“He’s still asleep.”
“I’ll tell you what, you call me back and let me know what he has to say.”
“You don’t think he’ll go for it? He’s become a lot more spontaneous lately, right?”
Quinn laughed again. “Yeah... just maybe not quite to this extreme.”
“Put twenty bucks on it?” I taunted her.
“Make it fifty.” I could practically see her smug grin from here.
“Better pick out an outfit to wear to my wedding, girl.”
“Well since you’re so cocky, what exactly are you planning to wear?”
Shit...
“Bitch,” I muttered.
“Call me back and let me know when I’ll see my money.” Quinn was laughing again.
I hung up. I had more important things to do.
Convince Lawson...
Find a dress...
Fuck.
10. Lawson
I woke up and just about jumped out of my skin.
“Fuck... you scared me.”
El was perched on my side of the bed, wide awake and staring at me. It wasn’t the way the day usually started; I was always the one waking her up.
“Sorry, cowboy.” Her eyes were sparkling, and her cheeks were flushed.
“What’s going on?” I questioned warily.
“I have a plan.” She grinned.
I propped myself up on my elbow so I could see her better. “Okay... let’s hear it then.”
“Marry me.”
I chuckled. “That’s my line, baby.”
She grinned even bigger. “You take my line then.”
I had no idea where this was going, but I played along anyway. “Okay, it goes something like... I already agreed to that, right?”
Her eyes gleamed with victory. “Marry me today,” she stated, stealing the last line from me too.
I chuckled at her again.
“Marry me today, Lawson,” she said again more softly.
I stopped laughing as I took in the seriousness of her expression.
She’s not joking.
“But the wedding?”
“I don’t need the wedding.”
“The plans?” I insisted.
“Fuck the plans,” she replied.
“El.” I took her hands in mine. “Slow down. Why do you want to get married today?”
She sighed and wriggled into the space next to me, staring at the ceiling. “For Stella... for me... for you... for us. Because I want to marry you and make our family official.” She rolled over onto her side and looked into my eyes.
“But what about all the planning you’ve done?” I protested.
She smiled softly. “Every plan we had went out the door the minute she came along.”
I thought about what she was saying. I knew she was right. Stella had changed our whole future.
“You’d do that for her?”
“It’s the least I’d do for her, and for our family.”
Holy shit.
My pulse sped up at the realization that she could be my wife by the end of the day. I rolled myself on top of her, supporting my weight with my arms. “Are you sure, baby? We can find another way to adopt her.”
She smiled up at me. “I’ve never been surer about anything in my entire life.”
She’s going to be my wife.
Fucking finally...
***
El was running around like a headless chicken. She’d already called Quinn and I’d overheard her gloating about what she was going to buy with her fifty bucks.
Those two are mad together.
I was feeding Stella baby porridge in the kitchen while El was on the phone talking to Reeve.
“I don’t care, Reeve, it’s happening today. We’ll have a party or whatever another day and celebrate with everyone then,” El told him forcefully.
I grinned at Stella as she watched El flying around the room. “She’s arguing with your uncle, baby girl. Mommy’s turned into bridezilla.”
El flicked me with a tea towel and pointed a warning finger at me.
Stella shrieked and giggled, spitting her breakfast everywhere in the process.
“See what I mean, Stella?” I stage whispered to the beautiful, smiling little girl in front of me.
“I am getting married today, Reeve, whether you come or not. So maybe you should reschedule that appointment.”
I waited with a smirk on my face. There was no way that Reeve was going to miss this, and El knew it.
“That sounds like a great idea. See you in a couple of hours.” She dropped the phone on the counter.
I glanced over and caught the triumphant smile on her face – we were all such suckers for that woman.
“He’ll be here?” I asked with a chuckle.
“Of course he’ll be here.” El rolled her eyes at me as though I was crazy for ever doubting her ability to persuade her big brother. “Now you, Miss Stella... what are we going to put you in for this special day? Huh, baby girl?” El crooned as she wiped the mess off Stella’s chin.
“I think you’ve got bigger things to worry about, pretty girl. What are you going to wear?”
She scrunched up her nose and breathed out a sigh. “I have no idea. I’ll find something perfect in the wardrobe.”
I held back a shudder. The last time El had attempted to ‘find something perfect in the wardrobe’, it was a disaster. Suddenly nothing fit right or matched her shoes or blah, blah, blah. She was, of course, dead wrong – everything she put on looked amazing, but there was no convincing her of that.
We did not have time for that kind of a meltdown today.
“Could you finish up with Stella? I just want to check if my shirt needs ironing.”
“Sure, cowboy.”
El took the spoon from me and I took off up the stairs – I had some important calls to make.
I dialed the number as I shut the bedroom door.
“Well, well, well. I was wondering how long it’d take for you to call me with a problem,” Quinn answered with a laugh.
“Yeah, yeah,” I replied gruffly. “It’s not me that has the problem anyway.”
“I’m listening,” Q replied.
“El doesn’t have a dress. Any chance you could save the day in that department again?”
