Page 45 of Single Mom’s Undoing (Lucky Lady Reverse Harems #1)

CLARA

S aying I do was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.

And the best thing.

Because now I get to clink a glass of champagne with my official husband, Carter, and with his two best men and my other husbands, Damon and Jace.

“You look perfect,” Jace whispers, and plants a kiss on my cheek.

I am giddy like a little girl, feeling like a queen in my wedding dress.

The tailor was a genius, the design hugging my Rubenesque figure in all the right places.

Layers of white silk and organza flow from my hips, embroidered with real pearls and delicate faux flowers.

Every inch of me is beautiful, and that is precisely what I’ve always wanted.

Real beauty that exudes from sheer happiness.

“Must be because I’m the happiest I’ve ever been,” I tell him .

We’re at the wedding reception. It’s small but wonderfully loud, with a handful of friends, most of them from Vanguard, good and kind people who have supported us every step of the way.

Carter and the guys attend to my every need, while I occasionally go over to make sure our kids are equally looked after.

“Matty, how’s your juice?” I ask my boy.

He sits across the table from us, next to a lovely looking Shiloh and our twins, David and Ella, now six months old and keeping Jodie and Margot busy.

“It’s grape; I love it!” Matty exclaims.

“Gosh, you’re so handsome in your little tux,” I chuckle, fawning over him.

“Shiloh is pretty, too,” he says, giving his sister a broad smile.

“I am pretty,” the girl declares, lighting up when Damon nods in agreement.

“The prettiest girl here,” he says. “Next to you, of course,” he adds, looking my way.

I laugh and clink his glass again. “Baby, I’ll let Shy-Shy take the spotlight anytime.”

“Congratulations,” Margot says, holding Ella, who’s close to falling asleep in her arms. “You made it to the official side of marriage. I really hope it doesn’t dampen the mood for you all, going forward.”

Jodie rolls her eyes. “Way to be optimistic, Margot.”

“I’m being realistic! ”

David reaches for his sister but sighs in disappointment when he realizes that she’s asleep. I can’t get over how adorable he is when he gets all pouty and fidgety—a clear sign that he’s about to delve into a nap of his own.

The table is rowdy and giddy. The champagne keeps flowing as the estate waiters bring the first round of food over—a variety of hors d’oeuvres and fresh salads, Italian-style crostini, and a broad selection of fine cheeses and caviar.

The music is loud, the notes flowing from a marvelous live band that we hired during one of our weekend trips to Portland.

I couldn’t have imagined a better wedding day.

“So, how does it feel?” Jodie asks me. “Being married.”

“I’m not sure. I’m way too happy right now to properly describe how it feels,” I reply with a sly grin.

“We made it this far, right?” Jace says. “It’s only going to get better from here.”

“Loving your optimism,” Margot says sarcastically, raining on his parade, though she does it for fun. It’s her style, and I’ve grown not only accustomed but rather fond of it.

Wry humor is her coping mechanism—she’s been healing from so much over the past several months, I’m actually proud of her. Almost a year sober now, Margot shines beautifully in her lilac bridesmaid’s gown, her skin glowing as she drinks grape juice alongside Matty and Shiloh.

“Where is the honeymoon taking you?” she asks Carter.

“We settled on Hawaii,” he says. “Clara made a good case for it.”

“Oh?” she looks at me with genuine curiosity .

“Well, I’m really fond of the Hawaiian culture, especially the parts about family. I guess I’ve seen Lilo & Stitch so many times with Matty and Shy-Shy that it’s rubbed off on me. Hawaii just felt like the right place for us to celebrate our union and our growing family.”

“That’s actually incredibly sweet,” Margot tears up.

“Plus, the beaches are fantastic,” Jodie adds. “Pack plenty of lotion, sister, because that pale skin of yours will suffer.”

“And you called me a Debbie Downer not five minutes ago,” Margot mutters. “Oh! I almost forgot!”

“What?” I ask.

She takes a deep breath, making sure Ella is still asleep before she sets her in the carriage just behind her seat. Once the baby girl is nestled safely in her nap spot, Margot raises her grape juice glass and offers a warm, generous smile.

“I have a wedding gift for you.”

“Margot, come on. We said no gifts,” Carter replies.

“Very funny,” she says, then looks at me. “You’re gonna love it.”

“I’m already loving it,” I say.

She frowns slightly. “You don’t even know what it is yet.”

“It’s coming from you. Already loving it.”

“Dammit, girl. Making me cry again.” She takes a deep breath for composure.

“So! I’ve been listening to you drone on and on about opening an art and design school in this county for months now.

Your future project and how it’s going to positively impact so many of the struggling youth across five districts.

Peace and love, art and architecture, brighter future for the kids, yadda, yadda. ”

Jace laughs. “She really sold you on it.”

“And then some!” Margot replies. “I figured I’d help you with an actual physical location,” she adds and presents me with a small white box. “Here.”

I stare at it for a moment. “What is it?”

“Open it!”

I do as I’m told. Inside is a set of house keys with an acrylic chain shaped like a white lily. I look up at her in curiosity.

“Remember the summer house?”

“Oh, you mean the place where we were almost killed?” I shoot back, half laughing. “The place that got raided by the Feds?”

“It’s yours,” Margot replies. “Felt like karmic justice.”

My mind goes blank for the longest second before I understand what she just said to me. Slowly, I turn to look at Carter, Jace, and Damon. They’re smiling broadly, not at all surprised. They knew this was coming.

Jodie, on the other hand, sits with her mouth agape.

“Margot, you can’t be serious,” I manage, my voice trembling with emotion.

“It has everything you need to set up a proper design school. Spacious rooms for specialized classes, common areas, studio spaces, and plenty of outdoor spots, as well. Then there’s the peach orchard next door,” she adds.

“I need it to collect new and better memories, Clara. My brother and I had wonderful moments there until our father ruined it. And I can’t think of anyone more worthy to take over and build something beautiful with it.

Nor can I think of anything more beautiful than an affordable art and design school for at-risk kids. ”

“Oh, Margot, I can’t believe this,” I whisper, tears filling my eyes as I clutch the keys close to my chest.

She gives me a warm smile. “Believe it. Because you deserve it.”

“She most certainly does,” Carter adds and pulls me in for a deep, heartfelt kiss.

I most certainly do, don’t I?

Who’d have thought?

Six years ago, I was running away from the love of my life and my hometown, fearing for my future and my safety.

Today, I’m married to three phenomenal men, raising four amazing kids, and now in charge of Blackthorn Falls’ first specialized art and design institute for at-risk children all over the county.

Yes, I deserve it.

And so do they.

I hope you loved Clara’s love story.