Chapter 89
“I still can’t believe we’re doing this,” Blair said, stepping out of the car in front of Bella’s Bridal Boutique. “The wedding is this weekend. Shouldn’t we have done this months ago?”
“Most people, yes,” Sutton agreed, carefully maneuvering her very pregnant form out of the car. “But most people don’t get engaged, catch an embezzler, confront a jealous ex–wife, expose a murderous uncle, and take over a family business all within the span of a few weeks.”
Keira jumped out from the back seat, grinning. “Yeah, Blair. Stop being such an overachiever. Some of us can barely manage to show up to work on time.”
“Speaking of which,” Blair said, eyeing her younger sister, “how did you get time off from His Royal Highness?”
Keira’s smile turned smug. “I may have implied there was a family emergency. Technically, not having a wedding dress a few days before your wedding qualifies.” She had arrived home this morning and Blair could see she was jetlagged.
“You’re terrible,” Blair laughed.
“I’m pragmatic,” Keira corrected. “Also, turns out the prince isn’t completely heartless. He actually told me to ‘take as much time as you need.‘ I almost fainted from shock.”
“Maybe he’s finally recognizing your value,” Sutton suggested as they approached the boutique’s elegant glass doors.
“Or maybe he’s realized I’m the only person who knows how to work the fancy coffee machine,” Keira replied. “Either way, I’m free for as long as he can put up with someone else making it.”
Blair felt a wave of gratitude wash over her. With everything happening so quickly, there had been precious little time for just the three of them together. This dress shopping expedition, however last–minute, was exactly what she needed.
The boutique’s interior was all soft cream and blush tones, with crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the intimate space. A slender woman in her fifties approached them, her smile practiced but genuine.
“Welcome to Bella’s. I’m Sophia. You must be Blair.” She extended her hand. “Roman called ahead. He said something special on short notice.”
you
needed
Blair shook her hand. “That’s right. Our wedding is Saturday.”
Sophia didn’t bat an eye at the tight timeline. “We specialize in miracles. Now, tell me what you’re envisioning.”
Keira snorted, saying under her breath… “Miracles my ass more like a big cheque from Roman.”
Before Blair could answer, the boutique’s door chimed. All four women turned to see who had entered.
Luca.
He stood awkwardly in the doorway, looking as surprised to see them as they were to see him.
“I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “I didn’t realize… I was just dropping something off.” He held up a small package.
Blair glanced at Sutton, whose face had gone slightly pink. The tension between them was almost touchable, though Blair knew they’d been cautiously building some kind of relationship. For the baby’s sake, if nothing else.
“It’s fine,” Sutton said, her voice carefully neutral. “We’re just helping Blair find a wedding dress.”
Luca’s expression softened. “Of course. I’ll be quick.” He approached Sutton. “I wanted to see if you were ok?” His eyes dropped briefly to her stomach.
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Sutton had told them that no one at Cyber10 knew yet that Sutton was pregnant with Luca’s baby. She wasn’t ready to go public. So Blair wasn’t surprised Luca had followed her sister here.
“Fine,” Sutton replied. “Just tired. The usual.”
An awkward silence followed, which Keira broke by clearing her throat loudly. “So! Wedding dresses! Let’s see some options!”
Sophia nodded, smoothly guiding them deeper into the boutique while Luca lingered near the door.
“I should go,” he said, though he made no move to leave.
Blair caught the indecision on Sutton’s face. Despite everything, it was clear her sister still had feelings for Luca, complicated as they might be.
“Actually,” Blair said, surprising herself, “why don’t you stay, Luca? Give us a man’s perspective?”
Keira shot her a wide–eyed look that clearly said, “What are you doing?” but Blair ignored her.
looked equally surprised. “Are you sure? This seems like a… sister thing.”
an would be here if he could,” Blair replied, which was true. Not that she would let him, but Luca didn’t need to know
Roman had wanted to come, but had an unavoidable meeting, so she hadn’t had to tell him he wasn’t allowed. “And since you’re his best friend, your opinion might be helpful.”
Luca glanced at Sutton, clearly seeking her approval.
After a moment’s hesitation, Sutton nodded. “It’s fine. Stay if you want.”
The relief on Luca’s face was evident. “Thank you.”
Sophia, ever the professional, simply adjusted her plans. “Wonderful. Now, Blair, let’s talk silhouettes. What style are you drawn to?”
The next hour passed in a whirlwind of fabric, pins, and measurements. Blair tried on dress after dress, each beautiful but not quite right. Sophia was patient, bringing new options based on Blair’s feedback.
Throughout it all, Luca sat quietly beside Sutton, offering polite comments when asked, but mostly watching her with an intensity that was impossible to miss. Sutton, for her part, seemed both uncomfortable. Blair didn’t know if she had done. the right thing, but they needed to work on some sort of relationship
“How are things at work?” Blair overheard Luca ask Sutton during a moment when she was changing into yet another dress.
