“You’re not getting married. That’s final,” Grayson booms.
Grayson’s front door opens.
“Spencer, grab him!” Aaron yells from the phone.
“What?” Spencer is confused.
I use the distraction to dart past him out the door. I’m in the elevator before they can catch me.
My mom texts me as I’m driving to Dani’s parents’ house.
Mom:Hey, just wanted to see if you wanted to get dinner with us tonight.
Mom:Bring Dani.
Graham:We’ll be there.
I should probably see my mom one last time before Dani and I run off to start our new life. Right?
My soon-to-be fiancée seems a little frazzled when she opens the door.
“Is your father home?” I ask.
“How did you get up here?” Her eyes widen.
“The doorman likes me.” I push the door open.
She seems surprised to see me, because she resists then lets me push her out of the way.
“You didn’t call.” She shuts the door softly.
“Is your dad here?” I repeat.
“What do you need from my dad?”
“I told you.” I’m impatient. “We’re going to get married. But it’s not like I’m just going to steal you away. I want to do it right.”
“He’s going to think it’s weird,” she says nervously.
“You love me, don’t you?”
“I… What?” she chokes out.
“Dani, I love you. I fell in love with you the minute I saw you.” I grab her hands.
“I’m too hungover for this,” she groans.
“I want your dad’s blessing, but if you think he won’t give it, then we’re just going to have to elope. I know it’s not ideal.” I kiss her mouth. “But you promised me, Dani,” I remind her. “You promised me that you’d never leave.”
I take her hand. “I told my mother we’d come meet with her for dinner. Claire and Ryan have something planned at their apartment. Come on. Come, Dani. Now.”
I keepour fingers laced together as I drive her to Ryan’s apartment. Lulu is antsy on my lap.
“He lives in a nice building in Brooklyn, one of the new developments. One of Spencer’s, I think,” I tell Dani.
“Graham.” She pauses. “Are you”—her eyes search mine—“feeling okay?”
“I love you. I’ve never felt better. Come on. If you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.”
