“Tighten up,” Ottar says. “We have no other choice than to tighten up.”
ChapterFifteen
LILLY
“I can’t believe you’re getting married,” Timmy says as I slip into my wedding dress behind a partition. “It was like only yesterday when you came up with the idea to sell bikinis out of the back of the truck and attract attention with a wet T-shirt contest.”
“She did what?” Isabella asks on a laugh.
“Don’t listen to him,” I call over the partition as Runa buttons up the back of my dress. “He doesn’t have the best memory.”
Timmy laughs. “Girl, what are you trying to hide? Your personal life is out there for everyone to read with one Internet search.”
“He’s right,” Marit calls out. “I just looked it up on my phone, and there’s even a picture of you with the bikini truck.”
I poke my head past the partition to look at them on the couch. “There are pictures?” I ask, horrified.
“No.” Marit laughs. “But the look on your face is priceless.”
I point at her. “I’m going to need to watch out for you.”
“You are.” She smiles at me before Runa pulls me back to finish up with the buttons.
Pala and Katla are having tea in the glass room, wanting to give me time with my cousins and Timmy. They said they’d see the grand reveal of the dress tomorrow. I thought it was a great plan because I truly want Pala and Katla to mend their relationship, which they’ve been doing. It’s so great to see.
Once Runa is done, she strokes down my dress, adjusting any wrinkles, and turns me around. Her eyes meet mine, and a lovely smile crosses her face. “Princess Lilly, you look stunning.”
“Really?” I ask as I glance down at the heavily laced dress with bell sleeves that hang perfectly down my arms.
Runa adjusts my hair and nods. “Keller is a very lucky man.”
“Thank you,” I say, feeling giddy.
“Let us see,” Timmy calls out. “I’m frothing at the mouth over here.”
Chuckling, I move from behind the partition and show them my dress. It fits like a glove, tailored specifically for my curves. The sleeves hang off my shoulders while the neckline dips down, providing a glimpse of cleavage but still maintaining a look of class. Runa was able to help me cover up my bite mark from Keller, thankfully. The bodice clings to my torso but relaxes at the hips, draping along my legs and giving me a very regal yet fairy-like feel.
“Wow,” Isabella says as she clasps her hands together in front of her chest. “Lilly, that’s gorgeous.”
“I’m stunned,” Marit says. “Absolutely stunned.”
Timmy stands from the couch and walks up to me, tears in his eyes as he pulls me into a hug. “Dear God, Lilly, you’re a vision.”
I hug him back, tears welling in my eyes as well.
“I mean that,” he adds as he pulls away and looks me up and down. “You’ve always been beautiful, but this, this wedding, this place, it brings out a piece of you I don’t think I’ve ever seen before.” He grips my hand in his. “You’re happy, Lilly. You’re truly happy.”
“I am,” I reply. “I’m so happy. I have family.” I glance over at Marit and Isabella. “I have roots. I have the love of my life waiting to wed me tomorrow. I can truly say that at this moment, I don’t think I’ve ever been happier.”
Timmy pulls me into a hug, and I fit into the crook of his neck, holding him tight.
* * *
Lilly:Where are you? I was able to bring lunch up to my room.
Keller:I can’t make it.
Lilly:What do you mean you can’t make it? You said we could have lunch today. It’s our last time to be alone together before the wedding.
