Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 83355 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 417(@200wpm)___ 333(@250wpm)___ 278(@300wpm)
The room erupts in cheers and applause, and Brienne’s eyes shine with emotion as she takes us all in. I don’t know much about FI racing, but I figure that’s going to change, if only to support Brienne.
Drake climbs the steps to hug his fiancée before addressing everyone. “I’m incredibly proud of Brienne and I think you will all agree, there’s nothing she cannot accomplish.”
More rousing cheers and a few wolf whistles.
Brienne gazes at Drake with adoration, her warm smile lighting up the room. He leans in and gives her a kiss before turning to us. “And that’s not the only surprise we have tonight.” An excited buzz ripples through the crowd because Drake looks like he’s about to pop with more news. “We were originally planning a summer wedding, as you all know, but with the new FI team, our schedules won’t allow it. So we decided to go ahead and get married, and that’s the real reason for tonight’s get-together.”
There’s another moment of shocked silence that almost seems awkward, then the room explodes in a wave of celebration.
Brienne holds up her hands for silence and when she has all our attention again, she says, “If everyone can make their way to the grand ballroom, you’ll find we are setting up for a shotgun wedding. It will start in about thirty minutes.”
Drake and Brienne disappear up the stairs. Willa and I exchange grins before joining the crowd heading toward the ballroom. The night has taken an unexpected turn and I have to marvel at how Brienne and Drake are pivoting to accommodate more of their dreams.
As we enter the large room with a black-and-white tiled floor, I’m astonished to see the room is now filled with neatly arranged rows of chairs facing a magnificent lattice arch adorned with vibrant flowers. While Brienne made her very brief announcement, an army of people was setting this up behind the scenes.
Staff members scurry around, adding even more floral arrangements to enhance the already stunning display. The air is thick with the sweet fragrance of blooms and excited chatter among the guests. We mingle, talking about the new race team. Some players pull out their phones and google the British Formula team while others talk about the sport with some knowledge.
We’re given a five-minute warning by a minister in a navy blue suit to take our seats and then Drake is walking down the aisle, followed by his three boys. They’re all wearing matching tuxedos and the boys wave at the guests as they troop by.
When they’re settled under the arch to the left of the minister, soft music fills the room, setting the perfect ambiance for the occasion. All eyes turn to see Kiera, Drake’s sister and Brienne’s maid of honor, as she makes her way down the aisle in a gorgeous sapphire blue gown. Obviously, she was in on this secret and I glance over at Bain to see a knowing smile on his face as he watches her with the eyes of a lovesick puppy.
Finally, Brienne makes her grand entrance in a breathtaking wedding dress, escorted by Callum Derringer. The gown is a work of art that drapes gracefully over her figure. I don’t know much about wedding fashion, but it’s truly stunning. Covered in tiny, sparkling beads that shine as she moves, it’s both sophisticated and sexy. The top part bares her shoulders and hugs her frame but the skirt is full and layered, flowing gracefully with each step she takes. A long train trails behind her, not too over the top, but just enough to make her look like a queen. Her veil is thin and airy, held in place by a small but dripping-with-diamonds tiara, and it drapes down her back, completing the picture of wealth and elegance.
As she walks toward Drake, my attention focuses on him and I can’t help but smile at the utter love and devotion I see there. While all other eyes are on Brienne, I watch Drake and the myriad of emotions swirling within his gaze. My hand reflexively squeezes Willa’s and I risk a glance over at her. She watches it all with interest, a light smile on her face, and I wonder what she’s thinking. Is she swept away in the romanticism of it all or is there a part that’s too jaded to appreciate it?
Callum Derringer, dressed in a sharp black suit, stands tall and proud next to Brienne, guiding her with a firm yet gentle hand down the aisle. She glides forward with poise and grace, her eyes locked on Drake’s handsome face. He stands at the altar, his long hair pulled back in his trademark queue and his blue eyes sparkling as they roam all over his soon-to-be wife. When Brienne reaches him and the boys, Callum hands her over with a smile before stepping back to watch.