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“Can you tell me something about him?” I asked when she walked over with my drink. I was almost certain she knew I needed a drink based on the fear on my face.
“About Damian?”
“Yes. I know it’s silly, but I, well, I’m…”
“Overwhelmed.”
I nodded.
She gave me a kind smile and handed me my glass. “I get it. Well, I don’t exactly. Honestly, I’ve only read about these situations in storybooks.”
“Tell me about it.” I nervously laughed.
“It’s like a twisted fairy tale. What if the Beast married Cinderella?”
“He told you about our nicknames?”
She raised a curious brow. “No. Nicknames? Damian hates nicknames.”
I laughed. “Not when it comes to me. He calls me Cinderstella—in a mockery tone, at least.”
“Wow. You must pull something from him to get that kind of reaction. What I will tell you is he’s loyal. When he stands by a person’s side, he won’t ever falter. A little over a year ago, I was in a dire situation. Connor and I weren’t on speaking terms, but Damian showed up when I needed someone the most. He stayed with me and comforted me—in his Damian way of comfort of course—and held my hand through the hardest times. All because of his love for Connor. He’d do anything for his best friend.”
“How did they meet?”
“That’s a longer story than I have time to share, seeing how you need to get showered and dressed. Maple told me to make sure you’re in her guesthouse to put on your gown in about two hours. So, take some time for yourself. And know that no matter what happens, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”
“How can you know for certain?”
“Don’t know.” She shrugged. “Call it a gut instinct. Enjoy your scones and mimosas.”
“Thanks again, Aaliyah.”
“Welcome.” She paused as if something was on her mind.
“What is it?”
“I just want to say… I don’t know what’s going to happen between you and Damian. I don’t know what’s to come at the end of this bizarre scenario, or if you two will even make it to the full six months’ time, but I do know fairy tales. And they always end up with a happily ever after.”
I bit my bottom lip. “Even the twisted ones?”
“Especially the twisted ones. It might not be the ending we had planned, but still, it turns out okay.”
I thanked her again. Before she left, I had one more request.
“Do you think you might be interested in being my maid of honor? Since Maple is going to act as the officiant, I don’t really have anyone to stand beside me. I mean, I have my work friends and stuff, but since this isn’t my real wedding, it felt odd to invite them, let alone letting them know about this whole arrangement.”
“I’d be honored. Also, I know we gave you tips yesterday, but don’t be afraid to use the wife card. Don’t let Damian disrespect you an ounce after you exchange ‘I dos.’ Even if he pretends he doesn’t believe in the institution of marriage, commitment and vows mean the world to him. After ‘I do,’ you’ll have his loyalty.”
“How can you be certain?”
She glanced down at the blueberry scones then back to me. “Because I know my friend and the heart he pretends he doesn’t have.”
“Don’t cry,”I told Grams as I walked out of her bedroom after slipping into my dress. A black gown—per Damian’s request. For some reason, it felt right. As if I wasn’t giving away something special to him that I’d hoped to save for Jeff someday.
I knew my words to Grams were pointless because she was already in tears by the time I parted my mouth.
“Wow, wow, wow,” she breathed out, walking over to me with her arms wide open. “I know this is a wild adventure for you, but wow, Stella. You look like a masterpiece.” She wrapped her arms around me and pulled me into the tightest hug. “If only your mama and Kevin could see you today.”
