Page 62 of Finding Us

“It’s too casual. And it seems a little short for dinner with the parents.”

“My sisters and I always wear short dresses and skirts. My parents are used to it.” She sets the dress down and picks up a pink one that’s a little longer. “I think I’ll wear this. Sean loves this on me.”

I plop down on her bed. “You totally changed the subject. Come on. Just tell me what Garret has planned.”

“Nope. I’m not telling you. He wants it to be a surprise.”

“You’re in on this, aren’t you? You’re part of whatever he has planned and you’ve been lying this whole time, acting like you had no idea what he’s up to.”

She thinks for a moment. “I have been lying, haven’t I? Huh. I guess Icanlie to you.” She takes a headband from her dresser and puts her hair back. “I’m not telling you so stop asking.” She grabs my hand and pulls me up from the bed. “Let’s go.”

Garret walks through the front door just as Harper and I are coming down the stairs.

“Where have you been?” I go over and hug him.

“I’m not telling you,” he says, smiling.

“I know Harper’s in on your secret plan, but I couldn’t get her to tell me anything.”

“I’m in on it, too,” Sean says. I glance back to see him in the kitchen, popping a handful of peanuts in his mouth.

I turn back to Garret. “So everyone knows but me?”

“Sure looks that way.” He walks past me to the kitchen.

I follow him, then stand there and look at the three of them all wearing smug smiles. “Give me a hint. Please.”

“Jade loves surprises.” Garret pulls me against him and kisses my cheek. “Just look how excited she is for Saturday night.”

“Or we could skip the surprise and you could all just tell me right now.” I smile. “I’d still be excited.”

They just stare at me, then Sean says, “So anyway, everything’s set food-wise for Saturday, but what about alcohol? Harper said you wouldn’t want any but I thought maybe some champagne?”

“Yes, we should definitely have champagne,” I say. “And wine, if people want that with dinner.”

“Are you sure?” Garret asks. “It’s our wedding, Jade. It’s your call. Don’t worry about what other people want.”

I look at Sean. “Wine and champagne. Done. Anything else?”

“Nope. That was it.”

Harper checks her phone. “Shit! My parents are early. They just texted and said they’ll be here any minute.”

A few seconds later the doorbell rings.

“Jade, answer it.” Harper grabs Sean and drags him up the stairs. “Keep them busy while we get ready.”

“I’ll get it.” Garret goes and opens the door. “Hi, Mr. Douglas.”

“Garret,” Kiefer says. “You surprised me. I was expecting to see Harper.”

Kiefer’s wearing a white polo shirt, light-colored pants, and loafers. He always has a California-look going with his wavy blond hair, tan skin, and casual clothes.

“Harper and Sean are getting ready upstairs,” I tell them. “Come on in.”

Kelly coordinates with her husband. She has on a white dress, sandals, and sunglasses, and her tan is almost the exact same shade as Kiefer’s. It’s funny that they live in Malibu because they look like Malibu Barbie and Ken.

“Hi, Jade.” Kelly hugs me. “How’s the bride?”

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