Page 34 of Forbidden Vow

Epilogue

Raven

“There are more people than I recall you inviting,” Maria said, the dress she wore swished as she poked her head out the door of the bridal dressing room, surveying the seated guests.

“My friend Mandy said she would bring a plus one,” Raven offered.

“Ah, well…her plus one is a Kardashian entourage,” Maria nodded. “We are going to need to add another table to the reception hall.”

“Whatever.” This was Raven’s wedding day. No way would she let Messy Mandy and her antics draw her attention. “Darius can afford it,” she grinned.

The Ponte Verte Yacht Club in North Florida was a wedding getaway complete with a white bridge over a softly babbling brook, large and small reception halls, two churches, sunset views, a beautifully groomed topiary, and wide trails covered by a canopy of oak trees leading to intricate gazebos for fairy tale ceremonies, complete with horse carriages. Anything a couple wanted for a picturesque wedding, anniversary or for those renewing their vows. They would find everything they needed at The Ponte Verte.

Maria held Daria Alexis so that her mother could add the final touches to her wedding dress. Yeah, their second child was destined to be a surprise, too. Seems that engagement consummation had resulted in four months of indigestion and five months of swollen ankles. While she’d been bloated and obnoxious, Darius and Lexi had been in awe of her growing tummy. Thanks to Daria, Raven met all the stipulations of Lexington’s will, including the one-year Shell Cove residence. Darius had insisted his daughter be cared for by Logan Masters, a personal friend of the family and a pediatrician on the Shell Cove Medical Center staff.

Their healthy baby girl, born at ten pounds, nine ounces, with light red curls and brown eyes, held her father’s heart. She had everything she ever wanted, the man she loved, and her children. The Kent estate was nice, too.

Raven clung to the strap holding the gown’s alabaster trail off the ground. Thin ringlets of her black hair spiraled from a beaded headdress that covered the tightly wound bun underneath.

Daria Alexis babbled and cooed as Maria closed the door from the standing-room-only sanctuary where Raven and Darius would finally tie the knot. Her sweet child had Raven’s light brown complexion but was no doubt her father’s daughter. Darius cooed over their little faun every chance he got. But Maria had forcibly escorted him from the bridal changing area until the vow exchange.

“It’s no wonder. Half the country is in attendance,” Raven rolled her eyes. “The twins crowed the date and time to every social maven, here and abroad. I’m sure they want to see the billionaire bachelor and the accused mistress-turned-heiress say,I do.”

They’d saved the date until now, fifteen months after that fated night at the hospital and six months after Dario’s birth. Darius had threatened to drag her to Vegas for an Elvis wedding if she delayed another. Men…they would never understand. Baby on board took on new meaning for a pregnant woman. Carrying an extra twenty-five on jumbo roll ankles took work.

She was glad they waited.

“You look beautiful.” Maria set Daria Alexis in her fluffy white bassinet. Pink ribbon embroidery decorated the rolling sleeper so Daria Alexis could join the ceremony. She’d cleared it with the doctor, and he’d said as long as there was minimal contact with all the guests, it was okay. Maria would oversee taking the baby home after the ceremony, but it wouldn’t have been the same if Daria Alexis had remained at home. Their family of four was too beautiful to shelter.

“You’re just saying that because I’m late,” Raven chuckled. “Is he out there? Is he nervous?”

Maria covered the baby with a matching blanket and jiggled a rattle over chubby little arms grabbing for the toy. “He’s out there, and you’re not late. He’s early. We are on your time. Never rush a bride. There’s too much stress to worry about punctuality.”

Raven took a breath and checked herself in the mirror one more time. “I guess I’m ready.”

There was a knock on the white panel door, and Maria answered.

“Darius, that better not be you again?” Maria called softly before opening.

“What’s taking you so long, Raven?” he called. “I got plans for you,” he intoned.

Gregor’s voice came next. “Galvin, get your brother to the alter, please.”

“Get off me,” Darius grumbled, but his sure footsteps retreated. “Babe, put some hustle in it. I’m thinking baby number three in nine months.”

Raven smiled, shaking her head. Yeah, he was still an asshole. But a very handsome, lovable one.

“Ready?” Gregor stood with Lexington in matching three-piece tuxedoes and deep grey cummerbunds. Her little man held a tawny basket filled with pink, white, and red rose petals as if he were marching to a death dirge instead of a wedding anthem. She smiled at her son, whose hair was finely combed and slicked back enough to count every blond strand.

“I’m ready.” Raven went to Gregor as he held out an elbow for her to take. She moved, careful to lift the trail up. The hallway was dark so that onlookers couldn’t see inside.

Maria stepped outside and wheeled out Daria Alexis in her baby cart, and then she laid the trail out to its perfect half-moon impressiveness.

Gregor puffed his chest out proud, but then sighed as if her son’s serious demeanor brought him down. “It should be my father walking you down the aisle.”

Her parents had declined the invitation. It had pained her, but not near as much as the realization that her parents would miss the joy of experiencing their grandkids. Lexington would have loved today, all his family together.

A twinge of hurt fluttered over her heart. She’d loved Lexington. “He’s with us.” She looked down at her son. “In spirit.”