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I know it’s considered bad luck to see each other before the ceremony, but we’re not really ones to follow the rules anyway. Meet me in the back room so I can give you your gift in person.
Love you!
Hmm…what are you up to, Ethan Bishop?
With a cheeky grin, I sneak out of the bridal suite without getting caught and make my way down the hallway. When I hear hushed voices, I freeze and wait to make sure they’re not coming closer.
“Fine. You finally ready to tell me what your deal is then?”
Grayson’s voice.
“You.”
And Kenzie’s.
“And what is it that I did?”
They’re actually talking?
“If you don’t know, that’s your problem,” Kenzie snaps, and I can just imagine the eye roll she gives him.
“Woman! I swear. Just tell me so I can like, I don’t know, apologize?”
Kenzie snorts. “I don’t want your apology.”
“Then what do you want? What’s it gonna take for you to stop acting like a snotty princess?” Grayson sounds desperate, which I find hilarious. He really hates that he doesn’t know why she hates him.
“I want revenge…” I hear the amusement in her tone. “And maybe then we’ll be even.”
“You’re insane. I didn’t even do anything.” His voice fades as if he’s walking away.
Once it’s silent for a moment, I continue walking and gasp when Ethan grabs my arm.
“Babe!” I whisper-shout. “You scared me.”
He cups my face, and the corner of his lips tilts up. “Sorry. I was just so excited to see you.”
I giggle. “We saw each other last night.” He slept in the cabin, and I stayed at my parents' house with Hadleigh and Ivy. We had a little pre-wedding girls’ night.
“Too damn long.” He lowers his mouth and gently caresses his lips against mine. After we part, he lowers his eyes down my dress, and his smile widens. “You look breathtaking. Wow, baby.”
“Really? I don’t look ten months pregnant?”
“You’re beautiful,” he reassures me before lowering his palm to my stomach. “How’s our boy doing today?”
“I’m hoping he lets me keep my food down. I’ve been snacking on crackers while everyone drinks.”
He chuckles. “Sorry, love. Couldn’t help knocking you up.”
“Mm-hmm.”
“So you want your present?”
“For what?”
“A wedding gift.”
I raise my brows, shocked but feeling guilty I didn’t get him anything.
“It’s really just an excuse to give you this.” He takes a box out of his pocket and hands it to me.
“You’re too damn sweet.” I open it and eye a bracelet with a large black rectangle block on top. It almost looks like an Apple watch but different. “What is it?”
He takes it out, and that’s when I notice he’s wearing one just like it. As he places it over my wrist, he explains.
“It’s called a bond touch. Anytime you want to let the other person know you’re thinking of them or miss them, you just tap it, and it’ll vibrate on the other end. Then they can tap back.”
“Seriously? That’s so awesome, babe.”
Once it’s secure, I try it. Ethan holds out his arm, and I watch as it vibrates after I double tap mine.
“This is seriously so thoughtful.” I tilt up my head and press my lips to his. “I feel so bad I don’t have anything to give you.”
“Are you kiddin’ me? You’ve given me everything, love.” He cups my face and brings his forehead to mine. “Everything I’ve ever wanted.”
“You ready to get married?” I ask when we part. “I’m pretty sure my mom’s gonna come lookin’ for me any minute.”
He takes my hand and kisses my knuckles. “So damn ready.”
The ceremony goes off without a hitch. The Bishops have always been kind but being welcomed to the family feels so good. After we say our I do’s, we take pictures for a couple of hours, then meet our guests for drinks and dinner at the town hall.
“I remember the first time I looked at you and thought about how I wanted to kiss you,” Ethan tells me as we slow dance. “It scared me a bit, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it after that.”
“When was that?”
“Fourth of July, the summer I turned sixteen. We were lying together on a blanket watching the fireworks. I had my arm around you, and this sensation came over me when I looked at you. I was too nervous to make a move, though, so I just held you tighter because I knew that wouldn’t give me away since we always hugged. But man, sometimes I wonder what would’ve happened if I had just done it.”
I frown, remembering that exact day. A couple of months later, I started dating Isaac.
“Well, you would’ve saved me from wasting four years of my life.” I chuckle. “Though I’ve wondered the same. I always felt so special when you pulled me close.” He tugs me to him and smiles. “I still do.”
Once the cake’s been cut and everyone’s on their way to tipsy town, Ethan and I get ready to make our formal exit. Tonight, we’re staying in the B&B honeymooner’s suite. The bridesmaids get everyone to form a line to blow bubbles. We stop every few steps and kiss as they cheer for us.
