Chapter 151 CHAPTER 151
Chapter 151 CHAPTER 151
ROBIN
“Goodness, two months have slipped by already.” My hand hovered over my lips, careful not to ruin my makeup as I silently prayed to the tear gods that they’d spare me today.
Please, not today.
“Are you ready?” I asked, stroking Lana’s neatly plaited hair and staring at her beautiful reflection in the mirror.
“You look like a goddess, Lana.” Margaret piped up, sending an unwanted tear gliding down my cheek.
Holy cow, Margaret!
“Thank you, Mag.” Lana let out a shaky breath. “I’m nervous.” She gave a strained laugh, trying to keep any more tears from falling down.
“You’re going to ruin this beautiful makeup, my darling.” Lindsey warned, crouching low and retrieving a tissue before dabbing gently beneath Lana’s eyes.
“Oh, God,” Lana sniffled. “I’m so sorry.”
Lindsey smiled, carefully retouching her makeup.
“You’re good to go,” our mum declared, leaning in to straighten Lana’s veil before pressing a soft kiss to her cheek.
“Mum, I think we really need to go out now. Everyone is waiting.” I said, rushing to grasp the petal bowl.
Margaret skipped down the aisle, scattering delicate rose petals in Lana’s wake before I followed behind, my enormous belly impossible to miss in my deliberate amble. Glancing over my shoulder, I caught sight of Lana’s hand tucked into Mum’s as she walked her down the aisle.
Daddy would’ve wanted this. He would be pleased with Lana wherever he was.
Mike stood transfixed to the spot in awe, tears gleaming in his eyes. I couldn’t blame him. Lana looked breathtaking.
I made my way to the front and waited for Lana to take her place in front of me. When she finally did, Mike couldn’t contain his admiration. Neither could Jack as he stood behind Mike, his eyes remaining cemented on me from the moment I peered into the grand ballroom of the Betton Manor.
“I love you,” Jack mouthed. A wide grin breaking out all over my face.
“I love you too,” I mouthed back, my lips curling into a soft smile just as the officiant commenced.
“We have gathered here today to witness the union of the love that exists between Lana and Mike. A love that has withstood countless trials and challenges, yet never faltered. They held tightly to their undying commitment to one another, and today they share that love with all of you gathered here.”
He turned to Mike. “Do you have your vows ready?” Mike confirmed with a nod, before taking a slow step forward towards Lana, slowly lifting the blusher to reveal her face.
He let out a ragged exhale, followed by the softest ‘oh’ that was barely more than a whisper, his eyes heavy with tears. A quiet, choking sound caught in his throat, stealing his breath and the ability to express himself. He simply stared in awe, paralysed by her sheer grace and beauty. For several long moments he couldn’t say a thing. Finally, he swallowed hard, clearing his throat, finding a means to speak.
“Oh, Christ.” He laughed shakily. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever laid eyes on.” He managed for a start, gently gathering Lana’s hands into his.
“The day your father hired me as his personal chauffeur, I never imagined this day would ever materialise. I’ve loved you longer than I’ve known myself. But you were an impossible fantasy—the daughter of my boss. I could only laugh off the insanity.
“And so for years, I convinced myself that if I stayed aloof enough, stoic enough, far too professional enough, then I could bury those emotions. But I couldn’t lie to myself forever, my feelings for you became too overwhelming for me to ignore, and eventually, I had to succumb to it.
I was the happiest man alive the day I realised you felt the same way about me. You never cared for once that I didn’t have anything to my name. You loved me with a fierceness I didn’t think existed. You’re my dream come true, Lana. My life has meaning because of you, because of your love. There isn’t a single thing in my life I wouldn’t sacrifice for your happiness.
“You’re my whole existence, and today, standing before our families and friends, I promise to spend every day being the man you deserve. To honour you. To respect you. To cherish you. To love you with everything I have for the rest of my life.
“And I’m beyond grateful to call myself your husband. I love you.”
Lana gasped softly, and I could swear she had tears spilling down her face. Mine weren’t far behind.
His vows were so moving that I struggled to remain composed, and I couldn’t blame Lana for falling apart either.
Mike smoothly made a step closer and kissed Lana’s tears away before reluctantly returning to his former place. My heart completely melting on Lana’s behalf, watching a man worship and love a woman with such devotion stirred varied emotional reactions deep inside me.
My gaze drifted back to Jack’s just in time to catch him blowing me a kiss and mouthing another ‘I love you’
Despite everything, I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.