Total pages in book: 95
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89592 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 448(@200wpm)___ 358(@250wpm)___ 299(@300wpm)
“Wow,” Gregor breathes beside me.
He has taken the word right out of my mouth. Sid is the perfect bride. Her hair is styled in large curls with a gold and diamond crown fixed into them. I know the diamonds are real because the crown was a gift from me.
Delta sent me an email about it during the planning. She told me Sid’s face lit up when she saw the one-of-a-kind custom design, but she refused to get it. I approved the purchase without a second thought. It belongs on my bride.
I wish I could capture this very moment and play it over and over every day of my life. In this moment, I not only feel her love—it’s as if I become it. It’s like I’m watching this from outside of my body.
Time has slowed down, and my heart starts to beat a little more with each step she takes. The smile on her face is so bright, I can’t help smiling back at her.
When she stops before me, I want to grasp the back of her neck and kiss her as breathless as she’s made me. Instead, I take her hand and help her up the step.
“You look exquisite.”
“Thank you. You look like a million bucks yourself.”
We both laugh at her joke. “I don’t regret a thing, I’d do it all again. Not a penny has been wasted,” I murmur for only her to hear.
“Well, Mr. Hennessy, I think it’s time we get you your money’s worth.”
I wink at her. “I’ve already tripled my investment.”
“Ha, we’ll see about that.”
In less than an hour, I stand looking into the twinkling eyes of Mrs. Clayton Hennessy.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
And that I do.
Chapter 41
Bliss
Sidney
“I love you,” I purr up at Clayton.
The sound of the waves in the background is our soundtrack. This has been sheer bliss. A tropical getaway after an amazing wedding.
“I love you more.” He kisses the tip of my nose.
Last year, I never would’ve thought this would be my life. I was too afraid I was on my way to jail for something I didn’t even do.
Clay’s eyes are glowing as he looks down at me. I can’t believe I’m married. Our wedding was phenomenal. My wedding gown was perfect. When I came into view, the look on Clayton’s face is something I will never forget.
From my diamond crown to the gold-and-white gown, it was all perfect. The white-and-gold light silk chiffon dress draped my body and flowed with me. I truly felt like a queen.
The location, the flowers, the food, all the planning that I thought was useless turned into the wedding of my dreams. I wish I could do it all over again.
This time knowing that I’d actually be getting married. I would have committed more of the planning experience to memory. Not for the first time over the last week, I wonder if this had always been my husband’s plan.
As he would say, he’s always a step ahead. Although, I don’t think it’s possible to be a step ahead of love. There was no way he could’ve known we would fall for each other. At least, he couldn’t have known he’d fall for me. I, on the other hand, never stood a chance.
As I think back over everything, Clayton aimed for my heart and hasn’t been so subtle about it. I’ve just been too dense to see it. Chloe was right, patience has paid off.
“You’re overthinking again,” he purrs, squeezing my waist.
“No, just wondering,” I reply.
“Overthinking,” he challenges with a teasing grin.
“You should smile like that more often,” I change the subject.
“For you, maybe.” He shrugs.
I twist my lips at him. “You like leaving everyone uncertain about you.” I shake my head.
“Again, you’re the only one who needs to be certain about me,” he croons, tugging me closer.
He takes my lips in a tender kiss that shows his love for me. I feel it in my toes. I fall deeper into the moment, the more he kisses me as the ocean lulls me into a sense of comfort.
Clay breaks the kiss, turning to look out at the ocean. I watch him as he watches the crashing waves coming into shore. We came out onto the beach after an amazing lunch and drinks poolside.
Life is very different when your husband is one of the wealthiest men in the world. I forget that fact sometimes. All the Hennessys are so down to earth. Clay is hardworking and while stern, I see the compassion he has for those who work for him.
My father-in-law has even grown on me. I know Clay and his brothers see the old man as a jerk, but I see something else each time I get to interact with him. Not that I can ever forget what Clay told me about him abandoning him in his time of need.