Free Chayton by Danielle Bourdon Page B

then disappeared into the hall.
    Kate exhaled a deep breath. Earlier, just after breakfast, Chayton had taken her on a 'dry run' through the ceremony. In the large living area, furniture had been moved aside to provide her a small area to walk. Chayton had waited near a non-existent altar before an official who hadn't been present then. They talked through taking pictures and what poses might be most convincing released to the media. All in all, it had been non-stressful and fairly businesslike.
    Then why was she suddenly so nervous? Of course she'd been in a casual outfit this morning and not an elaborate wedding dress, and no one but the two of them had been present. Now there would be an official, Mattias standing in as 'best man' and the photographer to bear witness to their great lie.
    Stepping away from the mirror, she picked up the bouquet and departed the bedroom. Taking care to descend the grand staircase, she nearly tripped over her skirt when she saw Leander standing at the bottom in a tuxedo of black, white and silver. His hair, pulled neatly back into a low tail, made his clean shaven face that much easier to see.
    “Leander—hello.” Kate finished her descent, wondering at Leander's presence.
    “Hello. I'm offering my services as a stand in escort.” He smiled an easy going smile and crooked his elbow out.
    Kate made it to the ground level and slipped her fingers under his offered arm. “Well...thank you.” This hadn't been in the original walk-through plans.
    She started to turn toward the living area, but Leander coaxed her a different direction. He guided her past the large dining hall to a set of back doors in a wall of tall windows. This far into the afternoon, the sky was less blue and more pinkish-orange, indicting dusk wasn't far away. Pressing a door open, he led her out onto a stone porch covered by a high roof. Fine white netting adorned with tiny white lights had been wrapped around six columns spanning the length of the porch and more lights decorated the hedges on the other side of thick railing separating the sitting area from the start of the yard and gardens. Bright red rose petals littered the stone and the set of three stairs Leander led her down.
    What was going on? Chayton hadn't mentioned any of this. She followed the pretty trail of rose petals past the hedges, through draped netting drawn back at the sides, and onto a stone path between sections of grass and fountains. Ahead, the petals ended at an arbor with live rose vines wrapped all around. More netting wove between, interspersed with little lights, creating a charming backdrop to the three men who stood just in front of the arbor itself.
    A man in a suit holding a small book stood near Chayton and Mattias, both of whom looked resplendent in tuxedos of their own. Chayton, long hair neatly pulled back and secured, was every inch a handsome groom with his polished shoes and striking features. Somewhere, a fine wedding melody played, subtle and understated, to give her something to walk down the aisle to.
    Recovering from her shock at Chayton's unexpected surprise, she smiled when he did, battling nerves as Leander led her up to the 'altar'.
    “Who gives this woman?” the official asked.
    “I do.” Leander winked and gently handed her to Chayton.
    Kate fought down an inappropriate urge to giggle. If she didn't know better, she'd have thought they were in love and getting married for real. The scene was perfect and romantic, the scent of roses vying with Chayton's masculine cologne. A few petals tumbled across the stone, caught by an errant wind.
    Only then did she realize that someone had been taking pictures all along. The discreet click-click captured her attention, but before she could look, the official began the 'ceremony'. He read a short poem, then discussed the merits of strength, longevity and perseverance—all of which applied to their situation in roundabout terms—before closing his book and smiling at the bride