I belong to this incredible man who accepts me just as I am. And it takes everything in me not to lose it.
Don’t cry. You’ll ruin three hours of makeup.
Somehow that smile is enough to carry me through the entire ceremony.
By the time it’s over and Carmen and Tony have walked back down the aisle together, Brendan catches my hand, bringing my wrist to his mouth to sweep a kiss across my pulse.
“Meet me behind the carriage house,” he says in a low rasp. “Five minutes. And don’t tell my sister.”
“We’re supposed to take pictures right after this.”
“Five minutes,” he repeats, his eyes holding mine. And then he leaves.
After congratulating the bride and groom, I make an excuse about needing some air and then sneak off to the carriage house.
Brendan is waiting when I get there, leaning against the brick like he doesn’t have a care in the world. His jacket is off,sleeves rolled up to his elbows showing off the rose tattoo, collar unbuttoned, and tie loose.
The moment he sees me, he opens his arms.
I walk straight into his embrace. “We’re going to be in so much trouble if we’re late to pictures.”
“I like trouble.” His hands hook around my waist. “Especially when it looks like you.”
“Smooth, Marco.”
“I’m serious.” He pulls back just enough to look at me, and the expression on his face steals my breath. “Don’t tell my sister, but you stole the show today. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful in my life.”
A smile tugs at my mouth. “Did you bring me back here just to make me blush?”
“No.” His fingers trace along my collarbone, leaving goose bumps in their wake. “I wanted to give you something.”
He slips a long, thin box from his pocket and hands it to me.
“What is this?” I stare at the unexpected gift.
“Just something to remember this day.” He looks nervous about whatever is inside. “Open it.”
I take off the lid to see a teardrop diamond necklace that looks shockingly identical to my grandmother’s earrings.
“Brendan,” I gasp, pressing a hand to my mouth.
“Remember when you lost your earring in the car and I almost drove off the road?” He smirks. “This is to go with your grandmother’s set.”
I’m about to cry. “What’s the occasion?”
“I knew you were going to wear those earrings today and thought you deserved a matching set.” His fingers brush my earlobe. “Hope that’s okay?”
“More than okay.” I pull him into a hug. “This is the most thoughtful thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
“Get used to it, Scarlett.” His voice lowers to a rasp. “Because I plan on spoiling you like this for the rest of my life.”
I pull back, lifting an eyebrow. “That’s a pretty big promise, Marco.”
“I’m a pretty committed guy.” His thumb traces my mouth. “Especially when it comes to you.”
“Will you put it on me?”
I lift my hair as his fingers brush my neck, settling the diamond at the base of my throat.