MARRYING MR. RIGHT (The Brides of Hilton Head Island Book 3) (15 page)

Chapter Sixteen

             
A
t Zeke’s insistence, Zeke and Taylor had returned to Hilton Head Island for their big wedding debut. Standing on the balcony at the
Balfour Hotel & Resort
on the ocean, Taylor curled her fingers over the railing and glanced out at the blue, shimmering sea. A strong breeze blew from the ocean, descended down on her, making her shiver. Cold nipping at her cheeks, a smile crossed her face. “Just think, no one knows that Zeke and I got married in Paris,” she mumbled to herself.
And I plan on keeping it that way.

              On Saturday afternoon while in Paris, Zeke and Taylor had had a private wedding ceremony just for the two of them at a nice, elegant chapel. She’d worn a simple white chiffon dress, and Zeke had worn a plain white collar shirt with a black pair of slacks. The secluded wedding had been romantic, and would’ve been enough for her.

              But Zeke, or
Mr. Right
as Taylor sometimes called him, had felt she deserved a big, fancy wedding. He’d felt they should share their special day with all their family and friends; therefore, he’d convinced her to get married
AGAIN
in Hilton Head Island, at his family’s oceanfront hotel—Balfour Hotel & Resort. Glancing out at the big, beautiful sea, Taylor was glad she’d obliged.

              Wanting to get out of the cold weather, Taylor pulled open the sliding glass door and walked back inside. Hilton Head Island brought back so many memories. Some good. Some horrible.

              Horrid images of the night Taylor’s son had been stolen from her entered Taylor’s mind as she lowered her body to the foot of the bed to pray. To praise God for this beautiful day. Her
second
wedding day.             

              Although Taylor was thankful and happy to be marrying the man of her dreams for a second time in one year, in less than two weeks, an aching hole resided in her heart. It was a void that could never be replaced. A void that only her son, Zavier, could fill. 

             
This day would be perfect if Zavier was here
. On her knees at the foot of the bed, Taylor longed to hold her baby. She longed to see his face. Longed to know what and who he looked like. Part of her happy, part of her sad and longing, she brought her hands to her lips and put them in a prayer symbol.

              “Heavenly Father. Thank You for all the blessings You’ve bestowed upon me. Thank You for my career. Thank You for my husband, Zeke. And thank You for my son, Zavier. Although Zavier is not here in person to see his father and me get married, he’s here in spirit. It is my greatest hope, Father, that You will someday bring Zavier back to me, just as You did his wonderful father. In Jesus’ name, I thank You. I give You praise. Thank You. Amen.”

              Clapping hands resounded in Taylor’s ears just as her lids lifted. “Amen, honey. I’m gon’ need you to teach me how to pray like that.”               Giggling, Taylor stood, then turned to look at Pierre.               Blinking, he touched the bottom part of his eye. “Look at me. I’m already crying, and the wedding hasn’t even started yet.”

              “Me, too,” Taylor’s mother, Veronica, said, entering the room. As soon as she looked at her mother, coming home finally felt right. Like she belonged here with her mother. Like she should be here with some of her other relatives and good childhood friends, too. But most of all, she belonged here with Zeke.

              “I’m about to cry, too,” Taylor said, walking over to the oval-shaped mirror. Oh, for heaven’s sake, please don’t let her cry. She’d ruin her beautiful makeup. “Is Zeke here yet?”

              Pierre nodded his head adamantly. “Yes, he is. And he’s looking absolutely stunning. Now let’s hurry up and get your dress on. Girrrll, you definitely don’t want to keep a man like Zeke Balfour waiting at the altar.”

              “I agree. Zeke looks mighty handsome.” Taylor’s mother lightly put her hands on her daughter’s shoulders. “My precious angel is getting married today. I hope your marriage to Zeke is everything you ever wished for, and then some.” Veronica kissed her daughter’s cheek. “Like Pierre said, let’s not keep Zeke waiting any longer to get his beautiful—”

              “Dashing bride!” Pierre’s excitement made his voice hitch.               Veronica and Pierre helped Taylor get her wedding dress on. Tilting his head, standing behind her looking in the mirror as well, Pierre clamped Taylor’s shoulders. “Oh, Taylor, you look fabulous. You’re the prettiest bride I’ve ever seen. And I’ve seen lots.”

