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The experience had been traumatic, but I’d enjoyed Attikus taking advantage of his injury by pulling me onto his lap and had played along with my mischievous fiancé.

Two could play that game.

Like a fool, I stood in front of his bedroom door, giggling to myself.

“You won’t find me in the door, Lily Pad.”

I jumped at the deep voice behind me. Heat blossomed on my face as I turned to see Attikusleaning against the wall in the lounge area, staring at me. How long had he been standing there? He looked sexy and sophisticated in his black tux. His eyes raked over me, moving slowly over my body. His magnetism was something I’d never experienced. I couldn’t break his gaze or step away—not that I wanted to.

Attikuspushed himself offthe wall and walked over to me. My heart skipped at how gorgeous he was. Tall, handsome, powerful, mysterious, and cunning. The list went on and on.

He took my hand in his and kissed it. “You’re absolutely breathtaking.”

I swallowed, finding my breath again. “You’re dashing, Whistler.”

“Ready to tie the knot with me?” His eyes beamed.

“Where’s your cane?”

“I don’t need it for the ceremony.”

“Did you ask the justice of the peace to prepare a generic vow?”

“Everything is all set. Just relax.”

Simplicity was the word of the day. We stood in the backyard with the beach behind us. Pots of exotic flowers surrounded the lounge area. Apparently, he’d instructed people to decorate the backyard early this morning.

Hoku arrived and took photos of the wedding décor, setting, and of us checking out the area. Attikus offered me a gorgeous bouquet of lilies and orchids. I had forgotten about the bouquet. How could I have overlooked such an important thing?

“Thank you for remembering,” I said, gazing at the flowers. I placed the bouquet down, grabbed the boutonniere,and secured it to his lapel.

“Like I said, just enjoy the day.”

The justice of the peace stepped outside and offered us a friendly smile.

“It’s you,” I said. “You work for the MountMuseum.”

“I do.” The justice of the peace smiled. “I’m Agnes Sullivan, and I’ll be conducting your ceremony. It’s a funside job. So when Attikus asked me for a last-minute favor, I couldn’t resist it.”

“Thank you for accommodating us,” I said.

“He’s a good man, and I’d do anything for him.” Agnes offered Attikus a hug. “You look dashing.”

“Thanks for being here.” He smiled.

Hoku positioned himself for photos of us exchanging vows. Velvety butterflies fluttered inside me. Was this what all brides experienced? The nerves, the excitement . . . and the fear that this blissful moment wouldn’t last.

“All right, let’s get started.” Agnes nodded at me. “Repeat after me.”

“I, Vanessa Lam, can create the most extraordinary painting,” I said. “But whenyouentered my life, you became the paintbrush I couldn’t live without.”

I looked at him, speechless at the power and beauty of the short vow. Agnes hadn’t written this. From the look in his eyes, I knew he had. Why? Where had he found the time to write this vow? Had he written it for someone else and used it for this fake wedding?

He looked at me as though he understood the questions floating in my head. He smiled and squeezed my hand.

“I, Attikus Mount, cannot resist a soul-searching masterpiece. So when I saw you, I recognized my soul. That was the day my life started. I cannot wait to see the masterpiece we’ll create together.”

My heart burst with love and emotions I couldn’t comprehend. Why was I so emotional when this wasn’t real? But it seemed too real to me. When he looked at me and spoke those loving words, I couldn’t help but accept them.