Page 82 of The Risks of Reuniting

"I hope I'm one of those things." I tip my head down to talk against her soft cheek. "Because I am one thousand percent in love with you."

"I love you too," she sighs, as though she's released the last of her pent up feelings. "So much. Can we elope? Because I'm not sure I can live with any more wasted time, and I've never been the girl who wants the big family wedding."

"Whatever you want, corazón. I just want you."

"Okay, well, maybe at least our parents should be there. . . ."

Her words trail off as I kiss along her jaw and then the side of her mouth, and she holds perfectly still, but I see her dark eyes drop closed as I near her lips. I palm her back and press her mouth to mine, and all those buzzing thoughts disappear like they always do when Chloe is in my arms. It's where I feel peace. We kiss for a few minutes, so many things said without words, and when I pull back my chest vibrates with laughter.

"I did not expect tonight to go like this," I smirk.

"It's my job to keep you on your toes."

"You're nailing it," I laugh. Then, I gently lift her off my lap to her feet and stand. "Let's go tell Allie, and then our families, and then we'll hire an airplane to write it in the sky . . ."

Her laughter follows us as we leave her room and head down the stairs, ready to face our new future, together.

Chapter 28

Chloe

EndofJune–a few weeks later

Everyone thinks this is a going-away party for me and Holt. A small U-haul van is loaded and parked in front of my condo, and a small group of family is gathered in my parents' backyard. The grill is going and Dad is wearing his "Daddio of the Patio" apron and chatting it up with my cousin Kaden who is on a weekend break from Harvard. He's probably giving dad grilling tips, but Dad's too nice to tell him to stuff it, that he's been grilling since before Kaden was born.

Grandma Sue and Grandpa Tim are lounging in the shade under the gazebo my parents installed last year – a gazebo that is very convenient for today's plans. Grandma Sue is wearing a breezy caftan, her long, gray-blonde hair falling in waves under her sun hat, while Grandpa Tim is in a Hawaiian shirt and cargo shorts. It's a look that made me smile when they entered the backyard.

I'm thrilled that Gavin brought Alisha. It means things are serious, because no Hayes grandchild brings someone into the middle of this brood unless they're committed. Gav and Alisha are sitting in the hot tub, which Dad stops heating in the summer so he can "cool plunge", and I find it delightful that Gavin will be attending my wedding in hisswimwear, dripping wet. That hilarity is dampened by poor Alisha being in the same predicament, but I can't risk the secret getting out.

Yeah, today I'm getting married.

Holt finished his internship yesterday, and I finished my job the day before. Together we planned this party as our elopement, and made a big deal about how everyone had to be here becausewho knows how long it will be until we can see you again?. Did we lay on the guilt thick? You bet. All the tools in the family loyalty arsenal were pulled out, and it worked. Our motives were altruistic, though. We both knew how devastated any one of them would be to miss our big day.

Holt's parents are talking to Mom in the kitchen, and my girl cousin crew is scattered about, laughing over the adventures they've all had recently. Allie is mixed right in there with them, and my heart wants to crack with how lucky I am to have these women to journey through life with. Not everyone loves their family the way I love mine, and I know that.

Dad finally announces that the food is finished cooking, and we all gather around, claiming seats in folding chairs at folding tables with the bright purple plastic tablecloths I'd bought to spread over them, and little centerpieces of white and yellow flowers. My mom thought it was strange for me to care about those kinds of details, and she's right, usually I wouldn't. I played it off by saying I wanted today to be memorable, and she got teary thinking about me leaving, and helped me set it all up.

I'd told the family I'd handle dessert, and getting the small three-tier wedding cake into the basement without being caught had been tough.

I have a hard time eating, and being casual, when my entire body is vibrating with excitement. Holt and I decided not to sit next to each other while we ate, because we were sure they'd all notice something wasup. But that doesn't keep us from sneaking peeks at each other, with secret smiles flying when we think we're safe.

"It looks like you wish Holt was your entree," Lucy teases from her seat next to me at what turned into the girl's table.

When I look at her with a chuckle, it dies in my throat at the sadness behind her eyes. She's recently returned from her trip to Prince Edward Island, and something about her feels . . . anxious or unsettled. I want to ask her about it, but Poppy comes up behind me and wraps her arms around my neck, hugging my head to her chest.

"Oh my gosh, Lo-lo," she gushes. "Your horoscope today mentioned that it's a perfect day to be proactive about your life. Your spirit guides are helping and supporting you today. They want to see you thrive." She squeals. "It's so perfect, with how you're heading off across the country. It does not get more proactive than that."

I smile and wrap my hands around hers where they rest under my chin. She has no idea just how proactive I'm about to be today. "Thanks Pops, that makes me happy."

I catch Dani's eyes across the table, and she offers a slight smile. "You know, if I added in a few elves or fairies, I think I could have another viral novel writing about your relationship with Holt," she teases.

Lucy brightens. "I've told her that. She and Holt are the ultimate will they, won't they."

Sadie beams. "Lots of tension. It's kept me on the edge of my seat for months."

Avery, who has been a little quiet and sort of moody today, thoughtfully looks at her sister. "If you can get Chloe's buy-off, let's talk plotline."

Dani laughs, and Avery joins in, but I don't miss the sharp look in her eye. Avery is a publisher, through and through, and chasing stories is her life.

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