He doesn’t say anything; instead, fusing our mouths together. My heart constricts in my chest as he pulls away, the intensity in his gaze stealing the air from my lungs. He’s possessive and filled with this wild lust that resonates somewhere deep inside me.
* * *
“I’m here!” A blonde woman around Aria’s age comes rushing into the room, holding a large garment bag. “Okay. Can I just say how much I loved doing this? Poor Ashton sat there with a pout on his face becauseourwedding isn’t happening today.”
“Well, pull it out!” Aria jumps up, clapping her hands.
“Noelle, this is Hadley. Castiel and Talia’s daughter.” Lilith laughs as she unzips the bag, pulling out a cream-colored strapless dress with a beautiful moss green bow that wraps around the waist and ties in the back.
“It’s beautiful,” I whisper, tentatively walking forward. It’s so pretty that I’m almost afraid to touch it.
“Hi, I’m Hadley.” The new woman pulls me in for a hug. “I’ve always wondered who the girl would be that captures Holden’s attention.” Her smile is welcoming as she eyes me up and down. “I can’t say I’m disappointed. Just don’t let him push you around. Holden’s kind of a hothead.” Aria and Lilith laugh at her comment.
“He is?” As soon as I say the words, I recall our first date at the Cardi and how he went off on Johnny Allen.
Her smile widens further. “You know he is. Now let’s get this wedding started before Ashton hauls me out of here to our own.”
“You’re getting married too?” Hadley holds the dress to my chest, making sure it’s going to fit before nodding her head and handing it back to Lilith.
“Yes, but he hates that I’m planning a lavish ceremony. He’d rather we run away or go to city hall. I figure I’m only doing this once, so I want it big and outrageous.” Her words hit me in the chest, and I wonder if I should have thought about this more. It’s so quick, and we hardly know each other.
But yet, it feels like I’ve already spent a lifetime with him.
“Dammit, Hads, you’ve got her thinking now. Holden’s going to kick your ass.” Aria smacks the other woman’s arm.
“Shit.”
“Now, now, trust me, girls, this is exactly what Noelle wants.” Lilith winks at me. “Besides, when have you ever known Holden not to deliver on his promises? And he made plenty today.”
In less than twelve hours, this family has managed to find me the wedding dress of my dreams without even knowing my tastes and put together what Lilith makes sound like a beautiful event, so I push all my doubts aside.
Aria and Hadley don’t hesitate to undress me and have me step into the gorgeous gown that fits me like a second skin before they sweep my hair up into a nest of curls that gracefully flow down my back. With the application of understated makeup, they insist I keep my feet bare, though I’m not sure of the purpose. But I heard Hadley say something about looking too pure to overdress. I’m not entirely sure what that means, but when King and two men I’ve never met before walk in and stare at me with admiration, I think their goal succeeded.
“You look stunning, Noelle.” King leans forward to kiss my cheek.
“I think I’m going to steal her.” Another man, as tall and built as Holden but with lighter looks, grasps my hand and slowly walks around me. I can feel his eyes inspecting every inch of my body. “Yeah, he’s won the lottery.”
“Back off before my son takes your head off,” King tells him with a straight face, and by the lack of mirth, I get the feeling Holden would. “Noelle, this is my right-hand man, Luther, and his oldest son, Nolan, also Holden’s best friend.”
Luther dips his head in greeting, but Nolan lifts my hand, kissing the palm while holding my stare hostage. His charm might sway me if I weren’t madly in love with Holden.
“Whoa.” Nolan catches me by the waist as my body becomes light and my head grows dizzy.
I can’t believe it.
“Are you alright, Noelle?” Lilith’s concerned face makes me nod.
I’m completely head over heels in love with Holden Adair.
And I’m about to marry him.
* * *
Holden
Putting a simple yet elegant ceremony together in half a day was easy. Convincing Noelle to marry me within a matter of hours had been more difficult. But thanks to Mom, everything pulled together and is perfect. Or as perfect as I think a woman would want it.
Because of Mom and the other ladies' love for the rose garden over the last thirty years, we have a backyard set-up made of dreams. That’s what Aria said, anyways. As the last of the twinkle lights are hung, I must agree.