Page 135 of Sinful Betrayal

I can’t believe how lucky I am to be surrounded by wonderful friends.

“We really need to get you dressed, otherwise Anton’s going to think you’ve gone into labor or something.”

“Please don’t joke.” I very ungracefully get to my feet and wince as my back twinges. “I would rather not spend my wedding night in a hospital bed pushing a beach ball out of my vagina.”

“You’d much rather spend it on all fours as Anton?—”

“Emma!” Allie, Beatrice, and I all cry out at the same time.

Eventually I’m zipped into my dress that hugs my bump perfectly, and I follow behind the girls, all dressed in identical pale pink gowns, as we make our way to the main ballroom of the plaza hotel.

I always thought that I would be a bundle of nerves on my wedding day. Perhaps that there would even be an inkling of doubt as I made my way down the aisle toward my future husband, wondering if perhaps I was making the right choice.

But as Anton comes into view, and I catch sight of his smiling face, I realize that nothing has ever felt so right.

My eyes start to sting, and I haven’t even made it to the altar yet.

I’ve never seen him look so happy.

I knew today would mean a lot to him, to have not just his cousins stand beside him, but his brother too.

Maria even sits in the front row, nestled between Bianca and Zara.

Maria’s Alzheimer’s has remained fairly stable over the last few months, and I think being around family more has played a role in that.

While I applaud Anton for taking on the brunt of the responsibility that comes with his mother’s illness, seeing her benefit from having all of the children around as well as Nikolai has made him realize that he doesn’t need to do it alone anymore.

It makes my heart swell to know that no time at all, we’ll have our very own baby to add to our ever-growing family, and I cannot wait to watch Anton become a father.

After my mother died, I never thought I would experience what it was like to feel truly loved ever again.

But then I met Anton. He was the man I never saw coming, the man I was never meant to fall for, and yet here we are, about to declare our love for one another in front of all our friends and family.

This was the life I was always destined for, and I cannot wait to start living it.

I had initially planned on being the last man standing on the dancefloor at the end of my wedding. But then again, I never thought I would be eight months pregnant, my feet screaming at me, and I’m so tired I’m worried I might actually fall asleep standing up.

Anton senses my wavering energy and instantly scoops me into his arms while announcing to our guests that they are welcome to continue the celebrations but that the bride will be having an early night.

I am mortified, but then Anton gives me the look that tells me he will also be joining me in the early night, and I soon forget all about leaving the party early.

He doesn’t set me down onto my feet until we’re outside the door to the honeymoon suite.

I can’t stop smiling at Anton as he fishes around in his jacket pocket for the key, in complete awe of how handsome he looks.

Anton unlocks the door to our honeymoon suite before bending down to scoop me back into his arms.

“Anton!” I squeal as I wrap my arms around his neck.

“It’s tradition.” He carries me into the room and kicks the door closed.

“I didn’t think we were bothering with tradition, seeing as I’m already knocked up.”

“I fact I take great pride in.” Anton bends down to nuzzle my neck. “Now, what do you want first? A bath or a foot rub?”

“A foot rub.” I sigh as I think of my very swollen feet.

Anton chuckles and moves to settle me on the enormous bed that is littered with rose petals.