“What happened to what’s-his-name?”
“Neil.” Ash rolls her eyes. “He’s so last month. And so boring in bed. Hell, I’ve seen toothpicks better equipped to do the job.”
That’s my bestie, never shy with her opinion. “Maybe you’ll meet Mr. Right while you’re on the island.”
“I’d settle for Mr. Hung. Does Xavian have any hot friends?”
“Not that I noticed. But hey, Riley is still single,” I tease.
“Oh, hell no. I could never stand that cock bag.”
Thankfully, my ex left Maui the morning after he confessed to colluding with my brother for cash. Good riddance. I can’t believe I ever saw anything in that self-centered troll. I can’t believe I ever thought I was in love with him.
Thankfully, Xavian agreed to be my fake fiancé. I’m fortunate he made me realize I was settling, and blessed that he asked me to marry him for real. Our last couple of months together have been idyllic. I’m so ready to call him my husband.
Echo bustles closer, long hair in some elaborate twists that furl up into a bun. Her pregnancy doesn’t show yet, but her bridesmaid dress is a bit tighter than at our last fitting. Still, she looks amazing as she hands me my bouquet. “Five minutes. You okay?”
I swallow and feel my unsettled stomach pitch. “Trying.”
She sends me a sympathetic glance and races to turn on a nearby fan. “I know, honey. Nerves had me in knots on my wedding day.”
Harlow returns with crackers, Keeley in tow, who’s carrying a lemon-lime soda. “Try these.”
“Thank you both.” Gratefully, I eat a saltine and sip the bubbly drink.
“Better?” Harlow asks.
“Much.” I imbibe more of the soda.
“You sure?” Keeley says. “You still look peaked.”
“I’ll be fine.” Now that morning sickness is subsiding and the ceremony is about to start, I really am feeling better.
A knock sounds. Harlow opens the door to admit Maxon, whose gaze lands on me. “You look beautiful.”
I smile. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Let’s hope Xavian makes it through the ceremony without dragging you off to a dark corner to have his wicked way with you.”
“I’m sure he can manage twenty minutes without me.”
“The way he’s wearing a threadbare path in the carpet with his pacing?” Maxon raises a brow. “I’m not.”
Another knock sounds, then Griff’s pretty blond wife, Britta, pokes her head in. “Time for everyone to get in their places. Ready, doll?”
“Beyond.” I smile back at her.
After a quick kiss on my cheek, Keeley rushes for the door. “It’s going to be perfect. Deep breaths. You’re marrying the right man.”
“I know.” I’m convinced of that from my head all the way down to my toes.
Ashlee passes me the lipstick, which I quickly refresh. Echo fluffs the tulle of my veil while Harlow helps me with the soft train of my dress. Then I turn to leave the room, taking my final steps as a single woman.
When I return to this room, I’ll be Xavian’s wife.
Together, we line up at the back of the house for the walk across the lawn and to the private beach, where the white arch laced with plumeria and baby white roses stands against the backdrop of the gentle blue ocean. In front of it, Xavian stands, Hayes by his side, along with their buddy Graham. The spot to Graham’s left is empty, just waiting for Maxon.
Gracefully, Echo walks up the aisle toward the rest of the wedding party to the slow strains of an instrumental ballad. Harlow follows with the jaunty step of a woman who’s both incredibly comfortable in her skin and happy. Then Ashlee makes her way down the soft runner, looking stunning in her strapless dress.
It really is a shame she can’t find a guy she loves, one who would change her mind about marriage. She’s too sweet, funny, and loyal to spend her life alone.
“Our turn,” Maxon says beside me, holding out his elbow. “Let’s make you an official part of the family.”
I wrap my fingers around his arm. “Thank you so much for welcoming me with open arms.”
He smiles. “I can’t imagine the Reed clan without you anymore.”
Since my parents are gone and things with my brother are still on the mend, I’d asked Maxon if he would give me away. He said he’d be honored. It was so kind of him to agree to be both Xavian’s groomsman and play the traditional father-of-the-bride role. Still, I’d hoped Parker would come around. I should have known better. My brother almost never admits he’s wrong.
I tear up as I wait for the song to end and mine to began, so I can walk down the aisle, the way we rehearsed last night.
“Ninny?” an all-too-familiar voice murmurs behind me.
I spin to see my brother coming through the back door, heading directly toward Maxon and me. “Parker?”
Beside me, Maxon stiffens.
My brother glances his way with an apologetic glance, then he focuses on me. “Can I talk to you?”