Page 106 of Marry Me

“Amazing,” Megan said.

“I’m gonna make you a fresh batch to take home, next time you’re over. You guys should come to dinner on Thursday, in fact.”

She glanced behind her. “I’m free if Ally is.”

“I’m free,” Allison said, beaming and looping her arm through Megan’s. “What am I free for? What’s happening Thursday?”

“Dinner with us. I’m thinking taco salad. Extra avocado.”

“I can make fresh bread,” Mr. Hale added.

“We’d love it,” Megan said, and Allison squeezed her hand.

Everyone was finally finding their rhythm, Megan included. She’dloved her life before Allison, but she had no idea how much she’d been missing out on. Allison was everything, and at the end of a long day, there was no other face she wanted to see across the dinner table, next to her on the couch, or alongside her in bed that night. Her life had texture and purpose, and that made her excited for each new day. With each wedding she attended, she celebrated the love on display, happy in the knowledge that she knew exactly that kind of everlasting love herself. She might even have shed a tear at a few of them, to Kelsey’s raised and amused eyebrow.

“What time is our reservation tonight?” Allison asked, as they made their way through the parking lot, back to their car. It was Friday night, and they’d made a habit of setting it aside for date night, exploring new restaurants and movies together.

“Seven. Why?” She grinned. “Wanna stay in tonight instead?”

“I wouldn’t mind a little lounge time. Maybe we can sit on the balcony and watch the city?”

Megan kissed the back of her hand. “It’s like you read my mind.”

“Takeout and ice cream with hot fudge?”

“Even better. Guess what?”

The setting sun brought out the radiant color of Allison’s eyes. “Tell me.”

“I’m wildly in love with you.”

Allison beamed. “Then take me home and show me.”

“Easiest request ever.”

Epilogue

One year later

The idea that Megan Kinkaid wasn’t in control of her own wedding made Allison grin as she stared at herself in the mirror in her simple A-line white dress that she simply adored. Was it wrong to want to wear your wedding dress every day? It was going to be hard not to. She could tackle fractions in this glamorous baby. She turned to the side, once again admiring the seamstresses’ work on the designer’s subtle applique.

“Tell me more about how she’s keyed up,” Allison said to Kelsey, who had taken on the task of floating between the two brides before assuming her role as maid of honor on Megan’s side.

Kelsey laughed and adjusted the simple drop diamond necklace on Allison’s neck. “Well, she can’t sit down and keeps staring at the clock, willing the minutes to move faster. She over and over again picks up her sparkling water, only to realize she’s not really thirsty, and then repeats the whole process. It’s amazing.”

Allison grinned. “It’s hard for her not to be in complete control of a big day like this. In fact, it’s downright cute.”

“Yes! Which is all the more wonderful for our team. Speaking of which, Cade’s already in place and on headset with Miranda. The guests have settled. We’re going in five.” She gathered Allison’s hands and faced her. “The museum hall looks gorgeous. Are you ready to do this?”

“I’ve never been so ready for anything in my entire life.” She spoke slowly and deliberately. “Get me to that woman.”

“Funny. She answered almost in the exact same way.” Kelsey kissed her cheek. “I’m thrilled for both of you. I’m going to go join our girl. See you all out there.”

Ally turned and waved to the grouping of couches where Betsy and Lacey, who would serve as her attendants, sat in anticipation along with her parents, who would jointly walk her down the aisle as Megan’s parents did the same. She took a moment to hug and thank each of them as excited energy danced through her body. If there was a photo of happiness, it had to be her in this moment.

The next half hour of her life floated by like a daydream of the most wonderful kind. The Dallas Museum of Art was jaw-dropping in its beauty. They stood with a minister beneath three white arches surrounded by fabulous statues and works of art. The place was overflowing with fresh flowers, and elegant black folding chairs housed their guests in neat little rows. The place stole her breath, and Allison couldn’t believe this was her wedding. Leave it to her future wife to pull off the most beautiful event she’d ever seen.

That wasn’t even the best part.

---