Chapter 23 #2
Finally... it was my turn.
I carefully stepped into my gown before Becky zipped me in.
The burnt orange satin skimmed every curve of my body before pooling softly around my feet.
The structured corset hugged my waist perfectly, while the delicate neckline softened the entire look.
The color looked even richer against my skin than I had imagined.
I slipped into my heels before slowly turning toward the mirror.
For a second... I didn't recognize myself.
"You look incredible," Becky whispered.
I smiled.
"Thank you."
Then the room suddenly grew quiet.
Mars stepped out of the bedroom.
Every single conversation stopped.
She wore a champagne silk gown that looked like it had been made specifically for her.
The fitted corset sparkled with delicate crystal embroidery that caught every bit of light in the room before melting seamlessly into smooth satin that flowed behind her like liquid gold.
The train followed gracefully across the hardwood floor with every step she took.
Her sleek ponytail highlighted the graceful curve of her shoulders while allowing every beautiful feature on her face to command attention.
She looked sophisticated.
Timeless.
Becky covered her mouth, Stormy gasped, and Andre dramatically fanned himself with both hands.
Mars looked around the room before finally landing on me.
"How do I look?"
My eyes filled before I could stop them.
"You look like every prayer you never knew you were praying finally got answered."
The room fell completely silent.
Mars walked over and wrapped her arms around me without saying a word.
I hugged her just as tightly.
Because somehow... the little girl who never dreamed about weddings had grown into a woman whose happiness could light up an entire room.
And watching her stand there, surrounded by the people who loved her most, reminded me that maybe... just maybe... love really was worth waiting for.
Within an hour, the suite had transformed all over again.
The hairstylists packed away their curling irons and products while the makeup artists carefully wiped down every countertop until it looked untouched.
A member of housekeeping quietly slipped inside, collecting empty champagne glasses, replacing used towels, making beds, and straightening furniture with such precision that within minutes, it looked as though no one had ever stepped foot inside the room.
Garment bags disappeared.
Makeup cases rolled into the hallway.
Music continued playing softly through the speakers as everyone gave themselves one final look in the mirrors.
Becky adjusted her earrings.
Stormy reapplied her lip gloss.
Andre carefully smoothed the front of his copper suit before admiring himself in the mirror.
"I mean..."
He turned sideways dramatically.
"I really outdid myself."
We all laughed.
"You've been saying that for the last thirty minutes," Becky teased.
"Because I've been right for the last thirty minutes."
I smiled as I picked up my clutch.
"It looks good, Dre."
He placed a hand over his heart.
"Thank you. Finally, someone with taste."
A knock sounded at the suite door.
"We're ready whenever you all are," one of the coordinators called.
Mars clapped her hands together.
"Alright, everybody. Picture time."
Excitement immediately filled the room.
Before leaving, I wandered over to the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Houston.
Luxury vehicles had already begun pulling beneath the grand entrance.
Black Escalades.
Bentleys.
Rolls-Royces.
Aston Martins.
Valets moved effortlessly between each arriving guest while attendants greeted everyone with champagne the moment they stepped inside.
The celebration hadn't officially started yet, but people were already arriving.
Luckily, we wouldn't be crossing paths with them.
Stormy had arranged for the bridal party to use the hotel's private service elevator that led directly behind the ballroom and outdoor terrace so we could finish portraits before cocktail hour officially began.
The elevator doors opened onto a private corridor lined with fresh greenery and soft candlelight before leading us outside.
The terrace took my breath away.
It overlooked the rolling hills surrounding the hotel while the late afternoon sun painted everything in soft shades of gold.
The same florals from inside the ballroom surrounded the terrace, overflowing from stone planters and elegant pedestal arrangements.
White peonies.
Champagne roses.
Burnt orange dahlias.
Golden ranunculus.
Every arrangement looked as though it had naturally grown there.
A string quartet played softly from somewhere nearby while photographers adjusted lenses and lighting equipment beneath the covered pavilion.
Everything looked effortless.
