Chapter 20: Chapter 20

Tony had managed to get out on bail, and Xander couldn’t shake the feeling that he might be the one stalking her. He reached out to a friend who was a private investigator, hiring him to track Tony and keep tabs on him.

He chose not to share this information with her, not wanting to cause her any distress with their wedding just two days away.

His father happened to walk into the office, catching the tail end of Xander’s phone conversation before he hung up.

“Son, what’s going on?” his father asked.

“Dad, it’s nothing,” Xander replied.

His father wasn’t convinced. “It sounded like something to me. Are you in some kind of trouble?”

“It’s about Kat’s ex. I think he’s been tailing her. I told you about him, right? Turns out he’s not behind bars. She mentioned feeling like she’s being watched.”

“So, you think she might be in danger?” his father asked.

“I’m not sure, but I’m not taking any chances. I’ll keep her close until I know for sure. Hopefully, it’s nothing and he’ll leave her alone.”

“Let’s hope so. Soon you’ll be a married man. I hope you find the same happiness I have with your mother. Kat is a wonderful woman, and we’re proud to have her as our future daughter-in-law.”

“I will be happy. So, what are the women up to?”

“Kat and your mother are cooking dinner. They shooed me out of the kitchen, so I thought I’d see what you’re up to.”

“Just some paperwork. And Dad, don’t mention anything about Tony or the investigator to Kat.”

“Shouldn’t you tell her?” his father asked.

“It’ll only upset her.”

“I understand. Until you’re certain that this Tony character is a problem, there’s no need to worry her before the wedding.”

The night before the wedding, Xander received a call from his investigator friend.

~I haven’t found him; it looks like he skipped bail and left the country.~

“Let’s hope so, but keep an eye out just in case he shows up. Let me know immediately if he does.”

That evening, Kurt, Clara, and the Doukas joined them for dinner. The women discussed the wedding details while the men chatted about sports and other unrelated topics.

Everyone left early, wanting to be well-rested for the big day. Fred and Jean retired to bed, leaving the young couple alone.

“I wish we were already married,” he said, pulling her into his arms.

“Me too. You’ve made me so happy these past few months. I never dreamed I’d find a man like you. You’ve given me so much—love, confidence, and a zest for life.”

He cupped her cheek, gazing into her eyes.

“I love you so much. If anything were to happen to you, I wouldn’t be able to go on. You’re my life, my reason for living.”

He placed her hand over his heart.

“My heart belongs to you and will continue to beat as long as we’re together.”

Tears welled up in her eyes at his heartfelt words, and she felt them trickle down her cheeks.

His thumbs gently wiped away her tears.

“Don’t cry.”

“They’re tears of happiness,” she said, standing on her tiptoes to kiss him.

That night, she turned down his advances in bed, insisting they wait until their wedding night. She kissed his cheek when he pouted, then turned her back to him.

“How can you deny me when I need some love?” he asked.

“One night without sex won’t kill you. I want tomorrow night to be special. You’re lucky I’m not making you sleep in the guest room. Now, go to sleep.”

He wrapped his arm around her, snuggling up against her.

“Every night with you is special. Can you feel how much I want you?” he asked, pressing himself against her.

She giggled but didn’t turn around.

“You’ll survive. Goodnight.”

Groaning, he closed his eyes, trying to ignore the throbbing sensation. Her scent and the feel of her body against his didn’t help.

^Morning^

After breakfast, Xander and his father left for Kurt’s place to get ready. The women stayed home to prepare and would be taking a limousine to the church. Before leaving, he pulled her aside and kissed her.

Jean and Clara helped her into her dress and did her hair and makeup.

“Oh, Kat, you look so beautiful. I want to thank you for making my son so happy. I love my son dearly, but I’ve always dreamed of having a daughter. My wish has come true because I think of you as my daughter.”

“Mom, I never knew my mother and I’ve come to think of you as one. I want to thank you for giving birth to such a wonderful man. Xander has made me feel loved and happy. I promise to be a good wife and love him until my last breath.”

“Okay, you two, it’s time to get to the church,” Clara said, interrupting the tender moment between them.

Xander and Kurt stood at the front of the altar in the church. Clara was the matron of honor, and Fred was asked to walk the bride down the aisle.

Everyone was seated, and Fred offered his arm to Kat.

“Kat, when you asked me to walk you down the aisle, you made me so happy. You look like a beautiful princess, and my son is a lucky man. So, are you ready to become Mrs. West?”

“Yes, Dad, I’m so ready.”

Calling him Dad felt right, and she wished her own father had been more like Fred.

Clara made her way to the front of the church as the music began. She looked at Kurt, who was smiling at her, and remembered her own wedding day. He looked so handsome, even more so now.

