Enemy Mine

Chapter 80

~ WEDDING DAY ~

It amazed me how quickly everyone scrambled to accommodate the wedding, even with the interruption of Christmas. Nearly every person we invited could attend, along with plenty of nosy paparazzi who hung around outside to get candid shots. Rather than the Waldorf hosting the nuptials, Bates and his partner Gerald insisted on having the ceremony and reception at the small theater Vincent supported, and the dressing room became the official changing room, with every female in the wedding party doting on me.

"I'm so glad Deidra didn't damage your dress," Wren said as she surveyed my gown from top to bottom. "I expect she didn't have the heart to do it since she is personal friends with the designer. It would have been terribly poor form."

"So, she does have some principles," I said.

Sylvie stepped forward and held out the Jaipur bracelet Vincent had given me in Verona. "Your jewels, my lady," she said with a bow. "And I also have the earrings Colin bought me so you can wear those if you'd like." She attached the bracelet to my wrist then held up the earrings, giving me a questioning shrug.

"Thank you, Sylvie. I will consider them as something borrowed, like that ancient wedding tradition."

"You have never been traditional, chica, and you better not start now."

"Heavens no."

We grinned at each other while everyone bustled around us, and for a moment my world didn't include murderous relatives and supernatural queens. It felt normal... almost. I was reminded where I was when a knock came at the dressing room door and Charleton's voice echoed from the other side.

"Reese, if you're ready, your father and I are here to escort you to your mate."

"Okay," I answered weakly.

The thing was, I didn't feel quite ready. My stomach had been off all morning, and I had a dizzy spell inside the Escalade on the way over, which I hid from Vincent. Of course, I wanted to be with him more than anything in the world, but I had never committed myself to anyone. Now, here I was getting married after knowing my future husband for a measly ten weeks. Ten weeks! It was damn scary. What if he became too controlling? He had the tendencies. And our gollum lifestyle was sure to have me waiting anxiously during those late nights when Vincent fought the bad guys.

I didn't have much time to ponder my future before Mom slipped her arm inside mine and offered me her cure-all smile. "You look absolutely radiant, Reese," she said as she kissed my cheek gently. "Your father and I are so proud of you. You've made a wonderful choice with Vincent."

"I know, Mom. He's amazing."

"You're nervous, aren't you?" she asked as she fiddled with a curl coiled next to my face. "That's completely normal. Just remember, we all love you and we're here to support you."

"Thanks."

I held tightly to her arm as we walked out of the room, and everyone proceeded to the stage, which had been set up with the same props used for the theater's production of A Midsummer's Night Dream. Thousands of lavender and pale blue flower petals had been strewn across the floor, surrounding a white gazebo. From the topmost point, streamers in pastel colors swagged to the edges of the stage, making it look like a maypole. Even the air had been scented with the perfume of lilacs, a favorite of mine.

Vincent stood waiting inside the gazebo, dressed smartly in a black tuxedo accented with a baby blue tie. He looked distinguished and all-powerful, like a king or a god. Jonathan and Colin stood next to him, both looking equally dashing, but it was my mate I couldn't take my eyes off despite my faltering steps. Only when I reached the platform and Vincent held out his hand, did I glance down to make sure I made it up without incident.