Page 115 of If You Love Me

“Because Hollis is twelve and a half years older than Hammer,” Fee says helpfully.

Roman opens and closes his mouth. Shakes his head. “The irony is not lost on me, kiddo.”

“I accept your apology,” Aurora says cheekily. “So, how soon are you tying the knot?”

“As soon as possible.” Roman squeezes my hand.

“Like, this needs to happen ASAP?” Aurora clarifies.

“Ideally, yes. We want to get ahead of Donnie and the no-fraternization policy.” Roman explains. “And the fewer people involved the better.”

“So only the people at this table who know?” Hollis asks.

“We’re the only ones who know the secret?” Callie seems to love this idea.

“That’s right. But it won’t be a secret for long.” My stomach twists uncomfortably. This is getting really real. But the most important people are behind us. And that’s what matters.Roman and I will belong to each other, and whatever happens after that...we’ll handle it.

Roman slides his hand under my braid and gives the back of my neck a light squeeze.

“I’ll be right back.” Aurora pushes away from the table.

For a moment I think she needs a minute because she’s emotional, but she returns with her phone. “We need to make a list. I’m assuming we’re either going to a justice of the peace or having a friend perform this ceremony.” She slides back into her chair beside Hollis.

She hasn’t looked at him once since we dropped this bomb and she found out he already knew. I sincerely hope the secret he’s been keeping hasn’t done damage to their relationship. The ripple effect has the potential to be huge in so many ways. I desperately want to limit the pain we cause the people we love.

“My sister has a friend who works at the courthouse. I can make a call now, if you want,” Hollis offers.

“That would be great,” Roman replies.

Hollis excuses himself.

“You have practice until, what? Eleven tomorrow?” Aurora asks us.

“That’s right.”

“Okay.” She taps her lip with her stylus. “I’m clearing my schedule tomorrow.”

“What will you tell Hemi?” I ask.

“That I need to take a personal day. Which isn’t a lie, and by the time I’m back at work, this will all be out in the open. I’ll come up with a PR plan to help mitigate, but this will likely be a bit of a sh—poopstorm. We’ll deal with that as required. While you’re at practice in the morning, I’ll take the girls dress shopping.”

“I have tomorrow off already, so I can come with you—or tackle whatever else needs to be done,” Dred offers.

“Great. It’ll be easier with the two of us. We can grab flowersand all the other important things we’ll need. How does that sound?” She directs the question at Callie and Fee.

“Do I get to wear a fancy princess dress?” Callie is all enthusiasm.

“You sure do,” Dred replies.

“Sounds good to me.” Fee nods, eyes wide.

“Perfect. We’ll have a great time.” Aurora taps away on her phone. “Dad, when we get home, we’ll take your tux down to get steamed and your shoes polished.” She adds that to her list. “Lexi, after practice the five of us will get you a dress off the rack, and I’ll make hair appointments. While we’re doing that, Dad, you can take Hollis with you to pick out an engagement ring and wedding bands.”

Hollis returns, phone still in hand. “How is four o’clock at city hall tomorrow?”

I look to Roman.

“Does that give you enough time to do everything?” he asks.

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