Chapter 90
“Breathe, Blair. You look like you’re about to pass out,” Sutton said, adjusting the delicate veil in Blair’s hair.
“I’m fine,” Blair insisted, though her heart was racing. “Just… processing.”
Keira snorted, carefully touching up Blair’s makeup. “Processing that in exactly thirty–seven minutes, you’re going to be Mrs. Roman Kingston?”
“When you say it like that, it sounds so… real,” Blair whispered.
“That’s because it is real,” Sutton laughed softly. “After everything you’ve been through to get here, I’d hope so.”
Blair glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress was perfect. The hairdresser had styled her hair in loose waves.
Inside, though, she felt anything but calm. Not because she was having doubts… she had never been more certain of anything in her life, but because the moment felt so monumental.
“Mom and Dad would be so proud,” Keira said softly, as if reading her thoughts. “Of all of us, but especially you today.”
Blair felt tears threatening and blinked rapidly. “Don’t make me cry. My makeup will run.”
“No, it won’t,” Keira assured her. “I used the industrial–strength waterproof stuff. You could swim the English Channel and still look flawless.”
A knock at the door interrupted them. Eleanor Kingston peeked in, looking elegant in a pale blue dress. “How’s our bride doing?”
“Just having a minor existential crisis,” Keira replied cheerfully. “Nothing to worry about.”
“Perfectly normal,” Eleanor said, stepping into the room. “I nearly threw up right before walking down the aisle to James.”
“That’s… not as reassuring as you might think,” Blair said weakly.
Eleanor laughed, coming to stand beside her. “What I’m trying to say is that nerves are natural. But Blair, I’ve never seen my son happier than he’s been with you. You two belong together.”
Blair smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Eleanor.”
“I have something for you,” Roman’s mother continued, pulling a small velvet box from her clutch. “A tradition in the Kingston family. Something borrowed.”
She opened the box to reveal a stunning sapphire and diamond bracelet. “I wore this on my wedding day, and Roman’s grandmother wore it before me.”
“It’s beautiful,” Blair breathed as Eleanor fastened it around her wrist.
“And,” Eleanor added, “Rose wanted me to give you this.” She produced a small blue garter. “Something blue, obviously.”
Keira grinned. “I’ve got the something old covered.” She handed Blair a small locket. “It was Mom’s. Sutton and I thought you should have it today.”
Blair’s fingers trembled as she took the familiar locket. “I remember this. She wore it all the time.”
“There’s a new picture inside,” Sutton said softly.
Blair opened it to find a tiny photograph of her parents on one side and a small picture of her with her sisters on the other. This time, she couldn’t stop the tears.
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“Perfect,” Keira declared, dabbing at the corner of Blair’s eye. “You’re officially a beautiful, crying bride. Very photogenic.”
Another knock came at the door, and this time it was James Kingston who entered. “Ladies, it’s almost time.” He stopped when he saw Blair, his expression softening. “You look absolutely stunning, my dear.”
“Thank you,” Blair said, taking a deep breath to steady herself.
“Roman’s a nervous wreck,” James informed her with a chuckle. “I’ve never seen him so fidgety. He’s asked Peters three times if the rings are secure.”
Blair laughed, picturing Roman–normally so composed–pacing anxiously at the altar. “That’s oddly comforting.”
“Blair,” James said, his tone growing more serious. “I know I’m not your father, and I would never presume to take his place. But if you’d allow me, I’d be honored to walk you down the aisle today.”
Blair’s heart swelled. “I’d like that very much.”
James smiled, offering his arm. “Then let’s not keep my son waiting any longer. He might wear a hole in the floor.”
The small church looked like something from a fairy tale, with soft lighting, delicate flowers, and only their closest friends and family in attendance. Just as Blair had wanted. As the music began and Sutton and Keira processed ahead of her, Blair took one fral deep breath.
had been lucky to get the location, but the church was so small it wasn’t big enough for most weddings.
Ready?” James whispered.
“Ready,” she confirmed.
The moment she stepped into the chapel and saw Roman waiting for her, every nervous thought vanished. He stood tall and handsome in his tuxedo, but it was his expression that caught her heart. The naked adoration in his eyes, the way his breath. visibly caught when he saw her.
Blair barely registered the walk down the aisle, James’s steady presence beside her grounding her as she moved toward her. future. When they reached the altar, James kissed her cheek before placing her hand in Roman’s.
“Take care of each other,” he said softly, then stepped back and taking his place by his wife.
Roman’s fingers tightened around hers. “You’re breathtaking,” he whispered.
“So are you,” she replied, unable to stop smiling.
