While the hairstylist and makeup artists worked their magic on the other women and me, the photographer walked around snapping photos of us in various stages of unready.
My nerves settled a little after Chris gave me a mimosa. Having him around helped. Especially since he kept everyone focused on adhering to the timeline. He also plied us with snacks like granola bars, fruit, and sandwich wraps.
Hours later, we finally began to dress. Once I was ready, I stood in front of the full-length mirror. A smile instantly plucked at my mouth. I fucking loved my dress. The strapless, silk gown was a distinctive ivory shade. It was overlaid with French lace on which black roses had been sporadically embroidered, giving it an elegant yet gothic look.
The back of the ruched, corseted bodice was laced with black ribbon, and I just knew Dane would itch to untie it. Because the gown touched the floor, it would be impossible for him to notice my ivory lace, knee-high boots.
My hair had been loosely curled and looked silky smooth. Black and ivory roses had been cleverly weaved into the half up, half down hairstyle. Like the pendant on my necklace, the pearls of my earrings were set into flowers, making each of the bright pearls look like the bud of a rose.
Melinda waved at her face as if to fend off tears. “You look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.”
“You totally do,” Ashley agreed, smiling at me. “I predict Simon and Wyatt will get all misty-eyed at seeing their girl this way.”
“As for Dane,” began Hanna, “he is going to melt. Inwardly, that is. On the outside, he’ll look as collected as always, of course.” She flicked her hand. “It’s a psychopath thing.”
I sighed. “Woman, he’s not a psychopath.”
Hanna chuckled. “You’re so easy.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, all three of you look beyond amazing.” I turned and thanked Phoebe, Jewel, and Sheena—all of whom were currently packing away their things.
“And now for the finishing touch,” announced Chris, handing me my bouquet. “I clipped Melinda’s pin to the ribbon for you.”
I felt my lips part. He’d completely transformed the white-rose bouquet to match the theme of the reception, adding acorns, mini pumpkins, seasonal berries, black feathers, and also deep crimson and gold leaves. I grinned at him. “I love it, Chris.”
He beamed. “Told you that you would.”
Floyd took more shots, frowning whenever Chris tried bossing him. People then gradually began to leave so that they could head to the venue.
Alone, I grabbed my ivory clutch and left the room. I walked along the hallway but stopped upon realizing that Dane stood at the bottom of the stairs. My breath caught. Damn if he didn’t look the epitome of deliciousness in that tux. Seriously, I just wanted to take a big bite.
His eyes—usually so hard and broody—were like dark velvet as they drank me in. A ghost of a smile touched one side of his mouth. “Get down here, baby girl.”
I held tight to the bannister as I carefully descended the staircase. “You look rather dashing.”
“You look stunning.” He twirled his finger, gesturing for me to execute a full turn.
I slowly did so, smiling at his swift intake of breath when he got a flash of the back of my corset. “You like it?” I asked, facing him once more.
“Oh, I like it.” Splaying one hand on my back, he cupped my neck with the other and lowered his mouth to mine. He kept the kiss soft and chaste, but I could feel the hunger in it. “I don’t know what I want to do more. Whip this dress off or just hike it up around your waist while I fuck you.”
Hmm, that was indeed a good reaction. I had the feeling he’d be just as turned-on by the boots.
He narrowed his eyes. “What’s with the secret smile on your face?”
“You’ll find out later,” I said, lightly fingering the white rose revamped boutonniere he’d worn for our Vegas ceremony. “Is Sam outside?”
“He is.” Dane took my hand. “Let’s go.”
Sam was one of our guests for the reception, so we hadn’t meant for him to be our chauffeur. But he’d asked to have the “honor” of driving us to the venue.
The hotel wasn’t too far away, so it wasn’t long before we arrived. Miley met us at the door and informed us that all our guests were drinking cocktails in the large ballroom; they’d be escorted to the botanical garden once Dane and I were inside.
I was eager to get a good look at the indoor garden, but when we reached the grassy area that surrounded it, Floyd urged us from spot to spot while he took several shots of us in various poses.
I thought one in particular would turn out good. He’d directed Dane and I to indulge in another chaste kiss while Miley and Chris—who wouldn’t be seen on the photos—tossed autumn leaves over us like they were confetti.
Once Floyd announced he was done, Dane turned to me and asked, “Are you okay?”
“No, there’s a leaf stuck between my breasts.”
“Lucky leaf.”
Snickering, I pulled it out and let it flutter to the ground. “Better.”
He flicked a look at the botanical garden. “Ready?”
I nodded. “More than ready.” Linking arms with Dane, I crossed to the glass doors. Chris opened them and then stood back, allowing us to enter first. My breath caught in my throat. The place looked … enchanted.
The strings of tiny lights, garlands of leaves, and amber candles gave the room a warm, autumn-y glow. There was the same foliage in the floral arrangements as in my bouquet—berries, mini pumpkins, acorns, feathers, and leaves.
Some larger pumpkins were scattered around, and some had been painted black to match the lace on my dress. Gold and champagne accents gave the décor a little glitz and glam, and the purple up-lighting gave it a dynamic, romantic ambience that made every other color “pop.”
The tables were set up beautifully. Black glittering tablecloths, white draped chair covers, orange sashes on the chairs, autumn floral centerpieces, deep red napkins, and caramel apple favors.
And the two, tall escort card trees were just amazing. I wasn’t sure if the black, gnarled, fairytale-looking trees were fake or not, but blossoms, crystals, and escort cards hung from the branches—each guest had a card telling them their table number.
All in all, it looked like a magical fairy garden in the midst of autumn.
My throat thickening, I looked up at Dane. “This is just … I don’t have words.”
“Tell me you at least like it,” begged Chris, standing a few feet away with Miley.
I turned to the planners. “I love it. All of it. The pair of you are geniuses.”
They both smiled and nudged each other playfully.
“Ready for your guests?” asked Miley.
Dane nodded. “Bring them in.”
We weren’t originally going to greet the guests as they entered, but I figured it was a good way of ensuring I spoke to every person. So I said hello, accepted kisses on the cheek, and thanked people for coming as they trickled into the botanical garden.
Chris and Miley directed people to the correct card tree and told them on which numbered branch they’d find their card. The system worked well.
When Simon entered and got a good look at me, he swallowed hard. “Sweetheart, you look beyond beautiful.”