn outside the chapel, the sea a blanket of dark blue in the distance. It’s a gorgeous venue, the summer sun shining.

I’m talking to one of Lily’s aunts when an arm wraps around my waist. “There you are,” Henry says. “Sorry, Auntie. Is it okay if I steal my date for a moment?”

Her eyebrows rise in surprise. “But of course, Henry. It was lovely talking to you.”

“Likewise, Mrs. Newman.”

Henry’s arm tightens around my waist as he leads me to the refreshment table.

“That was beautiful,” I breathe.

He hands me a glass of champagne and takes one himself, spinning me around so I’m facing him. “You were watching Hayden,” he says, “when Lily walked in. Why?”

I swallow. “The first look. I like it. I like seeing… it’s hard to describe.”

“It made you sad.”

“No, not sad. They were happy tears.”

His hand runs along the bare skin of my arm. “You’ve just met them.”

“Yes, but…” I struggle to find the words. “Love is beautiful, don’t you think? And it was there, in that church, in a purer form than I’ve seen for a long while. Maybe I’m jaded, I don’t know, but it’s not something I see often.”

Henry’s gaze is warm, and his answer is a long time coming. “Maybe it would’ve been easier if I didn’t hire you,” he says softly, “but I’m very glad I did.”

“What are you saying?”

“What I should have said this morning. Faye, I slept better last night than I have in years, and it was because of you.”

“Really? You were… uncomfortable.”

He chuckles. “Yes, but you were in my arms.”

“Another point lost.”

“Fuck the points, Faye. Fuck that whole thing. I want you. And not just in bed.”

My world narrows, until it’s just him and me, our gazes locked. The champagne glass in my hand is shaking. “Are you serious?”Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.

“Deadly,” he says. “You’ve said so yourself-when do I joke?”

“Oh, but you do,” I say, and I’m smiling, and stepping closer to him, and the sun flares impossibly brighter. “You’re very funny when you choose to be.”

He tips my head back and kisses me, his arms sliding around my waist. It’s a kiss with purpose-a kiss that speaks of more kisses to come, that this is the beginning, not the end. It’s the best kiss he’s ever given me. “You make me lose all self-control, Faye.”

“Oh, so it’s my fault?”

The sound of his deep laugh in my ear sends shivers down my back, and then he readjusts, and I can feel just how much he wants me. “Oh.”

“I’m half out of my mind with want. Have been for days, but after last night, it’s nearly uncontrollable.”

“Henry Marchand, out of control.” I reach up and run a hand through his hair, warm from the sunshine. “This is one for the books.”

“Not my best moment. We’re at my sister’s wedding reception, for Christ’s sake. There are people everywhere. I should be mingling and catching up with relatives, but the only thing I want to do is take you away from here.”

I look up at him through my lashes, biting my lip slightly, and watch as his eyes darken.

“Damn it.”

“I’m sorry. Maybe I should move away…”

His hand grips my waist. “Not necessary. I’ll have it under control in a minute.”

I take a sip, the champagne cool against my parched tongue. “This is going to complicate things further, you know.”

“You and me?”

Hearing him say it gives me goose bumps. “Yes.”

“Life is complicated,” he says. “We’ll figure it out. Trust me, Faye.”

And the crazy thing is… I do.

“Now, come on. Let’s try to do what we came here for before I go completely mad.” He bends down to my ear again. “Did I tell you that you look stunning?”

I smile. “Yes. But I’m not sure I believed you the first time.”

“Well, I’ll just have to say it again. And again. And again…”

I laugh, my head spinning happily. “I’d tell you to stop, but I don’t want you to.”