Page 71 of Only Ever You

“You’re a true romantic.” Mallory deadpans.

“Ask Pippa. She’ll tell you I am.” I shoot her a wink.

There is nothing that could bring down my mood.

Tomorrow I’ll marry the love of my life, and I’ll give her the happy-ever-after she deserves.

“Can you do me a favour?” I ask Mallory.

She nods. “Anything.”

“I know you’re heading over to the Chapmans in the morning. On the way, can you grab a flat white with one sugar and a ham and cheese croissant for Pippa?”

She’s gives me the side-eye. “Sure. Why?”

“It’s her thing. I just want to make the gesture, you know?”

Mallory smiles. “You’re so sweet with her. I really hope you two have a wonderful day tomorrow.”

“Me too. And with that, it’s time for me to get some sleep.” I stand.

“We should go back to your room for more drinks,” Vic says.

I shake my head. “No more for me. I’m getting married in the morning.”

I’ve been back in my hotel room for maybe five minutes when there’s a tap on the door.

I roll my eyes. I’m going to get some sleep ready for tomorrow. If Garrett and Victor want to keep drinking, they can do it in their own rooms.

Tugging open the door, I speak before I look up to see who it is. “You two had better be ready in the?—”

Mum.

“Deacon.”

My jaw clenches. “Mother. What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I heard you were getting married tomorrow. Thought I’d pay my son a visit seeing as my invitation seems to have gone missing in the mail.”

I snort. “As if I’d invite you after everything Dad went through.”

She rolls her eyes. “Let me in. We need to talk.”

Barging past me, she walks straight to the couch and sits down. I haven’t seen this woman in twelve years, and she still thinks she can do whatever she wants.

“What do you want?”

“Pippa’s not being honest with you.”

I roll my eyes. “Is that really the best you’ve got?”

“Oh, sweetheart. Pippa knows I’m still seeing Lucas. She’s known all along.”

I close my eyes briefly and take a deep breath. “You’re lying.”

“She knew we were together that day. Lucas told her to keep watch.”

Shaking my head, I grit my teeth. “She was a kid. You need to leave her alone.”

---