The dress itself was the palest blush pink with soft layers of tulle floating behind her. Over top of the pale pink silk was gorgeous, hand-beaded lace covered in tiny flowers that spread from mid-way up the skirt all the way to the neckline. The lace covered the heart-shaped bodice and went up over Paris' shoulders, then down her back, where it was fastened with a dozen fresh-water pearls. The waist of the dress was bound with a perfect, sweet little pink bow. When Paris twirled, the skirt of the dress spun in a perfect circle, and she couldn't stop admiring how the lace sparkled when she twirled. A professional stylist had gathered Paris' hair into an elegant chignon, with loose curls framing her face, just the way Alex liked. Her makeup was sweet and simple, with a light smoky eye and soft pink lips.
And peeking out from the layers of tulle, were the twinkling diamond shoes on Paris' feet. She couldn't believe how elegant she looked, how beautiful she felt, and how happy she was. Cat came up behind Paris and brushed a loose curl behind Paris' ear, and kissed her on both cheeks.
“I could never have picked a more wonderful woman to marry my son. You are everything he deserves and so much more. I can only hope that he is everything you deserve.”
Paris felt tears well in her eyes.
“Don't make me cry, Cat! My makeup!”
The women laughed and held each other in a tight hug.
“Your brother is waiting outside, Paris. Are you ready?”
Paris nodded enthusiastically. She had never been more ready for anything in her life. Orlando was waiting just outside the door, and when he saw his sister in her wedding dress, his eyes filled with tears. As he offered Paris his arm, he whispered, “Ready to take a walk, Tater?”
Paris smiled and kissed her brother on the cheek.
“Never more ready for anything in my life.”
The doors to the chapel opened as the strains of Ravel filled the room. Paris caught sight of Alex at the end of the aisle, and she felt her heart stop. He stood tall and proud, his hair slicked back, and his big eyes sparkling. His tuxedo matched that of his brothers' at his side, but unlike them, his bow tie was made of the same pale pink fabric in Paris' dress. When she locked eyes with Alex, his smile was spreading from ear to ear and his eyes sparkling with tears.
Paris and Orlando entered the cathedral, and legions of gathered royalty, nobility, and diplomats stood to see the bride as she walked her way to her groom. Even the American ambassador was sitting near the front, not far from her mother. Her sister Atlanta, her bridesmaid, stood near the altar, smiling happily for Paris. The smell of gardenias, the echo of the massive pipe organ, the flashbulbs of hundreds of photographers and T.V. cameras all disappeared from Paris’ consciousness. All that existed for her in that moment was Alex, and Paris felt her spirit soar with happiness.
Her life began in this moment, and she couldn't wait to see what adventures were ahead for her and her handsome prince.
* * *
The End
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Excerpt
from The Billionaire’s Baby Bargain
“I’m sorry… what did you say?” Colin Strathmore said slowly. His voice was pure ice.
“We do sincerely regret the mistake—” The clinic director said nervously.
“This is a hell of a lot more than a mistake.”
“Well, it is unfortunate, yes, but nothing like this has ever happened before.”
“And so how do you plan to fix it?” Colin said smoothly. His demeanor was calm, but his voice held a dangerous edge. The rhythmic rapping of his fingers against the mahogany table was the only thing that betrayed his anger.
Doctor Moore looked around the room nervously, unable to meet Colin’s glare. Her eyes lingered on the framed plaques and awards for philanthropy she saw in the opulent office, on the expensive trinkets on the shelves and desk that had been clearly placed there by an interior designer. The room was laid out to be as intimidating as possible, and it was working.
Beside her the lawyer, Clarkson, had interjected. “Well, we have offered Miss Robinson a generous financial package to fix the mistake.”
“Enlighten me. How exactly would that fix it?”
“Well, if Miss Robinson terminated the pregnancy then there would be minimal damages to you.”
“Terminated?” Colin stood up. “You thought you had the right to ask her to terminate the pregnancy?”
“It did seem like the most logical solution,” Doctor Moore offered nervously.
“And you didn’t think I should be consulted before you made this offer?” He was outraged.
Colin turned his back on them, staring out into the immense cityscape that was sprawled before him from his office on the top floor of the Strathmore Financial building. He was known for his stoicism, for his emotional restraint, but by God—! There was only so far he could be pushed.
He wanted to punch the lawyer right in the middle of his face and toss the incompetent doctor out on her ass. He clenched his fist several times as he struggled to regain his composure.
He had made a deposit at the sperm bank at one of the most difficult points of his life. Newly divorced, and diagnosed with cancer when he was only thirty-five, doctors had told him he should do what he could to protect his future chance at having children.
The radiation therapy had been successful, but the doctors had been right—his ability to father any children in the future had been compromised. It was not impossible, they had told him, but the sperm mobility was quite low and it was unlikely he would be able to have any children naturally.
The deposits he had made at the clinic might be his only chance at having a baby.
His voice was level. “I take it you are here because Miss Robinson did not terminate the pregnancy?”
“Er— yes. That’s correct.”