Page 76 of Second Chance Mates

Ava’s brown eyes stare at me for a long second. “Are you seriously asking me that question?”

I laugh softly when I know I shouldn’t, but this moment is far too adorable. “Sorry if we woke you up last night. I’m sure we were pretty loud coming in.”

My brows raise at her statement. “You don’t remember?”

Her face pales even more. “Remember what?”

“Us talking for ages.” I tilt my head with amusement. “Me putting you to bed, you asking me to stay? I didn’t by the way. I waited until you were asleep before leaving you.”

“Oh, God,” she murmurs and presses a hand to her forehead. “Oh, God!”

She glances around the bathroom frantically as if trying to remember what happened. “D-did I say anything embarrassing?”

“No,” I reassure her, and she breathes out a sigh of relief. “But–”

Her eyes widen in suspense as I carry on.

“You did call me a fine specimen,” I tease with a grin.

“Screw my life.” She throws her head into her hands, attempting to hide herself.

I tug at one of her wrists lightly. “Don’t worry,” I say, finding her mortified eyes again. “I think you’re a fine specimen, too.”

26

AVA

Today is Lucy and Sebastian’s big day. The house has never been this chaotic. Everyone is walking left, right, and centre. In and out of the kitchen. Up and down the stairs.

Lucy demanded everyone but her bridesmaids and I leave the house so she can have some peace and quiet. Of course she doesn’t want Sebastian to see her before the ceremony, so he left with Jaxon and Kayden a little while ago.

I stand in front of the mirror in the hallway as I look at the pretty dress clung to my body. I press down against my stomach, flattening the soft material. I don’t remember the last time I felt comfortable in my own skin. But right now, I have a spark of confidence in my heart, and I’m enjoying every second of it.

My dress is navy with a square neckline that shows off my collarbones—Phia added a dash of highlighter to make them pop. A small band runs around my waist and pinches just below my bust before the rest of the dress falls down to the floor.

I’ve been anticipating this day for a while, and I’ve voiced my concerns to Gemma in our recent sessions. My brain forces me to overthink every little detail, when in fact I need to take the day as it comes. There’s no point dwelling on the future; it hasn’t even happened yet. Gemma said not to put pressure on myself, and I’m not. I should take a breath and step away if I become overwhelmed.

But I’m going to enjoy today. I feel pretty for the first time in years, and I don’t want anything to dampen this mood, especially since we’re celebrating true love.

“Ava!” Phia shouts from the hall. “We’re ready to go!”

I quickly grab my belongings and make my way towards them. My eyes fixate on Lucy as she adjusts her dress. It’s strapless and tight at the waist, making her hourglass figure look incredible. The dress fans out at her feet with a small trail behind her, and it’s embellished with white beads for extra detail. I’ve never seen anything so gorgeous in my life.

“You look beautiful, Lucy,” I say, unable to take my eyes off her.

She squeals with a bright smile. “Thank you.” Her hands take mine. “I’m so nervous!”

I squeeze her fingers. “I know, but enjoy it. Think of the excitement instead. This is your day.”

Lucy’s face crumbles, and then she draws me into a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here, Ava.”

I relax into her embrace. “I’m glad I’m here, too,” I admit.

“Let’s go, let’s go, let’s go!” Phia yells as she ushers us out the front door and towards the white cars.

When we pull up outside the manor a few moments later, I stare out the window in awe. I saw the pictures online, but they do not do this place justice whatsoever.

It’s a huge white manor with four wide pillars and pink flowers around the walls. A small fountain with a sculpture of a lady sits in the middle, and there’s a large set of grand stairs that go up to the building with golden features.

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