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It took Ari’s breath away. “Look at that hotel.”
An older man in a tuxedo waved them around the corner. Damon followed the road around the other side of the structure to a large parking lot. All the other cars were near the large main doors, so he pulled into the next empty spot.
Ariana climbed outside into the warm, humid air then stretched. Unseen birds chirped, and the scent of freshly mowed grass tickled her nose. Her legs ached from the long drive, and her bladder was full.
Damon rounded the bumper to stand beside her. “I can’t wait to explore. You said there’s a bowling alley inside?”
“It was on the brochure Rita showed me.”
He put his arm around her and set the alarm on his Charger. “Let’s find everyone.”
“You don’t want to get our luggage?”
“Let’s get the keys to our room first.”
“Sounds good.” It would be easier to get checked in without all their bags anyway. Plus, Ariana needed to focus on finding a bathroom — she really shouldn’t have had that last bottle of water.
Damon opened the door then motioned for her to step inside first.
She could hardly believe her eyes. Marble floors, paintings she estimated to be at least a century old, brightly lit chandeliers that looked more like fireworks displays than decoration, domed ceilings, spiraling staircases, and even a fountain with lights that made the water look multi-colored. Everything sparkled and shone. There was luxury, and then there wasthis.
Rita had to be in heaven knowing this was her wedding venue. The pictures they’d seen back home hadn’t done the place justice.
A man and a woman in formal wear beckoned them to the reception desk then checked them in. Damon studied a map of the hotel as they returned to the car for their luggage before checking out their suite. As they were unloading the trunk, a man arrived with a cart. He placed their suitcases on it, hung their garment bags, then whisked it inside and to an elevator.
Ariana’s bladder threatened to explode with every leap she took to catch up to her belongings. Time slowed until they reached their suite. She didn’t bother taking anything in, but rather zeroed in on the bathroom and rushed to it.
By the time she was done, the bellhop had left and Damon was busy hanging their clothes. They’d brought enough for a week even though they intended to stay the weekend. But with the wide variety of activities — swimming, skating, hunting, wine tasting, fine dining, a spa, movies, and more — they were prepared for it all, even if it meant they barely got any rest.
Knock, knock, knock, knock!
Damon threw her an amused glance. “Probably better get that.”
“Sounds like it. Must be one of the twins.”
Ariana’s thirteen-year-old brother and sister had become good friends with the groom’s kids, so they were coming for the weekend too, though she was surprised they’d arrived so soon, as they had a much longer drive.
She flung open the door, but it wasn’t one of her siblings. That meant her siblings and parents were likely still on their way, after all.
Rita stood there, beaming in a short, strapless, baby-blue dress. She threw her arms around Ariana then squeezed tightly. “I thought you two wouldneverget here!”
Ariana returned the eager embrace. “We got stuck in traffic.”
“Ugh. Figures. If I’d have been thinking clearly, I’d have had everyone get here on Thursday instead.”
“It’s fine. You look beautiful, by the way.”
Somehow the bride managed to smile even wider. “Thank you! It covers my belly perfectly.” Rita pressed on the shimmery fabric.
“I thought you didn’t care about hiding your pregnancy.”
“Oh, I totally don’t. But I love how this one fits me so well. Don’t you think?”
“Like it was made for you.”
Rita kissed her on the cheek. “Speaking of dressing up — Grayson and I are having a little get-together with the wedding party. Throw on something cute and meet us downstairs by the fountain in twenty minutes. Your makeup is already perfect. Just pull up your hair, and you’ll be good to go.”
Damon appeared beside Ari. “Are spouses allowed?”
