Chapter 4 The aisle

After the priest's preaching about love andfaithfulness, which almost bled Lucas's ear, hebegan to ask the questions that made most coupleswho were about to be wedded rethink their decision.To Carla, she had nothing to think of, but Lucasthought about everything again.

Was what he was doing worth it? What if Logan wasright about what he said a week ago and Robert wastrying to play him? Would he be able to spend therest of his life living as Carla's husband?

" Carla Hudson, do you take Lucas Grayson as yourlawfully wedded husband? To love and cherish him,in sickness and in health, till death do you part?" thePriest asked.

" Yes, I do, " Carla replied almost immediately,earning a side look from Lucas who was standingnext to her. He had just wished she said no,everything would have been over then. He wouldhave traveled to Italy tomorrow morning, taken alady in his arms, and spent a week there without.....

" Lucas Grayson, do you also accept Carla Hudsonas your lawfully wedded wife? To love and to cherishher, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?, " the Priest turned to Lucas asking him the samequestion he asked Carla.

' Say no, ' his subconscious told him as Carla turnedto look at him. He knew he couldn't do anythingstupid, people were watching, and everything was atstake. He is that much of a coward.

" I do, " he answered in between gritted teeth, tryinghis very best to hide the scowl that was threateningto show on his face. This wasn't what he wanted, hedidn't want to get committed to anyone, especiallynot Carla.

Sadly, he said yes, making his subconscious weepin sorrow, but his newly wedded wife beamed withhappiness. He picked up a ring and took her hand inhis, the warmth in her hands covering up the cold in his.

" I, Lucas Grayson, take Carla Hudson to be mylawfully wedded wife, to love and to cherish her, insickness and in health, till death do us part, " herecited and slipped the wedding band into herfingers, even though he just lied about his vows. Hecouldn't love and cherish her, it wasn't going to bepossible.

After Carla had recited her vows, the priestproclaimed them husband and wife and ordered himto kiss his bride. That was when he began to panic.

The last thing he wanted was to kiss Carla, but hehad a crowd full of people including the press thatwas waiting for him to. Murmurs began to fill the airas he stood there, doing nothing. Robert and Davidlooked at him expectantly, but he didn't know what todo.

Carla's gaze fell, disappointed that Lucas didn't lookher in the eyes, let alone kiss her. She lookedaround, reporters were already typing on theirlaptops, and both her father's and Robert's face helddisappointment, Lucas was letting them down. Shelooked back at him and he still had not made anymove, she knew she had to do something.

So, she stood on her toes, grabbed his face in herhands, and then pressed her lips on his, earninggasps from the audience. She knew it wouldbecome a new story, A Bride kisses the groom attheir wedding ceremony, but it would be better thanruining her husband's image.

After the service, everyone headed to the reception hall. Carla and Lucas walked side by side, their hands linked together like happy couples as theybegan to greet their guests one after the other.

On getting to Lucas's father's side, Carla unlinkedher arms from Lucas and went forward to hug him.

" Robert, " she called out as they hugged and hepatted her back, smiling as she hugged him.

" Congratulations, Carla and welcome to the family, "he said as she released herself from him.

" Thank you so much, Robert, " she responded andthen turned to Maria, Lucas's stepmom. " Maria, "she greeted, hugging her as she did with Robert.She gave Logan, who was standing next to Maria, aquizzical look as she had never seen him before andRobert cleared his throat, gaining their attention.

" This is Logan, my second son, and Lucas's younger brother, " he introduced and her mouthformed an ' o ' as she nodded in understanding.Logan came forward, stretching his hands for ahandshake which she accepted gladly.

" Welcome to the family, damsel. I hope we getalong well, " he said and made to kiss the back ofher hand but Lucas slapped his hands away and Carla was taken aback by his sudden action.

"Back off Logan", he growled and grabbed Carla'swrist tightly, pulling her behind him.

" Lucas, behave yourself, the both of you are inpublic and there are reporters here, " Robert warnedin a hushed voice and Carla pursed her lips firmly, apart of her wondering why the two brothers weren'ton good terms.

" Then, tell your son to stay away from her, " heretorted and a light pink color crept up to her face,liking the fact that Lucas just stood up for her. Hewalked away from his parent's table, dragging heralong with him. She wanted to complain about histight grip but decided to keep quiet as he loosenedhis grip almost immediately.

" Lucas, " she heard a male voice call and sheturned her head in the direction of the voice only tosee Noah waving his hands at them. Lucas walkedup to him while she followed directly at his back.

" Noah, " she called out on getting there and hewaved, smiling softly at her. Noah looked at the both of them while giving her boyfriend a quizzical look.