Page 79 of Starry Skies, Stolen Kisses, and My Best Friend's Brother

“You’ll be wife number nine.And, sweetie, now we’re family, so get used to it.We do a girls’ trip twice a year at least and meet up as couples for New Year’s Eve and Fourth of July each year.New Year’s Eve is always in Colorado, and we go skiing.It used to be Christmas, but since everyone has kids now, we’ve shifted it a few days.The kids stay home for that trip.Then the Fourth is in a different place every year, and we bring our everyone including the dogs.I think Adam said they were going to try to talk Seth into having it at his place this year because everyone wants to see the resort.I heard you guys are doing amazing things.”

“Thanks.It’s been fun working with Seth.”

Her energy is infectious.And I love that she included me in their group without thinking about it.The elevator dings, and we step out into a gorgeous penthouse.Liz smirks.“Welcome to your honeymoon suite.”

“I thought we were looking for dresses.”

“I’m not a shopper, remember?Besides, this is more fun.”

Four ladies descend on us, and the older one kisses me on both cheeks.I immediately want to pull away.No one does this where I’m from, but at the same time, it endears me to her.

“I’m so glad to meet the bride.”Her voice has a thick Hispanic accent.“My name is Rita, and I’ll be taking care of your dress today.Once I get your measurements, my daughters will do your hair and makeup.”Three girls wave at me with wide, probably fake smiles.“Now, are you ready?”

Rita makes quick work with the measurements, and before I know it, she’s off and running.Her daughters have me in a chair, and within seconds, one is touching up my nails, another is giving me fake eyelashes, and a third has a curling wand in her hand.The glue on the eyelashes is cold on my eyelids.Hopefully everything sticks where it’s supposed to, or I’ll end up looking like a bride who’s had too much to drink.I doubt Liz would bring in incompetent people though.Her husband is a billionaire.I should just relax and enjoy this.

The girls don’t talk to me much—they mostly speak in Spanish to one another.But that’s probably because Liz peppers me with constant questions.She shares lots of stories about Seth as well.

I finally summon the courage to ask her something.“I want to know why Tristan thought that flirting with me would get Seth back for something.”

Liz laughs and launches into a tale about how Seth knew that Tristan liked Maya, but he tried to sleep with her anyway.

Time flies by, and it sets in that marrying Seth means gaining not one, but two families.It’s a comforting thought, especially since this decision may alienate my only real family member.

It doesn’t take long before my hair is twisted into an intricate updo and secured with glittering hairpins.Rita’s girls did a fantastic job highlighting my cheekbones and giving me a bold red lip.My nails are painted the same shade of scarlet red, completing the glamorous transformation.As I look in the mirror, I can hardly recognize myself—but in the best way possible.

The suite door opens, and Rita returns with two racks of dresses.

“You’re getting married in the pink Cadillac, so I went with dresses that will make it easier to climb in and out of a car.Nothing too tight in the legs.”

I flip through the dresses.They’re all gorgeous and sexy, most tea length, but a few are long, and a few are very, very short.

“This one,” I say.And I hope it fits alright.The dress is a creamy shade of ivory, reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.The silhouette looks like a 1950s prom dress but it’s updated with a shorter hemline, and the strapless neckline is adorned with delicate lace while the fluffy skirt adds a touch of youthful playfulness.A sweet ribbon bow sits on the front.

Liz gasps when she sees me holding up the dress.“That’s the one.”

With Rita’s help, I slip into the dress and step back to look in the mirror.The fabric hugs my curves in all the right places, and I feel like a princess.“It’s perfect,” I whisper.

Liz claps her hands together.“Alright, girl, let’s get you hitched.”

* * *

I was a little sad my dad couldn’t be there, but we’ll have a big reception and maybe even a small ceremony back in Whisper Springs.

The wedding is a whirlwind, a blur of excitement.We hop into the vibrant pink convertible Cadillac, its powerful engine revving eagerly.Adam takes the wheel, and Liz settles into the passenger seat beside him.Seth and I sit on the trunk of the car like people do in parades.The starry tunnel of love looms ahead, its twinkling lights guiding us.A woman with bright pink lipstick and a contagious smile greets us at the drive-through window, her voice filled with warmth as she officiates our union in a matter of minutes.It’s exhilarating and slightly surreal, but my favorite moment is when we lean in for a kiss at the end.

Soon we arrive back at the hotel, and Liz gives me a tight hug before we head to our suite.“I’ll see you in November.Remind Seth to take care of the details.We’ll meet in New York and then hop a party jet to Dubai.Welcome to the family.”

Then we’re in the elevator.I have my shoes off and am holding them in my hand.Seth just stares at me.His bow tie is undone, and there’s a small lipstick stain on his collar.

“I can’t believe this is real,” he says.

“Me neither.”I’ve been dreaming of this day far longer than I’d like to admit, and it’s finally here.

The elevator dings, and he swoops me into his arms.

He places another quick kiss on my lips.“Let’s go make this marriage official.”

THIRTY

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