Chapter 38 Tyler
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
TYLER
Dan keeps straightening the lapels of his tuxedo and adjusting his cufflinks. He’s fidgeting, shifting his weight between each foot.
I pat him on the back as we wait with our brothers at the wedding arch, minutes away from the ceremony commencing. “Relax, man. You’ve got this.”
The seats are almost filled with guests.
A string quartet plays to the left of us.
The ceremony is taking place on the outskirts of the property, in what Amabella calls her French Provincial Garden, inspired by a visit to Versailles on her honeymoon with Dad.
The garden forms a symmetrical pattern of low hedges that wrap around a central fountain, where we now stand.
Pale pink roses bloom along the hedges, their fragrance drifting through the warm air of a perfect day.
“Thanks for standing up here with me today,” Dan says to me and our brothers, swallowing hard and rubbing the back of his neck.
“We wouldn’t be anywhere else,” I tell him, proud to be at his side.
I’m in my feelings today, reflecting on life.
It was only a few weeks ago that my life was a complete mess.
There were issues between me and Harper.
I barely had a relationship with any of my brothers.
Now, I have Harper and Felix again. I’ve reconnected with my siblings.
I get to stand beside my youngest brother without there being friction and support him on the most important day of his life.
“Felix, you’ve got the rings, right?” Dan asks.
“Of course I’ve got the rings. Stop worrying and enjoy the day.”
“Easier said than done.” Dan leans closer to Killian, muttering something I can’t hear.
While the two talk, I scan the crowd. Dad and Amabella are in the front row.
Theo sits a few rows back, here as a guest. He’s chatting with a young woman, the two of them smiling and laughing together.
The bridesmaids are arriving at the far end of the garden, which means Ally must be close.
I smile at the sight of Harper. She’s gorgeous, dressed in a rose gold glittery gown and with her hair curled. She’s laughing with Violet and Zara.
Last night on the beach… Fuck, it was hot. She was so vibrant and happy and came hard.
Pregnant.
I can’t stop smiling.
“I know what thoughts are running through your head,” Felix murmurs, stepping closer to me for a private conversation. “I’m glad you and Harper are happy about her late period. I’m happy too. But you know she might not be pregnant, right? We need to be realistic. She hasn’t taken a test.”
“I know. But you didn’t see how devastated she was each time we tried and failed.
Every time she followed new medical advice, took new drugs, for it to all end in disappointment.
Even if she’s not pregnant, her period is late.
It’s a sign that something has changed within her body.
Maybe she’s more compatible to conceive with you.
For the first time, I truly believe she will get pregnant. ”
Felix nods, still concerned but understanding.
The music shifts into a slower tune, signaling to everyone that the bridal party has arrived. All attention turns to the back of the aisle.
“Here we go, Dan,” Felix says as my brothers and I take our places. “The rest of your life is about to begin.”
I wait with my hands behind my back, watching as the first bridesmaid, Zara, walks the aisle. She’s beautiful, sleek with midnight black hair and rosy cheeks.
There’s a quiet groan of frustration from beside me. I glance at Killian to see what the issue is. He’s staring at the sky, then down at his feet.
“What’s wrong?” I mutter.
His eyes flick to me, shocked, and he whispers, “Nothing. Why?”
“You’re acting strange.”
“I’m fine.”
Zara takes her place on the far side of the wedding arch.
“There’s our girl,” Felix mutters, erasing any concerns over Killian.
My world narrows on Harper as she walks the aisle. She’s smiling uncontrollably, happy for Dan and Ally, but I can also see in her eyes she’s excited for everything life is about to bring us.
I’m so mesmerized by Harper that I don’t notice the maid of honor walking the aisle. The next thing I know, the officiant is announcing for everyone to rise for the bride.
Ally steps into view, escorted by her uncle Daxton. Though I know she views Dad as her own father, it would be strange for him to give her away to Dan.
Ally makes a stunning bride. Her style is delicate and fairy-like, blending in perfectly with the garden wedding. She wears a strapless white gown and a baby-pink ribbon wraps around her waist. Her hair is in soft blond curls.
While all eyes are on Ally, my focus shifts to Dan. Moments ago, he was a nervous mess. Now, seeing his bride-to-be, there’s not a trace of nerves in him. The two are grinning at each other like they’re the only people in existence. His eyes are watering. Ally’s pace speeds up.
