Sebastian

I haven’t seen my wife in twenty-six hours and as I arrive at the church to marry her again in front of our family and friends, I’m tense as hell. The Blake family buried Isabel two weeks before, and now that my wedding day has arrived, I feel like I’m being kicked in the balls as I walk up the church steps once more.

Talia and I purposely set our wedding to be during the brightest part of the day and with the least amount of traffic, but I can’t stop scanning for threats, looking for anyone lurking: a car that’s idling too long or turned at a strange angle, a man dropping a bag in the street or a woman biking past. My fists clench and my jaw tightens with worry that someone will try to harm the woman I would lay down my life for.

“Honest to God, Sebastian. I wish you drank, because you need a shot or ten of something that would knock you on your ass,” Calder says as he takes the steps two at a time to keep up with my fast pace. “We’ve got everything covered. No one is going to fuck up your wedding day.”

I turn at the top of the stairs and scan for the extra security I’ve hired to fill the streets around the church, both obvious security wearing tuxes as well as men in plain clothes out jogging, taking a dog for a walk, or reading a book on a bench. We had a brief issue with three men who seemed to be hanging around more than they should, but after my guys got involved, it turned out that Adam had sent some plain clothes guards of his own too. Once I reassigned those men to the reception hotel, where there are more vulnerable access points to cover, we’re now back on track.

Talia made me promise I wouldn’t try to see her in her dress before she walked down the aisle. She’d spent last night with Cass at their old apartment and I still haven’t heard from Theo yet. “Report in, Theo. Where the hell is my wife?”

My ear bud crackles and his voice comes through. “They arrived with Den at the church twenty minutes ago, Boss. Now go marry our most valued member of BLACK Security. We’ve got this.”

“Thanks,” I say, inhaling deeply now that she’s safe in the church.

“It’s time to go in.” Calder buttons his tux as limos begin to pull up outside. Despite his calm comments, he’s staring at everyone, his gaze hyper-focused. I appreciate his diligence. He wants this to go as smoothly as I do.

Family members are already standing in the church’s entryway. With everyone attending in formal gowns and tuxes, there’s an air of heightened excitement and anticipation in their expressions as they all turn when Calder and I enter.

Damien swaggers up and claps me on the shoulder. “You must be doing something right if she agreed to marry your sorry ass again, old man.”

“You’re never letting that one go, are you?” I mutter as I switch off my earpiece.

Dark eyebrows hiked, his brown eyes flash with cocky amusement. “Nope. Soaking it up for all it’s worth, big brother.”

That’s the first time Damien has called me “brother” without snark. I hide my surprise behind a low chuckle. “That’s only because you’ve never grown up.”

“Why should I? It’s overrated.”

Gavin is standing just behind him, his expression stoic. We haven’t spoken since our encounter in our father’s office. The last thing I want is a confrontation, but he’s here, so Mina must’ve worked some of her magic.

When I nod to acknowledge his presence, Gavin slides his hands in his pockets and tilts his head to the side, indicating he wants to talk.

While Damien turns to Calder to chat about the reception afterward, I move away from the crowd to meet my resentful brother. “Whatever it is, Gavin. Today is not the day you want to go head-to-head with me.”

“You mustn’t ever tell him, Sebastian. I’ll do whatever it takes for you to keep it between us. He feels guilty enough about you and the past. If he learned about our mother’s betrayal…as strong as he is, something like that could devastate him.”

“I have no intention of telling Adam, Gavin. Family always comes first for me. I thought you would’ve figured that out by now.”

The tension in his face eases. “Damien might hide his pain and regret behind humor and snark, but that’s not how I operate. Nothing can excuse what she did to you and your mom. All I can do is try to make it right.” He glances toward our father shaking hands with guests starting to arrive. “The CEO position is yours if you want it.”

I put my hand on Gavin’s shoulder, drawing his attention back to me. “What I want is for you to show our father what a kickass CEO looks like. If you need my help in any way, you’ve got it.”

Gavin’s bowtie bobs with his swallow as he nods, his shoulders relaxing. “You didn’t owe me that, so thanks. I’ll try to live up to the expectation.”

Releasing him, my gaze sharpens. “See that you do. One fourth of that company is mine, little brother.”

“I’m not sure that five months age difference counts,” he says, eyebrow elevated.

“Even one minute counts. Best you remember that,” I say just as Mina walks up in a dark floor length gown. Josi is on her hip in a floral dress and shiny patent shoes.

“Look how handsome you two are.” Mina eyes Gavin and me with a wide smile. “Makes me wish I’d brought my phone for a pic instead of leaving it in the car.”

“I’ve got mine,” Damien says as he and Calder walk up.

“Of course you do.”

I smirk at Gavin’s deadpan comment as Damien hands his phone to Calder, then waves us closer. “Come on, let’s grab a quick family shot before the photographer makes us stand in a gazillion different poses after the wedding.”

With Gavin and Damien flanking either side, Mina slides in between Damien and me. “Make room for the girls, boys,” she huffs, wrapping her arm around my waist. Smiling, I drop my arm around her and include Josi’s tiny shoulder too, pulling them close to my side.

