Chapter 35

 

 

 

The wedding happened exactly a week later at a Lake Norman banquet hall that provided magnificent views of the lake. Even though it was officially winter in North Carolina, the temperature was a perfect seventy-two degrees. Gemma was dressed in an off-the-shoulder, tiered A-line gown with a sweeping, decent-length train. Her hair was done in beautiful curls and she wore a veil that matched her dress.

Royal wore a black tuxedo as he stood on stage with the minister, glancing over at his parents. Their example of long-standing love would surely help him in his marriage. He was sure of it and appreciated their example over the years.

He cleared his throat and watched the wedding party begin to make their way down the aisle. The men were dressed in black tuxedos. The women wore shimmery gold-fitted dresses and gold heels. Everything – their outfits, the decorations, the flower arrangements – it all looked perfect like this wedding had been planned for a year and it only took a week to pull everything off, especially with the help of Bernadette who did all the flower arrangements and decorations. She also accompanied Gemma, Felicity and Gianna to a local bridal shop where she helped Gemma find the perfect gown.

 

First, walking down the aisle was Romulus and Gianna…

 

Gemma had requested that in lieu of her father, Ramsey – the man she still credited for saving her life and giving her hope – walk her down the aisle. Therefore, Romulus stood in for Ramsey and escorted Gianna. Pregnancy had her glowing and the gold dress brought out the radiance of her skin.

“Ramsey warned me not to get too close,” he whispered to Gianna as they began walking over pink rose petals.

Gianna giggled. “Whatever. You know Ramsey’s only kidding around, Rom.”

“No, he’s not. He also told me if you trip or fall, or if anything happens to you or the baby, he would have my head.”

Gianna could only smile although she wanted to laugh, but the guests were all staring so hard, she couldn’t just burst out into laughter.

“So, pay attention so you don’t trip over anything,” Romulus told her.

“What am I supposed to trip over, Romulus? Rose petals?”

“I don’t know. What I do know is, I value my life and I do not want Ramsey coming for me.”

 

Next came Regal and Felicity.

 

“Stop holding my arm so tight,” Felicity grunted. Why couldn’t she walk down the aisle with one of the normal brothers?

“You’re the one with a tourniquet around my arm,” Regal said. “Nobody told you to wear those six-inch heels.”

“Like I need anyone’s permission,” Felicity said then plastered a smile on her face.

“Well, you should’ve planned ahead if you wanted to be comfortable,” Regal told her. “It’s your own fault, Dub. Look at Gianna. She has on flats.”

“And she’s also pregnant, doofus. She’s supposed to be wearing flats.”

“If you say so.”

“I’m doing this for Gemma. I’m doing this for Gemma,” Felicity chanted softly.

“Don’t front like you don’t like being seen with ya boy.”

“Oh, puh-leese. I’m counting the steps to the stage so you can let go of me.”

“You mean so you can let go of me.”

“Ugh. What-the-freak-ever. Can you just be quiet?”

“Nope. I like annoying you. You make it so easy.”

Felicity glanced at him, taking in his striking good looks in the tuxedo. And he was clean shaven, smelled good, but Regal…gosh, she could choke him.

And then came the moment everyone, especially Royal, had been waiting for – Gemma appeared, being escorted by Ramsey down the aisle while the guests rose to their feet. Some even gasped at how beautiful she was as they walked toward Royal.

“Are you ready for this?” Ramsey whispered, “Because Royal sure looks ready for you?”

Gemma looked up at Royal, then said to Ramsey, “Yes. I’m ready.”

“Good,” he said.

When Gemma took position next to Royal, Ramsey gave him a single nod of approval then stepped back.

Shortly thereafter, they exchanged vows, slid rings on each other’s fingers and the minister announced them to the crowd as Mr. and Mrs. Royal St. Claire.

 

* * *

 

Regal kicked off the reception by popping the first bottle of champagne. “Woo!” he exclaimed when it foamed up. “Now, it’s a party!”

Carson walked over to him and said, “Sir, you do know there are bar stations situated all around here. There’s no need to pop your own bottle.”

“Look-a-here, old man. This bottle right here…this is all mine,” Regal said. “My lil’ brother just got married. It’s time to celebrate.”

“Hey, I can’t argue with that.”

“Congratulations, Royal and Gemma,” Siderra said, hugging them both at the same time.

“Thank you, Siderra,” Royal told her.

Bernadette walked over and embraced Gemma warmly. “Welcome to the family, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Bernadette.”

Eyes filled with tears, Gianna circled her arms around Gemma. And then she all out started crying. Like a toddler. Like a toddler who’d lost her mommy in a crowded store.

“Gianna, why are you crying so hard?” Gemma asked.

“I’m so happy for you,” she said.

“Okay, but you don’t have to do all this boo-whoing.”

“I’ll take care of this woman,” Ramsey said, wrapping his arms around Gianna. “I hate seeing you all emotional like this.”

“I know,” Gianna said, pinching the corner of her eye. “I’m just so happy.”

“I am, too,” Gemma said.