Page 66

CHAPTER 65

ANASTASIA

Two Weeks Later…

“Are you ready, sis?” Jax asks.

I clutch my black rose bouquet tighter, its velvety petals cool against my skin, as he links his arm through mine.

“More than ready.”

“Do you want to switch sides? Is your shoulder okay?” I ask, looking up at him.

He looks like our dad.

My heart sinks, a heavy weight in my chest, as I realize neither of my parents are here.

“I’ll live. What’s with the face?”

I frown and he chuckles, clicking his tongue bar against his teeth.

“I put on the same one when I’m upset. We’re more similar than we think.”

He smiles down at me, and I realize how lucky I am.

I found my brother. We have a big family that loves us.

We might both have been lost in this world, but we were found by the most incredible people.

“You seem pretty happy with life now?” I ask softly.

Mikhail told me about Jax’s history and my heart broke for him. I’m glad he had Sofia to drag him out of the darkness.

“It’s always going to be there in the background, that sadness that creeps in. But I am happy. My family keeps me out of chaos, and now you. It’s kinda perfect, isn’t it?”

A single tear tracks down my cheek, leaving a cool trail that he gently wipes it away with his thumb.

“It is perfect. And we get to watch our kids grow up together.”

“Shh. That little man might have a cousin the same age as him.”

My mouth falls open, and I squeal with excitement, wrapping my arms around him.

“Congratulations, bro. This is going to be amazing. Watching our kids have the childhood we wished for.”

I pull back and re-link my arm through his.

“Here’s to a beautiful life of chaos, sis.”

“To chaos.” I smile back at him. “Let’s get me married, again.”

He nods, tugging down on his suit jacket as we head towards the entrance.

“I never thought I’d see the day Miki falls in love.”

A burst of laughter escapes my lips.

“I don’t think he did either. I tricked him with my spells.”

“Can you mix up a spell to get him off my ass? I’m exhausted.”

With a dramatic roll of my eyes, and a tug at his arm, I pull him toward the main chamber, the handle cool beneath my hand.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

As the heavy wooden doors creak open, revealing the dimly lit gothic church, a wave of emotion threatens to overwhelm me.

Black and white roses climb every surface, their thorny stems intertwined, creating a dramatic display.

Only the first three rows are filled with people. Close family and friends, the ones we trust and love.

Not that I take notice of those people. My eyes lock onto my husband. Even in the mask, he’s the most attractive man I have ever seen.

I can see by the creases and the way his dark eyes speak to me. He’s smiling.

I blow him a kiss, a silent, playful gesture, as I step into the room.

He might already be my husband, but this is the real deal. The wedding we both deserve, one for love, not for convenience.

Although, even all those months ago, we loved each other.

This was always meant to be. It was written in the stars for us.