Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 55792 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 279(@200wpm)___ 223(@250wpm)___ 186(@300wpm)
The whole island is mine, but I share it with Kai, Valen, and now her. We’re the ones in charge, and that’s not going to change anytime soon.
I’ve never wanted for anything in my life. Whatever I asked for, my father provided, and in his dying wish, he has given me a forever. Granted, he didn’t know about my relationship with Kai and Valen.
I don’t know what I’m doing. Walking into a married life with someone, with three someones, wasn’t part of my plan. I don’t think it’s part of anyone’s life plans, but here I am, watching the girl I love walk down the aisle.
She looks like a fucking angel.
The floor-length white dress has full skirts, and the bodice is a corset made of lace and embroidered with diamonds. With every step, Brielle shimmers like a beacon in the darkest of nights. Her long hair has been pinned up, but there are long, wavy strands which frame her delicate face. Her features are almost pixie-like as she smiles.
Her gaze flicks around the church, and she takes in every person. I’m saddened her father couldn’t be here to walk her down the aisle. I’m sure it’s every girl’s dream, but she doesn’t seem at all upset, or perturbed that she’s doing it alone.
Beside me, Kai and Valen stand with their backs straight. All three of us waiting on her. The moment she comes to a stop in front of me, she looks over my shoulder to the two men who she’s promising her life to, and then to me, the husband who will join her in this sacred ceremony.
Today is our day, and in a week, I’ll step up into my father’s role as Boss of the Venier family with her at my side.
“Are we ready?” The priest asks as we turn to face him. Brielle holds my hand, and I tangle my fingers through hers. I can’t deny it, I’m scared. Not in a bad way, but I’m nervous that something is going to go wrong. My gut churns as I silently pray that nobody will disrupt proceedings. Because that’s the last thing we need today of all days.
It’s Brielle who answers first, “We’re all ready.” It may sound like she’s talking about us, and the guests, but only the four of us knows she’s talking about the unique relationship we’re committing ourselves to.
“Then we shall begin. Welcome to all those gathered here today. It’s a momentous occasion when two people fall in love, and they agree to walk the path of holy matrimony.”
I DO
BRIELLE
I’m about to get married.
As I stand across from Judah, and I watch him look at me, my heart thrums in my chest. There’s a lump in my throat that’s been there since I left him this morning. I haven’t seen him since I left him with the letter. But as he offers me a smile, I realise it must have been good for him to read it.
“If there is anyone here who thinks that this union must not take place, speak now, or forever hold your peace.” As the priest utters the words, the lump that has been choking me since this morning feels as if it’s about to take me out completely.
But as silence greets us, I sigh a breath of relief. “You both have chosen to write your own words of promise.”
Judah nods and he pulls out a small scrap of paper, and I almost giggle when I notice just how nervous he really is. I thought it would just be me shaking like a leaf, but it seems he’s just as anxious as I am.
“There have been many moments in my life that I had disagreed with my father’s choices. He asked me to do something, and I would refuse, but I also spent my life not wanting to displease him. Even though I challenged him, I knew that one day, I would see life through his eyes.”
Judah stops, then looks at the guests, and offers Jordan a grin. The brothers are so similar, but they’re also so very different in many respects.
“But today, I stand here before you, Brielle Saviatti, and I’m obeying my father without debate. It’s the first time in my life that I agree with him wholeheartedly.”
This makes me laugh, and the guests join in as they chuckle. There is a lightness to the congregation, and it seems happiness has filled the small island church.
“I take your hand today,” Judah continues, “And I promise to hold it through the darkest of times, and the best of times. There will be ups and downs, sickness and health, and I can’t deny there will be times you’ll want me to leave you alone. But, in all those moments we go through, we will still do it together.”
I promised myself I wouldn’t cry, but his words tug at my heart, and I can feel the tears burning my lashes as I fight them. I don’t want them to fall, not yet because I have my vows to go through.