Reaching out, I place my palm over her delicate fingers. “I’m sorry that happened,” I say “It’s not fair, is it? That you get judged while I get off scot-free.”
“Well, technically, Ididbully everyone into the quick date,” she admits. “But, I like to think I had noble intentions.”
I take a sip of my red wine, then say, “Definitely. Sticking it to Dylan is one of life’s higher purposes.”
She scowls back but I can see a hint of laughter in her eyes. “To free the man I love from the clutches of evil.”
We stare at each other for a second in silence, then we both burst out laughing. When we’re through, Arabella gives a tiny, slightly defensive shake of her head. “I’m quite sure payback is one of life’s higher pursuits.”
“Of course. I bet it says something about that in the Bible, but you would know, being such a devote Christian and all.”
“Oh, shut up,” she says, her face turning bright pink. “Anyway, I’mnotgoing to be an awful, picky, explosive bride, and I reallydohave a healthy perspective on our wedding day.”
Leaning back in my chair, I say, “I’m just worried that you’re not going to enjoy the wedding if you don’t have any say in it at all.”
She waves off my words. "None of it really does matter in the end, does it? The important thing is starting our life together finally."
“I suppose, but I think we could strike a balance between ditch daisies and hothouse orchids flown in from Thailand."
She rolls her eyes, then says, "I know it sounds silly, but I just don't want anyone to think I'm one ofthoseprincesses. You know, theprincessy type."
I smile at her. "I don't think anyone could accuse you of that, but I do want to make sure that youfeellike a princess on our wedding day. All women deserve that—even the non-royal ones."
"As long as you're there, I'll love every second of it."
"I think you just stole my line."
"But it's true. If it wouldn't upset so many people, I would happily run away with you to Scotland to elope like they used to do in Jane Austen books."
I stare at her for a moment, and even though she's got a smile on her face, there's something that doesn't quite match the expression in her eyes.
"Are you sure? Because it's okay for you to have a wedding you’ll love."
“Of course, I'm sure. Everything is going to be wonderful. I actually had a look at Imogen’s portfolio and I don't think she could do a tacky wedding if she was told she’d get paid double."
"Okay," I say, realizing I’m not going to get anywhere with this. "As long as you don't have any personal touches that you'll be missing."
She shakes her head. "Nothing I can think of.” After a pause, she says, “Oh, I thought of a great idea of how to make things up to your family, and of course, I wanted to run it by you before I did anything.”
“Sure.”
“What if I get everyone to travel to Paradise Bay to meet you when you finish up in Bolivia? We could have a pre-wedding holiday and get to know each other before the big event.”
She means because Dylan wants me to stop at home for a few days to film with my family before I come back to Avonia. It’ll be a ‘get to know the groom in his natural habitat’ piece. I try to picture King Winston sitting at the beach bar in his swim trunks but it’s really not working. Thank God. “Would your family want to do that?”
“Yes, of course. They’ll love it there,” she says, but I can tell she’s stretching the truth on that one. “It’s so relaxing and fun. Not to mention, Dylan will have her crew there live-streaming the whole thing so it’ll be great publicity for the resort.”
I smile at her and nod. “That is…definitely going to make my family happy.”
“That’s what I hoped. So, it’s a yes, then? I should arrange it?” she asks with a huge grin.
“Yes, definitely,” I say, leaning over and giving her a kiss. “It’s a perfect idea, really. My family gets more business, and they’ll appreciate you for making that happen. Everybody gets to know each other so we can all feel more comfortable at the wedding, and I get to see you a lot sooner.”
Arabella lets out a little squeal of delight. “Oh, I’m so excited! Just imagine how much fun James and Flora and Clara are going to have together!”
I chuckle at the idea. “They’re going to love each other.”
“Agreed.” She has her last bite of pizza, then sets her fork and knife down and takes her napkin off her lap. Giving me a wicked grin, she says, "Now that that’s settled, I’m going to go slip into something less comfortable. Give me a few minutes, then come find me in the bedroom."
