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“Because, Charlie, Veteran’s Suicide Awareness is one of my favorite charities. The money goes to a good cause.”
“Ember and Presley have arrived.” They’re at the bar with their husbands.
“I’m holding a grudge against Ember. She told me she was too busy to make me a dress for tonight. Then the bitch goes and outfits Presley. I’m her sister-in-law. Where’s the loyalty?” Raven’s words don’t hold an ounce of irritation.
At the news, I scan Presley head-to-toe and my jaw almost drops. The form-fitting, ice-blue cocktail dress hugs all her curves and cuts across in an asymmetrical line that showcases her legs. It’s fantastic.
“I knew Ember was into clothing design, but had no idea she could do that,” I mutter in awe.
“Yes, she’s talented. You should see her wedding pictures. Designed her own dress and swore it was a one-off. Then she broke her rule and helped design Presley’s. Now she does custom dresses through referral only. The demand for her grew too much. Having my brother, two kids, being part owner of a retail store, and designing, she’s too busy. I begged her to do a quick work-up tonight, but Presley had already gotten to her.”
“Your dress is sensational.”
She tosses her hair over her shoulder, grinning wide. “Thanks. Declan picked it out.” She purses her lips, her eyes scanning over me. When she brings them back to mine, they are shining with mischief. “You should talk to Ember about your wedding dress. She is a genius with a keen sense of style, and she likes you.”
A fluttering explodes in my chest at the thought of a custom wedding dress.
“I’m going right now to buy her a drink and keep them flowing until she’s buzzed enough to say yes.”
“It’s an open bar.”
“Even better. Let’s go.”
I get halfway across the room when a strong arm curls around my waist, folding me into a hard body. “Where’re you running to?”
“To plow Ember with drinks until she’s loose enough to agree to help with a custom-made wedding dress.”
Achilles’ lips trail over the shell of my ear. “Heard about a notary who will marry us online so we can do it naked in our bed.”
The horror!
I twist, ready to tell him this, and find him smirking in that wicked way.
“Not on your life, buddy! That boat has sailed. I may have agreed to that over a decade ago when you ruled my world. But not now.”
His smirk widens. “A decade ago, you were jailbait.”
“That’s why we’d have gotten married by a notary online, naked, and hid it from my dad. He’d have undoubtedly killed you.”
“True. Guess I missed my chance.”
“Sure did. Now we are planning a real wedding with a dress. Custom-made if I play my cards right.”
He links his hand in mine, tugging me to the dance floor, and situates me in his arms, swaying to the light music.
“What are you doing?”
“Dancing.”
“But we’re the only ones out here.”
“Don’t care.”
An old memory strikes in my mind. “We haven’t danced since your prom.”
“I haven’t danced since that night at all.”
My body melts into his, my fingers tugging loosely at the hair on his neck. He controls our speed, moving us around the dance floor as if we do this often.
“Give me a date, Harley.” His smooth voice sends a tingle over my skin.
“A date?”
“The date you’re marrying me.”
“Well, I’ve been looking at fall when the leaves change and the weather is cooler.”
“Memorial Day weekend.”
“Memorial Day? There’s no way I can get it all together.”
“You have a dozen influential resources. It’s possible. Especially if we do it at the Club.”
Thousands of twinkling lights with white linen tables seated with people fill my head. Waiters and waitresses float through the area with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. A hardwood dance floor set up on the side of the property with enough room for a live band.
I’d always pictured something like tonight. A ballroom in a fancy hotel, or a similar venue. Now, all I want is the intimate setting of the Club. And Achilles is right. I have a dozen resources to make things happen. With my new position, I’m an influential resource as well.
“I love that idea.”
He brushes his lips across mine. “I left you to become the man I needed to be on Memorial Day weekend all those years ago. It’s only right I get my reward the same weekend.”
Suddenly, nothing else matters. Not the elegance or extravaganza I’ve been dreaming of all my life. We can go to the Justice of the Peace, and I’ll die happy.
“Memorial Day weekend it is.”
He lifts me off my feet, swinging me around as his mouth captures mine. Catcalls and cheering resonate around the room, and I giggle into his mouth, not caring that we are the center of attention.
Epilogue
Ace
I pound up harder, feeling her muscles clamping like a vise. “You there, baby?”