Everything looked perfect.
As we made our way down the stone steps, I immediately spotted everyone already waiting.
Jalen stood talking with his mother and Mars's parents while the groomsmen laughed about something off to the side.
My eyes instinctively searched... then found him.
Cal.
He wore a tailored copper suit that matched the warm tones surrounding us perfectly.
The crisp white shirt beneath it left the top button undone, giving him just enough of a relaxed look without sacrificing elegance.
His beard had been freshly shaped.
His watch caught the sunlight every time he moved.
He looked... entirely too handsome.
I forced myself to look away before anyone noticed I had been staring.
"Alright, everybody!" the photographer called enthusiastically.
"We're going to start with the full wedding party."
Everyone quickly found their places.
Mars and Jalen stood together in the center while the groomsmen lined up on Jalen's right and the bridesmaids stood to Mars's left.
The photographer adjusted shoulders, spacing, and posture before stepping back.
"Perfect. Everybody look right here."
A chorus of shutters immediately filled the air.
"Beautiful.
Now, everybody laugh at Jalen."
"What?" Jalen looked around, confused.
The photographer grinned.
"I don't know.
I just wanted genuine smiles."
Laughter instantly erupted.
"That's it! Hold that!"
The photographer moved effortlessly through the combinations: parents, siblings, Jalen with his mother, and Mars with hers.
Next came the Sinclair family, followed by the bridal party, the bridesmaids, and the groomsmen.
"I'd love one with Nia, Becky, Stormy, Andre, and me."
"Absolutely."
They stepped forward.
"And after that..."
She looked directly at me.
"Can we get one with Nia and Cal?"
My eyes immediately widened.
I slowly turned toward her.
She looked entirely too innocent.
Jalen bit the inside of his cheek, clearly trying not to laugh.
I knew exactly what they were doing.
Today was her day.
I wasn't about to argue.
One by one everyone stepped aside until only Cal and I remained standing beneath the floral arch.
The photographer glanced between us.
"Take your time."
"You don't have to pose right away."
"We're just looking for something natural."
Before I even had a chance to decide what to do, I felt Cal step closer.
Close enough that I could feel the warmth radiating from his body.
His hand slowly settled against my waist before sliding just enough to gently guide me closer to him.
"You look amazing," he whispered near my ear.
The warmth of his breath brushed softly against my skin.
A shiver ran through me before I could stop it.
I silently thanked God the photographer couldn't hear how fast my heart had suddenly started beating.
I smiled without turning around.
"You don't look half bad yourself, Mr. Sinclair."
"I'll take that."
A quiet chuckle escaped him.
The photographer lowered his camera slightly.
"Actually..."
"Don't move."
"That's exactly what I wanted."
I carefully rested my hand over the one still resting against my waist.
The camera immediately began clicking.
"Perfect."
"Beautiful."
"You two photograph incredibly well together."
Neither of us moved.
Neither of us spoke.
For a fleeting second, the rest of the world completely vanished.
The photographer’s voice broke the silence.
"Let's do one more.
Nia, step directly in front of him.
Cal, wrap your arms naturally around her waist."
My stomach tightened.
Cal didn't hesitate.
His hands settled against my waist, warm and deliberate, before he gently pulled me back until my spine rested flush against his chest.
Every inch of me immediately became aware of every inch of him.
His heartbeat.
His steady breathing.
The familiar scent of his cologne.
The strength in the arms surrounding me.
It all came rushing back at once.
I forgot where we were.
Forgot there were cameras.
Forgot there were dozens of people standing only a few feet away.
"Beautiful," the photographer said softly.
"Absolutely beautiful."
The camera clicked several more times before he finally lowered it.
"That's a wrap."
Cheers erupted around us.
Everyone immediately began making their way toward cocktail hour.
It took me a second longer to move.
I inhaled quietly before stepping away from Cal.
The warmth of him disappeared almost instantly.
"This is going to be a very long night," I whispered to myself as I watched him disappear into the crowd without looking back.