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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of Blair’s eye. “You’re officially a beautiful, crying bride. Very

it’s almost

a

her with a chuckle. “I’ve never seen him so fidgety. He’s

anxiously at

and I would never presume to take his place. But if you’d allow me, I’d

swelled. “I’d like

keep my son waiting any longer. He

small church looked like something from a fairy tale, with soft lighting, delicate flowers, and only their closest friends and family in attendance.

been lucky to get the location, but the church was so small

Ready?” James whispered.

“Ready,” she confirmed.

waiting for her, every nervous thought vanished. He stood tall and handsome in his tuxedo,

aisle, James’s steady presence beside her grounding her as she moved toward her. future. When they reached the altar, James kissed her cheek before placing her hand

softly, then stepped back and

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

replied, unable to

a blur. Blair was 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 gaze. He was so

now pronounce you husband and wife,” the minister announced. “You may

of the man himself. The small gathering erupted in applause, but Blair barely heard

Kingston,” he murmured against her

returned

away tears while trying to pretend she wasn’t. Sutton stood beside Luca, who had his

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an enthusiastic

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

at Roman’s parents‘ estate, a small but elegant affair in the beautifully landscaped gardens. As Blair and Roman moved among their guests, accepting congratulations and well–wishes,

they stole a moment alone near the fountain, “a year ago, if

told me I’d marry my arrogant, demanding boss, I

feigned offense. “I

Blair corrected with

pulling her close. “Your

leaning into him. “I

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

this disgustingly sweet moment, but your first dance is supposed to start in five minutes, and Rose is threatening

groaned. “Last time she DJ’d, she played

his hand. “We better hurry,