I swallow the lump in my throat.
"You're really okay marrying a man who probably hates you and your entire family right now?" I ask. Genuine curiosity.
"Sounds like fun to me, Harper. Nothing I can't handle."
I don't doubt that for a second.
"Alright. Well... I'll see you soon?"
"I was actually wondering if you'd be my maid of honor."
I bark out a laugh.
"Seriously?"
"Yes. Seriously."
"I'll think about it. But yes, I think we can make the friend thing work."
I truly believe Gianna was blindsided by her own brother. That she saved me. She helped save Ace. And the marriage to Colten? It’s her trying to survive.
She laughs. "Think fast, Harper. Opportunities like this don't come around twice. It will be the wedding of the century."
"I don't doubt that."
Colten has been dead silent since we got home. Ace keeps asking after him. Jett is here all the time, so are Hunter and Wyatt. But Colten? He's somewhere in that animal center of his, wrapping his head around the price he's about to pay for saving us all.
We say our goodbyes, and as I turn around, I find Ace leaning against the doorframe. Completely naked.
"Was that my future sister-in-law?"
"It was. And what are you doing up?" I walk toward him.
"Missed my girl," he murmurs.
I run my hands up his chest.
"She asked me to be maid of honor."
Ace scoffs. "I need to speak to Colt. I get worried when he goes this quiet."
"Maybe he needs a little time to process, Ace. This took a lot out of all of us, and Colt's the one paying the biggest consequences."
Ace nods, and I can see it weighing on him. Some of the blame. I feel it too. They came to saveme.
He tips my chin up. "We're Sterlings, baby. Everything's going to work out just right. Gianna ain't nothing Colt can't handle."
I smile, pressing a kiss to his jaw. This is exactly what I’m afraid of.
"Go back to bed. I'll make us some breakfast."
His eyebrow arches. "Real food."
CHAPTER EIGHTY-EIGHT
Ace
Every single morning since the scan last week, I wake up and hold the image in one hand, the other on her growing bump. And I thank whoever is up there for letting me live.
