Page 64 of Forever After All

"Thanks for the help, dumbass," Autumn calls after him as he goes.

I laugh, enjoying their banter-filled relationship. He really is the brother she never had.

"Sooo," I say as Autumn clears up the last of the carnage. Crouched down and balancing on the balls of her feet, she looks up at me.

"There’s actually a reason for the champagne—other than your housewarming, of course," I say as I bounce on the heels of my feet.

"Oh my fucking god." She pushes up to stand. "Are you getting married?" she squeals at the top of her voice.

"Shh." I press my finger to my mouth, urging her to dial it back a little. "Yes!" I beam. We’re going to tell everyone tonight, but I want you to be the first to know. I couldn’t keep it in any longer. I haven't even told my mum and dad yet; we're going to video call them at the same time."

Autumn jumps up and down then launches herself at me, and we both fall back, crashing into the floor. My ass slams into the hardwood and I groan as my head smacks into the floor.

"Jesus, woman." I laugh and sit up, rubbing the back of my head. "Please don't kill me before I have the chance to get married."

"Oh, Ali, I'm so happy for you." My best friend pulls me to standing before leading me out through the back of the house. "Come on, let’s go."

Autumn opens the back door and steps through. I follow, shading the bright sunlight from my eyes and eruptions of voices all shout at the same time.

"Surprise!" my mum yells, and my dad does the same, both holding a banner that sayscongratulations on your engagement!

I stand in silence for a moment, totally dumbfounded, unable to process my parents standing in front of me. Carter moves to my side and kisses me on top of the head.

"I'm sorry, princess, but everyone knows," he starts.

"Yep, even me." Autumn jumps up and down on the grass.

"I couldn't tell my family without telling yours, so I flew them out two days ago and they've been staying here with Autumn and Sawyer." Carter gives me a look that warms me from the inside.

"Oh my god, why would you do this? Why wouldn't you tell me?" I ask with a little lump in my throat.

"Because I want to make you happy and I want to surprise you every day of your life," he finishes.

And that’s when I notice everyone else. Brenna, Anna, and some of Carter's friends too. Mac, Callen, and some other hockey friends all gather with the rest of our friends and family.

I immediately look for my dad again and seeing the twinkle in his eye sends me over the edge. I burst into tears and run tohim as he wraps me in a hug that only a dad can give you.

"Hi, sweet pea." He hugs me tighter. "We missed you," he says, fighting his own emotion back down. "I'm so proud of you. What a fine choice of husband," he finishes.

"He is pretty great, I'll give you that," I say as I wipe away tears from my cheek with the back of my hand.

Autumn, Brenna, and my mum pull me through the doors of a bridal store. The walls are lined with dresses in varying shades of white, cream, and pink. I feel overwhelmed at the choices, not knowing at all what might suit me.

"Ali, this is meant to be fun, don't stress about it." Autumn squeezes my hand.

"Hi, honey," the bridal consultant says with a giant smile showing off her perfect, pearly white teeth. "Do you have any thoughts on what styles you like? Colours, length?"

I look at her a little blankly at first. "Honestly? I don't know at all." I shrug my shoulders a little, already feeling defeated.

"Well, it's good for you that it's what I'm here for." She smiles at me again. "Don't worry, we have the whole afternoon. Take your time, don't rush, I can pick out styles and shades that I think might look good on you."

"Thank you." I nod at her and relax a little. She has an amazing calming quality about her, which is probably why she works with brides-to-be.

A couple of hours of trying of different styles of dresses don't fill me with confidence.

After showcasing them to the ladies, nobody is ever in agreement all together. We all like the neckline on one, the bodice on another, the sleeves on another and so on. I am sure I could have made my dream dress if I cut up ten different ones and sewed all the bits that I liked together.

"Can you come with me for a second?" the consultant asks and helps me down from the platform. "Okay, hear me out," she says, pulling me to the back of the store, "Have you ever considered black?"

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