Page 116 of If You Love Me

“I have to defer to Aurora on this, because I have no idea.”

“We’ll make it work,” she promises.

Hollis squeezes her shoulder. “Four works. Thanks. We’ll see you then.” He ends the call. “You’ll be married tomorrow.”

CHAPTER 35

LEXI

“Lexi! You should see our dresses! They’re so pretty. And we went for lunch, and I had sushi, but not the raw fish. Did you know not all sushi is raw fish? They have a roll with sweet potato in it, and it’s really yummy. And I had green tea ice cream and red bean ice cream, and I like them both! Ice cream with beans in it! Isn’t that funny?”

“Sorry. She maybe had some of Fee’s cola while I wasn’t looking.” Aurora gives me an apologetic smile.

“I was also not paying attention. We were very dress focused this morning,” Dred adds.

“No apologies necessary. Thank you both for doing this. I know we’re throwing a lot at you, and I sincerely appreciate all your help.” Marrying Roman today feels like it’s the best roller coaster I’ve ever been on. In a matter of hours, he’ll be my husband. We’ll be starting our future together. Even under these less than ideal circumstances, he’s everything I’ve ever wanted.

“I need to use the bathroom,” Callie announces.

Fee glances at me. “I’ll take her.”

“I’ll come too,” Dred offers.

Aurora waits until they’re out of earshot before she asks, “How are you doing? How was practice?”

“Practice was okay. The anxiety was something else. But now I’m excited and a little nervous. I’m also so grateful for your support today.”

“You’re making a big decision under a lot of pressure.” Aurora’s smile is empathetic, with a hint of worry.

“I know. I’m in love with your dad, though.” He’s the only person who’s ever made me feel like I truly belonged. “He sees me in a way no one else ever has. And it’s not just that we have the same passion for hockey. It’s so much more. Until he came into my life, I didn’t know what it felt like to be so completely loved, or to love so deeply. I feel like I finally understand the concept of a soulmate and that I’ve found mine in him.”

“I believe you.” She pulls me in for a hug. “And I know he feels the same way about you. I can see it on his face every time he says your name. He wouldn’t do this if he wasn’t sure. I have faith in his decisions. Even his accidents tend to have positive results.”

She winks and we both chuckle.

“How are you and Hollis?” I’ve been worried about it all day. “I’m sorry I put Roman in this position where he couldn’t be honest with you. I know how important you are to him.”

Aurora gives me another squeeze and waves it away. “Oh, we’re fine. I was…shocked, and a little hurt at first, but mostly my reaction came from a place of deep understanding. Because I did that to my dad last year—kept things from him out of what felt like necessity at the time but was mostly based on fear. Your situation is different, but it hits the same emotions. I expressed my feelings about it, and Hollis listened, and we talked it through. I know this is a precarious position for you. It has the power to be divisive. But I won’t let hurt feelings interfere with my dad’s happiness or my relationship with him.”

“How are you only twenty-one?”

She smiles softly. “Almost twenty-two, actually. But I grew up in this world, and my dad is a huge believer in the benefit of therapy, so I’ve spent a lot of time talking about andunderstanding my feelings. That’s not to say I haven’t had my struggles. Falling for my dad’s best friend was a challenge. I worried about the impact it would have on our relationship, but also on his relationship with his teammates, and with Hollis. We’re mostly okay now, but it’s taken some time.” There’s so much compassion in her eyes. “My dad wouldn’t promise you forever if he didn’t mean it, and he wouldn’t choose someone who didn’t love him back with the same ferocity. He loves hard and so do you, I see it with your sisters, with your dedication to the team. I know the circumstances are a challenge, and that this is a solution, but I also know it’s about much more than that. You’re protecting each other because that’s what partners do.”

Fighting the tears is pointless because I’ve already lost that battle. “You don’t know what a relief it is to hear you say that, Aurora. I love Roman. That man owns my heart, and I’m so grateful to have you behind us. I tried so hard to keep my distance, but he’s just…easy to fall in love with.”

“He was built to love people. I’m happy that he’s happy. And I like you, Lexi. A lot. The only thing I'm nervous about is what’s on the other side of this. For all of us.”

“Me, too,” I admit.

“It’s clear he pursued you when he shouldn’t have. Seems to be a family trait, since I did it too.” She rolls her eyes.

“Turned out good for you. Hopefully, it’ll be the same for us,” I say as Fee, Callie, and Dred make their way back to us.

“It will.” Aurora gives me a side hug. “Now, let’s find you a very pretty dress so you can marry my dad.”

Aurora takes us to a very swanky, very expensive boutique dress shop with name-brand, top-of-the-line dresses.

“Um, this place is nice, but I don’t know if I can afford anything in here,” I whisper before one of the sales associates reaches us.

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