“Not too fast. Let me enjoy the view,” Dan calls.
Gentle laughter spreads among the guests. When Ally reaches the end of the aisle, her uncle passes her to Dan. My brother kisses the backs of her hands, then draws her in close and whispers something that must hold a special meaning to them.
“My queen of hearts. My person.”
“My favorite person,” she whispers back.
Everyone is capturing photos of Dan and Ally cutting their cake. They feed a slice to each other then laugh and kiss.
The night is getting late. Dinner has wrapped up. Speeches have been given. Soon, it will be time for Dan and Ally to have their first dance as husband and wife.
The reception is held beneath a large canopy tent beside the house. Fairy lights twinkle, making the night look magical. A live band performs romantic music.
While catering staff remove the cake to be served, Felix and I steal Harper away, slipping out of the canopy for a quiet minute. This is the first moment we’ve had alone with her today. She’s been occupied with bridesmaid duties.
We choose a spot to rest by the edge of the house, not far from the celebrations. I lean against the wall, wrapping Harper in my arms.
Something hard presses against my leg. I take a few seconds to register that even at this wedding, Harper has the dagger strapped to her thigh.
I’m about to reassure her that no one is attacking us here.
Though the bodyguards don’t follow us as closely since Ferguson’s death, they’re here on duty tonight, being discreet.
Dad even hired security to keep reporters and paparazzi out of the wedding, along with anyone else not on the guest list. But I let the issue slide, remembering Harper said the dagger makes her feel powerful.
She sinks into me, closing her eyes. “I’m exhausted. Today has been amazing but long.”
I stroke her cheek. “We’ll get you to bed soon. Ally and Dan look like they’re enjoying themselves. It’s good to see.”
Felix is quiet beside us, sipping a drink and gazing at the stars.
“You okay?” Harper asks him.
“Just thinking.”
“About?”
He watches Harper for a long moment, contemplating. “I’m waiting for the pregnancy test before I let myself get too excited. But I’ve been thinking… If we have a daughter, we’ll name her Clara.”
Harper gasps, smiling at him. “I love that idea. It’s perfect.”
“So do I,” I add. “Your mom would have loved it too. I wish she could see you right now. She’d be proud of you.”
Harper laughs. “I don’t know about that. I’m not living the life she envisioned for me.”
“She would definitely be proud,” Felix agrees with me, taking another sip of his drink. “If there’s one thing I know was true about your mother, it’s that she loved unconditionally. In her heart, all Clara truly wanted was for you to be happy.”
Harper nods, curling deeper into my arms. “You’re right. I hope I can be even half the mother she was.”
I kiss her temple. “You’ll be an incredible mother.”
Footsteps approach, crunching on the stone pathway. Dad is heading our way with eyes set on us. I’m not sure what he’s coming to say, but from the serious look on his face, it has to be something important.
“Jesus. Here were go,” Felix mutters. “Harper, you should return to the wedding. Let me and Tyler deal with whatever this is.”
Dad joins us, hearing the end of Felix’s words. “I’d like Harper to stay. There’s something I need to say to you all.”
Harper remains in my arms but turns to face Dad.
Felix pushes off the wall. “This wedding is hardly the time or place to discuss family issues.”
“I’m not here to start an argument. I’d like you to hear me out.”
Felix clicks his tongue, not believing a word out of our father’s mouth. I’m not sure I believe Dad either.
“All right. I’m listening,” Felix says.
Dad pauses, choosing his words carefully, then clears his throat, the sound tight with nerves. “The way I handled Paul Ferguson’s death… I was only trying to protect our family. I know I went about things in a bad way—”
“Felix is right. This isn’t the right time,” I cut in, keeping calm but knowing I won’t remain this way for long if we dive into issues from the past.
“Tyler, I need you to hear me. It was wrong of me to ask that you lie to Harper and your brothers—”
“You didn’t ask. You forced. Fuck, I told you we’re not discussing this here,” I shout, groaning a second later, frustrated with myself for getting heated at this wedding.
I take a deep breath, keeping Harper in my arms and forcing myself to be calm.
“I was young and didn’t know any better. I was scared.”