Page 51 of Accidental Wedding Crasher
“Now that may be the hardest thing to believe of all.” Mia leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder. “Evan Hirst, the biggest workaholic in the world, is actually settling down.”
“I think, to be honest, I’ve been settled down for a while now,” Evan said. “We’ve been living together for nearly two years, engaged for about eighteen months, and parents for fifteen months. I’d call that pretty settled down.”
Mia wobbled her hand from side to side in a “so-so” gesture. “It’s abitsettled down, that’s for sure, butactuallygetting married is a big step.”
“Tyler was pretty smug when I invited him to the wedding,” Evan added. “And so was Luka. And so was everyone I’ve ever met.”
Mia chuckled. “My parents weren’t smug. They were thrilled. They love you, they love Lucy, and they’re very happy that we’re going to be married.”
“So am I.” Evan kissed her cheek and, even though it was a small gesture, Mia blushed. It was amazing that he could still bring out such a strong reaction in her after two years together.
Today was for family time. Mia and Evan sat with Lucy on the bench for a while, playing with her and pointing out different Napa Valley sights. Eventually, the sun began to set, and they strolled back to the villa, where they shared a dinner in the dining room. After Lucy went to sleep, Evan and Mia sat out on the balcony, watching the stars flicker overhead.
“I can’t wait to go back to Tuscany,” Mia said. They were planning to go to Italy for their honeymoon — or family-moon, since Lucy was coming, too.
“Me neither,” Evan agreed. “Should we do some wine tastings, maybe?”
Mia whacked his arm playfully. “Absolutely not. And I’d appreciate it if you’d stop bringing that up.”
“Maybe a painting class, too…” Evan mused. “And some cooking lessons…” He grinned when he saw Mia’s overemphasized glare. “Okay, okay. I’ll stop bringing it up. Someday. When it gets less funny.”
“So… never?” Mia asked.
“Yeah, maybe never,” Evan agreed.
“I guess I’ll have to challenge you to another bicycle race, seeing as I won the last one,” Mia said as she watched Evan’s mouth drop open.
They smiled at each other, and Mia chuckled. “Hey, want some chocolate?” She pulled a bar out of her backpack, and Evan laughed.
“Yes, please.”
“We need our energy,” Mia added, popping a square into her mouth. “Our families will be here tomorrow.”
“I’m not sure I’m ready for that.” Evan shook his head, but he was smiling, and Mia knew he was as excited to see their families as she was. Over the last two years, they’d both made an effort to be closer with their families, and it had worked. Their parents were now involved grandparents for little Lucy. Sarah and Luka were the best aunt and uncle anyone could ask for, and they were now expecting a little one of their own.
Mia and Evan stayed up late that night, talking and laughing and reminiscing about how far they’d come from that wedding crasher and workaholic who’d found each other at this same vineyard. Eventually, though, Mia yawned.
“Lucy will be up at six, and our families start arriving at eight. We’d better get some sleep.”
“I suppose so.” They slipped inside, careful not to wake Lucy in the next room, and said their goodnights as they lay in each other’s arms.
The next day, wedding preparations went into full swing. Mia’s and Evan’s parents babysat Lucy while they ran around, making sure the caterers were ready, welcoming their guests, and decorating the venue. That night, Sarah joined Mia’s friends for a bachelorette party on the lawn, where they sang and danced and had a wonderful time.
The following day was the big day. Mia was up early. She had her first spa appointment at eight, followed by hair and makeup and time to get dressed. Lucy joined her for the first few appointments, where she got her hair done, until she gotbored and one of Mia’s friends whisked her off for a fun, energy-burning morning of playtime at the venue’s small park.
As the morning went on, excitement and nerves built in Mia’s chest until she was practically dancing on the spot. Finally,finally,she met her dad at the start of the aisle. He held out an arm to her.
“I’m so happy for you, sweetheart,” he said, his eyes shining. “I always wanted you to find the kind of love I have with your mother, and I think you really have.”
“I think so, too,” Mia said, beaming up at him. The bridal march began to play, and she stepped out onto the aisle. She wore a long, lacy dress with a flared skirt and a fitted bodice. Her hair was piled into a half-up, half-down style, a few strands left loose to frame her face, and she wore light makeup. Her earrings were a gift from her future mother-in-law, and her shoes were the same ones her mother had worn for her own wedding, beautifully cared for since then.
The whole time she’d been planning the wedding, Mia had focused on the details — the right flowers, the best seating arrangement, the perfect dress — but now she realized that none of that mattered. The only thing that mattered was that Evan was standing at the end of the aisle, wearing a suit and tie and looking nervous and handsome all at once. Their eyes met, and warmth flooded Mia. Suddenly, the aisle felt too long. All she wanted was to be in his arms.
As she walked closer, Mia remembered their first meeting — Evan rescuing her at Tyler’s wedding. She remembered the month of silence, the awkward plane journey, the family fun at his brother’s wedding, those late nights on the balcony. She remembered their kiss the night before Luka and Sarah’swedding, Evan’s romantic gesture by the poolside, and dancing together later that night.
She remembered moving into his San Francisco house, which they’d redecorated together into a home. Then she smiled as she thought about Evan proposing when she was six months pregnant at a restaurant overlooking the ocean — and her saying yes without hesitation. Next was giving birth to Lucy, Evan holding her hand the whole time, his presence strong and comforting despite the pain. Holding her baby daughter while Evan wrapped his arms around them both.
She remembered late-night diaper changes and at-home date nights. Kisses in the kitchen and on the beach. Watching Lucy learn to crawl and say her first words. Evan holding Mia in his arms as they swayed to “On This Starry Night” in the living room after their daughter had gone to bed.
