Page 274 of Money Reigns
She spins toward me, smiling wide, dressed in a rose-colored sun dress that flutters around her legs like something out of a spring catalog.
She’s holding a small black box wrapped with a gold bow and an envelope tucked neatly on top.
I nearly crush both as I hug her.
“What are you doing here? I thought you were still in Brokenwoods!”
She laughs, holding the box up like a fragile artifact. “Careful! That’s probably important.”
I step back, eyes wide. “Wait. Did heflyyou in?”
Ella smirks. “War called last night. Booked my flight. Got me this dress.” She twirls, the skirt flaring. “Apparently he had a whole plan.”
I stare at the box. Then at the envelope.
“Today’s the day, isn’t it?”
She shrugs, all faux nonchalance. “I’m just the messenger. I’m supposed to give you this box… and tell you to read the note.”
My hands shake just a little as I take the envelope. I slide my finger under the seal, unfold the heavy card inside.
No surprises. Just like you asked.
But don’t think for a second I didn’t plan every detail.
Enjoy your day.
I’ll see you soon.
Today’s the day.
—W
I press the note to my chest, heart leaping. A squeal escapes before I can stop it.
Ella chuckles. “Okay, that reaction was definitely worth the flight.”
“What are we doing?” I ask breathless.
“We,”she grins, “are apparently hitting all your favorite spots. Hair, nails, professional makeup, and a full day with moi.”
I laugh, eyes stinging. “He really did all this?”
Ella nods toward the box. “Open it.”
I lift the lid slowly.
Inside, folded like a dream, is a white dress.
Short, but not too short. Fitted until it flares softly at the hips. Elegant. Playful. Effortlessly me.
I gasp. “Oh my God, it’s perfect.”
Ella grins. “Right? You should’ve seen the sales girl’s face when he asked for ‘something short, white, and impossible to say no to.’”
I laugh, holding the dress up to my chest and twirling. It sways just enough to feel flirty, feminine, and like something out of a dream.
A War Beaumont dream, at that.