“I’m way ahead of you,” Quinn answered smugly. “I’ve been searching online for the past hour and I’ve called the store and had them put the perfect dress on hold for me. I’ll pick it up when the store opens at ten.”
Oh, thank fuck for that.
“You’re a lifesaver, Q. Will it fit? It won’t need altering or whatever?”
“Would you just trust me?” She snapped in a pissy tone.
I chuckled. “Sorry. I trust you. Thank you, Quinn.”
“I should damn well think so,” she teased.
“What color is her dress? I’ll need to try and match a tie.”
“God, you underestimate me, big brother. I’ve got this. Just worry about what you’re going to say when you get up there.”
I smirked. That was one thing I was not concerned about. I knew exactly how I felt about El; the words were going to be easy.
11. Ellerslie
Having a lawyer for a brother certainly had its perks. Reeve had sorted everything for the changes we needed for our marriage license.
I’m going to be his wife today.
Lawson had rushed off upstairs looking like he was freaking out. When he’d come back down he was far more relaxed.
Thank fuck.
I couldn’t deal with this if he wasn’t one hundred percent in with me.
I’d attempted to go upstairs and find something to wear about five times now. I knew I was wasting my time – the perfect dress was not in there... I had to wear something though, but Lawson kept trying to distract me. He’d needed help finding his shoes, Stella needed more food all of a sudden, and the excuses went on and on.
“For fuck’s sake, Lawson, I need to go an
d pick a dress.” I was beyond frustrated at this point.
Lawson opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Just great. Who the hell is visiting now...
I stomped off in the direction of the door and threw it open with a little more force than was necessary.
“Quinn?”
She had two garment bags slung over her arm and a giant bag that was stuffed full in her other hand.
“That’s right, bitch, I’m here to save the day.” She barged through the door, pushing me aside as she went.
“What the hell have you got in there?” I swung the door shut and trailed behind her into the living area.
Quinn looked at me like I was stupid. “Your dress.”
My mouth fell open, and I spun to narrow my eyes at Lawson. “You knew?” I couldn’t help the silly grin that spread across my face.
Quinn dumped the bags down on the couch and Lawson passed Stella to her before wrapping his arms around my waist.
“I told you that you wouldn’t find the perfect dress in that wardrobe.” His husky voice tickled at my senses.
“Thank you, cowboy.”
“Hmm hmm,” Quinn cleared her throat loudly.
“Thank you, Q.” I laughed without taking my eyes from my handsome husband-to-be.
“Don’t worry, Stella girl, I got you something pretty too.” Quinn started unzipping the bags.
“Ah, get out!” I shoved Lawson away in the direction of the door. “You can’t see anything.”
His look of shock was quickly replaced with one of amusement. “Okay, okay, I get it.” He strolled in the direction of the kitchen. “It’s such a traditional day and all...” he teased over his shoulder.
I waved him away with a flick of my wrist and a grin. I didn’t have time for his jokes.
“Please tell me you have shoes?” I begged Quinn.
“I have shoes.”
“Oh, thank god. What the hell would I do without you?”
“You’d rummage through your wardrobe, spit the dummy and piss off your fiancé?” she offered.
I rolled my eyes.
Smart bitch.
Quinn opened the giant bag and pulled out the cutest little silver dress I’d ever seen.
“Oh hell, that is amazing!” I squealed as I grabbed for the tiny dress.
“I know, right?”
Quinn rummaged through the bag again and pulled out some white tights and little silver Mary Jane’s.
“Look, Stella, you are gonna be so pretty.”
Stella shrieked at the mention of her name and tossed her toy giraffe across the room.
Stella was going to steal the show in this dress. There was no way I was putting her in it yet, she’d probably puke all over it within five minutes.
“Okay, are you ready?” Quinn asked as she unzipped one of the garment bags.
I nodded as I set down Stella’s outfit and turned my full attention to the dress I would get married in.
Quinn took a deep breath and pulled out the most stunning dress I’d ever seen. The underlay was white, with a stunning silvery grey lace and tulle overlay. It was full length and sleeveless and I absolutely adored it.
“Holy shit, Q,” I whispered.
“Holy shit, good?” she asked nervously.
“Holy shit, amazing.” I nodded. I reached out to touch the fabric. It was gorgeous. I couldn’t have chosen a dress more perfect if I’d tried.
“Well, thank god for that.”
I laughed at Quinn’s relief. “Thank you so much, it’s perfect.”
“You’re going to look so beautiful, El.”
I could feel tears building in my eyes and I quickly blinked them back. “Show me what you got for yourself.”
Quinn had chosen a full length, long-sleeved navy-blue dress that would look absolutely flawless on her, whilst still being simple and understated. I had a feeling she had intentionally chosen something so simple to highlight my dress.
“It’s beautiful, Q.” A tear escaped my control.
“Hey? What is it?” she asked, concern on her face.
“Nothing,” I spluttered, more tears spilling over. “I’m just happy. He makes me so happy. I didn’t think I’d ever have this much love in my life.” I glanced down at Stella as I spoke.
I truly have everything.