“Ready?” Calder says, holding the phone up.

He snaps five photos in rapid succession before any of us have even looked his way. “Calder…” Mina fusses, “Do a count!”

“Fine. One, two, say…‘Calder’s the best!’”

“Calder’s an ass.” Damien flashes a toothy grin, making us all laugh.

Of course that’s the shot Calder takes.

“I give up.” Mina sighs, then turns to look at me as the guys check out the pictures. She hasn’t released her hold on my waist, so I smile down at my little sister and niece, thankful we’ve worked out our issues. “Thank you, Seb,” she says, her brown gaze misting. “From the bottom of my heart. Thank you.”

“I wish your time with her could’ve been longer,” I say, but she quickly shakes her head, blonde curls swinging.

“No, I’m thanking you for being my brother so many times over. I can’t begin to tell you how much it means to me and Josi.”

“You’re welcome, but your thanks aren’t necessary.” I release her and tickle Josi’s belly until she bursts into giggles. “You’re my sister. End of story.”

Mina laughs along with Josi, then sobers. “You truly are the best, Seb. I’m happy you found someone who’s equally as worthy.”

The doors begin to open to the church and an older woman in a stately gown walks through, announcing, “Everyone, if you wouldn’t mind taking your seats. The ceremony will begin in ten minutes.”

Movement in my periphery draws my attention. Cass is waving from a side door on the left. She’s staring directly at me with an intense, no-nonsense look on her face. “Ahem, it’s tradition to already be in your places, wedding party peeps.”

I shoot Calder a look of triumph as she disappears behind the door. He shakes his head in a fast jerk. “Doesn’t count. Not about our wedding.”

“Technically, there’s still plenty of time.”

Calder flashes an assured smile. “I’ll measure your office while you’re on your honeymoon. You know, so I can be ready to move in.”

“Move in? What are you two talking about?”

“Nothing,” Calder and I say in unison.

Smiling at Mina, I say, “See you up front.”

My sister waves and hands Josi off to Adam before heading for the door Cass came through.

Adam settles Josi on his hip and nods to me before walking inside the church with his granddaughter. The silent exchange felt strangely personal. With just a look, I knew what he was saying. You’re welcome for the extra men. Keep her safe and happy. We’ll talk later. BLACK Security owes me a contract. My father and I are starting to get each other more and more.

Right behind my father, I see Talia’s aunt walk into the church with her favorite foodie friend and sidekick, Charlie. I’m glad he’s with her. The guy seems to have a sensible head.

I pass Talia’s father on my way to the side door on the right. He’s saying goodbye to a blonde woman who appears to be a dozen years his junior. “I’ll meet you up front in just a little bit, Simone.”

As she walks into the church, he holds his hand out to me. “Well, Sebastian…it’s almost that time.”

I clasp his hand with a firm grip. “Thank you for being here for Talia, Kenneth. It means a lot.”

He shakes my hand, a wide smile on his face. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for a father to give his daughter in marriage to a man he already knows loves her unconditionally.”

I smile. “Can’t argue with you there.”

I move to release his hand, but he tightens his grip. “I would tell you to take care of my girl, but you’ve proven you’re more than capable. May you have the kind of marriage I wish I’d had...long-lived and well-loved.”

“Thanks, Kenneth.”

Releasing my hand, he heads for the door on the left.

I wait until he closes the door behind him and one of my guards steps in front of it before I open the door on the right to make my way to the front of the church.

* * *

I’ve impatiently waited through one song for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to take their places, and I’m pretty sure I’ve ground through the top layer of enamel on my back teeth while listening for the wedding march to start.

When the organ sounds echo up to the rafters and the church doors slowly swing open, I almost fall to my knees at the beautiful sight Talia makes standing up front with her father.

As they proceed forward and Den closes the door behind them, standing guard the moment it’s shut, the crowd buzzes with titters and awed appreciation for Talia’s break from tradition with her wedding attire. While more than a few ladies quietly clap as she passes, the lump in my throat grows bigger.

She’s wearing an off-the-shoulder, mermaid-style wedding gown in white that forms to her curves, but my adoring wife has also incorporated a bold red sash across her small waist.

With each step she takes, I can see the rounded edges of the big bow tied at her back and my throat starts to itch and my eyes burn.

I don’t know how the woman always surprises and humbles me at the same time, but she’s done it in such a deeply personal way that I’m so fucking glad the aisle is long and the song is slow because I’m going to need the time to get my emotions in check.

Talia finally reaches me as the music ends, and once Kenneth kisses her on the cheek and takes his seat, I take her hand to help her stand in front of me.

Before Pastor Meyer starts to speak, Talia curls her finger for me to bend close.

I lean forward, thinking she’s going to break tradition yet again and kiss me, but she plucks the earpiece from my ear and turns it on and speaks into it, loud enough for our family and friends to hear. “Love you guys. See you at the reception.” When she turns it off and drops the piece into my coat pocket, then pats it with a determined smile, the entire congregation uproars with laughter. While the pastor raises his arms to get them to settle down, Talia whispers, “This color is called red wine.”

