Page 89 of Vows in Sin

“Everyone will be. But most of all, me.”

I study his face. “Thrilled enough to wear a tie?”

“If it makes you happy, then, yes, babydoll. I’ll wear a tie. For you.” He kisses my forehead. “Tickety-boo and all.”

“We’re going to be husband and wife. That’s super tickety-boo.” I wrap my arms around his neck, claiming him as mine. “And you have to dance with me at the reception.”

“Disco?” Raised brows.

I shrug. “Naturally.”

“You planning on wearing steel-toed boots under your dress?” he asks.

“We’ll practice,” I assure him.

“Okay, sweetheart. It’s your toes at risk.”

“Mr. and Mrs. Bachman,” I whisper, finally letting myself daydream about being his wife, being a member of the family I’ve grown to love so much.

“We will be, soon,” his voice rough with feeling. “And here we are.”

“And here we are,” I echo back. Our special thing. “Now kiss me, already.”

“Will do, Doll.”

And he kisses me, his bride-to-be.

31

Reign

Our little flower girl is sprinkling her leftover petals all over the dance floor. Tina Charles comes over the loudspeakers, belting out that she ‘loves to love.’ The fortieth person tonight compliments my tie as I walk by them.

“Thanks,” I say. “I’m searching for my bride. Have you seen her?”

They nod over my shoulder. “Right behind you.”

I turn and there she is. A vision of beauty and love. Flowers and pearls in her hair, the white lace of her long dress trailing behind her. Grabbing my hand, my bride drags me right to the center of the floor, forcing me to participate.

“Come on! It’s time.”

“Are you sure about this?” I ask.

“We practiced for this.” She smiles. “We can’t let the team down.”

“Team?” I glance around. We’re an island being observed by a sea of people. “What are you on about?”

“You’ll see.” She takes my hand. The two of us. Alone. Center stage. The lights focus on our faces. I cringe. The music starts. The familiar beat. I’ve heard this song a thousand times.

Desperate to please her, I have practiced these steps so often that I dream about them.

“You’ve got this.” She smiles up at me, and I try. Left. Right. Left. Right. Kick. Damn, that was the wrong foot. I don’t give up, going straight into the part where I hold her hand high and she twirls.

Nailed it!

Fuck yeah.

To my right, Tabby, Cleo, and Eloise appear, doing their synchronized steps.