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“The next adventure. I’m so ready to be your wife.”
“Good, because I’m going to spoil you.” I kiss her neck. “Take care of you. Make sure you always know how loved you are.” I roll on top of her, pinning her hands above her head. “I’m going to worship you.”
She arches a brow, then smiles deviously. “We should get going, then. Your mom has Emmie for a few more hours. Let’s make the most of it.”
“Don’t you have to get back to your bachelorette party?”
“I’d rather spend the rest of my night alone with you.”
Fire courses through my veins. I yank her off the floor, then throw her over my shoulder, smacking her ass as I do.
“Good girl. Let’s go home.”
We sneak out the back door and escape to her car. I’m ready to get home and have her all to myself for a few hours.
“Can we stop at McDonald’s?” she asks, a brilliant smiling lighting up her face.
“Absolutely.”
As usual, I’d do anything for this girl. I’m a complete goner, and I have been for a long time. As excited as I am to spend a few hours alone with her tonight, I’m far more excited that she’s the person I get to spend the rest of my life with.
Chapter seventeen
That Dress
Amelia
Wind blows through the trees lining the river as I stare out the small window in Dani and Jesse’s den. We’re getting ready for the wedding here since there’s plenty of space for all the girls.
Glancing down at Dani’s desk, my breath sticks in my throat. My hands tremble as I pick up the small envelope. I wanted to do this before I started getting ready so if I cry, I won’t have to redo my makeup.
When I cry.
I know I’m going to. I’m okay with that now. It’s taken time for me to recognize that vulnerability is not a bad thing—neither is letting my emotions out. I’m still not a crier, necessarily, but I allow myself the space to properly process my emotions now, and this will probably inspire some big ones.
With a shaky breath, I open the envelope and pull the card out. It’s been so long since I’ve seen his handwriting. I hadn’t forgotten what it looked like, but I stopped actively remembering it.
-For Amelia, on your wedding day-
Congratulations, kiddo. If you made it here, I’m proud of you. Love is a beautiful thing, and you deserve to have it. I won’t make any speculations on who your love might be, but since I can’t be there in person today, I want to take a moment to implore you to listen to both your heart and your gut. If you have any doubts or uncertainties about the man you’re marrying—or if for any reason you don’t trust him—run away. Go now and don’t look back. Life is too short for you to be unhappy, and I don’t want that sort of life for you.
With that said, if you find yourself smiling now because the only place you want to run is into the arms of the man you love, then I’m happy for you. You finding someone to love and care for you in the way you deserve is one of my biggest wishes for you. Enjoy this beautiful day. I’m sorry I can’t be there in person, but carry me in your heart, and I’ll share in your joy. Today. Everyday.
I love you so much, today and always.
All my love.
-Dad
I sink into Dani’s office chair, tears streaming down my face. They aren’t tears of sadness like I thought they’d be. It’s more bittersweet. I miss my dad, and I wish he could be here with me today, but I’m carrying him with me. I see him in Emmie, and I believe he’s watching over us, especially today. Having this card from him, these few final words, brings me joy. As I read it, I could hear his voice so clearly in my head. He would’ve told me to run and helped me make an escape if I ever needed to, but I think he knew well enough I wouldn’t choose someone unworthy of my heart. I don’t think even he could’ve predicted just how lucky I’d get with Miles.
Touching a hand to the locket resting next to my heart, I smile. He’s with me. I grab a tissue and wipe my eyes, then head out to the living room where everyone else is waiting.
“She’s so precious. Aren’t you, Emmie?” Katie coos at Emmie, who is all dressed up in an adorable white dress with a tee top and fluffy tulle bottom. There are maroon floral appliqués on the skirt as well. She has a maroon and white headband on, and she’s drooling everywhere. That’s clearly not inhibiting her cuteness, though.
“She’s perfect. Just like her mama,” Dani says, smiling big as I walk into the living room, fully dressed and made up.
“Oh my.” Katie’s hand comes to her mouth, and she sniffs back tears. “You are stunning, honey.”