“Good,” Sutton replied. “I’m… actually enjoying the new programming role. Thank you for that.”
After discovering Sutton’s background in computer science, Luca had immediately moved her from reception to the programming department at Cyber10. Blair knew her sister had been hesitant to accept, wary of looking like she was receiving special treatment, but the opportunity was too good to pass up.
“You earned it,” Luca said simply. “The team says you’re brilliant.”
Sutton blushed. “They’re being kind.”
“No, they’re being honest.” Luca’s voice was soft, but insistent. “You have a real talent, Sutton. I’m glad you’re finally getting to use it.”
Their conversation was interrupted when Blair emerged in what felt like the hundredth dress of the day. Blair was a little
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Chapter 89
over it by now.
But this one was different, though–a sleek, elegant design with delicate lace overlay and a subde vintage feel
“Oh,” Keira breathed. “That’s it.”
Sutton nodded, her eyes suddenly misty. “Blair, you look beautiful”
Blair turned to the mirror and felt her breath catch. The dress was perfect… sophisticated without being ostentacions. romantic without being overly fussy. It hugged her curves in all the right places before falling in a gentle A–line to the floor.
“What do you think?” Sophia asked, adjusting the train.
“I think…” Blair swallowed the sudden lump in her throat. “I think this is the one.
“Roman’s going to lose his mind,” Keira declared. “In the best way possible.”
Luca cleared his throat. “It’s perfect, Blair. Truly
Blair smiled at him through the mirror.
“Thank you, all of you,” Blair said, smoothing the fabric. “I can’t believe we actually found it.”
I told you we specialize in miracles,” Sophia said with a wink. “Now, we’ll need to work quickly for alterations, but I can have
ady for you on Friday evening.”
her change back into her regular clothes, Blair could hear Keira chatting animatedly with Luca about the
- g. To her surprise, Sutton had joined the conversation too, her initial awkwardness giving way to More relaxed.
By the time they were ready to leave, the tension between Sutton and Luca had noticeably eased. They weren’t exactly comfortable with each other yet, but there was progress a willingness to try that hadn’t been there before. Luca must feel a little apprehensive to around them due to the fact that both she and Keira knew their history.
“I should get back to work,” Luca said as they exited the boutique. “But it was nice seeing all of you.”
“You too,” Blair replied sincerely.
Luca hesitated, then turned to Sutton. “Would you… would you like to get dinner sometime next week? To discuss the baby? We still have a lot to figure out.”
Sutton bit her lip, considering. “Okay. Monday night? There’s a place near our apartment–nothing fancy, but the food is good.”
The smile that broke across Luca’s face was so genuine it made Blair’s heart ache a little. “Sounds perfect. I’ll pick you up at seven?”
Sutton nodded. “Seven works.”
As Luca walked to his car, Keira nudged Blair. “What was that about? I thought you hated him for what he did to Sutton.”
“I did,” Blair admitted. “But Roman trusts him, and he seems genuinely remorseful. Plus, that’s going to be my niece or nephew. I’d rather they have two parents who can at least be civil to each other.”
Sutton was watching Luca’s car pull away. “He’s trying,” she said quietly. “And so am I. For the baby’s sake.”
“Just be careful,” Keira warned. “I haven’t forgiven him yet.”
Sutton smiled faintly. “Neither have I. Not completely. But…” She rubbed her belly thoughtfully. “But maybe forgiveness
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isn’t an all–or–nothing thing. Maybe it’s a process.”
Blair squeezed her sister’s hand. “Whatever happens, Keira and I are here for you. Always.”
“I know,” Sutton said. “That’s never been in doubt.”
Blair drove back to work, walking into Roman’s office because the door was open.
“How was dress shopping?” he asked. Standing up, and walked to her, loosening his tie.
“Successful,” Blair replied with a smile. “I found the perfect one.” pulling his head down for a kiss.
“And Sutton? How was she with Luca there?”
Blair raised an eyebrow. “You knew he’d be there?”
Roman had the grace to look slightly sheepish. “He mentioned he might drop by the boutique. I might have suggested he do it when you were all there.”
u matchmaker, I’m glad they are trying to be civil to each other for the baby. But I don’t want Sutton to feel pressured. e doesn’t need to be with Luca for security.” Blair said, adding. “Next thing I know, you’ll be playing Cupid for Keira and her royal boss. No, don’t do that. I think she’ll kill you.”
Roman laughed. “God, no. That man wouldn’t know what to do with someone like Keira. Besides, I’m saving my
matchmaking skills for our own love story.” He pulled her closer. “Speaking of which, are you ready for this? Marriage, two companies, possibly children someday?”
Blair wrapped her arms around his neck. “With you? I’m ready for anything.”
And as Roman kissed her deeply, Blair knew it was true. She could face anything with him by her side.
This Saturday, she would become Mrs. Kingston.
“Blair.”
“Yes?”
“Lock the door.”
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