Holden guides my chin up. “I promise, the next time you fall asleep on me, I’ll carry you to my bed and I won’t let you go until breakfast.”
I hug him and promise that tomorrow will be perfect, no matter what happens before Valerie pulls me away.
“Come on, you need so much beauty rest to shake off the stress, and we’re getting started early.” She reminds me.
I wave and thank everyone for coming, even though I’d rather stay right here, basking in all the warmth and love in the room. Tristan follows and I make sure he gets a room. The hotel staff is all too happy to help.
Valerie nudges her brother. “Such a party crasher. You never change.”
“Eh, I still have some growing up to do. Who would have believed Sophie’s the first of the three of us to get married.” He chuckles.
“Um, everyone?” Valerie huffed. “I’m not the marriage type.”
Her phone buzzes and I see her eyes flick towards the elevator. Tristan arches his eyebrow at me and Valerie elbows me hard, not that it stops me. “Which of the three are texting you?”
“Three? We have another multi-men situation going on?” Tristan gasps. “My own baby sister!”
“Shut up. Both of you. Just because one of the men is texting me, doesn’t mean anything’s going to happen. It’s all been PG.”
Tristan and I gang up on her, just staring. She groans. “So it’s been R with pictures that ride the NC-17 line. But he – any of them – whichever one I’m texting – hasn’t seen the goods.”
“No wonder she’s rushing you to bed instead of demanding a poker and beer night. She’s going to get laid.” Tristan grins. “And if you’re fucking, I get to know a name at least.”
I leave them to bicker in the hallway and get through a relaxing shower, lotion as much of my body as possible so I’m all soft and touchable tomorrow, do a face mask, and I’m kicking back with wine when Valerie finally comes in.
“Which one?” I ask.
“No.”
“I’m the bride. Which one?” I demand.
She rubs her toes over her calf. “I didn’t necessarily mean it when I saidone. It was just one of them texting right now.”
I finish my wine. “As if I’m going to judge. You and Leif had some cute moments.”
“Yeah and Hunter is an asshole which I kinda like and Chase is … something.” She sits on the bed next to me. “I don’t know. It feels silly like I’m just copying you.”
“Those three men are nothing like mine. Well … Hunter is something like Gunner.”
“Not the Gunner I’ve seen. He’s all sweet and harmless around you.” She grumbles.
I shrug. “It takes time to open up to people. Sometimes sex can do it, and you obviously deserve to get laid taking on all these Maid of Honor duties. Why don’t you go see them?”
“Because I’m as off-limits as you are … until tomorrow.”
We laugh together and curl up, ignoring the second bed. Even with the hardships of wedding planning, this entire experience has been like a birthday wish on steroids. I’ve gotten close with Valerie all over again. I’ve gotten to meet almost all my fiancés’ parents, I’m actually getting married, and tomorrow I’ll be able to love on my men properly, all of them, for the first time in two weeks.
I look at my engagement rings and my dress hanging up in the room. Who cares about Princesses, whatever I am is so much better.
ROMAN
Iadjust my tie and hear the photographer take a picture. There are two on the team and they’re determined to get shots of us getting ready. But he’s told us to completely ignore him as we get ready. Gunner laughs loudly and shoves Nick.
“You’re full of shit.”
“And you’re full of alcohol.” He steals Gunner’s glass and takes a drink.
Holden pats his shirt down as he comes out and Massimo helps him with his shoes, more than willing to be involved. I grin. “Feel like Cinderella, Holden?”