              Veronica cupped her mouth. “My. You look beautiful.” Veronica touched her heart area. “My baby girl is getting married today. I can hardly stand it; I’m so happy.” 

              Water wet Taylor’s eyelashes as she stood in front of the mirror looking at herself.  Trying to remain modest, she felt as if she looked like a beautiful princess. Thank God she’d colored her hair back to dark brown because if she hadn’t, she’d look like a candy cane today. “Oh, Pierre. Thanks for helping me pick out this dress.”

              Pierre twirled his wrist in the air. “You can never go wrong with wearing a Chanel wedding dress, honey.”

              Taylor’s eyes roamed over her white wedding dress. Diamonds adorned a sweetheart line all the way to her waist. Satin material with a long white trail made up the rest of the dress. Her dress sparkled a lot, that’s for sure. And it was a lot fancier than the dress she’d worn for her first wedding back in Paris. “I love the way I look.”

              “Zeke is going to love the way you look, too. But if you don’t hurry up and get down to the ballroom and marry him, he’s going to have issues with you before you have a chance to say I do.”
I’m already married
, Taylor thought, giggling inwardly. Pierre placed her red rose bouquet in her hands and led her out of the hotel suite.

              Nervous, Taylor stood in front of the gold ballroom doors of the elite Balfour Hotel & Resort on pins and needles. Nerves on edge, Taylor glanced at her mother’s brother, her uncle Louis, standing next to her. Her lips turned up into a smile.

              “Gee whiz, you look beautiful, niece,” Louis complimented her. “Zeke is a lucky man.”

              Taylor flushed. “Thanks for coming, Uncle Louis.”

              Louis eyes appraised her. “Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t have missed this for the world. Besides, Veronica, that sister of mine, would’ve had a fit if I didn’t walk you down the aisle. But the pleasure is all mine, niece. You and Zeke are meant for each other.”

              “Are you ready?” the wedding planner asked Taylor.

              “Yes.” Taylor hooked her arm through Louis’. As the wedding planner and her helper pulled open the heavy ballroom doors, Taylor’s heart pounded beneath her breast.
Here goes.

              Taylor’s eyes went to the front of the room and linked with Zeke’s. Warmth infused her heart. Dressed in a black tuxedo, Zeke looked handsome. Gorgeous. She couldn’t wait to marry him again. To promise to love and cherish him for all eternity in front of all these people. All their family and friends.

              The wedding march began playing. Thankful for this day, and smiling, Taylor strolled down the aisle with her uncle beside her. Eyes roaming over the audience, she noticed Zeke’s father, Antonio, Bane, and Katherine in attendance. Now smiling at her own mother, Taylor paused when she got halfway down the aisle.

MY WIFE.
When the doors had opened a few minutes ago, Zeke had swallowed a deep breath. The striking sight of Taylor had stolen his breath away. Nearly knocked the wind out of him.
She’d looked pretty last week when they’d gotten married at the chapel, and she looked equally pretty today.
My wife is beautiful
.

             
Zeke stood in front of the wedding arch smiling at his wife, the beautiful Taylor Spelling-Balfour. Taylor looked elegant and stunning in her white wedding dress, with sparkling diamonds at the top. Deep red lipstick painted her lips. Wearing a long white veil, her dark brown hair was pinned up, with curls hanging down the sides of her face.

              Carrying beautiful red roses in her hands, she slowly made her way down the aisle of the ballroom.
I’m going to be the best husband Taylor could ever wish for. She’s my heart. Means the world to me. Feels good to be marrying her again. I can do this year after year after year. 

             
Zeke met Taylor halfway down the aisle and took her hand into his. Holding her hand, they proceeded to walk towards the flowery wedding arch. Face-to-face with Taylor, unconditional love filled Zeke, and he knew he’d love Taylor until the day he died.

