Fidelity (Infidelity #5)(104)

Splaying my fingers, I stared down at my hand. “Nox, I love you. That was the best proposal I’ve ever heard.”

Standing, he reached for my hand and pulled me to my feet and into his embrace. “Well, the bar was set kind of high. I mean, I heard the one proposal: You’ll marry me. It was a tough one to beat.”

My smile grew so big my cheeks ached. “It was close, but for the record, yours is the only one I accepted.”

“Good to know. Let’s eat these delicious sandwiches and explore that kneeling thing a little more.”

“Oh, Mr. Demetri. Whoever said you weren’t romantic?”





FOR THE MIDDLE of March, it was unseasonably warm in Southern California. We’d enjoyed days in the mid-seventies. Today was no different as the sun was about to set over the Pacific Ocean.

“Damn, little cousin, you’re stunning.”

I smiled at Patrick through my lashes. “You know, I think you said the same thing right before my interview with Karen.”

“Well, what can I say? I need to work on expanding my vocabulary. I should get one of those word-of-the-day calendars.”

“You’re very handsome yourself. Wait until Cy sees you in that suit.”

Patrick reached the lapels and puffed his chest. “I know. I know. It’s a curse.”

We stood together before the full-length mirror in the master bedroom of the presidential suite in Del Mar. Yes, the same suite, the same resort. I wasn’t sure how Nox was able to schedule it. Spring recess was a busy time at all the beachfront resorts around the country. It was also the first time since the semester break that I’d had the time to go away. Thankfully my grades were improving.

Patrick pressed the palm of his hand against the white satin, below the empire waist of my wedding dress. “Hey, teeny-tiny cousin, this is your favorite cousin, Pat. Just checking in. How you doing in there?”

I shook my head.

“That bump is getting bigger than teeny-tiny.”

“Thanks, Pat,” I said. “Just what every girl wants to hear before she walks down the aisle.”

He stood behind me, his chin at my shoulder. “You should see what I see.”

I shrugged.

“Oh, no.” He pointed to the bottom of the mirror. “Listen to me. Start at the floor. Look down there.”

Taking a deep breath, I did as he said.

“What do you see?” Pat asked.

“Shoes.”

Pat shook his head. “I’m getting you that calendar. Look again and let me tell you what I see: I see Louboutin white crystal-encrusted pumps peeking out from under a ballgown satin skirt that’s covered in shimmering white organza. As I look higher, the empire waist keeps my tiny cousin hidden, while the scoop neckline accentuates those glorious growing ta-tas.

“My God, Lennox won’t be able to get higher than that neckline. And above it, above them…” He wiggled his brows. “… is the beautiful pearl necklace that never seems to leave your graceful neck.”

He lifted my chin.

“And higher, now that’s the most stunning of all. I see the perfectly painted lips, permanently stuck in the most sickeningly sweet smile, cheeks that are tinted by the sun, and golden eyes that sparkle at the mere thought of the man out there on the balcony. Above it all, luscious auburn hair with highlights of gold and lowlights of mahogany that has been styled into the perfect ‘do.”

He reached for the diamond tiara on the nearby table and lowered it to my head.

“Pat, I wasn’t sure if I was going to wear that.”

As he secured the combs to keep it in place, he asked, “Then why did you buy it?”

“Because I wanted to be his princess.”

He kissed my cheek. “You always will be.”

I turned, the skirt pivoting with me. “Thank you.”

He took a step back. “And for the record, I’m only walking your pregnant ass down the aisle. I am not now giving nor never will give you away.”

“I love you.”

The door opened and Patrick jumped in front of me, his arms spread wide. “Hey, no seeing—”

“Keep your panties in place,” Chelsea said. “I’ve seen her. Hell, I dressed her. Babe, it’s time.” She winked. “And I know you can do this.”

“What would Chelsea do?” I said, reminding her of the imaginary bracelet she’d told me to wear on my first date with Nox.

“Oh, no. Hell no. Charli with an i has this thing covered.”

She came behind me in the mirror; only a small bit of her navy maid of honor dress showed behind my wide skirt as she brought her face next to mine. Our resemblance was gone. Her hair was now a lovely shade of blonde with blue tips that covered the last six inches. The soft blue curls were colored specifically to match her dress. It worked.

I reached up and hugged her face next to my shoulder. “I love you too.”

“Well, I hate to break it to you,” Chelsea said, “but if you don’t get out there soon, I think you’ll have some stiff competition.”

“Really?”

“Yes, Jane is in total love with your guy.”

“I know.” I laughed. “She’s told me at least a thousand times. She’s so excited about the baby.”