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“Mabel texted. They’re on their way,” Gamble said.

We were sitting at a Dunkin’ Donuts. Victoria, Ricochet, Nickel, and London were at the table next to us.

“I still say she’s going to kill you,” Brandy said.

She sat across from me with Marjorie on her lap.

“Not when she sees that dress, she isn’t,” London said.

“She thought it needed adjustments,” Brandy said.

London nodded. “I was there, so I remember, but she was wrong. And I told her that. Repeatedly.”

Victoria shook her head. “I don’t understand. If she thought the dress needed adjustments, what is she going to wear today? Mabel told her they were going to the beach, and they’ve picked up Alexandra, Jasmine, and Ivy.”

Brandy tipped her head toward me while looking over at Victoria. “Romeo, here, had me take the dress to a seamstress. The gown won’t be a perfect fit, but I had Mickayla’s measurements, and mentioned the things she wanted adjusted. As well as what he wanted added.”

Victoria shot a confused look my way. “What would you have added? And did you see it already?”

“I didn’t see it, but I had some extra sparkle added to it.”

London’s eyebrows shot up. “Tell me you didn’t request full-on sequins.”

I shook my head. “No. She mentioned wanting a dress that sparkled. What Brandy described, this dress didn’t have that. Do you think she’s going to kill me?”

Her plump lips curved up. “No. Though, she may threaten it. By the time we’re done, I think she’s going to be relieved and grateful that you took things in hand.”

I faced forward and nodded. “Hope you’re right.”

Gamble stared at me. “Do you remember what you said when we were so pissed about you claiming her?”

“I try not to dwell on that day, man.”

He shot me a wry grin. “You said, ‘Nothing about our way of life conforms to the status quo.’ You’re definitely living up to that. A surprise wedding is one thing for the guests, it’s a ticking time bomb with a bride-to-be who’s never had her own wedding day.”

That was why I thought she might kill me. The courthouse wasn’t exactly what I’d had in mind, but it was clear my woman was dragging her feet. I didn’t want to pressure her about it. Between us moving into a house we’d fallen in love with, soft-launching a second restaurant, plus the one year anniversary of what she went through coming and going, I figured I had to step up.

“She’s gonna love it,” Heidi said.

She and Block were sitting at the table behind Victoria.

“You’re right. My girl loves her surprises,” Victoria said, nodding.

Nickel leaned forward to catch my attention. “So much for her ‘knowing her own mind,’ right? It’s strange she couldn’t get the ball rolling on this.”

London narrowed her eyes on Nickel. “You know better than that. She’s been busy and this time of year might remind her of the crap—”

Nickel held out a hand. “You’re right, London. I was making a bad joke, that’s all.”

Gamble balled up the wrapper for his breakfast sandwich. “If you’re serious about tying the knot with her, then we should get moving.”

“I almost feel bad for you,” Victoria said.

Gamble chuckled. “I don’t. Any man who doesn’t look nervous before getting married isn’t the man for either of our daughters.”

Victoria shook her head. “He looks ill, not nervous.”

I tipped my head back and took a deep breath. There was a good chance I was so nervous I was going to be ill.