Anticipation coursed through me as we pulled in front of Isabelle and Brayden’s house. I’d never been down to the property's waterfront, so I had no idea they had a special place to dock boats. To the right was a small boathouse as well, but Dylan didn’t park inside it. I assumed Isabelle and Brayden’s boat was there.
After getting out onto the dock, Dylan took my hand, and we walked up to the house. The property sloped down to the river, and everyone was gathered outside the home. The air smelled like roses and freesias and delicious food. Loki ran up to us, and we both petted him until he ran off to someone else. There was a buffet laid out again. Holy shit, Brayden’s bandmates and parents were here too. Those two were definitely planning something.
Dad had already arrived. Isabelle insisted she’d pick him up. It seemed a bit strange when she said it, but now it all made sense, considering she knew about Dylan’s idea with the boat. And Charlotte was here too!
“I didn’t know you’d be here,” I told her.
She smiled. “That would’ve made it all a bit obvious.”
So she knew too.
The whole gang was walking around in front of the buffet, so I held up my hand, flashing the ring for everyone to see.
“Oh my God,” Dylan’s mom exclaimed, bringing a hand to her chest.
I looked straight at Daddy, who was sitting in his chair with a plate full of nachos in his lap. He was smiling wide, and his eyes were a bit glassy. He wheeled the motorized chair to me, and I immediately leaned to hug him.
“I’m so happy, Daddy,” I whispered.
“It’s not just the two of us now,” he said but didn’t add anything else, only hugged me back, and when I straightened up, he gave me a small nod.
Dad might be a man of a few words, but Dylan’s mom was the opposite.
“Don’t worry. I’m going to help you plan the wedding party every step of the way. You’re going to make my son so happy,” she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around me.
“Let the poor girl breathe, woman,” his dad said but hugged me too.
I laughed, soaking up all their warmth and joy. Not only was I marrying the man of my dreams but inheriting a wonderful family of caring people, and their friends.
The Winchester clan congratulated us next. Tess was beside herself.
“Another wedding to plan,” she exclaimed. “This is so much fun.”
“When do you even find the time?” I asked.
“It’s honestly like a hobby for me.”
Once everyone congratulated us, Dylan turned to Isabelle. “Thanks for organizing this for us, sis.”
Brayden was looking closely at Isabelle and had an arm protectively around her shoulders. Something was going on.
“We have an announcement to make ourselves,” Brayden said. “We don’t want to steal your thunder. We were going to wait a bit longer, but since everyone is gathered here....”
“I’m pregnant,” Isabelle said, smiling from ear to ear.
The crowd erupted in another round of cheers. Josie was closest to her, and she immediately hugged her sister.
“Holy shit,” Ian exclaimed, immediately joining his family. Everyone started talking at the same time. There was so much joy in the air that it was almost palpable.
“Looks like you’re going to have another niece or nephew to spoil,” I told Dylan.
He put an arm around my waist, bringing his mouth to my ear.
“We can add a few kids to the mix too.” His tone was casual, as if he were speaking about the weather.
“I’m on board with that,” I replied with a grin, wondering exactly how many he meant by “a few.”
After hugging Josie, Dylan and Ian went inside the house, returning with champagne bottles. There were already glasses at the other end of the buffet table in the drinks section. Dylan popped open one bottle, Ian another one, and then they both started filling glasses.
I went up to them with a smile the size of Texas.
This was such a happy day. I didn’t have time to look at Ian closely until now. The poor guy looked a bit crestfallen.
“Too many happy couples around for you?” I teased, grabbing a glass for myself.
“I’m happy for you two. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I just realized I am literally the last single person here.”
“Does that scare you or excite you?” I asked, sipping champagne, assessing the situation.
“Definitely scared.”
Dylan clapped Ian’s shoulder just as Josie joined us. She looked between her brothers.
“What are you scared about, Ian?” she asked, making me laugh.
“Couples,” I informed her.
She chuckled. “I think we all went through that fear. It does eventually fade, you know.”
That only made Ian look more panicked. “I have no intention of letting it fade.”
“Aww, don’t worry, little brother. We’re all here for you if you need guidance or advice,” Josie said.
Ian downed a glass of champagne, shrugging. “Hey, I’m enjoying my bachelor life.”
A phone beeped, and Ian took it out of the back pocket of his jeans. He had a strange expression on his face. Josie zeroed in on her brother.
“What’s wrong?” she asked.
“Nothing. Ellie is texting me the details of her flight.”
“Who’s Ellie?” I asked.
“My best friend’s younger sister,” Ian explained. “She’s moving to New York. I’m picking her up from the airport.”
“Riiight, and why do you look like you’re keeping something from us?” Isabelle asked. “Something else going on with you two?”
“I’m doing my best friend a solid and helping his sister settle in. There’s nothing between us.”
Aha! He definitely looked a bit guilty.
Dylan put an arm around my shoulders, pulling me to him in a half hug and flashing Ian a grin. “I just have one thing to say: famous... last... words.”
Dear Reader,
This is the end of Dylan’s story. Ian’s story will be available on August 3. You can pre-order it HERE.
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Keep in touch
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Other books by Layla Hagen
The Very Irresistible Bachelors series is complete and ready to be binge-read
You’re The One (Josie and Hunter) is available HERE
Just One Kiss (Ryker and Heather) is available HERE
One Perfect Touch (Skye and Rob) is available HERE
One Beautiful Promise (Cole and Laney’s story) is available HERE
My One And Only (Tess and Liam) is available HERE
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The Bennett Family is also complete. They are a fun family, the romances are HOT and SWOONWORTHY. Each book can be read as a standalone.
Links to individual books in the Bennett Family Series:
Book 1: Your Irresistible Love (Sebastian & Ava)
Amazon US
All other retailers & countries
Book 2: Your Captivating Love (Logan & Nadine)