Khan (Bowen Boys, #2)(43)

“Yes, for a very long time. I will never forget him or his mother. They have been and always will be the best people I’ve ever met. And you should know that he will never hurt you and will love you for the rest of his days.”

Monica looked at herself in the mirror. She almost didn’t know the person staring back at her. Her eyes were darker than they’d ever been, cheeks flushed with rosy health, and her lips, even after being kissed by Khan so long ago, looked fuller and more lush.

“I think this is the one.”

Alice nodded.

“I’ve never seen a more beautiful dress in all my life. Thank you for this.” She hugged Alice, then stepped back to look at the shoes she’d brought in for her to wear. They made her several inches taller, and when she’d lifted the dress, her legs looked fabulous. Monica couldn’t stop looking at it.

“It’s not just the dress, my dear. Even though I made it, I can honestly say that I doubt anyone would have been able to make it look even half that good. It’s as if it was made for you.”

~~~

The limo pulled up in front of the White House at a quarter till seven. They were supposed to be there at seven, and Monica was sure that they were running behind. Caitlynne had had to answer the phone seven times, and Walker had to assure his mother numerous times that his dad was wearing a tux and not his jeans and t-shirt. They were a group to reckon with. Even Dylan had come up for the event.

Each of the Bowen men had on a tuxedo. And each of them looked good enough to eat. She decided that if a woman had to wear heels and an expensive gown to mingle with people she didn’t know, these were the men she wanted to do it with. And Caitlynne looked amazing. She remembered the conversation again that they’d had when Caitlynne was having her makeup done.

“Isn’t it great what they can do with maternity clothes these days? Alice said I should show off my baby, not hide it away. I didn’t tell her that I’d been having a hard time simply putting on clothes. I was so tired all the time, and I’m only six months pregnant.” She looked at her in the mirror over her vanity. “Do you know what it is? The doctor doesn’t have a clue.”

“Yes. Do you really want to know? Because once I tell you, I can’t un-tell you.”

Caitlynne bit her lip then nodded.

“It’s a boy, and he’s full blooded panther. He’s going to be big, so you’d better be resting.”

Caitlynne finished her makeup and sat down. She looked pole-axed, yet very happy. Monica smiled at her when she turned from the vanity.

“I know that Walker said he’d be happy either way, but the thought of trying to raise a girl terrified me. I don’t know anything at all about being a girly girl, and it would be my luck she’d be one.” She looked around the room. “It won’t be long now. The end of April.”

“You’ll make a wonderful mother. And Walker a great dad. You two have so much family around you that you can’t help but do wonderfully. And the baby will be so spoiled.”

Caitlynne nodded.

“I envy you. Khan said that it’s not time for us yet. I’m not sure when it will be.”

“He means you’re not what they refer to as ‘in-heat.’ I know it sounds weird, but that’s what Walker called it. He said it’s a quarterly thing for us. I don’t know how they can tell, but they can.” She looked at her with a smile. “We were so happy to get started on a baby. You’ll be that way for an entire week, and you simply cannot get enough sex.”

Monica wondered how that was possible since she couldn’t get enough now. When they were told by the maid that the car was here, they both put on their capes. Neither of them had wanted their mates to see the dresses they had on. And now here they were.

Monica knew she’d picked well when Khan growled low as he buried his face in her neck. She nearly knocked him to the floor when he nipped gently at her flesh. He lifted his head from her and looked deeply into her eyes.

“Any man that touches you tonight will be dead within the hour. Remember that when someone asks you to dance.” She believed him. He looked positively feral, and she had never felt so loved in her life.

The president and Marshall met them in the main hall. They were both dressed in tuxedos as well. When Marshall reached for her, she remembered what Khan had said and nearly backed away. He laughed at her.

“He won’t mind tonight. I’ve helped him with a special treat for you.” He put his arm around her waist, but she did notice that he didn’t actually touch her skin. “Come on, everyone. Everything is ready.”

The room they were led to was decorated beautifully. There was a huge Christmas tree as well as a great many gifts under it. She walked to the tree to see the tiny white ornaments, and that’s when she noticed the altar.

She looked at Khan, then back at the man who walked toward her. This wasn’t a dinner party after all. Khan held her hand as he led her to the front of the room. When they stood before his family, she started to cry.

“I know that some of you knew what was happening tonight, and I want to thank you for helping me make this happen.” He looked at her. “Monica Preston, will you become my bride tonight and allow me to spend the rest of my life making you happy and keeping you safe?”

The second ring he slipped onto her finger was a band that was encircled in diamonds. These were all white with a single chocolate one on top. He kissed her again and then led her to the altar. They were getting married.