Page 158 of Four Fiances & I

“It’s okay, Shorty, I’ve got him, now go.” Maximus points as I turn to Mrs Brown, who is following behind.

“I need to tell you something,” I whisper, hoping the guys won’t hear.

“Why do you think I’m following you?” she winks.

As soon as we are by the front door, the girls come to a stop, knowing what I have to say to Mrs Brown is important.

“I have a delivery coming today. It's important the guys don’t see it. But you will have to do something with it.” Leaning forward, I whisper everything into her ear in case anyone is listening in. When Mrs Brown steps back, she has tears in her eyes.

“You are so kind and have the biggest heart,” she whispers. “I promise it will all be done.” She passes me the coffee and croissant before cupping my cheek. “I love those boys as if they were my own, and I have come to love you as the daughter I never had. I know Helena would have loved you and the care you take of her boys.” She kisses my cheek and wipes a tear away with her apron. “Now go, have a lovely time, and I will have everything ready for the morning.”

“Love you, Mrs Brown.” I’ve never said it to her before, but I love her more than I ever loved my mum. I realise I have for a long time.

“I love you, too, Jasmine dear.” Without another word, she turns around and walks into the kitchen.

“Come on, we have a bottle of champagne with our name on it,” Danielle announces as she opens the front door, revealing Layton standing beside the limo.

Looking back at the house as I wait to get into the back, I realise I won’t be here again until tomorrow when I officially become an O’Reilly, and I can’t think of a better family to marry into.

ChapterFifty-Four

CHRISTIAN

“Is that everything, sir?”

“I have no idea, but I’m sure it will all be perfect.” I smile, signing the invoice. “Thank you for organising everything on such short notice,” I add, handing back the clipboard.

“You are more than welcome, sir. I hope you all have a wonderful wedding day,” the young man says before turning around and leaving out of the back door.

Embry starts whining in his cage, and I feel guilty about keeping him locked up. Considering I didn’t want a dog, the mutt has wormed his way into my heart.

“I know you want out, but there are too many people coming and going. Your mummy would kill me if anything happened to you.” Reaching through the bars, I give him a quick scratch behind the ear before heading back towards the sitting room, where we have all agreed to meet for a drink before heading down to the wedding tent.

Walking through the house, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. After months of planning and years of waiting, our woman is about to be legally bound to us forever. I may have referred to her for years as mine, but today, I will have a marriage certificate to back me up. After everything that’s happened, it feels like something is going right for us. Even though a small part of me is still waiting to hear that she's run away or something has happened. Let’s face it: nothing has ever been simple for us.

Walking into the sitting room, I spot Jason already there, his hands shoved in his pockets, as he looks out over the garden.

“Everything done?” he asks, not looking away from the window.

“Seems to be. If it's not done now, then it's tough.” I walk up beside him and look out where I can see the Donavons talking to McIntire.

“Did you know he was invited?” Jason asks.

“Not until this morning. Verity called and said Jasmine wanted to invite him to say thanks for all his help. But I think there was an alternative motive,” I admit.

“Abbi?”

I nod, looking at my brother. We all noticed she was drinking a lot when staying here and not looking after herself in many ways. McIntire saw in a message between Eddie and Mykela that it was easy to get info from Abbi; all they had to do was let her have a few drinks, and she was easy to manipulate. I know Jasmine has felt uncomfortable around her at times because of how much she drinks. But she would never say anything to her as she also knows she is grieving her father.

“Who’s stupid idea was it to wear fucking bow ties?” Maximas storms in, fiddling with the material around his neck.

“Told you we should have got him a clip-on,” Jason laughs.

“Fuck you, prick. I know you mean that as an insult, but next time, do it!” Maximus snaps, pointing at a smirking Jason. I smile, stepping forward and slapping his hands out of the way.

“I wear a tie nearly every single day; I wanted something different for today,” I explain as I go about tying it.

“Fair enough, I guess. I still hate the things.”

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