The ceremony itself was a blur. Blair was vaguely aware of the minister speaking, of exchanging vows that they had written themselves, of the cool slide of the wedding band onto her finger. But mostly, she was aware of Roman…his voice, his touch, his unwavering gaze. He was so here with her… so sure.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister announced. “You may kiss the bride.”
Roman didn’t hesitate. His lips met hers in a kiss that was both tender and possessive, a perfect reflection of the man himself. The small gathering erupted in applause, but Blair barely heard it, lost in the reality that this magnificent, complicated, sometimes infuriating man was now her husband.
“Mrs. Kingston,” he murmured against her lips.
“Mr. Kingston,” she returned with a smile.
They turned to face their guests, hands clasped tightly together, and Blair felt a wave of joy so intense it almost overwhelmed her. Her sisters were beaming, Keira openly wiping away tears while trying to pretend she wasn’t. Sutton stood beside Luca, who had his hand placed protectively at the small of her back. Roman’s parents looked proudly on, while Rose
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gave them an enthusiastic thumbs–up.
Peters had held the rings, but they hadn’t had a bride’s maid or best man. Blair hadn’t wanted to choose between her sisters. Just having everyone here was enough.
The reception was held at Roman’s parents‘ estate, a small but elegant affair in the beautifully landscaped gardens. As Blair and Roman moved among their guests, accepting congratulations and well–wishes, she couldn’t help but marvel at how right it all felt.
“You know,” Roman said, bringing her a glass of champagne as they stole a moment alone near the fountain, “a year ago, if someone had told me I’d be married to my gorgeous, brilliant secretary, I probably would have fired them for insubordination.”
Blair laughed. “And if someone had told me I’d marry my arrogant, demanding boss, I would have checked them for a head injury.”
“Arrogant?” Roman feigned offense. “I prefer ‘confident.””
“Shithead,” Blair corrected with a grin.
Roman laughed, pulling her close. “Your shithead, though. Forever now.”
“Forever,” Blair agreed, leaning into him. “I love you, Roman Kingston.”
“I love you, Blair Kingston,” he replied, his voice deepening with emotion. “More than I ever thought possible.”
They were interrupted by Keira, who approached with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Sorry to break up this disgustingly sweet moment, but your first dance is supposed to start in five minutes, and Rose is threatening to choose the music if you don’t hurry.”
“God, no,” Roman groaned. “Last time she DJ’d, she played the Macarena six times in a row.”
Blair laughed, taking his hand. “We better hurry, then.”
As they made their way back to the main reception area, Blair spotted Sutton and Luca in quiet conversation. Sutton was laughing at something he said, her hand resting on her very pregnant belly. The sight filled Blair with hope. Whatever was happening between those two, they were finding their way forward.
The first dance was perfect–Roman holding her close as they swayed to the music, their guests watching with fond smiles. Blair rested her head against his chest, listening to his steady heartbeat.
“Happy?” Roman murmured into her hair.
“Beyond words,” Blair replied.
Later, as the evening wound down and their few guests began to depart, Blair found herself standing with her sisters near the garden’s edge.
“So,” Keira said, sipping her champagne, “Mrs. Kingston. How does it feel?”
“Surreal,” Blair admitted. “But right.”
Sutton smiled, rubbing her back absently. “You two are perfect together. After seeing you with Roman, I could never see you with someone like Dan.”
“Who? You mean loser Dan,” Keira corrected with a grin.
Blair looked across the garden at Roman, who was chatting with his father and Luca. As if sensing her gaze, he looked up, his eyes finding hers instantly. The connection between them was almost tangible, a silent conversation across the space.
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Chapter 90
“You know,” Blair said softly, “after everything with Peter, after finding out what happened to Mom and Dad… I never thought I’d feel this happy.”
Sutton squeezed her hand. “They’re here with us today. I can feel it.”
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“Me too,” Keira agreed, her usual sarcasm absent for once. “And they’d be so proud of you, Blair. Taking over the company, building this life for yourself.”
“For us,” Blair corrected. “We’re in this together, the three of us. Always have been, always will be.”
“Damn straight,” Keira declared, raising her glass. “To the Warner sisters.”
“To family,” Sutton added.
“To new beginnings,” Blair finished.
As they clinked glasses, Roman approached, sliding his arm around Blair’s waist. “Sorry to interrupt, but I believe I’m owed
er dance with my wife.”
Wife. The word still sent a thrill through Blair.
“She’s all yours,” Keira said magnanimously. “We’ve had her for the last twenty–something years. Your turn now.”
Roman grinned. “I plan to make the most of it.”
As he led her back to the dance floor, Roman pulled her close under the stars. She was so glad they hadn’t waited to get married.
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