Chapter 199: One Less Problem
Georgia’s POV
Nick never let go of my hand as we trailed back from the parking lot toward the glow of the grand ballroom.
"Do we still have to do the wedding now that we’re already married?" I asked, half-teasing, half trying to pin down the strange flutter in my chest.
"Of course we do." His answer was immediate. He stopped, pivoted, and cupped my face with his other hand. "Georgia, just because I registered us doesn’t mean I won’t make you walk down the aisle.
You deserve a white dress, a bouquet, and me waiting at the end of that aisle. I’ve seen it in my head a thousand times. I’ll make it real—unless you don’t want me to."
I bit the inside of my cheek and looked away for a bit, feeling the ache and sweetness of the gesture. "I do want a wedding," I said, "but small. Intimate. Not a circus. Reception can be as grand as you like, but the ceremony—just family and close friends. Can we do that?"
His smile softened into something tender. He kissed my forehead like it was a promise. "Anything for you. I’ll hire a wedding planner—both of us are swamped, and I don’t want you stressed."
I hugged him, the world narrowing to his heartbeat against mine. "Thank you. That means everything."
The ballroom still glowed when we stepped back inside; laughter and music swirled around us. Nick and I drifted toward a high cocktail table, but a man—older, the kind of presence that reminded me of Benjamin—approached. He put a hand on Nick’s shoulder.
"Nicholas, come with me for a second. I want to introduce you to some friends," the man said.
Nick’s face brightened. "Sure—oh, Georgia, this is my godfather, Ezekiel Sinclaire." We shook hands; the greeting was brief but formal. A group of men hovered nearby, expectant.
"I’m sorry, love," Nick said, voice quick with apology. "I just need to do this. I promise I’ll be right back."
I nodded and smiled. "Don’t rush. I won’t run. I’ll find the girls." I watched him walk toward the waiting circle.
I spotted Ella twirling with Liam across the room. Vicky and Evelyn were deep in laughter with a cluster of people. I didn’t want to pull them away from the fun to coddle my own nerves.
I nabbed a flute of champagne and settled at an empty cocktail table, thumb scrolling absentmindedly through my phone. Then another glass appeared beside mine, a soft clink against glass.
"Mind if I keep you company while my siblings are otherwise occupied?"
Reagan. Of course.
I gave him a polite smile but kept my guard up. The way he shepherded Sarah and Nancy earlier, then left me alone with Raymond—it told me everything I needed to know.
Reagan wasn’t a friend. He was a fox in a tailored suit, and being married to Nick planted me squarely in his hunting ground. As Nick’s wife, I should not be friendly with this man.
’Nick’s wife.’ The words still felt foreign on my tongue, like a new name I had to learn to live in.
"Sure. Go ahead," I said, cool and clipped.
He extended a hand like a gentleman. "We haven’t properly introduced. I’m Reagan."
I shook it briefly. "Georgia." Then I took a careful sip of champagne, stalling.
"Always this quiet?" he asked, easy, probing.
"Yeah, I guess," I replied tersely.
"Or... just wary of me?" Reagan’s eyes searched mine, amused.
I smirked inwardly. Intimidated? By him? After everything I’d survived, the scared little Georgia was gone. I’d been forged into someone who didn’t flinch.
"Do I have to be?" I shot back.
He shrugged, unfazed, and took a slow sip. "Relax. I’m on your side—as long as you keep your leash on my brother. Let him run wild, and things get messy. You don’t want that."
His tone was casual, but the warning cut through the music. I met his gaze, unblinking. Whatever game Reagan played, I’d learn the rules—and make sure he knew I wasn’t one to be toyed with.
I frowned, torn between curiosity and suspicion. "What do you mean by that?"
Reagan’s lips curved into a sly smile. "Let’s just say someone I want has her eyes on him. Honestly? I was relieved when he married you. So... congratulations. I hope you can keep him forever."
My gaze followed the subtle flick of his eyes and landed squarely on Sarah.
"You like Sarah?" I asked, testing him.
He chuckled low, as if I’d just uncovered his most delicious secret. "Sharp eyes, sister-in-law. We could make a good team, you and I, we could be partners."
I forced a polite smile, though inside I wanted to laugh in his face. "Sorry, brother-in-law, but there’s no partnership to be made here. My husband sealed the deal. I’m not going anywhere. Maybe it’s time you did the same, don’t you think?"
Reagan smirked, but there was something weary in the way he exhaled. "If only it were that easy, I would’ve done it years ago."
He swirled his champagne, eyes momentarily distant. "But you can’t teach the heart to love. Doesn’t matter how good, how loyal, how present you are. Love can’t be forced. Only that person decides if they’ll let you in."
I tilted my head, softening just slightly. "Maybe. But sometimes the heart can be swayed. A kind gesture, genuine care, given again and again, can change a person’s mind. I know, because it happened to me."
That struck him. For the first time, sincerity flickered across his face, pain edging his voice. "Do you really think so?"
"Yes," I said firmly. "Didn’t you hear about me? I was set to marry Raymond, your friend, wasn’t he? And in less than a day, everything collapsed. Then Nick happened. The rest... is history. But I have to ask—why weren’t you on that wedding guest list if you’re so close to him?"
Reagan’s smile returned, cool and calculated. "Oh, that. I had a business trip already scheduled. Told him ahead of time I couldn’t make it."
His eyes gleamed as he leaned closer. "Or maybe... I stayed away because if I had shown up, you might have ended up with him after all. Raymond honestly and wholeheartedly loved you, Georgia. You know that, don’t you? But me?" He tipped his glass lazily. "I’m glad you chose Nicholas. That’s one less problem for me."
A chill slid down my spine. One less problem? Why say that to me? What the hell was he implying?