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The week went by faster than either of us wanted, but we were busy getting everything in order. Clay met with Elliot and Regina, signing the final contracts and settling everything before he took his new company to the other side of the country. Elliot was more excited he would get to sing at our wedding. I told him the only condition was he had to learn my songs and sing “Grave” eighty times that night.
We met his parents for dinner one last time, telling them everything and getting nothing but pure joy from them. His mother screamed when I showed her the small temporary ring we had picked out, pulling me close and telling me she knew I was always the one who was going to break through to him. Clay had to rescue me from her grasp so I could breathe, but I was thankful, nonetheless. I was gaining a family, one that already held my heart. I was even grateful that we were able to sneak in a pickleball match before we made the trek across the country.
Clay registered his Tesla, found new insurance, and mapped out the drive to New York, complete with charging stops and the best hotels to stay at. He was excited, ready to leave as soon as Milo and Madeline returned. Hell, if it were up to him, we’d drop Niko off with Elliot and leave now, but I was insistent that we stay and talk to Milo and Madeline.
“I never really got to say goodbye to her. She just took off for Colorado,” I defended.
“We will call them,” he stated bluntly.
“Clayton.” I glared at him.
“God, I love it when you say my full name. That accent.” He stood from the island and kissed me. “Okay, we’ll stay. One more night with you in Portland,” he said.
As if they planned their drive, Milo and Madeline pulled in right as Clay had placed the last box of his things in the back of his Tesla. Madeline came running up to me as soon as she saw me on her porch, basically jumping that I was still there, and during dinner when we told them everything. They both shouted “We knew it!” at the same time.
“I will take full credit for this.” Madeline smiled, wrapping her arm around my shoulders. “If I hadn’t asked you to be maid of honor, and if Clay hadn’t been the best man, none of this would have happened. I take full credit for your engagement.”
“No, that was purely Phe’s doing.” Clay chuckled, leaning his elbows on the table closer to me.
“Nope, I take credit.” Madeline smiled.
“Either way, I’m happy for you.” Milo put his hand on Madeline’s shoulder. “What's next? The company, the move? Marriage and kids, huh?”
“Marriage first, but we haven't talked about that at all. We’ve just been so focused on getting to New York,” Clay admitted, a small white lie. We had mentioned a date once, but then went into full planning mode for the trip to New York. If it were up to us, we’d get married tomorrow.
“And November.” I turned to Madeline. “You’ll come to the grand opening?”
“Of course! Oh, Carter can post any photos he wants to now. Our photographer sent us the proofs, and to be honest. . . Carter’s were better.”
“He’s a persistent little shit, but we’re stuck with him. JoAnn made him the media manager for the boutique. He’ll be there to take a photo of every bride that says yes, no tagging and blocking the groom of course.” I winked at her. “Look, you have officially made the wall in the boutique.” I showed Madeline the latest photo and her cheeks during the blush.
“Can I get that framed?”
“Of course, Carter is going to send you all the photos.”
“When do you leave?” Milo asked, leaning back in his chair, looking over at Clay.
“Tomorrow morning, bright and early. It takes forty-four hours to get there, and we plan on stopping twice, not including the charging time for the Tesla.” Clay raised his eyebrows. “When do you get Holly?”
“Tomorrow morning, bright and early,” Milo parroted. “Hannah has to head home as soon as possible, and I have to turn in my key to the apartment, now that you won't be living there.”
“That was never a plan.” Clay chuckled.
“It never was. He was meant to move to New York.” I stood and wrapped my arms around Clay’s waist, feeling his firm body against mine as I kissed his chin.
“Again, I’m taking credit for this,” Madeline sweetly said.
The next morning, before the sun was up, Clay and I made sure everything was in the Tesla, ready to go. The battery was fully charged, and Clay was excited to get behind the wheel again. Milo and Madeline woke up with us to say goodbye, making sure to tell Holly we would miss her. Clay hugged the fluff that was Niko and gave Milo a longer hug than normal.
“I’ll miss ya, man,” Milo said, a hint of grogginess in his voice. The man was still in his pajamas. I didn’t blame him. “I'm happy for you two. I’m glad you’re not that bum that arrived at my house five months ago.”
“Me too.” Clay laughed. “I just needed my sunshine again. I’ll see you in November?”
Milo raised his eyebrows and gave us a slight nod.
“Keep me updated on the trip and be safe. We’ll see you in November, okay?” Madeline gave me a hug, holding on a little longer than normal.
“I will. Thank you for a wonderful summer, and congratulations on being Mrs. Milo Harris.”
