14. Binding
Cassius
“I can’t believe you beat me again,” Rhodes said. He threw his video game controller onto the bed and fake-scowled Lucas Kensington. “That was rigged!”
“Nah, I’m just a boss.” Lucas giggled. “Wanna play again?”
“Yes,” Rhodes said.
“I’m sorry, guys, but the coordinator said they’re on their way up,” I interrupted.
“Faith’s here?” Lucas sat up, eyes wide. “Is she going to be wearing a white dress?”
“I think so,” I answered. “I bet she’s going to think you look great in that suit.” I’d made sure that Lucas had a brand-new suit so that he’d feel special and included. He looked so handsome, I knew Faith would be touched.
Lucas beamed at me, adjusting his tie. “I do look pretty good,” he said.
“Hey—rematch later, dude.” Rhodes pointed at him. “Next time, I’m getting a ‘W.’”
“Doubt it.” Lucas grinned at him. “But you’re on.”
“I’m going to change the music,” Sterling said. He switched his country playlist to an instrumental song I’d chosen. My brothers looked handsome and were pleasant and smiling—more than I could’ve asked for on such short notice. I had to give them credit. They’d initially cautioned me against getting married too quickly, but they fully supported me once they understood I believed it was the right thing to do.
The officiant adjusted his tie, then smiled at me. “Are you ready, Mr. Blackwood?”
I nodded. The last two hours in Lucas’s room had been surprisingly fun and relaxing. My brothers had gotten to know Faith’s brother by comparing playlists, stating their candy preferences, and getting whomped at video games. But now my palms started to sweat. I’m getting married.
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. If I was nervous, Faith likely was, too. I needed to be strong for her. Her distance from me last night was still fresh in my mind; I needed to try and close it a bit, today of all days.
Leesa, the wedding coordinator, walked through the door first, beaming at us. She was followed by Tate and Macy. Both young women looked lovely in jewel-colored dresses, and they smiled at us as they filed in, clutching their bouquets.
Last but not least was Faith.
She was so lovely; it almost hurt to look at her. Her white lace gown was perfection, modest but still hugging her curves. Her blonde tresses were pulled back into a low bun, and the sapphire necklace I’d chosen for her winked at her throat. Was it only recently that I’d clasped another necklace around her neck—her diamond V pendant? That seemed like a million years ago. At the start, Faith had been my obsession, my virgin.
Now, she would be my wife and the mother of my child.
She gazed up at me, and for a moment, time stopped. The rest of the world fell away. Everything I’d been concerned with—the contracts, the trust, my heir, my fears—were obliterated by the sight of my beautiful bride. Pride swelled in my chest as she joined me at my side, and we faced the officiant together.
But first, she turned around and grinned at her brother. He grinned back and gave her a thumbs-up.
The officiant cleared his throat. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…”
We listened as he delivered the wedding introduction and welcomed our families and friends. I’d asked him to be very traditional throughout the ceremony because tradition seemed important to Faith. When it was time to recite our wedding vows, we followed the long-established script, repeating the age-old pledges after the officiant. Then, it was time for the rings. Faith slid my band onto my ring finger, and then it was my turn.
I’d realized last night that I’d made an egregious error—I’d never given Faith an engagement ring. So, instead of one wedding ring, I placed two on her left hand. One was her platinum wedding band. The other was my mother’s engagement ring, a five-carat emerald-cut stunner, a gift from my father. Sterling and Rhodes agreed that I should give it to Faith at our ceremony. As the oldest brother and the first to marry, it was meant for my wife.
Once our rings were on, the officiant pronounced us husband and wife. Pride swelled in my chest.
“You may now kiss the bride.”
I bent and put my lips against Faith’s, and she put her arms around my neck. It was a joyous moment for me. I’d never intended for Club 444 to lead me to this, but there I was.
A husband. Soon to be a father.
I closed my eyes and kissed my wife again.
The “reception”lasted for an hour in Lucas’s room until he needed to rest for his treatment. We had cake and sparkling cider, and some of the nurses and medical staff joined us. Sterling played upbeat music, and the bridesmaids and the nurses began to dance. Lucas had a smile on his face the whole time.
“I can’t believe you’re married,” I overheard him say to his sister.
She smiled at him, but her brow creased in worry. “Are you doing okay with all of this?”
He grinned. “Are you kidding me? Cassius is the goat! His brothers are cool, too. They suck at video games, but whatever.”
“You shouldn’t say ‘suck.’” But she smiled at him.
“You didn’t invite Mom?” Lucas asked.
Faith stiffened. “No, I didn’t. This was all pretty last minute.”
He shrugged. “She’d probably like to be here, though.”
“Probably,” she agreed. “She likes cake.”
“Yeah, so… Will you guys come back and visit me soon?” Lucas asked, sounding hopeful.
I went and joined Faith at his bedside. “Actually, I just bought a condominium next door. Faith and I will come visit whenever you every week.”
Lucas’s eyeballs got huge in his face. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.” We reached out and gave each other knuckles.
The wedding coordinator appeared at my side. “Mr. Blackwood, I hate to interrupt, but it’s time for your flight,” she said. “I’ll meet you downstairs with your luggage.”
“Thank you.” I turned back to Lucas. “And thank you for making today special, Lucas.”
He couldn’t wipe the smile from his face. “No problem.”
Faith changed into a white travel outfit that Leesa had thoughtfully packed, and we said our goodbyes. Lucas gave us another thumbs-up, Tate and Macy were tearful, my brothers were jubilant, and the center’s staff cheered us as we walked down the hall.
Holding hands, the new Mrs. Blackwood and I stepped into the elevator.