Chapter 16
She was getting married! It had taken some persuasion and arguments from Kenneth, but here she was, getting dressed for her wedding.
Amelia had been flown in two days before and her friend was enchanted by what was going to be Aria's home for the rest of her life.
She had fallen in love with the town, as much as she had fallen for the man who was going to be her husband.
Husband. Her hand went to her throat as her eyes flew to the full-length mirror in what was now her bedroom.
He had made so many changes for her. Left everything in her hands because he loved her.
For the first time in her life, she was loved and oh, so much!
He showed her in so many ways, had given her so much.
Not just material things, she shook her head as she considered that.
The man was annoying and bullheaded when it came to buying her things.
The closet, redesigned with heaps of shelves, drawers and a vanity in the middle of the large space, was bulging with clothes.
Shoes occupied the shelves, and she had always had a weakness for the darn things.
He had used that weakness against her and indulged. Romano's and other high-end stores were gleefully licking their fingers. They had taken a trip to Italy and a stopover in Paris where he had done more shopping.
She was happy. Amelia had sat her down and reminded her that just a few months ago in spring, she had been desperately unhappy and running away.
She had chosen this town at random, never dreaming that here lies her salvation.
She didn't give a crap about his money, even though reporters had hinted at how favor had smiled at her.
The message had been subtle, because Kenneth, his father and uncle were fierce at protecting her name.
But the message had been loud and clear.
Her family had ripped people off and lived off their ill-gotten gains and here she was, reaping tremendous benefits by hooking up with a multi-billionaire.
It had been left unsaid, the part about it not being fair.
She had wept in her pillows that night after reading the article.
Even though she had waited until she thought he was asleep, the man was so attuned to her every mood and movements, he had found out.
And had been angry and heartsick that she was suffering.
Suffice it to say the hapless reporter had paid for the error.
"No one hurts you," he said fiercely. "No one, not even me."
And she had at last realized that here was a man who would always put her needs ahead of his.
She wondered how she was so fortunate. Lifting a hand, she trailed a finger over the stunning diamond necklace he had given her to match the bracelet and the twin set of wedding rings.
Her dress was a slim column of white satin overlaid with lace so delicate, it looked like it would vanish at the slightest touch.
She had not wanted fussy, but one look at the samples Monique had sent her had her deciding that this was the dress.
It hugged her curves and flowed gently to her ankles.
The neck was square cut and looked modest, until she turned around to reveal the back.
It dipped dangerously low, with ropes of pearls crisscrossed to offer some modicum of decency.
There was absolutely no room for underwear, so something had been added to keep her nipples from showing through the material.
Her hair was a mass of finger combed style, the spikes carefully gelled and deep conditioned.
The result was a shiny blonde color that looked stunning against her ebony skin.
Diamonds dripped from her lobes and her makeup expertly applied gave her a glow that made her look stunning.
Turning away from the mirror, she reached for the long white gloves and started to pull them on. Amelia entered the room, her dress of raw silk in emerald green draping her angular body gracefully. Chestnut brown eyes widened as she took in her best friend.
"My God." She whispered reverently. "You look like a dream."
There was a hint of envy in her voice, but Amelia could not help it.
She had seen the way Kenneth looked at her friend whenever they were in the same room.
Even if there were several people present, he had eyes only for Aria.
He was utterly and completely devoted to her.
And reminded Amelia of a book she had read once of a knight dedicated to keeping a princess free from harm, even if it meant losing his own life.
The man wanted to slay dragons. He was not blinded, just simply so in love, he saw no one else and was absolutely focused on Aria.
"Will I do?" Aria grinned, mahogany eyes sparkling, lips coated in a soft rose pink curved, white teeth gleaming.
"You look so happy."
"I am." She finished putting on the gloves and went to hug her friend. "I'm so happy, it scares me to death. I'm not used to it."
"You got yourself one of the best men I've ever seen." Amelia hugged her back. "And after all the misery you went through, you deserve it."
"I often wonder why." Spinning away, she lifted her arms and laughed. "He loves me. Don't know why, but he does and I'm going to make him the best wife ever."
"And you've opened your own law office."
At the reminder, Aria pressed her hand to her stomach. So many changes. Her hand drifted to her flat belly. Another change. One that was officially scaring her to death and one she was going to tell her husband on their wedding night.
"Am I crazy not to accept the offer from Kingsley and Kevin to join their team of lawyers? The salary alone sent shock through my system."
Amelia smiled and walking over to the mirror, adjusted her earrings. "You want to try it on your own. Nothing wrong with that."
They both turned at the discreet knock on the doorjamb. Kingsley Tierney looking resplendent in his black tux stood there smiling.
"I'm here to fetch the bride. Your limo is waiting." Giving Amelia a cursory look, he focused on the woman who had changed his son's life. "My dear, look at you." Taking her hands, he drew her in for a kiss. "My son is a very lucky man."
"I think I'm the lucky one." She had grown to love him. Kingsley Tierney had become the father she never had. Framing his face between her hands, she kissed him on the lips. "I'm ready for you to give me away."
*****
The church, Birchwood Baptist, nestled on a slight incline and like most of the public places in town was surrounded by the trees that gave the town its name.
Flowers bloomed in profusion from the white pillared columns to as far back as the wooded area that was part of the property.
Even here, the elegant structure wielded the Tierney's influence.
A Tierney had founded it, the priest who had wandered here by accident or design.
Over the years it had gone through some major changes, because of structural damages done by bad weather, but still managed to maintain its bridelike innocence and beauty.
The June day was perfect for the ceremony.
The reception was going to be held at the manor with a few friends who had flown in from out of town.
The ceremony was open to everyone in town and the church along with the tents provided on the grounds were overflowing with people eager to see the woman who had waltzed in and captured the heart of the town's most eligible bachelor.
Standing at the front of the church, with his uncle beside him, that bachelor was trying to remain calm as he impatiently waited for his bride.
Ignoring the longing looks from the women seated in the pews, he shifted restlessly and at one point tugged on the black bow tie that looked stark against his stiff white shirt.
All three Tierney men were identically dressed in black tux and had the women sighing longingly.
"I think I heard somewhere that Aria has decided to ditch the ceremony. She's halfway out of town by now."
He had taken two steps when he heard his uncle laugh. Turning to face him, Kenneth gave him a look that burned a hole through his skull. "You might be my only uncle, but that's not going to matter a damn when I strangle you."
The laughter faded instantly. "Jesus, lighten up will you?
That woman..." Ah, perfect timing." Clamping his hands on his nephew's shoulders, he turned him around just in time to see his bride walking in on his father's arm.
As usual, his gaze flickered past the woman walking in front of her and onto his father before settling on her.
The breath was frozen inside his chest, and he felt his heart thudding.
The blood rushed to his ears, and he couldn't hear anything at first. His eyes darkened, his hands grew clammy.
She was walking towards him to become his wife.
His best friend, his lover for the rest of their lives. And he could not wait another second.
Striding forward, he relieved his father of her arm and just stood there looking at her.
The church was hushed, not even a breath stirred as he stared at her.
Women reached for their tissues as they watched the obvious joy and love burned from the man to the woman.
Then the smile flooded his face as he took her hand and led her to where the minister was waiting.
*****
They honeymooned in Dingle, County Kerry, the perfect Irish seaside town, famous for its brightly painted buildings and lively atmosphere.
It was also the home of his grandparents.
The cottage was isolated, settled among stunning green hills, the hurts the eye.
It was part of their two-week trip to visit small towns and pretend to be tourists.
But first, they were blissfully alone in the cottage that reminded her of the icing on the towering double chocolate gateau that had been her wedding cake.