              Even with Katherine’s unwanted presence in attendance, the wedding went smoothly, Zeke thought, as the pastor pronounced them husband and wife. “You may now kiss your bride,” the pastor stated.

              Taylor’s red lips pulled into a pretty smile. “I love you, Taylor.” Noticing her eyes watering, Zeke lifted her veil from her face, then slanted his mouth over hers. Oh God, he loved this woman.

              Applause echoed inside the room.

              Standing behind Taylor, Pierre cleared his throat. “All right, you two. You do need to breathe, you know?” He laughed, and so did the crowd.

              Zeke surrendered Taylor’s soft, succulent lips. With his wife by his side, Zeke cupped Taylor’s hand and led her out of the ballroom. The first person to greet him and Taylor after they’d gotten beyond the ballroom was Taylor’s mother, Veronica. Next to come up and approach Zeke and his dashing new bride were Richmond and Kayla. Zeke politely made the introductions between Taylor and his friends.

              When Taylor extended her hand towards Kayla, Kayla threw her arms around Taylor’s shoulders as if she’d known her before this afternoon. “You’re so pretty,” Kayla told Taylor, releasing her.

              Taylor professed to Kayla, “Thank you for coming. I’ve heard so much about you and Richmond.”

              “All good things, I hope,” Kayla said.

              Taylor nodded. “Yes. All good—”

              All smiles, Braylon and Sandella walked up to where Zeke, Taylor, Richmond, and Kayla stood. Again, Zeke made the introductions. “We finally get to meet the bride. Man, you told me Taylor was pretty, but you were wrong. She’s beautiful.” He jutted a thumb at Zeke. “What do you want with him?” Braylon joked. “I’m just teasing. Zeke is a great guy.”

              “Don’t I know it,” Taylor admitted. “I’m very blessed.”

              Sandella chimed in, “You’re beautiful, Taylor. And so was the wedding. I’m looking forward to getting together with you for double and triple dates with our husbands and some girls’ nights out.”

              Taylor nodded. “I’m looking forward to it, too. Thank you for attending our special day.”

              Richmond laughed. “We’re glad to be here and finally have the wonderful pleasure of meeting you, Taylor.”

              Zeke watched Taylor’s eyes roam around the luxurious area of the Balfour Hotel, where he was the proud CEO. Like she was taking their very special day in for a second time. When his gaze reconnected with Taylor’s, something tugged in Zeke’s heart.

              To have all his family and friends in attendance for his big wedding celebration, Zeke couldn’t have been happier. Yeah, the small wedding they’d had in Paris had been fantastic. Something he’d appreciated. Something he’d always cherish. But he loved Taylor so much, he wanted to share their union as husband and wife with the people that meant the most to him—his family and friends.

              “Congratulations,” Colton said, giving his son a big bear hug.

              “Thanks, Father.” Considering his father had so much going on with his health, Zeke didn’t expect him to come. But here he was in the flesh. Alive and kicking.

              Colton smiled. “I’m glad you decided to have the wedding here in Hilton Head, son. It was beautiful.”

              “Me, too,” Antonio exclaimed. “I’m glad you had the wedding at home, bro.”
Yeah, right.

              “Ditto,” Bane stated.

              Zeke looked inside the ballroom and spotted Katherine heading their way.
Oh, boy. Here comes the drama queen.

              “Good afternoon, everyone,” Katherine said in her most proper tone as she swayed out of the ballroom. Clad in a long white beaded pearl dress, as if she were the bride, Katherine twirled her wrist in the air, showing off her glittering diamond bracelet. “Oh, Taylor. You look marvelous, darling.” Smiling her behind off, Katherine threw her arms around Taylor’s shoulders and accidentally got makeup on her dress. “I can’t wait ‘til you move into the mansion with Colton and me. I already have the guest house prepared. Oooo. I’m so excited!”

              Taylor’s eyes twinkled. “Thanks, Katherine. I’m looking forward to moving in at the estate. I appreciate your kindness.”

              Zeke stated, “It’s not going to be for too long. Just until our dream home gets built.”

              Katherine waved her hand in the air. “Well, feel free to stay as long as you like. Delbert will be at your beck and call.”