I almost forgot what we were talking about, I’m in such a Jack daze,but I force myself to snap back to reality and pull back. “Jack, what do you meanNo?”
With apparent reluctance, he stands, adjusting his tie—and his hard-on—and gives me a deadpan look. “I mean just that.No. There is no discussion.” He leans down again and takes my chin between his fingers, applying a light pressure so I lift my eyes to his. “I told you, my beautifulwife. I’m all in, and there’s nothing to worry about anymore. I’ve got you, B. This is our future… you and me, forever.” He squishes my lips together, kisses me hard, then turns and leaves without another word.
You and me, forever.
Only last week I was telling Lola that maybe I should move on and officially end the marriage for my own sanity, and now we’re talking about forever.
Maybe finally talking about it with someone, putting it out there in the universe, shifted something for Jack and me.
Maybe the stars have finally aligned, and we’ll both get our happily ever after.
And for the first time in my life, the wordforeverdoesn’t scare me when it comes to a relationship. If anything scares me, it’s the overzealous feeling I have at the idea of a life with Jack.
Wills:Landed and on our way to the hotel. Sadie’s fucking mum texted her about the wedding. They haven’t spoken a word in five years, and she picks today of all days to screw with her. Sadie seems okay, but try to distract her when we get there.
Me: ARE. YOU. KIDDING. ME?!!!!
Wills: UKDaily Mailposted the location and other info this week. She must have learned from there. She texted saying all this bullshit. I’m fuming.
Me: Or from the shady wedding planner. You were right to be wary.
Wills: Did you just say… I was right?
Me: Oh, shut it, arsehole. See you soon.
* * *
When the ding of the lift announces its arrival, I already know who will step off. We may not be sisters by blood, but I have a deep connection to my sister soul mate, deeper than most, and I can sense she’s here.
“Annabelle,” Sadie calls as she dives out of the lift, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck. “God, it’s so good to see you.” She pulls back, then kisses my face a million times.
“This is where Charlie gets it. She kisses the same way.” I laugh, “I’ve missed you, darling. How was the rest of your trip? How are the girls? Tell me everything.”
“Come, let’s talk outside.” She takes my hand in hers, squeezing it a few times in excitement, and guides us through the doors leading to the garden where they’re beginning to set up for the ceremony.
“Oh.” Her gasp is loud enough that the workers turn around. “Sorry.” She cringes, then turns to me, her eyes startling me for a second. They do that sometimes, since they are so much like her brother’s. “Annabelle, this is incredible. Isn’t it?”
“It’s beautiful. Everything you’ve always wanted.” I put my arm around her shoulders and pull her into my side, staring over the garden with her as they set up the chairs and altar.
Understated elegance is how I would describe it all, and it fits Sadie to a tee. All whites and creams, her dress, our dresses, the linens, and most of the flowers.
The only pops of color are from the foliage’s greenery, and small accents of a blush rose from the sweet peas and carnations—Charlotte and Chloe’s birth month flowers, which is something near and dear to her heart that will be placed in all our bouquets.
She hasn’t been inside to where the reception will take place yet. She’s going to flip when she sees the floral designer. I have to text Wills to get his arse down here because I don’t want to wait much longer to show her.
I squeeze her tighter against me. It truly is so good to see her.
For much of our lives, we lived in different countries, and we didn’t know a life of anything different. Now that we both live in London though, I could never imagine a life without her or the girls by my side.
“I’m excited about the rehearsal tonight,” I tell her. They’ve booked a boat ride down the Seine for the bridal party and close family and friends.
“Oh, me too. Well, I’m excited about everything.” She laughs. “It’s going to be magical. Champagne at sunset, the Eiffel Tower sparkling, and Pierre, our favorite chef in the whole world, passing around his delicious and unique creations. It’s a real dream come true, and I get to do it with all the people I love most. I can’t believe it’s all finally happening. I’m a lucky lady,” she mutters, trying to hold back her tears.
“We all are,” I say truthfully.
It’s something I love about our found family: we may all be extremely different, but our values in life align perfectly, and that’s what matters most. None of us take anything for granted.
As I watch Sadie soak it all in, I think about my future with Jack and instantly feel guilty about keeping our relationship from her. Though, I stand by my decision. Now is not the time; this weekend is about her and Wills.
