CHAPTER TWENTY

Reward

“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the clergyman, in his white ceremonial robes, announced immediately before James lifted Gretchen’s veil.

I stood to the side, holding a snow-white bouquet, and watched as James claimed my sister as his wife. Gretchen’s smile was so wide she struggled to pucker enough for the kiss. I had never seen anyone so happy. But when I glanced at the front row of attendees, I knew that was a lie.

Xavier, Marco, and Sebastian were seated as close as they could get without being in front of the altar, each wearing the brightest smile.

As the music started and Gretchen and James exited the church, I found myself staring at my prize—my reward. Everything pertaining to the Society had finally quieted and other than some intense interrogation sessions, we had all walked away unscathed. Kirk kept reminding me that Victoria’s suicide had saved me a lot of trouble. My father’s story had finally been told, and the world couldn’t love Xavier more. With the Society’s exposure came a long list of triumphs and atrocities that shocked the world—leaders, entertainers, politicians, executives—all hand-raised to enact either order or chaos.

After the vows, I followed Gretchen and James back down the aisle on the arm of James’s best man, Tate. I could feel all three of my men watching our interaction together, happy and civil but ready to pounce at a moment’s notice.

Photos took hours, and I grew weary with each smile I made for the camera. I was grateful that Gretchen left a significant amount of time between the wedding and the reception.

The small country church they’d chosen sat upon a cliff overlooking the ocean. The snow capped mountains inland served as a majestic backdrop. A cool wind rose from the sea over the edge of the cliff, ruffling the pelt of the faux fur shawl Gretchen had purchased to accessorize the ankle length Tiffany blue gown she had picked out for me. Everything about the wedding was quaint and beautiful, but I couldn’t help feeling guilty for not participating more in planning the event.

Xavier wrapped his arms around me from behind as I gazed out at the dark-blue water. “This has got to be the most breathtaking place I’ve ever seen.”

“Yeah…it really is amazing.” I leaned back into his embrace, my body seeking his.

“Marry me, Elaine.”

I giggled, savoring his warmth. “I already said yes.”

“Perfect.” He unwrapped his arms and took my hand. “Reverend Michael, would you do us the honors?”

I turned around. “What? Now?”

Sebastian and Marco stood on either side of the officiant.

“Why not? We’re all here. You couldn’t possibly look more beautiful, and Reverend Michael happens to perform commitment ceremonies all the time. He understands the unique nature of our relationship.”

I looked to Marco and Sebastian. “Are you sure about this?”

They each took one of my hands.

Sebastian raised my hand to his lips and kissed it. “I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life.”

Marco did the same. “I told you a while ago how I feel. Why would I give up the woman I’ve always wanted, in hopes that I might find someone just like you? I don’t mind sharing.” He bent and kissed my ear. “In fact, there are some serious advantages to it.”

I smiled and turned to Xavier. “And you?”

“I couldn’t imagine life any other way.”

A smile crossed Rev. Michael’s face. “If you could all come together and join hands.”

We huddled close in a tight circle.

Rev. Michael pulled a small book from his pocket and opened it. “Love is something that exists without definition and isn’t contained by variety or volume. Love is a seed that exists without our permission, but blossoms with our nurturing, commitment, and dedication. You are here because you have decided to make that commitment to love and to cherish each other. By taking this vow today you have agreed to foster that love through adversity and happiness, shaping it into something that is uniquely your own. This is a covenant that cannot be broken by any person or force weaker than death.” He reached into his pocket, dug out a small box, and passed it to me. “Elaine, if you’ll take this, open it, remove the rings and hold them in your right hand.”

My hands shook as I held the velvet container in my hand. I flipped open the lid. Three platinum bands lay on white satin.

“Elaine, take Xavier’s hand, place the ring on his finger, and repeat after me. I, Elaine Watkins, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Xavier Vincent, and the bond we all share until my last breath.”

“I, Elaine Watkins, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Xavier Vincent, and the bond we all share until my last breath.” I slid the ring onto the fourth finger of Xavier’s left hand.

The Reverend smiled. “Now seal your pledge with a kiss.”

I leaned up, kissing Xavier gently on the lips.

He rewarded me with the brightest smile I had ever seen.

“Now, Sebastian… Take the ring and repeat after me. I, Elaine Watkins, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Sebastian Corriveau, and the bond we all share until my last breath.”

“I, Elaine Watkins, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Sebastian Corriveau, and the bond we all share until my last breath.” I slid the ring onto Sebastian’s ring finger.

“Now seal your pledge with a kiss.”

Sebastian met me halfway and placed a kiss, sweet and chaste, on my lips.

“And Marco…”

I slid the ring onto his finger and without the Reverend’s urging, I said the words. “I, Elaine Watkins, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Marco Bartolli, and the bond we all share until my last breath.” I kissed him softly to seal my vow.

Rev. Michael pulled out another box and handed one thin, diamond-studded band to each man. “Xavier, you first. I, Xavier Vincent, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Elaine Watkins, and the bond we all share until my last breath. And then seal your vow with a kiss.”

“I, Xavier Vincent, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Elaine Watkins, and the bond we all share until my last breath.” He kissed me, removed my engagement ring, and then slid the band onto my finger. After he replaced the ring that started it all, trapping his band closest to my hand. His symbolism didn’t go unnoticed. He was the first—the one whose love made it all possible.

“Sebastian…”

“I, Sebastian Corriveau, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Elaine Watkins, and the bond we all share until my last breath.” He slid the ring onto my finger, resting it against the engagement ring and dipped his head for a light kiss.

“And finally Marco.”

He slid the band into place next to Sebastian’s. “I, Marco Bartolli, vow to respect, cherish, and love you, Elaine Watkins, and the bond we all share until my last breath.” He danced his lips over mine. It was impossible not to feel his smile.

“Please join hands again. With this covenant, you begin a new life—supporting, seeing to each other’s needs and pursuing happiness, both as individuals and as a collective. It is my honor here today to give life to your commitment in this new beginning and to pronounce you husbands and wife.”

Sebastian and Xavier squeezed my hands as I stared into Marco’s glossy eyes.

Xavier leaned down, kissed me, and whispered. “Now, was that so hard?”

Sebastian kissed my cheek, and Marco slid his fingers between mine.

I chuckled at them. “No. It wasn’t. You were right.”

Marco tugged me back toward the church. “We’ve got to hurry. We can’t have you holding up your sister’s reception.” He pulled me into a big hug. “And besides, you know what happens after that?”

“No, what?”

“Bella, have you already forgotten?” He rubbed the rings on my finger. “It’s our wedding night. I plan on making it memorable.”