Page 87 of Strictly Business
“Hush,” Nina laughs and steals another fry. She pulls her shoes from the box on the table — red-bottomed stilettos, ivory-colored mesh houses a simple floral pattern, and the heel wrapped in suede. “You guys, I’m nervous. I know we’ve been married for two years, but… What if I mess up?”
“You’re gonna be fine,” I reassure her holding out my hand so she can step into the second shoe. “You’ve already done it, and besides, we’re all gonna be up there with you.”
“Your brother is waiting,” Eileen looks up from her phone, "impatiently, might I add. You ready?”
Nina lifts a finger and downs the rest of her champagne, taking a deep breath. “Okay, now I’m ready.”
I meet the nervous stare of my cousin at the end of the aisle and give him a reassuring smile as his brother squeezes his shoulder. The groomsmen wear burgundy bow ties and pocket squares to match our dresses. I’m extremely grateful they didn’t pair us to walk down the aisle. My partner would have been Finn and I’d like to avoid any kind of interaction a little longer. A subtle movement near the end of the groomsmen line catches my attention. Even though I tell myself not to, I meet his stare and he offers me a soft smile, the slightest uptick in the corner of his mouth, but I don’t return it. I turn and take my place next to Eileen. Elizabeth follows, giving Nick a thumbs up before taking her place as Matron-of-Honor.
There’s a moment of silence, and I swear I hear Nick’s heart beating before the melody shifts. He straightens and pulls his lips between his teeth as his wife steps into view, when their eyes meet, he visibly relaxes. A wide smile stretches his face matching the one on her own.
God, I want what they have.
Nina tosses her head back laughing at something Kai whispers for only her to hear. “Shut up,” she giggles a few steps from the altar.
“Take care of her,” Kai warns handing his sister over.
“Always,” Nick answers, never taking his eyes off her. She wipes the corner of his eye, and he kisses the back of her hand. “You look beautiful.”
“Looks like you won’t have to sue,” I hear Rae whisper to Lydia earning a giggle from the bridesmaids.
“You’re not so bad yourself,” Nina whispers and they turn to face the priest.
I should be paying attention to the ceremony, but my mind wanders to the man on the other side of the aisle. The countdown is on. I promised Nina I would tell him about David — tell everyone about David —after the wedding, and I have to keep that promise. David is handling everything in New York. I’ve let him take the lead, it’s easier that way. The condo is already on the market as of Thursday, and he says there is an open house today. My personal things have been packed up and shipped to Washington, but he decided to sell the condo furnished since he has everything we need. When I leave here, I’ll be going straight to Washington.
“The couple has prepared their own vows they’d like to share,” the priest interrupts my thoughts.
“If someone had told me when we were younger that we would be here, I would’ve told them they were insane,” Nick starts. “You have helped me grow so much in the last few years. I wish you had asked me to be your fake boyfriend sooner,” Nick says and I can practically see the whole body eye roll from Nina. “I’m so grateful for you and your love. You’ve helped me learn to open myself up to the unknown. You’ve taught me how to love again. Just the thought of you makes me smile. I promise to always love you, even when you’re stubborn and thick-headed.”
“I thought this supposed to be nice,” Nina laughs.
“I’m getting there,” Nick teases. “I know things won’t always be easy, but being able to wake up every morning knowing I have you by my side makes it worth it. I promise to always support you, honor you, and love you unconditionally. I love you so much, Dee.”
Nina wipes under her eyes, laughing. “I was trying to get through this without ruining my makeup. Sarah is going to kill you.”
Nick kisses her cheek.
“We’re not there yet,” the priest whispers, earning a laugh from the audience.
Nina takes a deep breath before she begins, “Nicholas, I’m sorry I have always been stubborn, whether at home or work. I wish I could tell you it will change, but—”
“It won’t.”
“No, it won’t.” She shakes her head. “Asking you to go to Haven was one of the best decisions I ever made, even if I didn’t think so initially. I was scared we wouldn’t be able to pull it off, but I guess we pulled it a little too well.”
“You think?” I mumble earning a look from both bride and groom.
“Sometimes, I wish things had worked out differently, that we had known each other in high school or stayed in touch at Rosecliffe. I wonder what our lives would be like had that been the case. The truth is, I wouldn’t change a thing. We are right where we’re meant to be.”
“I don’t think things would’ve worked out in school if Alex had anything to say about it.”
Alex blushes, “Shut up, dude.”
“You don’t always believe me when I say it, but Nick, you are the most amazing man,” Nina sighs. “You have the biggest heart and the most giving spirit. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you, to start a family, and experience the world together. I love your loyalty to me and our relationship. It’s something I’ve never experienced before. I promise to work on my patience, even if it means having to hold my tongue, to always support you, honor, and love you unconditionally.”
Well, that proves it, I’ll never have what they have.
Chapter Forty-Six