The Billionaire Playboy’s Secret Family
Chapter 77

Eight Months Later

Regina sat in the chair nervously fidgeting while her sister plaited her hair. Her wedding gown was white satin with floral brocade stitched into the bodice. The princess-style skirt was light and flowy in contrast. The first in a new line designed by Charlotte Worthington, it had taken forever to replace a dress she liked. Everything made her look frumpy.

Savannah and Gabriella danced in a circle singing ring around the rosy and trying to be careful of their dresses. Gabriella was pretty in pink and Savannah wore lavender. Renata's dress was also pink as was Natalie's. Regina fingered her bouquet of white roses with purple and pink asters letting the reality of the situation slowly sink in.

She was getting married. It still didn't feel real. Even with the gown and bouquet it felt more like a dream. During all the planning Regina struggled to believe it but it still hadn't sunk in.

"Will you stop moving, Regina?" Renata teased. "I'm almost done. And the finishing touch..."

Natalie carefully handed her the veil and they pinned it in place.

"There, all done."

Regina looked at her reflection. She looked like a bride but somehow she just couldn't make herself believe it. It was the same old insecurities and fears that followed her around. After almost a year she still worried she would wake up to replace it was just a fantasy. Regina had always thought herself strong and she didn't need anyone in her life. She could do it on her own.

But now, she didn't want to and she wasn't even sure she could. She had gotten used to Marcus's support and care. She craved it, feared losing it. Sometimes she worried she was becoming too dependent.

"Mommy, you look so pretty!" Gabriella declared.

"Yeah, mom," Savannah agreed, "like a princess."

Regina gave them a warm smile not wanting her fears to be transcribed to them.

"Feeling nervous?" Natalie asked.

"A bit, yes," Regina admitted.

"It'll be fine," Renata said. "You'll see. Just take a deep breath and put one foot in front of the other."

"Right. Where did mom go?" Regina looked over her shoulder.

Up until a few minutes ago her mother had been helping her prepare but it became apparent Ulima was feeling overwhelmed. She had excused herself, stepped out and hadn't returned.

"Oh, she went outside to take her seat," Natalie said. "She was starting to tear up and didn't want to start crying until the ceremony."

Regina mimicked her smile. Ulima had always wished the best for her daughters wanting them to be happy more than anything else. While Renata maintained a smooth and steady path to success and love Regina's journey was decidedly less straightforward and it was no secret their mother worried about her.

"When is your wedding anyway?" Natalie asked looking at Renata. She and lan had been engaged for over a year but she hadn't heard anything about an official date.

Renata pressed her lips together. Regina looked at her. Since most of lan's family still lived in Puerto Rico they had wanted a destination wedding but that meant Renata's family would have to travel in order to attend. At the very least they wanted to pay for her parents' tickets ensuring they would attend but that meant saving even more. Having heard the story Marcus offered to help but they didn't want to impose. Still, it was tempting.

A knock interrupted them and Natalie went to answer it. She stepped back revealing Miles standing in the doorway. He beamed saying, "It's time, my dear."

Regina nodded and stood. Renata and Natalie ushered the girls out to take their places while Regina tried to collect herself. Taking her hand Miles escorted her to the backyard. They had debated quite a bit whether to have an outdoor or indoor ceremony as the weather could be uncertain especially so early in the year. The winter however had proven unseasonably warm and spring fair so they decided on an outdoor ceremony.

They paused at the patio door letting the music cue-up and inform the guests it was time. Carlos and Tony took their places alongside their sisters before leading the procession out.

"Just breathe, my dear," Mile intoned as they followed after Renata and Natalie.

Regina tried to stamp out the butterflies but it was no use. Looking at the guests didn't help. On one side was her family and friends and on the other New York's most elite: Silas and Ava, Lucas and Sarah, even Julius and Macey along with their families. Even Nicolas and Aubrey had flown in for the big day sitting with Bernice who now had a pair of girls at her side: ages four and six.

They were sisters and had been in foster care since they were born. In fact until they arrived at Bernice's home they hadn't spent more than an hour in each other's company. According to Bernice their mother was a drug addict and both girls had to endure withdrawal symptoms shortly after they were born. It was hard to believe as after only a month in her care they seemed to be lively, healthy little girls.

There was really only one person missing: her father. Ulima said she did what she could to convince him to come but it seemed he was determined to continue ignoring her. Regina tried to pretend it didn't matter but deep down she couldn't help but be disappointed. Miles squeezed her hand sensing her thoughts. When she asked him to walk her down the aisle he was thrilled and only too happy to oblige. Still, it wasn't the same.

"How are you feeling?" Miles quietly asked.

"Nervous."

"Don't me. Just look straight ahead."

Regina did as he suggested seeing Marcus waiting for her at the altar. He was smiling ear-to-ear as the kids reached him. Carlos and Tony took their places beside him as he scooped up Gabriella and held her. Savannah hugged him before taking her place on the bride's side. Renata and Natalie joined her.

Marcus's gaze returned to her. It was a look he reserved only for her: passionate, unrestrained. If she thought about it she would blush and that's the last thing she wanted on her wedding day. He reached for her hand as they arrived at the altar. Regina trembled as she took her place. Marcus kissed her hand with a smile.

"Daddy, you're not supposed to do that part yet," Gabriella announced earning a chuckle from the crowd. Regina felt her face warm but remarkably she wasn't as anxious anymore.

***

The sun was slowly sinking toward the horizon but none of the guests were ready to leave as they mingled and celebrated the new couple. Marcus leaned against the bar waiting for his drink as he scanned the crowd. Who would have thought?

If anyone had approached him a year ago and told him this day was coming he would have laughed in their face. But here he was. He was actually married.

His gaze drifted to their table where Regina comfortably chatted with her sister, Ava, Sarah and Aubrey among several others including Macey. Though the latter had only met her a short time ago it seemed they were getting along rather well. Marcus turned his attention to where Julius and the men formed their own group.

Noticing his attention Julius smirked and raised his glass. Marcus felt his face warm and he looked away. He had been avoiding Julius most of the night. As soon as Julius heard the news about the wedding he became practically giddy. Marcus still wasn't sure if it was his own haplessness that Julius found so entertaining or if the joint scheming of Augustus and Miles was to blame. His first words after Marcus explained everything in detail was, 'The old man did it again. Welcome to the club. How's it feel to be a father?' Marcus nodded to the bartender as he accepted hi glass. He looked over the crowd to replace the kids. Carlos and Tony had formed a small group with Skyler, Asher, Grady and Daniel. They were teaching them to play with the hacky sack which had become their favorite distraction.

Savannah meanwhile was ensconced with Lyra, Zoe and the older girls. It was nice to see her acting like a normal, adolescent girl for a change rather than a miniature mother not that he minded help with the boys. There was a lot he still didn't know about being a father. He hoped he could do it without making too many mistakes.

His gaze finally settled on Gabriella who sat with her great-grandfather. She had been running around non-stop with the younger kids and it seemed she had finally run out of energy. In fact she was sound asleep. "Well, long time no see."

Marcus turned toward the voice and nearly dropped his drink. This was the last person he thought he'd see.