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“Really?”
“Carlos will pick you up whenever you’re ready.”
“Ready for what?” Brooklyn appeared in the doorway to Arlo’s room. “Ooooh were you guys making out?”
Arlo laughed. “No, but we can start…”
“Gross!” Brooklyn pretended to throw up.
“Actually, I was just telling Ada that you ladies get to have a spa day.”
“Like where they put cucumbers on your eyes?!”
Ada smiled at the excited preteen. “Oh yeah, those are facials and we’re definitely getting some.”
“Can’t wait! I’m gonna go get ready, Auntie A!” Brooklyn turned and skipped down the hall.
Arlo looked over at Ada whose face was crestfallen. “You okay?”
Ada shook her head. “She called me ‘auntie’… I don’t want her to be upset… you know… at the end.”
Arlo nodded. “I thought of that too.” He was about to add,“Maybe we don’t have to end it…”But Brooklyn ran back in.
“Ready!” She had her sunglasses on and a purse in hand. “Can we go now?”
Ada put her arm around Brooklyn’s shoulders. “You know I need at least thirty minutes to glam up, but then we can go.”
They walked out the door and Ada looked back over her shoulder at Arlo with a sad smile. “See you at the party.”
He waved, trying to ignore the tightness in his chest.Time to shove down whatever you’re feeling and focus on making this the best New Year’s Eve that Ilha de Segredos has ever had. For Luiz. For the island.
Arlo arrived at the party early to make sure his gear was set up correctly. He felt jittery with anticipation—and not just about the party. He was mostly looking forward to Ada’s arrival.
Tonight would be their first official appearance as an engaged couple. The plan was for Ada and Brooklyn to walk the red carpet. Then, Ada would join him on stage as he greeted the crowd. After that, Ada would take Brooklyn back to the palace for a girls’ night. They didn’t know it, but he had arranged for an ice cream bar and an outdoor movie to be set up for them.
He sighed thinking,The fact thatI’d rather watch Ella Enchanted, than DJ this party tells me I’m in trouble…
“Arlo, can I get you to look over these notes?” Luiz motioned for him. Suddenly, people began screaming and yelling.
“What’s going on?” Arlo asked.
Luiz spoke into his headset to get more information.
Pulling down the mic, he said, “That would be Ada and Brooklyn arriving.”
“It sounds like fans cheering at a football game.”
Luiz patted his back. “Nope, that’s the sound of hope on the island. I haven’t seen people this excited since… well, ever. You guys are breathing new life into this place.”
He peered out from behind the curtain. All he could glimpse was a sea of people. The crowd noise seemed to be getting closer.
“Here they are,” Luiz said, ushering them in.
Brooklyn looked adorable in a yellow floral, floor-length dress. Arlo hugged her and smiled proudly.
Then, he stepped back and took in Ada. She was radiant in a short pink dress with elegant white high heels. Her long golden hair flowed down her back. He had always been impressed by her beauty, but now, since actually getting to know her, he was enamored by her whole being.
Leaning in, he kissed her on the cheek. “You look incredible. The island is gonna be amazed that they get to have you as their princess.”
