Page 85 of A Match Made In Fall

We pull each other into one of those quick brother hugs that says more than words ever could.

"Speaking of weddings," I say, looking around the lobby, "where's the bride-to-be? Did she ditch you already?"

Logan snorts.

"You still have your sense of humor. That's nice."

"Always."

"She's in the restroom,” he tells me.

We spend the next few minutes talking about the team, recent games, and their drive into town while we wait to be seated.

Then a familiar voice cuts through the conversation.

"There's my future brother-in-law."

I turn toward the sound, ready to greet Ivy. And I freeze. The whole world seems to spin, and I feel unsteady.

Ivy isn't alone. Standing just behind her is Isabella.

For a second, I'm convinced I've finally lost my mind. My heart slams against my ribs, and the room fades into the background until all I can see is her.

"Do you have a hug for your future sister-in-law?" Ivy asks with a grin. "Or maybe someone else?"

"Hey, Ivy," I manage. I step forward and hug her, but my eyes never leave Isabella.

"How…?" I ask, still struggling to process what's happening. "How did this happen?"

"It was my idea," Ivy says proudly.

Isabella takes a step closer and opens her arms. "Surprise," she says softly. "I bet this wasn't on your countdown."

I don't waste another second to pull her into my arms and lift her off the ground.

The moment she wraps her arms around my neck, everything feels right again. This must be a dream, right? And if it is, I never want to wake up.

"I can't believe you're here," I whisper against her hair.

"I know."

Reluctantly, I set her back down. Then I turn toward my family.

"Everyone, this is Isabella."

My mom immediately laughs. "Yes, we've met."

I look from Isabella to my family. "How long have you all been planning this?"

They all exchange smug glances.

"It started coming together shortly after you got here," Isabella explains. "Ivy reached out to me, and we started talking. She asked when I'd be visiting California and suggested I come out here to surprise you."

"It was a brilliant plan," Ivy says.

I shake my head in disbelief. "I seriously can't believe this."

"I’ll be heading to Los Angeles in a few days," Isabella says. "I decided I want to have in person meetings with the team at Ballroom Dance America. This visit just worked out perfectly."