Chapter 52
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
As the sun set following what Rachel had decided was the most intimate, heartfelt wedding service ever, the happy couple led their guests, through the beautiful gardens. Waiters with trays laden with glasses of champagne and sparkling water, lined the path to the main villa.
A smiling Matthew sought Rachel out among the stragglers. “They did it. They got married.”
“It was a lovely ceremony. And you made such a handsome best man.”
He held out his hand and she took it. It made her heart sing to feel this comfortable with him. For them to have slipped into this ease in their relationship.
“I’m glad you came with me this weekend. You had me worried when you didn’t immediately say yes to my invitation.”
Rachel’s gaze dropped to the hem of her floral gown. The organza was so light, the spaghetti straps holding it up barely touched her skin. Her silver painted toenails were dusted with sand. A barefoot wedding was a delightful experience for her feet .
“I didn’t want to say no. I just felt uncomfortable about not dressing properly for your family.”
Matthew bent and pressed a soft kiss to her collarbone. “I love this island look on you. It will be such a pity to have to go back to Aspen in a couple of days and rug up all over again. I might just have to take some private photos in our room later tonight.”
“Speaking of cellular devices, do you know when we will get ours back? I dread to think how many missed calls and emails I will have waiting for me.”
“Everyone will get their phones back after the bride and groom have left the reception. Jordan and Chloe are heading out on that big black yacht you see moored next to the Italian one. Apparently, it’s owned by a record producer friend of Chloe’s.”
Rachel held back on telling Matthew that she knew exactly who that record producer was, and where his private island was located. Chloe’s Garden were well on top of those sorts of things.
Reaching the main villa, she grappled with a new concern. If she happened to stay in Matthew’s life, in his world, she would have to forgo being a devoted member of Chloe’s fandom. She couldn’t be friends with Chloe while also being involved with people who excelled in tracking her life.
“What’s wrong?” asked Matthew.
He could read her only too well and sense when she was out of sorts. “The joke we played last night about me being a rabid fan of Chloe, well it’s kinda not a joke. I still feel really weird whenever I see her.”
“I thought that might be the case. It took a few months for the rest of the family to become comfortable with Chloe. And even now I find myself having to watch what I say around her. She says it’s a fame thing, and we will eventually get over it. So will you. ”
This man, he had a way of saying just the right thing. Of making her feel seen. Rachel slowed her steps and offered Matthew a sip of her champagne. The words were on the tip of her tongue. She wanted to say them. To tell him how she felt about him.
I love you.
But if he accepted them, it would be without knowing the truth of her past. She couldn’t do it. It would be unfair to them both.
All she could do right now was stick to the plan she’d decided on. As soon as they were back in Aspen, she’d tell him the truth of her past.
Matthew handed Rachel back her glass. “Let’s find our table. I have the best man speech to make shortly, after which you and I can finally relax and enjoy the party. There are a few hundred cousins I want you to meet. I’m hoping you could talk to some of them tomorrow about future design projects.”
“You told your cousins that I’m an architect?”
“Of course I did. You’re an amazing and talented woman. Any man would be proud to show you off to his family.”
It hadn’t occurred to Rachel that Matthew would have mentioned her to the members of the extended Royal family, let alone told them she was an architect. She wasn’t just his arm candy for the wedding.
He really values me.