And so, she does.
I draw in a breath and squeeze my eyes shut a moment, but not for long. I don’t want to miss anything.
“Consider this a wedding gift.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Candace
Rick and I are dressed and drinking coffee when Adam and Blake arrive right on time, and with Starbucks in hand. Adam hands me my white mocha, proving he knows my favorite drink.
“God, I love my new family,” I exclaim, eagerly sipping my beverage.
And while the whole group of us gather around the kitchen island, Adam smiles and offers me a small wink while Blake laughs. “Smith is picking up your friend Linda right now. She should be here at your place in forty-five minutes. And Asher is picking up your father tonight at ten. We’ll let you know when we drop him at his hotel.”
“Thanks, Blake,” I say. “And I owe Smith and Asher.”
“They don’t mind,” Blake says. “We’re family, as you said. This is how we roll for each other.”
“I still want to do something for Asher to thank you. And I hate my father is coming in so last minute anyway, but despite telling me he’s retired, he had some military training event.”
There’s a tic in Rick’s jaw and I capture his hand. “You think he’s not retired at all, don’t you?”
“You know what I think,” Rick says. “I think he’s involved in another black ops project.”
“Whatever the case, and I hope that is not the case, we should have gotten you two together before the wedding just to get the past—into the past.”
“It’ll be fine,” he promises me. “I love you and he loves you. We have that in common.” He cups my head and kisses me. “I’m leaving before I don’t leave and every minute I stand here it gets harder to walk out that door.”
“And then the best man will have to kick his ass and drag him out of here,” Adam says. “And I’ll be obligated, since it’s his wedding eve, to pretend I don’t enjoy it.”
“Sounds like an invitation to box a little, Navy fin boy,” Rick suggests. “Let’s go punch each other. It feels good.”
“No,” I say. “I do not want your face smashed in for the wedding, Rick.”
He gives me an “are you serious?” look. “You think he’s going to bust my face in?”
Adam says, “Oh fuck, now you’ve gone and done it.”
“He’s right,” Rick says. “We’re going to box.” He eyes me. “Maybe you should come and watch.”
“No,” I say. “And I forbid you to go and box.”
“Woman,” he chides. “Who do you think you’re bossing around?”
“My future husband,” I remind him. “I’m the one who is sharing your life with you and who has waited years for tomorrow.”
“Right,” he says. “Fuck. Okay. I won’t go box with Adam.”
I arch a brow.
“With anyone,” he concedes.
I laugh and follow the guys to the door, where Rick kisses me again and says, “See you tomorrow, Mrs. Savage.”
“See you tomorrow, Mr. Savage,” I reply, and he steps into the hallway where the other guys wait.
I shut the door, lean on it, and smile, a smile that I feel clear to my toes.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Candace
With Smith’s help, Linda, Julie, and Lauren arrive at our apartment at the same time in what becomes a rush of laughter, hugs, and girl talk. And now I have an old best friend and two new ones, which turn out to be exactly what I need right now. Twins times two: two brunettes, me and Lauren, and two stunning blondes, Linda and Julie.
I show Linda to the spare bedroom for the night, and she gives me a huge hug. “I can’t believe this is finally happening.” She studies me. “You never stopped loving him. And you never glowed like you do right now when he was gone.”
“I’m happy,” I say. “And as a bonus for you, there are lots of hot men in this new family of mine. Maybe I can hook you up and one of them will lure you to New York. Adam, the best man, is single, honest, an ex-Navy SEAL, Team Six even, and good-looking. And then there is Smith.” I wiggle a brow. “Cute, right?”
“Stop,” she says, holding up her hands. “I’m not looking for a man. As you know, I’ve had my share of bad luck. And the honest, good-looking ones that aren’t married are always the screwed-up ones.”
“Aren’t we all?” I ask.
“Yeah,” she agrees. “I guess we are.”
We rejoin Lauren and Julie and it’s not long before we're off for a spa day at a fancy hotel. Once we’re primped, waxed, massaged, and our toes and fingers have been painted, all done with Julie eating saltine crackers, we end up at a cozy table for lunch.
It’s champagne for all but Julie, who orders orange juice. “When are you telling Luke?” Lauren asks, giving her a pointed look—like—it’s time.
Julie purses her lips. “You have asked me that three times just today.”
“Because I know you want the moment to be special, but you’re going to a wedding tomorrow. How are you going to decline champagne when you love champagne? And do you think he doesn’t know something is up?”
“Good point,” Linda chimes in, already one of us and I adore her all the more for it. “What if he thinks you have some sort of unexpected regret about being pregnant?”
“See,” Lauren says. “You have to tell him.” She points at Linda. “And you, Linda, need to open a floral shop here and come help me defend my positions.”
“Yes,” I say. “Let’s get her moved right here to us.” I don’t give Linda time to argue. I refocus on Julie. “You told me you had a plan to tell him,” I remind her. “What was that again?”
“I’ve had several plans,” she says. “We’ve been trying for a while, so I want this to be special. But maybe I should just tell him tonight. Actually, I think I need to go home. I need to tell him.” She grabs her phone and punches a number and says, “Hey. I’m headed home. Are you there?” She listens a moment. “Great. I’ll see you in a few minutes. Love you.” She hangs up. “I’m going to go tell him. Oh God, why do I want to cry right now.”
“Hormones,” Lauren, a mother of two, assures her. “And even for a tough-as-nails mama like yourself, it’s emotional and exciting.” She grabs her purse. “I’m going to walk her out.” She squeezes my arm. “Try to sleep. Tomorrow will be magical.”
Julie rushes around the table and hugs me. “Love you, Candace. And I got the bill. I told them before we sat down.”
“Thank you,” I say. “And I love you, too.”
And then they are gone and it’s just me and Linda. “It’s just us girls.”