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Wils
“Give her some time. Kenni’s upset but she’ll come around,” my mom suggests before she hangs up.
I called her three times, but she didn’t answer. Messaged her. Again, no answer, and I feel seventeen all over again. Kenni withdraws when she processes, but I can’t give her space this time.
It’s been three hours since I spoke with my mom when Kenni finally comes through the front door, which she never uses, fumbling with her keys. Then I recall her riding with Avery, Megan, and Talynn.
She stumbles and hits the wall in the hallway, and I rush over. “Did you have fun?” I ask, raising an eyebrow. She’s tipsy, possibly drunk.
“I did until I found out I’m not getting married in a castle and my fiancé kept that little tidbit from me,” she slurs as she attempts to square her shoulders.
I touch her arms, trying to holder her steadily, but she pulls away abruptly. “Babe, I didn’t want to ruin your special day with friends and family. I didn’t expect Tackett to tell Talynn since she was already at the bridal shower. I promise, I intended to tell you as soon as you got home.”
As she walks away from me, her ankle twists and she falls to the floor. Why she chooses to wear these high heels, I’ll never understand. I scoop her into my arms and carry her to our bedroom.
“I’m mad at you. Let me down.”
“I know, babe, but I’m going to put you in bed and make you a sandwich. One of those greasy ones you like so much.”
Kenni hums as she rolls onto her side, bending her knees and placing her hands under head. “The ones Avery calls a cheesecake panini?”
I laugh, recalling Avery using the term when she and Patrick were fake dating. “Yeah, I’ll be in the kitchen if you need me,” I assure her, and place her phone on our nightstand.
Kenni rarely kicks back. She’s the type of person that always has to be busy, so when she imbibes a little too much because I failed to secure the castle of her dreams, I’ll give her a pass.
After gathering all the ingredients, I spread the butter on the hoagie and toast it in the oven. Then I sauté the thinly sliced steak, onions, and mushrooms. I pile it high and even add mayonnaise. Although, she usually eats healthy with me, this time she deserves whatever she wants. Because I need to get out of the doghouse.
“Dinner is served,” I say in my best English accent. Kenni is curled up with harsh, uneven breaths coming from her lungs. “Sit up and take these.” I hand her two ibuprofen and a glass of water, placing the plate on the bed.
Her wavy, blonde hair is mussed, and unless we can find a castle in England, our wedding plans are much the same.
She swallows the pills and reaches for the sandwich. She sinks her teeth into the bread and perks up. “Holy smokes, this is good. We should have it every night.”
I shake my head. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you immediately. I wanted everything to be perfect for you. I was hoping I could figure it out and offer you some choices, but nothing is available in England.”
“I know. The girls researched while I drank peach Bellinis. You’ll make it up to me by eating this fattening cheesesteak. A soft laugh filters out of her mouth.
Picking up the massive sandwich, I rip it in half, causing the butter to drip down my hands and onto the bed. As a self-proclaimed neat freak, I believe everything should have its place and food doesn’t belong on the bed. However, Kenni finds it amusing, and if ever we needed some comic relief, it’s now.
“Kiss me.”
She leans over on all fours, stretching her neck, pressing her lips to mine before collapsing into my lap. “What are we going to do? Why is the universe against us?” she asks, whimpering. Her hand slides around my waist.
“Honestly, I don’t know. Do you want to postpone?”
“No, I’m tired of waiting to be your wife. Let’s just get married here. I’m sure with all of your—and Archer’s influence—someone will have a church available.”
“But you always dreamt of getting married in a castle, and I can afford it, so I want to be your prince.”
“You’ve always been my prince.” She pushes off my chest. “What about everyone’s flights? The caterer? The flowers. Everything has to be redone.” Worry lines crease across her forehead and her eye search mine for answers. All I can do is hold her close.
“The guys are on it, and I’m sure their wives are as well. The wedding planner is searching for alternatives. She’s seven hours ahead of us, so let’s go to sleep and hopefully we’ll have some places to check out tomorrow.”
I take the food downstairs, and when I come back up, she’s wearing nothing but my practice jersey. A deep growl travels through my body.
“Come get me,” she practically purrs, gesturing with her pointer finger.
I pull the comforter from underneath her, and she laughs hysterically as her back bounces on the mattress. “Not on a greasy mattress. Aren’t we supposed to be waiting?”
