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Soft champagne chiffon material slipped out. She brushed her hand over the delicate fabric.
“And I brought the shoes.” Belle opened a box, showing off the matching ballet flats.
“I picked up the jewelry he had custom made.” Jasmine pushed a blue velvet box with the trident of Poseidon’s Treasure logo in gold.
Charli set the dress down and opened the lid. She gasped. Oxidized silver in the shape of the North Star and embedded with tiny diamonds hung from a teardrop gem, matching her necklace perfectly.
“What is all this . . . What is he . . .” She was too stunned to finish her question.
Remy stepped forward. “We are here to do your makeup, your hair, and wait on you hand and foot. Then we are to take you to a special location. Finn can explain everything there.”
“You guys really aren’t gonna tell me?” She searched her friends’ faces. Every one of them grinned back at her and shook their heads.
Her stomach rumbled. “Does this surprise include breakfast?”
“Your hubby had me bring some coffee and goodies from the bakery too.” Remy winked.
“Of course, he did. That man thinks of everything.” Charli laughed, pure joy lighting her up from the inside out. Excitement did somersaults in her belly like butterflies basking in the warm sunshine of elation.
Maybe Finn had known after the rough weeks, or months rather, they’d had, that she needed this.
“So where do we start?”
* * *
Charli stood in front of the full-length mirror on her closet door. Emma had fixed her long, dark hair into a half-updo. Long, black curls kissed her shoulders and flowed down her back. The gorgeous earrings sparkled in the reflection, rivaling the enchantment in her eyes. Mia had done a dark smoky eye and a clean fresh-faced look that somehow accentuated her freckles. Charli ran a hand over the dress. It resembled something a Greek goddess would have worn. Sleeveless, the material wrapped over her chest, dipping into a deep V before it cinched under her breasts with a solid piece of champagne-colored material that tied behind her. The dress flowed out, leaving plenty of room for her growing belly. She didn’t even recognize the woman staring back at her. For the first time in months, Charli truly felt beautiful.
“The limo’s here.” Emma peeked in.
“Limo?” Charli clarified. Just how many more surprises did this man have in store for her?
Emma winked. “You look gorgeous, babe.”
“Thanks.”
“Let’s go. Your husband’s waiting,” Emma said, grabbing her hand.
* * *
Charli piled into the limo with her friends. They sipped on sparkling cider as the driver drove around town before finally pulling into The Shipwreck.
“What are we doing here?”
“You’ll see. Go on in.” Remy practically pushed her out of the car.
“Aren’t you coming?”
“We’ll be in soon.”
“Okay.” Charli lifted her dress so as not to get it dirty from the snowy slush as she walked to the door. She opened it and gasped. Twinkling lights covered every inch of the ceiling and walls. The tables and chairs had been rearranged to create an aisle lined with white rose petals and flameless candles. Her eyes traveled down the path, catching on the handsome man in a tuxedo staring back at her with a nervous smile.
“Finn?”
“Come here, baby.”
She slipped off her coat, setting it on the bar before going to meet him.
His gaze raked over her, eyes wide and his mouth parting in what seemed like awe. “You look . . . like the goddess you are.”
