Protect My Heart

Chapter 7

Clover

6 July 2018 (Two years ago)

The mirror reflected the white dress as I was getting the jitters. I looked pretty, very pretty. The dress had a V-neck illusion plunge, as well as illusion straps. My lower back covered with lace, The Chantilly lace material with sequins and re-embroidered lace gave this dress a ballgown effect. My body was shaped into the mermaid gown – something I'd not usually wear, but the wedding was a special occasion. My hair was in a milkmaid braid with natural makeup, but I added the rose-gold eyeshadow.

But goddamn, I was pregnant. Four months, to be precise.

"Jesus, Midge, you look beautiful."

Mason leaned against the doorway in a suit, eyes sparkling. He looked like he was going to cry. I wouldn't blame him because I was on the verge of tears too. "You don't look so bad yourself."

"Logan is a lucky guy. He has a beautiful bride. Mine was a stunning bride too. Oh, the memories..."

I laughed softly. "I can't believe it's here, Mase. I'm getting married."

Kissing me on the head, Mason slid up close. "It's your and Logan's day. Remember how we were kids and you talked about never wanting to get married? Look where we are now."

"I didn't think about kids either, until..." I pointed to the bump. "Thank you for being there for me."

"I love you, Midge."

He urged me to the limousine. Yes, Logan had to go all fancy. I would've been fine with our own car, but he insisted. Mason held my hand through the drive, asking if I was nervous. When he asked that, the emotions bottled up and I twirled the engagement ring around my finger.

"I don't think I can do this..."

Mason's grip tightened on my hand. "You're not bailing on him, are you? He'll be heartbroken if you don't show up. But if you want to run, I'll run with you. I've just got to tell El –"

"I'm not running," I said. I'd not leave him like this. "I'm going through with this. But I'm not fond of the idea of expressing my feelings in front of those strangers. They're our cousins, but they've not been there, you know?"

An evil glint swam in his eyes. "You'll be fine. It's about them, Clo. It's about you and Logan."

Frowning, I realized we'd been driving for at least twenty minutes. Checking the time on the dashboard next to the driver. The wedding started five minutes ago! "Mason, what the fuck! We're so late! Oh, God, he's going to kill me! Are you kidnapping me on my wedding day –"

Mason scoffed. "Chill out, Midge, I'm not into cheating. Give it a few minutes. You'll see."

A couple of minutes later the car slowed down next to a beach. Mason shoved me out, thanking the driver. I kept shouting at him, whether he was crazy, whether he'd been secretly in love with me, and this was the getaway. Putting his hands over my eyes from behind, he began leading me towards a secret location. I tried prying his hands off, but he was stronger than me.

"Hey, sis." At Ned's voice, Mason's hands fell away. Confused, I stared at my brother and his inviting hand. "May I walk you down the aisle?"

A red carpet led our way, starting from a stand that my husband, our friends, and our family occupied. Rose petals scattered the pathway, leading up to my husband. My girls smiled there in their bridesmaid dresses. Adam stood next to Logan in a handsome suit. Jane and Jamie waved at me from the seats, as well as Ned's boyfriend Kane. Josh (Adam's and Bella's son) sat with Zack who was the adopted son of Zoe and Sebastian. Last but not least, there were Mason's and Elisa's kids. As well as a few of our cousins.