horpe glanced around. “So, Connor really isn’t coming today?”
Henson scanned the room as well, but didn’t spot Connor anywhere. “Looks like he meant it. That guy’s nothing if not straightforward. To be honest, I’ve never quite figured out why someone like Connor is even in Justin’s circle. Those two are always at each other’s throats, but Justin keeps letting him hang around.”
He turned to another friend. “Hey, James, do you know what started all the drama between those two in the first place?”
Thorpe’s gaze drifted over to the aisle, careful not to betray any sign that he knew the answer. Henson was notorious for gossip, and the last thing Thorpe wanted was for Justin to find out he’d been the source of the leak. Across the room, Edith walked arm in arm with Kearney, allowing herself to be guided toward Justin, who stood waiting in a perfectly tailored suit. Beneath her veil, Edith glanced at Justin. Today, he was
immaculate–every detail in place–projecting an extra air of elegance and restraint.
The moment their eyes met, Edith felt heat rush to her cheeks. She immediately looked away, fixing her gaze on the path at her feet.
Kearney led her to a stop in front of Justin. As he placed Edith’s hand into Justin’s, his face was a mixture of gratitude and relief. He knew Justin wouldn’t let Edith down. After all, Justin had gone out of his way to make sure Kearney could be there, just to make the wedding feel more complete for Edith.
That kind of gesture said everything. There was no obligation for Justin to do any of it–he simply chose to, and that was proof enough.
Justin took Edith’s hand in his, gripping a little tighter than usual, emotion tightening his hold. Even Edith could feel the intensity.
Chapter 119
A flower girl handed Justin a small red velvet box.
He dropped to one knee and opened it, revealing its contents to the entire
room.
The guests collectively held their breath. Pink diamonds weren’t unheard of, but a five–carat pink diamond was a rare sight indeed.
Justin hadn’t held back this time.
Edith’s vision swam for a moment before she focused on the dazzling, almost otherworldly gem. But what startled her even more was seeing Justin kneeling before her–a gesture so at odds with his usual
composure.
She’d expected Justin to treat this as little more than a formality. She never imagined he’d play the part so convincingly.
“For the rest of our lives, let’s take care of each other.”
With those words, Justin slipped the ring onto Edith’s delicate finger.
Another flower girl approached and handed Edith a second red velvet box.
Justin had even prepared this?
Edith opened the box to find a simple wedding band nestled inside. Compared to the extravagant pink diamond on her ring finger, it seemed almost plain.
Justin stood and, noticing Edith’s surprise, leaned in to whisper softly in her ear. “A man’s ring doesn’t need to be flashy. I just need to wear it–a constant reminder of the promise I’m making you today. For the rest of our lives, it’s you and me.”
Edith’s heart pounded, a warm flush coloring her cheeks.
After the rings were exchanged, Justin lifted her veil, the delicate fabric drifting down around them. He slipped under the veil with her, and–catching her completely off guard–bent down for a perfectly timed. kiss on her lips.
212
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.