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All I can do is throw Quinton a helpless look before I’m whisked away again. Good thing I’m not expected to unload my own bags from the car, I guess.
“You look lovely.” Xander takes both of my hands, wearing a warm smile upon meeting me at the top of the stairs. “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to greet you properly when you first arrived, but it seems the women of the family had other ideas. No sooner had I received word of your arrival than you were gone.”
“It was a wonderful afternoon. Thank you so much for having us stay here over break.” The word wonderful doesn’t begin to describe it. It was a regular girls’ day, complete with manicures, pedicures, and blowouts. The restaurant where we’re having dinner must be a fancy spot if we have to get this dressed up for it.
Quinton’s standing at the foot of the stairs, where Scarlet ordered him to wait for me. “You’ll get to watch her float down the stairs to you,” she insisted before throwing him out of her room so we could get ready together. I’m almost as giddy as a girl on her way to the prom as I descend, watching my husband’s face along the way.
It was definitely worth the effort to watch his mouth fall open the closer I get. The clingy silver dress Scarlet and Ella insisted I buy hugs me but is still modest enough for a family dinner. I feel like I’m wearing pure silver. The slightest move, and I shimmer. My lotus necklace is nestled on my chest, and a pair of diamond earrings sparkle on my ears. I feel like a princess.
And there’s my prince, gazing up at me. “You’re breathtaking. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.”
“Thank you.” I offer a shy smile. “You look really nice, too. So handsome.” It doesn’t feel like enough, but it’s not easy to come up with words to describe what he does to me. The fire he sets off in my heart, along with other places. We can talk about that later.
I adjust his tie before patting his firm chest. “Are we ready to go?”
“I think so. Mom and Scarlet were waiting outside before Dad joined them.” Yet when we go out there, they’re nowhere to be found. A black car waits for us, but it’s empty, the driver standing beside it.
“What’s this all about?” Quinton looks down the driveway, and a pair of taillights dwindles to pinpoints in the distance.
“Mr. Rossi asked me to follow with the two of you.” The driver opens the door, and a bottle of champagne and two glasses waits inside.
Quinton grins. “I bet Scarlet has something to do with this. She keeps making all those newlywed comments. Like everybody expects us to be pawing at each other all the time and unable to share a car with them.” He extends a hand to help me inside. “We might as well take advantage of it.”
“No offense, but you’re not messing up my hair or makeup until after dinner.” I spent too long getting them done, and I feel too beautiful to have them ruined. At least not before everybody sees me with the family.
We enjoy our champagne on the twenty-minute drive from the house to the restaurant. Quinton’s parents and sister are walking into the restaurant by the time we enter the parking lot. It looks like an elegant place. I have to remind myself I belong here, with these people, in this world. I’m Aspen Rossi.
So why are my knees a little shaky when I step out of the car? Somehow, deep inside, I still expect the looks. The resentment. A girl doesn’t go through what I did without carrying at least a little baggage. Every day I spend being loved by Quinton lessens the burden, but it hasn’t completely left me.
“You ready?” He takes my hand, gripping tight. “It’s going to be great.”
Yes. It will be just great. We walk into the building together, hand in hand, and I’m ready to face anything.
“Surprise!”
The two of us stop dead in our tracks, and I’m left gasping for air at the sight of so many smiling faces directed our way. I’ve never been here before, but something tells me it isn’t generally decorated like this, with lavish floral centerpieces and elaborate table settings. I don’t think there’s normally a table piled high with wrapped gifts, either.
“What is this?” I manage to gasp before recognizing one person I never expected to see during break. “Lucas?”
He steps forward, reaching out. He hugs me while I struggle to understand what’s going on. “What is all this?” I look at Quinton, but he’s as confused as me while Scarlet playfully teases him about how shocked he looks.
Lucas pulls back, smiling down at me. When I think of where we started compared to where we are now. “This is your wedding reception. Since we didn’t get a chance to throw you one at the time, we thought this would be the next best thing. My family is here, and everyone has looked forward to celebrating you and your new marriage.”