“May I continue now, Talia?” Pastor Meyer says.

As she nods for him to proceed, I’m floored yet again that the sash she’s wearing is the one from our table-top wine tasting session. Her sparkling eyes shift back to me and I enjoy the hell out of her secret smile, returning it in kind.

“Sebastian and Talia are already married, but they wanted to reaffirm their vows here and now with their loved ones present, since family and friends are important in their daily lives.” The pastor turns to me. “You may begin, Sebastian.”

I take Talia’s hands in mine and lift them to kiss the ring on her finger, speaking so everyone can hear. “When I gave Talia this ring, I never wanted her to remove it, which is why she’s still wearing it today. I told her then that I would love and protect her, but never smother her, and I chose a ring with a moving center band that represented my promise to be together but independent.”

Talia’s eyes mist a little as I speak.

“Talia, you’re always thoughtfully bold and I’m forever in awe of your ability to be compassionate no matter the circumstance. You are the one who keeps me in check and balanced in both life and love, the person who has made me a better husband, brother, and son.

“Since you already have your ring, I had a wedding gift all planned, but recent circumstances gave me an opportunity for a present that I hope will have an even deeper meaning.”

I reach in my coat pocket. Lifting my hand up, I dangle an updated version of her Two Lias heart locket. Talia gasps and captures the spinning heart. Her eyes glitter with tears of happiness as she stares at the tiny red and black diamond encrusted centers of the two hearts on the front of the locket. “It’s perfect, Sebastian.”

Smiling, I clasp it around her neck.

When she lifts her happy gaze to mine, my heart feels full. “Your ring might mean together but independent, Little Red, but since we’ve been together, I have learned that I am dependent on you for my happiness. There is no independent for me, not anymore.”

Talia’s lips tremble, but she can’t hold back her tears. As I smile at her and gently thumb the wetness away, the pastor smiles and looks at her. “Your turn, Talia.”

Talia nods and sniffs as she takes my hands in hers. I can feel her shaking, so I squeeze her hands to encourage her.

“You are the bravest man with the biggest heart, Sebastian. I love every stubborn, bull-headed, never-quit, hard-working, family-loving part of you.” She glances down at her ring then back to me. “I don’t know if you noticed but the red diamond center band on my ring doesn’t spin any more.”

When I frown, she shakes her head. “I could’ve had it fixed, but I felt it was appropriate. See, at first the band spun freely, later it turned much slower, then it took real effort to get it to move at all, and I realized that my ring is following our love. I’m no longer able to see my life without you in it, nor do I want to. We’re stuck together. You are the center of my happiness, Sebastian.”

Talia has never spoken so deeply about her feelings before and it’s hard for me not to let my emotions cloud my vision. Thankfully she saves me from making a complete wuss of myself when she dips her fingers into the folds of her red sash and pulls my ring out.

“Finally,” I mutter as she slides it on my finger.

Talia addresses our loved ones watching from the pews. “Yeah, finally. This man’s been going around without a ring for way too long!”

While laughter echoes throughout the church and among the wedding party, she looks at me. “Now you’ll never be without color in your life.”

Very few family and friends know the true meaning behind her comment, but I’m so moved by her sentiment, I glance down at the ring. When all I see is black, frustration rises over my colorblindness, but I tamp it down and lift my gaze to hers.

Talia’s smile is so heartfelt as she continues to hold the ring on my finger. “But even then, Sebastian, you’ll have to know where to look.”

She glances down once more and I follow her gaze. My loving wife slowly spins my ring around until I see what looks like a sunrise against a dark sky across the side of the band. I can see the striation of gray scale color changes, and then once the colors move into the red spectrum…those colors I can see, but the romantic memories a sunrise evokes are priceless.

When she lifts my hand and kisses the ring, I’m fucking done. A tear escapes before I can hold it back.

Everyone begins to clap, but the pastor raises his hands to shush them.

Once they quiet, Talia takes my hands in hers. “I love you, Sebastian Quinn Blake. I’m honored to be your wife and so happy to have another chance to stand up in front of friends and family and promise to always love you and keep you in our hearts and minds.”

While Talia holds my gaze, my brain stutters over her binding vow.

Just as I give her a questioning look, she lowers my ring hand to her belly and repeats, “Keep you in our hearts and minds.”

Holy fuck! “Are you serious?” My heart skips a beat and I quickly clasp her face, not caring one whit that a couple more tears escape.

When Talia wraps her fingers around my wrists and nods, the cheers and claps spread around the room to the shocked, but happy relatives in our wedding party, and then even to our stoic pastor, who throws his hands up and grins wide, joining everyone else in celebrating the news.

With the sound in the room rising to near-deafening level as people begin to stand in front of their pews, I pull my wife close and press my nose to hers, my hands shaking with elation. “You never cease to shock the hell out of me, Little Red. God, I fucking love you.”