I tip my forehead to hers. “Would that make you happy? That’s what I promised you. Every day, remember? Say yes again, and we’re off to Vegas. You want this?”
Before she can answer, Lily peeks from behind Mia’s legs, eyes huge. I don’t get to dwell on whether her hesitation is her fear of abandonment talking. “She does. Of course she does,” my Sunshine cries, then she pivots to Liam, full of plans. “Can I have a special dress too?”
“Done,” he says, not about to start denying her anything. “Pick a color.”
Mia’s grin goes rogue, and I wonder if her cheeks hurt as much as mine. I welcome the ache, and plan to get used to it. I don’t think I’ll stop smiling anytime soon.
She steps closer and whispers, “I do,” wicked against my ear. “How was that? I’m rehearsing for the Elvis priest.”
“Oh, you big tease.” I hook her by the waist and kiss my fiancée. God, I like the sound of that. When we break, I shout, “Taxi!”
Mia throws her head back, laughing. “Pres, we drove here.”
“Also, there’s a limousine waiting for you twenty feet away,” Liam reminds me.
Oh, right. Add that to the stack of things my brain’s temporarily deleted. It’s only got room for my daughter and my soon-to-be wife right now.
He whistles to the driver waiting down the curb, and the car rolls toward us. Lily slips her hands into ours.
“Keys, Pres,” April calls, clapping once. I toss them, and she snags them midair. “Lils—you’re with us.”
Lily deploys a world-class pout. “Why?” The word stretches for at least two extra seconds.
Calista’s faster, crouching to her level. “Sorry, kiddo, it’s limo’s rules. The one Uncle Liam rented is for adults only.”
Liam’s chin drops, and he looks betrayed, more so than Lily. My kid kicks dust once and takes her auntie’s hand.
Cal winks at us. “You two lovebirds make good use of the divider and get a head start on marital bliss.”
April’s back to sergeant form, dishing out orders. “Pack light, we need to be back on Sunday. Liam, get hair stylists and makeup artists too. Have them meet us at the hotel, not at the tarmac, you lunatic.” She tuts, then panics. “Cal, what arewegoing to wear?”
Tapping her temple, Calista answers, oddly calm, “You’re wearing the red dress I gave you for your birthday,” then she adds a layer of shade. “It still has the tag on, doesn’t it?”
“I was saving it for a special occasion,” April replies. “And hooray, the day has arrived. But Cal, isn’t it a little… you know, for a wedding?”
“Slutty, you mean?” I’d be giving Calista hell if Liam weren’t already securing Lily in the booster seat and buckling her in. “Sure.” She shrugs, then squeals, “But it’sVegas, baby.I’m wearing that sequined mini. And if the”—she air-quotes—“‘priest’ is cute enough, I might get on my knees and beg absolution for my future sins.”
I shake my head as all three ladies cackle and make even dirtier innuendos.
“Passports,” April suddenly calls, back in admin mode. “Don’t forget your passports.”
We split for cars, and my chest expands at the sound of the people I love most laughing as they run. When we reach the limo, I stop short at the sight of a string of cans tied to the bumper. Above them, in minty block letters, it reads:Soon to Be Wedded.
My faith in us was always enough. But knowing everyone around us saw it coming too… that’s just proof that timing, odds, or rules never stood a chance against us. True love was always meant to rise above it all.
THE END
If you had a good time reading this, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Amazon. =) This is only my second book, and I’d really appreciate your help spreading the word about Mia and Pres. Thank you so much.
Now let’s carry on to the Epilogue. >>>
epilogue
Mia.
I don’t care for superstitions. A second after I put on my wedding dress, I run straight into my fiancé’s arms. Yes, I’m calling Preston my fiancé for the few hours he’ll be one, and I’m making the absolute most of it.
It’s a Vera Wang in silk Mikado with a square neckline and a single strap crowned by a sculptural bow. The skirt is all architectural drape that parts high up my thigh, flashing a leg when I move. Oh, and it has pockets.
