“You’ll see soon,” he says, glancing anxiously at me. He’s been acting weird since we left home, and I’ve no clue what’s up with him. I’m wondering if it’s something to do with our plans to hold a wedding reception in Alabama at the end of August. If he’s surprising me with something.
Turns out, he is.
But it’s not what I was expecting.
“Why are we here?” I ask, looking up at the sign over my head with a frown. He’s brought me to a cosmetic surgery clinic, knowing how I feel about that shit.
Kai reels me into his arms. “You know I love you and I find you sexy as hell,” he explains. I nod, because he never leaves me in doubt. He tells me every day how much he loves me, and how sexy I am, and he worships my body like a man thirsting for air, so I’m supremely confident in his love and his attraction to me. “But I know how much you hate those boobs your father forced on you.”
I suck in a shocked gasp as I realize what he’s done.
“I would love you and find you sexy with big tits, small tits, wonky tits, or no tits.” His brows knit together and he pouts. “Actually, scratch that last one. Cause that’s like saying I’m into boys or some shit, and I’m strictly hetero, and I love boobs.”
I laugh. “I think I get that by now,” I tease.
“What I’m trying to say,badly,” he admits, holding me closer. “Is that I’m okay if you want to get the implants removed.”
“I’ll have scars, and they might sag because the skin has stretched. They won’t look like they used to.”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “I don’t care. As long as I have something to play with while I’m fucking you, I’m happy.” His expression turns serious. “Anyway, the person I spoke to said they have procedures for that, too. But, honestly, babe, they’ll be perfect because they’re a part of you. I just want you to be happy and comfortable with yourself, and I see how you scowl at them and flinch sometimes when I touch them.”
“Can you please stop being so perfect?” I tease, pressing a kiss to the underside of his jaw. “You’re showing me up here.”
“Don’t deflect, and we both know I’m far from perfect. What I’m saying is I support you if you want to keep them or take them out.” He looks up at the building. “Maybe it was wrong of me to arrange this consultation today, and we don’t have to go in if you don’t want to, but I just wanted you to know my thoughts on the subject, in case you were holding off on doing this because of me.”
“You once told me you could live a thousand lifetimes and never be worthy of me,” I remind him, lifting up to kiss his lips. “And now I’m saying the exact same thing back to you. My life might have been shitty these past few years, but I wouldn’t change a thing, because it led me to you, and you are the best thing to ever happen to me.”
“Ditto, babe.” He kisses me slowly. “And I cannot wait to spend the rest of my life proving it.”
EPILOGUE – Three months later
Abby
“Oh, Abigail.” Tears instantly pool in Mom’s eyes when she walks into the room. “You look so beautiful. Kaiden won’t be able to keep his hands off you when he sees you.”
“Ugh.” Drew groans. “Did you have to go there. It’s bad enough I suffer it every time I’m in their presence. I don’t need to hear you condoning it.”
“Shush.” I slap his chest. “You’re just jealous because I’ve stolen him from you.”
Kai and Drew’s bromance is back in full swing, and I love that they are the best of friends again. Even Jackson has warmed to my twin although Sawyer is still reserving judgment. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys today as they’ve been in New York since we graduated, and I’ve missed Jackson’s flirty smile and Sawyer’s grumpy face.
“All joking aside, I’m happy for you, Abby,” Drew says, standing. He looks handsome in his crisp, white shirt and tan pants.
Our wedding ceremony is being held on the beach at Kai’s Uncle Wes’s place, and the reception is in a marquee erected in the grounds of his opulent mansion. Tonight, we’re spending the night in the cabin where we first met, and my heart is so full. All our close friends and family are here to watch us say our vows this time, and unlike my fake wedding party to Charlie, this time I’ve done it my way.
“You don’t think it’s too simple?” I ask Mom, inspecting my reflection in the mirror.
It’s hot and humid in Alabama in August so I’ve opted for an A-line knee-length ballet-style white dress composed of delicate lace over tulle. The lace panel extends from my collarbone, down over the fitted corset-style top which gives my smaller bust a natural lift. My arms are bare, and there’s a thin silk sash wrapped around my waist, tied in a pretty bow at the back.
My hair is in a half-up half-down style, curled in soft waves with flowers woven between the strands. My makeup is light and natural, and I’m wearing flip-flops. We told our guests to wear whatever they like, and I hope everyone has come casual and that it’s as far removed from a formal elite wedding as you can get.
“It’s classically elegant, and it suits you to a T,” Mom loyally says. “Your natural beauty shines through, along with your happiness. You’re glowing, Abigail, and it’s clear marriage agrees with you.”
“Kaiden agrees with me,” I correct. “He completes me.”
Mom looks a little nostalgic, and I wonder if she’s thinking of happier times with Atticus, when he was the love of her life and she dreamed of marrying him.
It’s ironic that I ended up marrying his son. Or maybe it was written in the stars.
