“Yes.”
I stare at her.
“I am not sure it’s safe for me to attempt that, Lily.”
She gasps. “It’s our wedding day. I deserve a dramatic dip.”
I glance at Declan like he’ll save me.
He doesn’t.
He just says, “Do it.”
Traitor.
I exhale, slide my hand behind her back, and slowly dip her.
Lily squeals, then laughs, gripping my shoulders as I keep her steady. “See?” she whispers, eyes sparkling. “You’ve got this.”
I bring her back upright, and her nose brushes mine. “So do you,” I murmur.
Her smile turns soft. “Are you nervous?” she asks quietly.
I look at her bump, then her eyes, then her mouth.
“I’m always nervous,” I admit, quiet enough that only she can hear. “Because I finally have something I can’t lose.”
Her expression cracks for a second. Then she cups my face. “You won’t. Not ever again.”
A beat of silence passes. Then Isabella plows into Lily’s legs like a tiny wrecking ball.
“Auntie Lily!” she announces proudly. “I’m gonna throw flowers everywhere!”
Lily laughs. “Is that the plan?”
“Yes,” Isabella says, offended that Lily even asked. “Uncle Drago said I can.”
I blink. “I said you can throw them down the aisle.”
Isabella’s eyes widen. “That is everywhere.”
Declan sighs like he’s accepted his fate. “Let her,” he mutters.
Lily looks at me, amusement blooming. “You heard him,” she whispers. “The boss said yes.”
I groan. “I created a monster.”
“You married into monsters,” Conan says brightly.
Lily beams. “Lucky me.”
“I need to go get ready,” she whispers, and her voice wobbles just slightly.
I cup her cheek. “You okay?”
She nods. “I’m just… happy.”
That word still hits like a miracle.
