Beneath Her Bastard Boss

hapter 90

“Breathe, Blair. You look like you’re about to pass out,” Sutton said, adjusting the delicate veil in Blair’s hair.

“I’m fine,” Blair insisted, though her heart was racing. “Just… processing.”

Keira snorted, carefully touching up Blair’s makeup. “Processing that in exactly thirty–seven minutes, you’re going to be Mrs. Roman Kingston?”

“When you say it like that, it sounds so… real,” Blair whispered.

“That’s because it is real,” Sutton laughed softly. “After everything you’ve been through to get here, I’d hope so.”

Blair glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her dress was perfect. The hairdresser had styled her hair in loose waves.

Inside, though, she felt anything but calm. Not because she was having doubts… she had never been more certain of anything in her life, but because the moment felt so monumental.

“Mom and Dad would be so proud,” Keira said softly, as if reading her thoughts. “Of all of us, but especially you today.”

Blair felt tears threatening and blinked rapidly. “Don’t make me cry. My makeup will run.”

“No, it won’t,” Keira assured her. “I used the industrial–strength waterproof stuff. You could swim the English Channel and still look flawless.”

A knock at the door interrupted them. Eleanor Kingston peeked in, looking elegant in a pale blue dress. “How’s our bride doing?”

“Just having a minor existential crisis,” Keira replied cheerfully. “Nothing to worry about.”

“Perfectly normal,” Eleanor said, stepping into the room. “I nearly threw up right before walking down the aisle to James.”

“That’s… not as reassuring as you might think,” Blair said weakly.

Eleanor laughed, coming to stand beside her. “What I’m trying to say is that nerves are natural. But Blair, I’ve never seen my son happier than he’s been with you. You two belong together.”

Blair smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Eleanor.”

“I have something for you,” Roman’s mother continued, pulling a small velvet box from her clutch. “A tradition in the Kingston family. Something borrowed.”

She opened the box to reveal a stunning sapphire and diamond bracelet. “I wore this on my wedding day, and Roman’s grandmother wore it before me.”

“It’s beautiful,” Blair breathed as Eleanor fastened it around her wrist.

“And,” Eleanor added, “Rose wanted me to give you this.” She produced a small blue garter. “Something blue, obviously.”

Keira grinned. “I’ve got the something old covered.” She handed Blair a small locket. “It was Mom’s. Sutton and I thought you should have it today.”

Blair’s fingers trembled as she took the familiar locket. “I remember this. She wore it all the time.”

“There’s a new picture inside,” Sutton said softly.

Blair opened it to find a tiny photograph of her parents on one side and a small picture of her with her sisters on the other. This time, she couldn’t stop the tears.

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Chapter 90

of Blair’s eye. “You’re officially

the door, and this time it was James Kingston who entered. “Ladies, it’s almost time.” He stopped when he saw Blair,

Blair said, taking a deep

never seen him so fidgety.

Roman–normally so composed–pacing anxiously at the

growing more serious. “I know I’m not your father, and I would never presume to take his place. But if you’d allow me, I’d be honored

heart swelled. “I’d like that very

smiled, offering his arm. “Then let’s not keep my son waiting any longer. He might wear

tale, with soft lighting, delicate flowers, and only their closest friends and family in attendance. Just as Blair had wanted. As the music began

location, but the church was so small it wasn’t big

Ready?” James whispered.

“Ready,” she confirmed.

in his tuxedo, but it was his expression that caught her heart.

steady presence beside her grounding her as she moved toward her. future. When they reached the altar, James kissed

then stepped back

fingers tightened around hers. “You’re breathtaking,”

she replied, unable

vaguely aware of the minister speaking, of exchanging vows that they had written themselves, of the cool slide of the wedding band onto her finger. But mostly, she was aware of Roman…his voice, his touch, his unwavering

husband and wife,” the minister announced. “You may kiss the

in a kiss that was both tender and possessive, a perfect reflection of the man himself. The small

he murmured against

she returned with

were beaming, Keira openly wiping away tears while trying to pretend

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them an enthusiastic

they hadn’t had a bride’s maid or best man. Blair hadn’t wanted to choose between her sisters. Just having everyone

held at Roman’s parents‘ estate, a small but elegant affair in the beautifully landscaped gardens. As Blair and Roman moved among their

know,” Roman said, bringing her a glass of champagne as they stole a moment alone near the fountain, “a year ago, if someone had told me I’d be married to my gorgeous,

arrogant, demanding boss, I would have checked them for a

feigned offense. “I

corrected with

laughed, pulling her close. “Your shithead, though.

him. “I love you, Roman

replied, his voice deepening with emotion. “More than I

were interrupted by Keira, who approached with a mischievous gleam in her eye. “Sorry to break up this disgustingly sweet moment, but your first dance is supposed to start

she DJ’d, she played the Macarena six

hand.