Page 57 of Endlessly Raphael
I walk over to sit on the bench in the hotel room where we’re having a little party afterward. Apparently, Syn knows someone who runs it and pulled off a reception for us. Since this may be my only wedding, I guess I’ll try to enjoy it.
Viper and Vivienne, wearing matching blood red dresses that show off plenty of cleavage, kneel before me. One glamorous, one goth, they hold your attention, that’s for sure.
“Close your eyes,” Viper says.
I do as I’m told, waiting for whatever they have planned. The next sensation is warmth spreading through my chest, especially where my heart is. Like a box being unlocked or a present revealed, my heart opens, filling my body with pleasant tingling.
“What—”
“Shh,” Vivienne says, blowing a warm breath on my face. “Just feel.”
Everything around me blurs and drifts away and all that’s left is Raphael. I see him in my mind as if he’s standing right in front of me. He doesn’t speak, but he doesn’t have to. Everything he’s thinking and feeling seeps into me, my soul soaking it up like a sponge. I’m left breathless and floating on a cloud. Somehow, I believe that Rapha is in my life for a reason. An important one.
Is he the one?
A cool breeze clears away the haze, leaving me relaxed and happy. “That was incredible.”
Both women smile but don’t offer an explanation.
“No? Not telling me what that was?”
“Energy work,” Viper says. “Just like Viv said.”
“Energy work. Cool.”
Viper giggles. “Come on. Raph is waiting for you.”
“Right.” I stand, straightening my shoulders, then allow the women to lead me to the exit.
Just across the street is the courthouse where the formalities will take place. I’m expecting the estate trustee to be there, but no one else in my family. I wish my mom could be here. Oh well. For now, I’ll just pretend that Rapha’s family is mine.
“Did you invite any friends?” Viper asks while we wait for the light to change to cross the street.
“Um, no. I don’t really have any. Not anymore.” I glance at the women with a fake smile, then drop it. “When my father disowned me, a lot of my so-called friends ditched me. I wasn’t on their level anymore without money and status. Guess I found out why they really hung out with me.”
“Ugh, I hate shallow people,” Viv says, looping her arm through mine. “You won’t find that around here with us. We’re an odd bunch but an authentic one.”
“I can tell. I just hope it’s not temporary. I mean, all of this is just…” The words fall away. Something inside me won’t let me say them. Maybe if I don’t put them out there, it won’t happen, and I can stay.
Viv and Viper just smile like they know something I don’t. The light changes and we cross. The closer we get, the calmer I feel. Like even if my dad and uncles show up to ruin it, Rapha won’t let them. I believe that.
Viper opens the courthouse door and after passing through the metal detectors, we walk down the hall where I see Rapha and his brothers standing in a half circle. Yves sees me and taps Rapha’s shoulder, who has his back to me.
When he turns around, my jaw drops. His long hair is tied back and he’s wearing a gorgeous slate-blue suit. It looks like it was made for his body. Oh wow. I get to call this man my husband. At least for a while.
Then he steps to the side and my mother appears. My eyes well with tears. I’m too shocked to move until Viv and Viper give me a tiny nudge.
“Mom.”
She smiles, reaching up to touch my cheek. “The trustee wouldn’t give up the location, and it was hard to find a number for Raphael, but I did it. I hope I’m invited.”
“Of course.” I wrap my arms around her. “Thank you.”
She kisses my cheek. “Everything will be okay, my son. I couldn’t miss your big day.”
I hug her again, mouthing, “Thank you,” to Raphael. The smile on his face could melt an iceberg in the Arctic.
A few minutes later, the estate trustee joins us, looking slightly surprised by the large group and my mother’s presence. Pretty authentic, I’d say.