Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 622(@200wpm)___ 498(@250wpm)___ 415(@300wpm)
“Yes.” I can see myself walking down the aisle in this, envision Roman waiting at the altar for me. Warmth spreads through me and my heart swells, knowing that soon, I’ll be standing in front of the man I love, promising him forever. For all the heartache this season and the potential for more fallout, knowing I’ll finally be his brings me such peace. “This is the dress I’m getting married in.”
“Let’s show the girls,” Dred suggests.
I step out of the dressing room, and the girls suck in a collective gasp.
“That is…” Aurora presses her hand to her heart. “Wow. Just wow.”
I’m unable to contain my smile as Sariah sweeps in with a veil, shoes, and a bouquet of flowers to complete the look.
“You’re so beautiful,” Fee says.
“Like a princess,” Callie agrees.
“Stunning.” Dred arranges my train.
“This is the one.” My nerves vanish and in their wake is giddy anticipation.
“My dad is going to lose his mind when he sees you.” Aurora’s smile is huge.
She snaps a few pictures before I disappear into the dressing room and put my regular clothes on so they can steam the dress.
I just about pass out when the sales associate rings up the dress, shoes, and veil. I grip Aurora’s arm and whisper, “Maybe I should try on something else.”
She gives me a look. “That dress is perfect for you. Trying on more is pointless. Just do what I do when Hollis decides he needs to outfit me in a dress that costs three months’ salary: pretend there’s one less zero at the end of the price tag.”
“This will take some getting used to,” I murmur.
“I know.” She passes over Roman’s credit card.
Our next stop is a salon down the street. I’m prepared with pictures of what I’d like. The stylist braids my hair, weaving it through with baby’s breath, while my sisters, Dred, and Aurora get light curls and their nails done.
It’s nearly three by the time we’re finished with hair and makeup. We pick up the dress and flowers and return to the condo to get ready.
When I reach my bedroom, I find a huge gift box in the middle of my bed. Aurora hangs my dress and squeezes my arm. “I’ll give you a minute. Just call if you need me.” She pulls the door closed behind her.
I run my damp hands over my thighs and pick up the card lying on top of the wrapped box, smiling at Roman’s neat handwriting.
Lexi,
I know this isn’t how we expected things to go, but I can’t wait to make you my wife. The moment I met you, I started falling. And in the years between then and now, the longing to find someone who made me feel the way you do kept growing. But that hole in my heart could only be filled by you. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life loving you, caring for you, standing beside you.
All my love,
Roman
I tip my head back, overcome with emotion at how thoughtful and kind this man is. And he’s about to be mine. “Get it together, Lexi.” I reach for a tissue so I don’t ruin my makeup before I even put my dress on.
I pull the satin bow, lift the lid, and peel back the tissue paper. On top is another note from Roman.
I can’t wait to take these off you when you’re my wife. With my teeth, of course.
Love, Roman
I smile at the satin-and-lace panty set. It’s sexy, classy, and pretty—everything I’d expect from Roman. I strip out of my clothes, carefully rinse off from the neck down with the handheld showerhead, apply lotion, and then slip into my new lingerie. It’s the most beautiful set I’ve ever had the pleasure of wearing.
My phone pings with a message.
Roman
How’s my almost-wife doing?
Lexi
Getting ready to put on my dress.
Roman
I can’t wait to see you in it. Did you happen to get my gift?
Lexi
I’m wearing it right now.
Roman
I look forward to taking it off you later tonight.
Lexi
Would you like a preview?
Roman
*sweating GIF* *nail biting GIF*
So very tempting, but I think I’d like to wait until I’m peeling you out of your wedding dress.
Lexi
Fair. Not long now.
Roman
Hollis and I are leaving for City Hall shortly. Your car will be there in about twenty, but they’ll wait as long as you need.
Lexi
I’ll be ready.
Roman
I’m calling you.
I answer on the first ring.
“Talk to me. I need to hear your voice.”
“Hi.”
“Hi, beautiful. Tell me how you’re doing,” he says.
“Excited to have you as all mine, nervous because of the circumstances, guilty that I’m about to make your life a lot more complicated.”
“My dear, sweet, sexy, incredible almost-wife, I want you—all of you and everything that comes with you, including complications. I wouldn’t have asked you to marry me otherwise,” he assures me. “What else do you feel guilty about?”