Chapter Fourteen
Five months later
“Today is the day that playboy daddy comes off the market. Yes, to all the women of the world, Wayne Myers is set to marry Temperance Michaels in one of the most lavish events of the year. The wedding itself is predicted to cost a small fortune, but what is money when the couple in question are so much in love? ‘The Nanny and the Playboy,’ That’s the title of this crap,” Lilah said.
Temperance laughed as she twirled around toward her friend. The dress she wore hugged every single one of her curves, and it was just divine. There had been much speculation about her and Wayne’s relationship. He wouldn’t tell the media a thing, and it drove them nuts, especially as Timothy was also theirs as well. They hadn’t offered interviews or given anything away of their world.
This was their life, and in the past five months her love for Wayne had grown. She had always wanted a Christmas wedding, and with the big day next week, snow was on the ground, and today she’d finally become Mrs. Temperance Myers.
Lilah held her cell phone up and took a picture. “You look absolutely stunning. So captivating and beautiful.”
Temperance couldn’t stop smiling, and she took a deep breath.
“I can’t believe this is happening.”
“It really is. Do you think your parents would have liked him?” Lilah asked.
Temperance nodded. “They would have adored him. They said never settle for anything less than what you want. He makes me feel so alive, Lilah.”
Her friend held her close. “Then we better get this show on the road, right?”
She nodded, and there was a knock on the door. There had been no one to give her away, and so she asked Timothy if he’d do that.
Opening the door, she saw him there with James, Wayne’s best man.
“I’ve got to get back into position. Are we ready?” James asked.
“Yes, more than ready.”
“I’ll let him know that you’ve not decided to run off.” James winked at her before rushing off.
“You look beautiful,” Timothy said.
“Thank you, sweetie.”
“Here, don’t forget your roses.” Lilah handed her the bright red roses, and she held the bouquet.
It was time to go get married.
Lilah left the room first, and she took Timothy’s hand, making their way toward the aisle. The church was full of all of their friends and many of his associates. She was touched to see the families that she had been a nanny for were there. All of the kids she had looked after over the past twelve years had swamped her in a hug. Lilah caught the moment on camera.
She was no longer the nanny, though.
No, she was Timothy’s mom, and within a few minutes, she’d be Wayne’s wife.
All eyes turned toward her, but she looked at Wayne. He was waiting for her, a wicked look in his eye.
Lilah had promised to take Timothy this evening so they could have their wedding night alone before heading out toward a cabin that he’d gotten for over Christmas. They were going to spend their time together as a family, their first Christmas.
Walking toward the man who owned her heart, she felt Timothy squeeze her hand. This boy had captured her love so easily. Her family, her future, the life she always wanted, and she had a special announcement to make to Wayne.
Timothy placed her hand within Wayne’s. “Take care of her, buster.”
The entire church laughed. Wayne hugged his son, kissing his cheek. “We’ll take care of her together.”
Their boy stood with James while she and Wayne stood before the priest.
“I love you,” Wayne said, mouthing the words.
“Love you, too.”
The priest said his prayer, the vows, and asked them to repeat theirs to each other.
“Temperance, Tempe, I promise to love, cherish, and honor you. I can’t promise that I won’t annoy or anger you, but I know that I will love you with every single part of my being. I’m the luckiest man alive because I know I’ve got the best woman. I’m not a stupid man, and I’ll make sure you never have a reason to leave me.”
There were a few chuckles.
“Wayne, I promise to be a loving wife, to cherish you always, and to honor our vows. There is no man that could drive me crazy, and no one else I ever want to share my life with. You’re my family, and together we’ll make our family and our future together. I love you, bad moods and all. Through every sickness and every fall. You own my heart, Wayne Myers.”
A few more words were spoken, and then Wayne slammed his lips down on hers, sealing their marriage.
The church went up in applause.
He stroked her cheek as he pulled away. “You look so beautiful.”
“Do I glow?” she asked.
“Yeah, you do. My beautiful, glowing bride.”
She leaned in close so that her lips were against his ear. “Your very glowing, and very pregnant, wife.”
He held her tightly. “You’re pregnant?”
“Yes, the doctor confirmed it today. He called before I arrived at the church. We’re going to have a baby.”
Wayne picked her up, swinging her around before placing her back on her feet and kissing her deeply.
“I love you,” he said.
“No, I love you. Thank you.”
“For what?”
“For not fighting who you are and for not hiding what you want.”
“Do you finally forgive me?” he asked.
She frowned. “Of course I forgive you.”
“You never said if you did or not. That was the biggest fucking mistake I ever made, leaving you. Tearing us apart.”
She cupped his face, and kissed his lips. “Always.”
****
News update: The nanny and the playboy are now Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Myers. They tied the knot one week before Christmas in what many are calling the most romantic wedding of the decade. Also, we’ve been told the happy couple are expecting their first child. Congratulations to them.