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“In a little while, you will be the bride so get used to being the center of attention.”
Ava groaned, “Don’t remind me.”
“Come on, sweetie. You know I’ll design a fabulous dress for you.”
Ava’s face lit up. She was hoping Rachel would offer. She knew how busy she was with her clients. With a new baby and a booming business, she didn’t think she would have time to make her a dress.
“Did you think I wouldn’t offer? I love you, and I wouldn’t dream of making you go searching for a dress off the rack. Yours is going to be one of a kind. I’m going to burn the pattern once I design your dress.”
Ava hugged her cousin. She was happy that she wouldn’t have to search for a dress. Rachel knew what she liked and would make it perfect. Her conversation had driven her appetite, and she began eating. One of the waiters offered her a glass of wine, and she accepted. She had held off from drinking because she wasn’t eating much and didn’t want to get drunk.
The rest of the evening went without a hitch. She and Xander danced and circulated the room talking to everyone. As they got ready to leave, her father approached her. It seemed like he had been avoiding her all night as had Michael.
“Ava, I want to speak with you privately.” His face was stern, and he nodded at Xander. She followed him to the same banquet room where she and David had spoken. He closed the door and told her to sit down.
“I know you think that I am going to chastise you for getting back together with Xander, but I am not. I spoke with your stepmother last night, and she told me that I need to let you make your own decisions. I was upset last night, but I’m going to trust your judgment. I know you love him. I see that you have the same look your mother used to give me. Remember no matter what happens I’m here for you. I love you, Ava. Don’t ever forget that.”
“I know, Daddy. Thank you.”
Jason wrapped his arms around his daughter and hugged her tightly, but he wondered if she was making a mistake.
At home that night, Ava lay awake in her bed with Xander curled around her. She kept thinking about what David had said. She was sad that he couldn’t get over her. There was nothing she could do. She loved Xander, and he was going to be the only man for her.
“Sweetheart, it’s time to get up.”
She opened one eye to see Xander leaning down in front of her. He smelled delicious from body wash having just come out of the shower.
“What time is it?” She mumbled.
“It’s 8:22. Don’t you have a hair appointment?”
She jumped out of bed. She had to be at Verona with the rest of the bridesmaids at 9:30. She practically knocked him over as she brushed past him on the way to the bathroom. She had a little over an hour to shower and get to midtown. Samantha would have a fit if she were late.
When she came back to the bedroom, Xander was lounging on the bed with the towel still wrapped around his waist.
“You aren’t dressed?”
“No. I’m in no hurry. I already combed my hair.”
She groaned, “I wish I could just comb my hair and be ready. I hate having to get my hair, makeup and nails done. You go to the hair appointment, and I’ll sit in my towel watching TV.”
“If you sit in a towel I might not be able to control myself.”
She dropped the towel and began putting on her bra and panties. Xander scrambled off the bed as her back was turned and cupped her breasts.
“Don’t start,” she said in a husky voice.
He backed off, “You’re no fun.”
“Wasn’t last night enough for you?”
“I told you that I can never get enough of you.” He kissed her and went in the closet to pull on a pair of sweats and a shirt.
Ava finished dressing and got ready to leave for Verona. She was nervous as the cab drove to the salon. She made it exactly at nine-thirty, but nonetheless, Sam gave her a dirty look while the stylist was preparing to wash her hair. Ava sat down to get her nails done while she was waiting for a chair to open for her hair. She sipped orange juice through a straw while her nails dried.
By 12:30, the entire wedding party was finished. She needed to get home and get her dress. The limo would be taking her and the other bridesmaids to Sam’s loft to get ready. Once they were ready, it would whisk them off to the church and then after the ceremony, to The Pierre for the reception. Sam and Robert were having almost four hundred guests. It made Ava wish she hadn’t told Xander she wanted a big wedding. She preferred not to be the center of attention.
She walked through the door, and Xander was sprawled out on the couch with Boomer and Riley next to him. He had on the Yankees game and was still in his sweats. She leaned over and kissed his lips, and his eyes fluttered open.
