Page 131 of The Lies I've Told
And, before we entered, I stopped him.
“What?” he asked. “Is there something wrong?”
“No,” I said, suddenly feeling awkward.
With Millie, I could bare my feelings without a second thought. Doing so with my brother though was…
Difficult.
“Thank you,” I quickly blurted out before taking a deep breath. “For never giving up on me. I know I’m stubborn and a flight risk, but you never gave up on me, and I just—”
“You’re my baby brother,” he said.
“Perhaps you could leave off the baby part when introducing me to people?” I grinned.
“Not a chance.”
He pulled me in for a big hug before we entered the inn, the old house full of energy and warmth. I didn’t know how but I could feel her the second before Millie’s arms wrapped around my middle.
“I thought you’d never get here.”
She placed a quick kiss on my check, and my hands found her as I smiled. She was wearing the dress I’d picked out. The one with the soft silk fabric that felt like butter to the touch. Up close, I could see the subtle blue color, which made her tan skin look radiant.
I would cherish these memories forever.
Especially the one that was about to follow.
“You ready?” she asked.
“I was born ready for this,” I said.
She took my hand and ushered me to the center of the parlor. Everyone quieted, probably expecting a speech or a toast.
And they were going to get a hell of a one.
Just not the one they expected.
“Hi everyone!” Millie began. “Thank you all for gathering here tonight to celebrate my wonderful fiancé, Aiden.”
They all clapped.
I kind of felt ridiculous.
“But, actually, we had a different plan for the evening, if you don’t mind.”
It was already dark, the benefit of early March, and if everything went according to plan, Millie was going to let go of my hand, walk over to the switch on the wall, and flip it, illuminating the patio—bingo.
The entire crowd of family gasped.
Thankfully, it was a happy gasp as they took in the altar of flowers and lights that Millie’s mom and dad had put together earlier that day.
We’d needed someone’s help, and I couldn’t exactly marry their daughter without asking permission, which they’d given.
In spades.
“You’re getting married?” Molly squealed. “Right now?”
I felt Millie’s hand return to mine.
