Chapter 13
Erich
I studied the papers in front of me, not at all interested in anything that was on there.
Unfortunately, it was a necessary task. Since we wanted this ceremony to be quick and small, that meant Jaq and I had a lot of the prep work to do, and quickly.
Thankfully we had a team of people behind us every step of the way, but they still required our approval.
Which I was trying to provide. If only I could wrangle my fiancé and have him focus.
Jaq paced the length of our room. “I don’t know how I’ll ever repay your dad for what he did.” He wore a pair of sweats that were slung low on his hips and a plain white t-shirt that hugged his chest. His hair was a tangled mess after he’d spent several minutes running his hands through it.
I took off my glasses and pinched the bridge of my nose. This wasn’t the first time we’d had this conversation since I learned of the events from earlier today. “Repay him? Sweetheart, there’s nothing to repay.”
“I’ve never had anyone stand up for me like that. Not since Thomas, when we were kids.”
As much as I loved that my father had been there for Jaq, and I really did, I would have loved to have been there for him myself.
Unfortunately, I was away working when his asshole sperm donor arrived at the palace.
When I did finally learn about what happened, Cort wouldn’t let me in the same room as Jaq’s father.
Probably for the best, considering I would have punched him in the nose.
Though I had never punched anyone before in my life, I was sure that I could do it right.
Even if I broke my wrist on his face, it would be worth it.
Hell, I’d pay the press to be there to witness it firsthand.
“He was so fierce. I mean, I can see how he led a country for his whole life, next to your dad, I mean. He was amazing.”
I grinned as I watched the love of my life rave about my dad like he was Jaq’s personal hero.
“Yes. He also raised five boys, four alphas and an omega. He is a force to be reckoned with, which is why we need to finalize this list, or else he’s going to invite whoever the hell he wants to our very private wedding ceremony. Can you help me with that?”
“Of course, I just—” Jaq ran a hand through his hair, the distress evident on his face.
I held out a hand, and he took it, and I pulled him to me. “Sweetheart. My dearest love. Do you see now? How much everybody here loves you? My family is your family. We are all here for you.”
“I see it,” he said, and he hugged me tighter. “I just can hardly believe it. I don’t deserve it.”
I put my hand over his mouth. “You deserve all of that and more.”
We were quiet for a moment as I simply held him.
I rocked slightly, hoping to ease the anxiety that was working its way through his body.
He hadn’t yet come down from the confrontation earlier.
My poor omega was wired with equal parts awe and dismay.
I kissed his temple and breathed in his scent.
His body relaxed against mine, the unfinished paperwork forgotten.
“I’m really glad my dad was there for you today.”
“I am too.” Tears pooled in the corner of Jaq’s eyes. “It felt so real when he said that… that I was his son. No one’s ever said that before. I really want to repay him somehow.”
I had to smile. If I’d been in the room when my father said those words, I’d have been reduced to a puddle of tears also.
I made a mention note to send my dad flowers or his favorite candies.
I thought my husband’s love language was gift-giving, perhaps acts of service.
“Love, if you give him another grandchild, I’m sure he’ll be ecstatic. ”
Jacques laughed. “Perhaps we shouldn’t tell him just how close we were to that exact thing.”
“Absolutely not,” I said. “We’re lucky they let the two of us live together in my rooms without any fuss.” Then again, we hadn’t really told them that Jaq was moving in with me. It was all done quietly. If there was one thing that Jaq and I did well, it was sneaking around.
“They got their virgin wedding between the king and my brother. They can’t expect the rest of you to be so innocent.”
“Exactly. Now, back to the wedding guest situation.”
“Right. Since your brother, the king, is coming, how many guards do we have to have there? And will his staff be there as well?”
The entourage that followed Cort and Thomas around was impressive. Jaq should know, since he was usually a part of it.
I snorted. “I have no idea. Since the whole family will be there, should we just assume the whole royal guard will attend?”
“All right, that would make sense. The children will all be there as well. I wonder if we could get someone to help wrangle all of them, especially for photographs.”
“You are asking the wrong person. Are we making the seating chart?”
Jaq shrugged. “I don’t know. I was told to bring you the list to work on. I did that.”
“Hmm. Dad handed me this board with people’s names and plates, and I don’t know what I am supposed to do with it.”
“Is it too late to elope?” Jaq asked.
“Do not tempt me, love. I’ll marry you in Vegas in a heartbeat.” I kissed his neck and nipped at his earlobe. Jaq hissed in a breath. His hand gripped my bicep.
“I’ve never been. Is it a lot of fun?”
“Perhaps we should go on a honeymoon.”
“No, thank you. I’d rather go up to that mountain getaway place you all have, spend two weeks completely alone with you.” Jaq kissed my cheek.
My body heated as it always did when he showered me with affection. After spending years only getting a few stolen moments, we were making up for lost time. It was a miracle I ever spent any time away from him now that I could kiss him anytime I wanted.
“Yes, me, you, and the bodyguards that follow us around every day.”
That at least got a laugh out of Jaq.
“This is real.” He fiddled with the ring on his finger, a habit I’d noticed when he was feeling unsure.
“The realest it’s ever been. I love you more than all the stars in the sky,” I said. “Now, seriously, help me finish this guest list.”
“I don’t know who all should come. Everybody’s from your side. We’re not really inviting that many people from my country.”
I sighed, because I knew he was right.
“How about this? For every table you finalize, I’ll stroke your dick.” Jaq nipped at my earlobe, and my dick stood at attention.
“There’s not nearly enough tables for this small ceremony,” I said.
“Then I guess they’d better be really good strokes,” Jaq said.