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"Even when he has been doing exactly that to us for years?”
“Okay.” She sighs heavily. “Your secret is safe with me. I just hope you know what you’re doing. Axel is worried about all of us. He has been talking to the Rivera brothers, and he said there's something going on, something big, and he wouldn’t be worried for no reason. I just want you all home so I know you’re safe."
"What did he tell you?"
"Nothing, really, they’re all being tight-lipped. I don't think they really know exactly what Dad is involved in yet, but whatever they have found so far is enough to have him worried. I can't handle the stress on my own, Millie."
"I'll be home on the weekend, okay? Just lie low until then. Love you, Jas."
"Love you too." She disconnects the call, leaving me with more unanswered questions. If Axel is worried, then I'm glad we’re on the other side of the world for now. At least until Dad realizes I'm not doing what he says and has a couple of days to cool off. I'm happy to face the music when we get back. It will be too late for him or anyone else to do a thing about it then anyway.
HEATH
Myjawdropsopenas my stunning bride walks down the sandy beach aisle toward me. Her dress is long and flowing in the breeze, with a top that fits her curves to perfection. Her hair is in a braid pulled to the side, showing her pretty features, and her eyes are bright and happy, making my heart do summersaults in my chest. I was anxious before, but now that I see her, I’m still amazed that someone as special as her has chosen to spend her life with me.
I have Connor by my side in a matching white button-up shirt and black pants; yeah, she managed to get me out of my black skinny jeans for the event. Connor smiles shyly toward his mom and sister as they approach. Ruby dances along happily in front of Amelia; she has flowers in her hair, with her long blonde curls spilling wildly over her shoulders. She grins from ear to ear just like her mother. My two beautiful girls. Ruby may not technically be mine, but I will always treat her as if she is.
I take Amelia's hands as she stares into my eyes, filling me with so much warmth. Our road here has been long, but every last part of it has been worth it because it’s led us both back to each other. Now I get to marry my best friend and the love of my life. Our vows are short and sweet, written by hand on scraps of paper we found in our room last night, and when the celebrant gives me the go-ahead, I pull Amelia into my arms and kiss her.
I slip my hand into hers as the four of us turn to walk back up the beach in search of some shade from the scorching Australian summer sun beating down on us. As we get close to the trees, I feel her hand stiffen in mine, and it only takes me a second to work out why.
The kids take off toward the lady waiting in the shade. “Nana,” they call, hugging her.
Amelia’s mother smiles toward us, tears in her eyes. "Congratulations,” she beams. “Heath has always been your other half. I'm sure the two of you will be very happy together," she says, kissing her daughter on the cheek and sounding very genuine.
“What are you doing here?” Amelia stutters out, her voice full of concern. And I know what’s she’s thinking: is her father lurking around a corner as well?
“Mom and Heath got married,” Ruby tells her.
"I can see that. What a beautiful day for a wedding, and you my dear look so pretty in your flower girl dress.” She plays with her curls. Then her attention comes back to the two of us. “I think we need to talk. Can I steal you away for just a second?" she asks, looking between us nervously.
"Right now?” Amelia asks, sounding unimpressed.
"If I can. I think you might be interested to hear what I have to say. I won't keep her long, Heath, then the two of you can celebrate your special day." She smiles warmly toward me. She looks very happy for the two of us.
“I’ll take the kids inside for a cool drink. Before we get our photos,” I tell her so she knows it’s okay to take the time she needs to talk to her mom. With everything going on in her family, it might be for the best. Amelia doesn’t look so sure, though.
“Thank you. I’ll be in soon,” she tells me, giving my hand a squeeze. I feel bad leaving her, but the kids don't need to hear whatever their nana has to say. Amelia wants to shelter them from all the drama as much as possible.
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
AMELIA
Wefindaspotin the shade and take a seat. I'm careful not to damage my dress as I sit down, collecting my train and pulling the fabric to the side. I’m so surprised to see my mother I don’t even know what to say to her. Has Dad sent her to drag me home? She seems very happy for us, so I can only hope that’s not the case.
"You make a beautiful bride, Amelia." She smiles at me, tears in her eyes.
"Thank you." I smile weakly, feeling the soft fabric of my dress. "How did you find me here?" I only slipped up and confessed to Jasmine where I was yesterday; there couldn’t have been time for her to tell my secret and for Mom to even make it here. Unless Dad has some sort of surveillance on me. At this point I wouldn’t put it past him. But he’s too late this time. I’m married now.
"It's a coincidence, really.” She tries to laugh, but it gets caught in her throat. “A long story. I came back to Australia to stay with Auntie Anne for a little bit. And when Elly said she was off to do a wedding, I just had this gut feeling it was yours. I looked through her planner," she admits guiltily.
"Oh," is all I can say.
"I'm sorry, I just had to know what's going on. So many secrets in our family, and it's destroying us all," she says, another tear slipping down her cheek.
"It is," I agree. But I'm not the one doing the destroying. It was them.
"So, you eloped?" she says, surprised. Like she doesn’t know what else to say. Except it was her who wanted to talk to me.
