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I’m getting ready to head over to Courtney’s to pick her up for the wedding at Willow Manor when there’s a knock on the door. I pull it open, and my breath hitches when I see my girl standing before me.
“Baby, what are you doing here? I was coming to get you.”
She shrugs. “I know, but I was ready, so I thought I’d meet you here instead.”
Taking her hand in mine, I motion for her to spin, and she does. “You look beautiful.” I drop a kiss on her cheek, not wanting to ruin her lipstick.
“Thank you, handsome.” She smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Hey, it’s going to be fine. We’ve got this.”
“I know.” She nods. “I’m just nervous for Chloe. Are you sure you want to go this early? You’ll just be sitting around while I help her get ready.”
“I’m sure. I’m familiar with the venue because of Kennedy, and we’ve had a few events there over the years. I want to help if needed.”
“You’re a unicorn, Merrick Kincaid.”
I laugh. “I’ll let my parents know you think so.”
“Are you ready?”
“I am.” I reach in, turn off the lights, and pull the door closed. I lead her to the SUV in the driveway.
“Did you get a new car?”
“No. This is Mom’s. I thought it would be easier for you to get in and out of with your dress.”
“We could have taken my car. We didn’t have to borrow one.”
“It was supposed to be a surprise, but you gave me one of my own.” I open the door for her and she smiles softly as she climbs inside.
“Doesn’t the bride and her tribe usually get ready together before the wedding?” I ask once we’re on the road.
“Normally, but since it’s just Chloe and me, we prepped together, and I got dressed at home, and all we’ll have to do is get her into her dress once we get there.”
I lift her hand to inspect her manicure, I know she got it this morning with her sister. “Pretty,” I say, kissing the back of her hand. “I missed you last night.” Chloe spent the night with my girl at her place, going with the tradition that the bride and groom can’t see each other the night before the wedding.
“It was fun. Made me feel like we were kids again, staying up late and talking. Only this time there was wine involved.” She laughs. “We didn’t stay up too late because we had early appointments for hair, makeup, and nails, but it was still a fun night.”
“So, what you’re trying to tell me is that you didn’t miss me at all.” I chuckle.
“I always miss you, Merrick.” Something in her tone, the seriousness, gives me pause. I don’t have time to dive too much into it as we pull into the parking lot of the manor.
I help her out of the car and lead her into the building. Kennedy, my sister-in-law, smiles when she sees us. “Oh, you two look great.”
“Hey, I didn’t know you’d be here today.”
“Filling in. Fran needed the day off.”
“Well, I’m happy to see you.” I kiss her cheek before turning to Courtney. “What do you need from me, babe?”
“Nothing. Just hang out, I guess? I’m going to go start helping Chloe.” She leans up and places a kiss under my jaw, and then she’s gone.
“I have to say, I was bummed that I was missing out on your surprise, but getting to see the two of you like this, it’s worth it.”
“What do you mean?”
“Oh, Maverick, he called in reinforcements.” She giggles.
