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Cary—” Holly sighs.
“I want to marry you. I want to marry you because you don’t need me to save you, Doll. You were doing fine before I arrived on the scene. Hell, you scoped me out. You opened the gate for me to be a part of our boy’s life. There’s not a damned good reason why you can’t put the barriers back up that William is trying to tear down. Not only won’t I stop you from doing what you think is right to protect Bhodi, I will stand by your side and love you while you find a way to put William in our rearview. And we won’t look back.”
I kiss her slow and leisurely. We’ve got the rest of our lives. The more gentle I am, the more insistent Holly’s lips are moving against mine. She opens, so I can sweep my tongue inside her mouth, tasting the sweetness.
Her nails on one hand cut into my abs. The other palm flattens against my pec and my calloused thumb slides up, grazing the bottom of her unbound breast as I clutch her to me. Her teeth snag my lower lip as she breaks away. I chase her with pecks, not wanting to break the kiss, but aware of the free show we’re putting on for the traffic passing Sweet Caroline’s.
“For however long this lasts, Holly. I want it. And when it’s over, I’m hoping we get a story like your parents had, because I don’t want to live this life without you in it.”
“That was definitely the most romantic thing you’ve said. Seeing you here, when I was leaving the club—”
“Sort of the angle I was going for.” I tuck an imaginary loose strand behind her ear and kiss her again. “I’m sorry I got upset last night. It’s been harder than I imagined watching the two of you hurting.”
My girl smiles and I wipe away the last of her tears as her face flushes.
“Come on.” I push away from the Colony Park, guiding her to the passenger seat. Holly’s never been in this car before. “We’re going for a ride before I tuck you in for your nap.”
“Is this car a stick-shift? Don’t you want to teach me how to drive it?” Her lips twitch.
She’s got a lot to learn about cars to catch up with the rest of the family.
“Automatic. And the only stick you have to worry about is mine.”
Holly tucks into the seat, running her manicured fingertips over the dash. “You know, there’s room in the back to go parking… If I were that kind of girl.”
The wedding planner’s been on us to check out the venue. So instead of bringing Holly home right away, we head to the drive-in to find out how roomy it is.
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“That one’s pretty too.” Davina’s nicety doesn’t reach the level of enthusiasm we’re searching for.
I knew we were in for a long haul at the bridal shop. I’ve put off finding the perfect wedding gown, and it’s getting down to the wire. I’ve been trying on dresses for an hour already. I’m not sure what magic I’m supposed to be feeling, but the spark’s not there, even while I’m pretending, fucking exuding, that the spark is there. With every ounce of me I love these dresses right up to the instant I open the fitting room curtain.
“No,” Hailey and Aidy voice at the same time and in identical bored tones.
They’re here for moral support. As is Sloan, who sips champagne next to Kimber on the damask couch.
Kimber and Celine are in the wedding, as is Laurel as my maid of honor. Choosing one friend over another felt odd since they are all dear to me.
I look hopefully at Laurel’s reflection in the right panel of the floor-to-ceiling mirror. My sister is quiet too.
This is the third dress I’ve tried on. Isobel has gotten each one right. I mean, she’s bagged my style one-hundred percent correct. Each of these dresses I’d wear on any given day of the week.
The first was a sleeveless A-line with a slim satin belt and a tiny bow in the back. The second, a fifties-inspired swing dress. The sweetheart bodice had a built-in bra. I guess to guarantee I wore one. A soft ivory mesh of honeycomb tulle overlay gave the impression the gown was strapless. It was a lot like this third one with long sleeves and a row of delicate buttons at the ruched cuffs. Though, the one I have on has sequins and a diagonal floral appliqué from the knee over the shoulder makes it appear to have a single strap.
I play with the cuffs in the mirror, wanting to have liked this gown more on than I had on the hanger. Each of Isobel’s selections has taken it up a notch, and all have been short and playful. They are exactly what I asked her to find.
I turn and the skirt flares. We go back for round four. Another full skirt of satin that lands mid-calf. It’s simple with a few adornments. Twinkling clear beads and crystals cover the lower half of the bodice. A bow at the left hip sits over the belt. It has a folded boat neck collar and v back.
It’s beautiful. It’s me.
But I don’t get bride vibes from it.
Once again, everyone stares.
