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Tori bursts through the door. “What the hell are you doing in here? It’s bad luck! Besides, the limo is here.”
“On our way,” I tell her, and she walks out.
“About the limo,” Alden says. “Oliver surprised me with something. Look out the window.”
I sweep the curtain aside to see the long black limo parked out front. A shiny sports car sits behind it. “A sports car?”
“It’s not just a sports car. It’s a Lamborghini Centenario! I’ve always wanted to drive one. Isn’t it gorgeous?”
I’m not going to ruin his excitement, but I don’t get the hype about cars like this. It’s kind of ugly. It looks like it’s been squashed. The thought of climbing into and out of it to get to the venue isn’t pleasant. “It’s amazing.”
“He rented it for the night. He was supposed to drive me so we wouldn’t see each other before the wedding and all that. I know I’ve thrown that out the window, but—” He looks like an anxious kid hoping for permission.
“Go ride with your brother,” I laugh. “Drive the hell out of that car but get there safe. Mom and Tori are taking me in the limo. Enjoy your last few single moments, Mr. Stokes.”
He grins at me and it’s the same one I fell in love with at eleven years old. “Be prepared to be fucked within an inch of your life in that car tonight, once you’re Mrs. Stokes.”
“Always the romantic.”
Mom calls for us to hurry up from downstairs. We start toward the door, and Alden pauses to look down at me. “This is the best day of my entire life, Ella. Everything I’ve been through until now was worth it.”
“You’re worth it,” I tell him. “You’re my Den. You always have been.” I run my hand over his smooth cheek. “We need to go before I cry.”
My parents, Tori, and Mr. Stokes are already in the limo when we get outside. Oliver waits beside the sports car, grinning at both of us. I’m so glad he’s here and that they were able to mend things between them when it comes to their father. Alden may never be close to his father, but he needs his brother. I whip out my phone and call out to them. “Stand together! I want a picture!”
Oliver steps up beside Alden and they sling their arms around one another. They’re a sight in their tuxes, all cleaned up and freshly shaved.
“Get the car in the picture!” Alden insists, and laughter rumbles across the yard. In their excitement, I get a glimpse of the twelve-year-old boys who used to knock on my door to ask me to go to the treehouse. Adorable boys who grew into these strong, handsome men.
After I get a few pictures, I wave at them to go. Alden leaps into the driver’s seat with a smile from ear to ear. As Oliver gets into the passenger side, Alden revs the engine. I sneak another picture of him in the driver’s seat. I can frame it for him for his wall. It’ll be a good surprise for later.
“Those boys,” Mr. Stokes sighs, when I join the others in the limo. “They never grow up.”
“They’re so happy.”
He beams at me. “I’m thrilled to have you for a daughter-in-law. You always were the best influence on Alden. I know you’re the reason he included me today.”
He may not think that if he knew about the nights we snuck out, all the things we did.
The guys pull away before we do, and I hear Alden whoop out his window when they pass us. The excitement and happiness in the limo is palpable, and my nerves really ramp up when we get to the arboretum where I see all the guests gathered.
It’s a beautiful place. Perfect for this. After the ceremony in the gardens, we’ll have the reception in the massive party tent on the manicured lawn. We’ll spend the night at home where I will absolutely take Alden up on his offer to fuck me in the back of that sports car. Then tomorrow, we’re off to Hawaii for our honeymoon for three glorious weeks.
“The guys aren’t here yet,” I point out.
“At least we know they didn’t speed in that death trap,” Mom says, helping me hold my dress where it won’t touch the ground while we head inside.
Ha. I know Alden. He’s zipping around like crazy. Oliver really picked the best gift. I doubt anything will top that.
A few minutes pass while we’re all gathered in the dressing room, getting organized. The officiant arrives and everything is set.
Mr. Stokes walks in and glances around. “Where’s Alden?”
“In the other dressing room with the guys, I imagine,” Mom says, fixing a pin in my hair.
“No, he’s not. I haven’t seen him or Oliver.” He rushes out, and I turn to Mom, my eyes widening.
She holds up her hands. “Don’t panic. I’ll go find them.”