Quinn pulled me in and squeezed me tight. “You deserve it, babe. I’m insanely jealous, but I’m so thrilled for you, El. The two of you are going to be so happy together.”
“The three of us,” I amended. I pulled apart from her and swiped the tears away.
Quinn bent down, scooped up Stella and lifted her into the air. “Yeah... the three of you,” she crooned through giggles. “Alright, Stella girl. Let’s make Mommy gorgeous.”
12. Quinn
It fit her like a second skin. I’d never, ever seen anyone look so stunning.
I knew it was a wedding dress, not exactly the kind of thing a person tended to wear more than once, but screw it – I’d make sure she wore this again if it killed me.
“You are one hundred percent having a party to celebrate this marriage,” I told El as I pulled the zipper gently into place up her back.
“Huh?” she asked, confusion in her voice.
“Everybody needs to see you in this dress.”
She giggled and shrugged.
“No, I’m serious, El. You look beautiful. Every single person you know needs to see this perfection. Hell, maybe you could even invite that little fucker Baxter and his bitch too.”
El snorted and laughed. “You’re out of your god damn mind if you think I’d invite the two of them within one hundred miles of me – no matter how good I look.”
I’d done her makeup only minimal; I’d decided there was no sense in covering up her smooth golden skin with heavy foundation. I’d made her eyes stand out and let her natural beauty do the rest. Her hair was tamed into loose waves and pinned back loosely off her face, with the length trailing down her back. It was about all we had time for.
“How’s he doing?” El asked nervously.
I didn’t need to ask who she was talking about.
“He’s doing fine.”
He’s freaking the hell out.
“He’s losing his shit, isn’t he?” she replied calmly.
She knew the man well.
“Little bit.” I flicked her hair one last time and looked over her shoulder at her in the full-length mirror. “He’ll be fine.”
“I should go see him.” El moved to take a step forward.
“Ah, ah, ah.” I pulled her gently back by the arm. “He’s fine. Logan and Reeve have him under control. He’s got Stella with him. He’s fine.”
“Stop saying fine.” El grinned and swatted at my hand.
“Fine,” I teased.
“Did you get him his tie?” she asked, an almost panicked look on her face.
I rolled my eyes behind her back. They were as bad as each other. Absolutely zero faith in me. “Yes. I gave him his tie.”
Wish everyone would just calm the hell down.
El pinched me on the hip. “I can hear that tone in your voice...” She had a huge grin on her face.
I laughed. “Well just relax. You both are as tightly wound as each other. It’s all taken care of, okay? Just trust me.”
She turned around and pulled me into her and squeezed me tight. “I love you, Q. Thank you.”
“I love you too,” I replied.
I left El fussing over herself in the mirror and slipped on my own dress. It was a beautiful dress. On any other day it would have been an eye catcher, but not today, not with El in the room.
I’d never seen my best friend so happy. So happy and so nervous at the same time. She was nothing like this on the day she married Baxter, she was completely blasé about the entire thing; she wasn’t worried about a single detail. I didn’t think I could recall her asking about Baxter even once on the morning of their wedding.
&
nbsp; I guess things were different now... he was the one. I thought about all of the firsts that Lawson and Ellerslie would have together, and I could almost understand why they were freaking out. Everything was so important, so monumental when you were sharing it with the person you were meant to be with.
My thoughts drifted back to Colt and how wrong it felt between the two of us, I’d been trying to end it, I really had. But he was sweet and kind, and so close to being right for me... but just... not. It just wasn’t right. He had feelings for me, I knew he did, and I knew it was wrong to keep seeing him when I didn’t feel the same way. He just wouldn’t let me end it. I shook it off; it was a problem I would have to deal with another day.
I knocked on the door to the games room before going inside.
“How’s it going in here, boys?” I asked before I got a proper look at them.
Shit they looked good.
“Wow,” I whispered.
All three of them flashed me megawatt smiles. “We scrub up alright, huh?” Logan chuckled.
I nodded slowly. “You look amazing.”
They all had a tux on. Lawson had the silver bow tie I’d got for him paired with a black tux and a simple white on white striped shirt. He looked so handsome.
I caught sight of Stella in her dress, Reeve holding her. “Oh hell, Stella girl, this is meant to be Mommy’s big day.”
“She’s a stunner, isn’t she?” Reeve smiled fondly at his new niece as he jiggled her up and down gently.
“Such a beauty,” I agreed as I took her hand and kissed it softly.
“Is El ready?” Lawson asked me. I could hear the excitement vibrating through his voice.
“She’s ready.” I tapped Stella’s nose lightly and turned to look at my brother. “And she’s perfect.” I smiled at him.
“I know she is.” You could see the love and adoration he had for her pouring out of him. This was the happiest I’d ever seen him.
I couldn’t help it, I pulled him in for a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you,” I murmured into his shoulder. “You are such a good man, Lawson.”
“I’m nervous,” he admitted quietly.
I released him and laughed. “You don’t say?” I squeezed his shoulder. “C’mon, it’s time to go.”
Logan clapped him on the back, Lawson took a deep, calming breath, and they walked out the door.
Love like Yours Series (Box Set #1-4) Page 42