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Arlo gently set Ada down, his lips tingling.I think I’m gonna enjoy this… maybe too much.A sinking feeling came over him.What happens when the month is over?
“Camila.” Francisca turned to a woman beside her. “Please send out the press release and alert everyone that we will be having a wedding at the New Year’s Day Ball!” Then she turned toward Ada and said, “I’ve already arranged for dresses to be brought in. Come, dear. Let’s go say yes to a dress! And get it fitted perfectly, of course.” Francisca slipped her arm through Ada’s and led her away.
Ada looked back at Arlo with what he hoped was anxious excitement. That’s what he was feeling at least—and that worried him.
A minute later Brooklyn walked in, announcing, “I’ve got churros!” She carried a tray toward Arlo.
“I better make sure they’re edible.”
She stuck out her tongue. “I’m an amazing cook. Just ask the chef lady.”
Arlo took a bite and thought for a moment. “Brookie, these are delicious!”
“Obviously.” Then, she looked around. “Where is everyone?”
“They had some things to do. Wanna take a walk on the beach with me?” It was time to tell her, but he had no idea how to bring it up.
“Sure, beat ya there!” Brooklyn started running while kicking off her shoes.
Arlo shoved the churro in his mouth and raced after her.
Brooklyn’s feet hit the water first. “I win!”
“I let you.” Arlo huffed, out of breath.
“You’re getting slow in your old age,” Brooklyn teased, splashing him with water.
“Hey, you better be nice to me because… I have something to tell you that I think you’ll be excited to hear.”
“You do? What is it?” Brooklyn’s face lit up.
“Well… I asked Ada to marry me.”
She stopped dead in her tracks. “You and Ada are engaged?”
Arlo nodded.
“Best news ever!!”
Arlo smiled at her excitement.
“That means she’s going to be my aunt, right?”
Arlo inhaled sharply, the reality of all the different facets of marrying Ada—even temporarily—setting in.
“Yeah, that’s right.”
“Good work, Uncle A. I really thought you’d blown it when we first met Ada in Big Bear, and she told me you stood her up. Impressive comeback.”
“Thanks.” He laughed, kicking water at her in jest.
She retaliated. As the water hit his face, a sobering realization hit him simultaneously. Brooklyn had the potential to be crushed when January ended… and he might be as well.
Chapter 14
Arlo - 1 Day until New Year’s Eve
ArloandAdawerescheduled to spend the entire day doing wedding prep. So far, they’d sampled cake and picked out flowers. They went over the order of the ceremony and were shown where it would take place on the manicured back lawn.