As Kat and Fred walked down the aisle, she thought she would be nervous. But all her fears vanished when she saw Xander smiling at her.

Reaching the front, Fred kissed her cheek before leaving to sit with his wife. They held hands as they listened to the words spoken and shed a few tears.

They had written their own wedding vows, and their heartfelt words moved everyone present to tears.

Once they were announced as husband and wife, Xander placed his hands on her waist and pulled her close. He kissed her passionately, a kiss that lingered a bit longer than it should have.

Outside the church, everyone gathered around the newlyweds to congratulate them. Kurt hugged Kat and, taking her hand, gave her a huge smile.

“I can’t believe my little sister is now a married woman. You’ve come a long way, and I’m so proud of you. I see a bright future for you and know you’ll be happy with Xander. That man loves you to death.”

“Thank you, Kurt. After all the pain we suffered growing up with a monster, we’ve turned out okay and found true happiness.”

Xander walked over to them and wrapped his arm around her waist.

“We’re all heading to the restaurant now. Mom and Dad are coming in our car, and the rest will follow.”

Kat and Xander were in the front seat, their parents in the back. Xander’s hand was wrapped around hers as he navigated the car toward their destination. He was fighting the urge to pull over and kiss her, but with their parents in the backseat, he kept his desires in check.

Once they arrived, he told everyone to head inside, promising they’d join them shortly. As soon as they were alone, he kissed her. It wasn’t a gentle kiss, but a fiery, passionate one, a testament to his love and desire for her.

“Darling, we should head inside before they start wondering where we are,” she said.

“I wish we could just skip dinner and have some alone time, if you catch my drift,” he replied, winking at her.

“I know, but after dinner, we’ll be on your jet, heading to Bora Bora. We’ll have all the time in the world to celebrate our marriage.”

“I can’t wait.”

During dinner, everyone raised their glasses in a toast. They laughed, joked, and drank champagne, all except for Clara, who was expecting. Mrs. Doukas was delighted to see Kat wearing the jewelry she had gifted her.

“I knew they would look stunning on you, which is why I chose this set. It’s so thoughtful of you to wear them on this special occasion.”

Kat touched the necklace and smiled at Mrs. Doukas. “They’re beautiful, and I wear them whenever Xander and I go somewhere special. Thank you again.”

Mr. Doukas placed his hand on Xander’s arm. He had always admired and respected the man. “I’m glad to see you happy. Kat is an incredible woman. Make sure you treat her right and never stop telling her how much you love her.”

Xander returned the smile. “I’ll tell her every day for the rest of my life. Now, let’s finish our food before it gets cold.”

When the cake arrived, Kat decided to have a little fun. “You’ve got something on your face.”

“What is it?”

She took her fork, which had a piece of cake on it, and flicked it at him. It landed on his cheek. He wasn’t mad, but he was ready to retaliate. He raised his fork, but stopped when she shook her head. The other guests were laughing and wondering what he would do next.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t.”

“It’ll ruin my hair and makeup.”

“What does that matter when we’ll be on the jet soon? You can freshen up there. I need a better reason not to,” he said, grinning as he held the fork.

She leaned in and whispered in his ear, so only he could hear. “If you throw that at me, there will be no sex on our honeymoon. The choice is yours.”

“You wouldn’t,” he said, knowing full well she had won this round.

“Are you willing to risk it?”

“No, I’m not. But I promise you this, tonight, when I make you my wife, I won’t hold back.”

Kurt tapped his glass to get their attention. “We’re not sure what’s happening over there, but we’re wondering if you’re planning on smearing cake on your new bride’s face.”

Xander put the fork down. “I was going to, but I was threatened with a two-week sex ban if I did.”

Kat was taken aback that he had shared that with everyone. She playfully slapped his arm, showing her disapproval, but still wiped the cake off his face with a napkin.

As the night wore on, he checked his watch, took her hand, and kissed it. “It’s time to go. The jet is ready for us. Let’s say our goodbyes.”

“Do I have time to freshen up in the restroom?”

“Of course, take your time. Just don’t keep me waiting too long.”

After ten minutes, he started to worry. He looked at Clara, who was sitting across from him. “Could you check on Kat? She’s taking longer than I expected.” He began pacing, a sense of dread creeping in.

Clara nodded and headed toward the restrooms. When she returned, her face was pale. “Xander, she’s not there.”

“What do you mean she’s not there?”

“I looked everywhere, but she’s gone. I found her purse on the bathroom floor.”

Kurt looked at Xander, and a chill ran down his spine. It wasn’t like Kat to just disappear. He had a sinking feeling that something terrible had happened.

“I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. Let’s ask the staff if they’ve seen her.”