Chapter 16
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
corinne
Today is the day. We’re at the courthouse, and this is where we’ll say our vows.
There’s something to be said about the polished marble halls, the gleaming wood, and shined-to-perfection brass.
And while we could have waited to do this with a traditional event, neither of us wanted that.
Our family and friends are all we need. Nothing big and flamboyant appeals to us.
I’ll save that for the flashy cars, impeccable watches, and exuberant vacations my future husband likes to splurge on so much.
I’m standing in the corridor wearing a stunning vintage cream-colored floor-length dress.
The fabric drapes elegantly over my curves, hanging intentionally off one shoulder to expose my bare skin, begging for Dom’s touch.
A delicate short birdcage veil, another vintage touch, drapes gracefully to the side of my face, partially covering me.
My hair is swept up in a neat, low bun, and my makeup is entirely understated—a few swipes of mascara, a touch of blush, and a lip color that I knew wouldn’t leave a smudge when the time came.
Everything should be perfect, looking amazing on the outside, except a heavy weight sits in the center of my chest. A deep melancholy presses against my ribs every time I look toward the heavy wooden doors of the courtroom.
My mom couldn’t make it.
Her health, the distance, the sheer logistics of a sudden courthouse ceremony—all of the odds stacked up against us, and the empty space feels like a physical ache.
“Cory.” The low timbre of Dom’s voice washes over me, instantly grounding my racing thoughts.
I turn to look at him, and for a second, the whole world stands still.
My breath catches. Dom is dressed in an impeccable and what I’m sure is an expensive three-piece suit, traditional in the color black.
The single-breasted jacket has a classic satin-peaked lapel, with a matching vest and trousers.
I’ve become quite proficient in brands and styles when it comes to Dom’s closet, well, and now mine, too. The man lives to spoil me.
His dark eyes lock on mine, instantly reading the faint trace of sadness lingering on my face. Dom being Dom, he doesn’t just notice my pain. He’s more than willing to burn down the world to fix it. Before I can say a word, the heavy double doors at the end of the hall swing open.
“Mom?” I whisper, voice cracking when I see her appear in the corridor, guided by one of Dom’s security personnel.
That’s been another thing I’ve had to get used to—a detail is on us whenever we venture out to certain events, and while Dom is demanding I have a permanent one on me, that’s a battle I’m not willing to lose.
“You look absolutely breathtaking, honey.” She smiles, eyes crinkling at the corners with tears of joy as she’s wheeled toward us.
Dom takes a step back, giving us space. A soft, satisfied smirk plays on his lips.
He made it happen, coordinated transportation, the medical clearance, and has the timing down to the exact second to make sure she’d be here.
Mom reaches out, her warm fingers squeezing my hand with a familiar feel.
I lean down, pressing my lips against her sot cheek.
“I wish you a lifetime of absolute happiness. Dom loves you so very much, Corinne, I can see it by the way he looks at you.” Her voice quivers with emotion.
“Thank you, Mom,” I choke out, wiping a stray tear away before it can ruin my makeup. Dom slips beside me, his large hand sliding down my exposed shoulder, his touch leaving my flesh pebbled in its wake before he settles his palm on my waist.
Our friends are lined up, waiting to witness the moment we make this official.
There are no sides, everyone is intermingled with the other.
My girls: Alexandria, Jett, Mischa, Romy, Genny, and Seraphina are here for me.
And Dom’s guys: Vik, Dante, Nolan, and Rafe are there for him, well, truthfully, they’re here for us.
“Ready?” Dom turns to me, offering his arm, and I slip my hand through the crook of his elbow.
“I am so ready.” The pink diamond engagement ring on my finger catches the bright lights, and with a steady pace, Dom walks us toward the judge standing at the front of the small courtroom chamber.
We stand before the judge, our world narrowed down until the only things that exist are the man beside me, the warmth of his body, and the incredible future we’re going to create.
“Please repeat after me.” We face each other, Dom’s eyes never leaving mine.
“I, Dom Mercer, take you, Corinne Pierson, to be my lawfully wedded wife.” His voice is deep, steady, and unwavering as he speaks his vows, making promises that I know aren’t just for show, they’re the honest to god truth.
He slides on my platinum wedding band, eternity in style, ensuring the diamonds are visible from every angle, creating a continuous circle around my finger.
“I, Corinne Pierson, take you, Dom Mercer, to be my lawfully wedded husband.” We finish our vows, my voice trembling slightly. The love I carry for this man is indescribable. His band is the same platinum, thick, and has our wedding date along with our initials engraved inside it.
“By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.” The judge smiles and closes his book with our marriage script.
Dom doesn’t hesitate. In fact, he barely lets the judge get the words out before he steps forward.
His massive hands cradle my jaw, thumbs tracing my cheekbones as he pulls me into him.
And he kisses me. It’s long, it’s deep, and he doesn’t hold back.
His lips part mine with a hungry, possessive intensity that reminds me of every late-night promise, every sensual touch, and the undeniable reality that I belong to him completely.
I arch into him, fingers clutching the expensive fabric of his vest, pouring every ounce of love and happiness into our kiss.
The world fades into a blur of heat, silk, and the scent of his cologne.
The sudden explosion of sound breaks us apart.
Dom smiles against my lips. Our friends break into a happy applause, cheering enthusiastically.
And while the girls clap in happiness, the guys completely shatter the administrative decorum of the courthouse.
Vik, Dante, Nolan, and Rafe let out loud whistles and make rowdy catcalls, their deep voices echoing off the tall ceilings.
“About damn time!” Rafe shouts, throwing his hands in the air. Seraphina smacks his chest and rolls his eyes.
“Not sure how you got the girl, but she’s way above your pay grade!
” Dante yells through a whistle, making the rest of the group burst into laughter.
Dom pulls back just enough to look down at me.
His chest rises and falls against mine as a rare brilliant grin stretches across his face.
He ignores his friends’ teasing. His arm wraps securely around my waist, holding me flush to his side as we turn to face our favorite people.
I look out at my mom. She’s clapping through tears.
My friends, who have been by my side through every single step of this wild journey.
They still don’t know about the contract, and they never will.
That’s ancient history. The corporate strategy and marriage of convenience are a thing of the past. This is real, it’s loud, and it’s absolutely ours.
“I love you, Cory.” Dom bends to whisper in my ear.
“I love you, too, Dom. So very much.” I look into his eyes and see my whole world inside them.