Page 94 of Fourteen of a Kind

“I do. Besides, all of our friends would be hurt if we didn’t invite them. Don’t worry. We don’t have to wait a year. I’ve seen my family pull off weddings in three months. It can be done. We’ll set a date when we get home.” I smiled.

We arrived at Ascent. The place Shaun rented for a private family party catered with amazing food, alcohol, and a DJ.

“Let me see that beautiful ring again.” Claire smiled, grabbing my hand. “It’s stunning.” She hugged me. “I’m so happy for you and Graham.”

“Hey, you two.” Lily walked over, holding the baby.

“Let me see that beautiful girl.” I smiled, taking her.

“Now, there will be two weddings coming up in the family. Do you think our fathers can handle it?” Lily smirked.

“No. I don’t.” I laughed. “Graham doesn’t want to wait, and honestly, neither do I.”

“Then don’t. Adrien and I aren’t getting married until next year, and I think that’s too long to wait for another Kind wedding.”

The restaurant suddenly silenced as my dad went up on the stage. “Can I have everyone’s attention? I want to wish my beautiful daughter a very happy birthday and a huge congratulations on her engagement to Dr. Malone. Life is family, and family is life.” He held up his drink.

“CHEERS!” My family shouted.

Everyone started singing Happy Birthday as my mom carried a beautifully decorated birthday cake.

“Make a wish, sweet girl.” She smiled.

“It already came true.” I blew out the candles.

CHAPTER 30

THREE MONTHS LATER

Ella

“Has Graham heard from his aunt yet about the wedding?” Jenni asked as I stood on the platform in my wedding dress.

“No. She would have responded by now. The wedding is in two weeks.”

“He’s better off without that woman anyway,” my mom said. “You look beautiful, sweetheart.”

“Thanks, Mom.”

The door to the changing room opened and my Grandma Barb stepped out in her dress.

“Oh, Patsy. You look beautiful.” She stared at me.

Jenni’s brow arched as she and my mom looked at me.

“It’s me, Grandma. It’s Ella, not Patsy.”

“Don’t be silly, Patsy.” She grabbed hold of my arm. “I told Henry last night that I was pregnant.”

“What did he say?” I played along.

“He is so excited. Patsy, I’m so in love with him. He said we’ll move to Los Angeles, get married, and be a happy family. I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with him. I wonder what gender the baby is. What do you think? Boy or girl?”

“Boy.” I smiled.

She stared at me momentarily with narrowed eyes. “Who are you marrying again?”

“His name is Graham,” I said.