Christian pulled her into his arms, molding her soft body to his. “Please, Christian! Don’t spoil my makeup. I won’t have time for a retouch. I’ve got to get Sienna ready,” pleaded Skylar, pushing him away. Christian gazed at her for a moment, yet didn’t release her. “Fine. We can leave after the wedding!” Skylar panicked and grabbed his cheeks to plant a kiss on his lips. Christian gazed at her, amused by her antics. “Is that it?” he asked in disbelief when she pulled away. “Yes, for now. Do you want smudges all over?” “I don’t mind!” He shrugged, tightening his hold on her as he waited for more. “I do! Please, Christian, don’t be so stubborn.” Christian slowly shook his head, not at all giving in. His eyes drank her in and he held her against him for as long as he could. They fitted into each other so perfectly, just like the parts of a jigsaw puzzle. He didn’t want her to leave the sanctity of his arms! “Okay, you can kiss me on the cheek!” she said, but Christian groaned wi
The lights were dimmed and the slow romantic number made them sway to its rhythm. Wrapped up in his arms, Skylar soon forgot everyone around her. Lost in their own magical bubble they didn’t notice the fight that ensued between Alexander, Nicholas, and Alyssa. The music stopped, and Christian released her, holding her gaze in disbelief. It was the most magical moment, the dance he had been longing for. It was strange that she didn’t put up a fight at all! Did that mean she had surrendered to him? The lights were switched on and Skylar blinked and looked around her. Where were her friends? “Alyssa, Hayley, and Eva are leaving!” informed Sienna with a sad pout when she joined her. “We will leave after the cake-cutting!” said Christian, who had followed Skylar. “Thanks for staying! I was so upset they didn’t stay until the cake-cutting ceremony. Eva wanted to taste the cake so badly!” “I know! Alexander is too harsh on her sometimes.” Alyssa and Hayley came down to bid them farewel
Christian gaped at her, shocked by her reaction. He had never expected her to actually sign the agreement. He was sure she would admit to her wishes if pushed to the edge. Now watching her actually sign the contract made his heart sink with disappointment. “You should have read the document, Ms. Carnell,” advised the lawyer with a grim look on his face. He glanced at a shattered Christian and shook his head with disapproval. He had warned him about this, but Christian had been over-confident. “I don’t need to, Mr. Anderson. Is there anywhere else I have to sign?” “No, that would be all.” Skylar got up to leave the office. She didn’t want to break down in front of them. Her heart filled up with desperation, but she couldn’t admit her feelings in front of the lawyer. “I’ll wait outside then.” She gave Christian a brief glance and rushed out, leaving both of them gaping after her. “I knew this would backfire. You should have talked to her first, Christian.” Christian sat with his h
“Take a deep breath dear. Have faith in the Almighty. Everything will fall into place,” said Granny. Skylar turned towards her and inhaled deeply. This was for life! Although she signed a contract with Christian, she wouldn’t leave him at all! The music started, and she composed herself. When she turned around, Grandpa Ben and the others had already entered. Where was Christian? Had he gone in already? “It’s time to walk you down the aisle, Skye!” said Caleb. Grandpa Phil held out his arm for her to take while Caleb took his position on the other side. “Ready?” asked her grandpa. Skylar felt tears prick in her eyes. Yes, she was indeed getting married, although her groom was avoiding her! Flanked by her grandpa and brother, she walked down the aisle strewn with white flower petals. The interiors of the church were also decorated in pristine white interspersed with greenery. There were white silk fabric swags hung from the ceiling to the seating. The decorative candelabra centerpi
“Where are we going?” asked Skylar as he helped her to Lillian’s car. There was excitement in their hearts as both were bursting to connect with one another. The vows and the confession had unleashed a newfound energy between them. “Somewhere special!” He smiled as he climbed into the driver’s seat. It felt like she was a truant high schooler eloping with her lover! The sparkle in his eyes was enough to express his excitement. “I can’t wait to check out the special place.” Their eyes met and he winked, promising more than she could ever imagine. Skylar blushed and looked away while he drove out of the hotel with a skew little smile on his face. He was glad she knew about his feelings for her at last. Tonight he would express them in words. He would tell her how much he loved her, always did, and always would! Soon he sped away towards Geneva-on-the-lake, a small picturesque town an hour’s drive away from Cleveland, along the southern shore of Lake Erie. “Is it a hotel?” she asked
Skylar lay on the hospital bed worrying about Christian. He was critically injured after the fall while trying to save her life. They rushed him to the OT without informing her about his condition. Skylar was restless and kept asking the nurse after Christian. She was so traumatized the nurse refused to divulge any information about him. “Have you informed your family, Mrs. St. James?” Skylar nodded as tears pricked in her eyes. “Yes, I have. They should be here any minute. Is my husband critical? Please, can I see him?” “He’s still in the OT. When they shift him to a room, you can meet him.” The door opened and Caleb and Lillian came in, followed by her grandpa and grandpa Ben. “Skye, how are you?” asked her Lillian, with tears in her eyes. Even Caleb couldn’t stop himself from breaking down at the sight of his little sister. “I’m fine, Lillian. Christian saved me. Please take me to him. He’s critical!” she wept brokenly, trying to get up. “The operation was successful. They’re
The next morning Christian gained consciousness, but the pain all over his body was killing him. The doctor increased the dose of the painkillers to relieve him. He fell asleep again, unaware of what lay ahead of him. Skylar stayed with him in case he woke up again. She was dreading the moment he would realize his condition. She would have to give him hope. The pain was unbearable, and he had hardly acknowledged her presence when he woke up earlier. This time, when he woke up, she would be ready. At least they both were alive and with one another! At least Steele wasn’t successful in his mission. He couldn’t take their lives. Two hours later, Christian opened his groggy eyes and looked all around him. Was he alive? He remembered the excruciating pain in his body as if he was dying. He remembered the accident vividly. It relieved him to know he had saved his Skylar from the jaws of death. Where was she? Had she left him here? He focused his bleary eyes on the nurse tending to him. “
Christian fell asleep as the amount of painkillers started taking a toll on him. Unknown to him, Skylar checked him three times while he was asleep. She spent her time in the lobby outside his room but couldn’t go home leaving him here. His behavior hurt her tremendously, but she swallowed the pain and didn’t let it get to her. Grandpa Ben tried to convince her to go home, but she was adamant. She would return with Christian. It was evening when Christian woke up. The doctor arrived to check him up and so did his family. Skylar didn’t enter his room for fear of aggravating his condition. Despite throwing her out of his room, Christian’s eyes searched for her. It seemed she had really left. “Your pressure figures aren’t good, Mr. St. James. If you don’t rest adequately, the compartment syndrome will recur. This time another surgery will lead to permanent paralysis,” scolded Dr. Foster. “I’m sorry, doctor. The news derailed me a little. Henceforth, I’ll try to keep calm.” “Good! We