Page 102 of Lock 'em Down

Jenna laughs.

“Fair point,” Annie says.

Mom dabs at her eyes. “Fine. If you insist on having bad luck, go see him before you make me cry and mess up my makeup.” Mom reaches for a tissue, which Izzy readily provides.

A knock sounds on the door. “There’s a guy here waiting to see you,” Rhett calls through the door.

My sister bites her bottom lip and lifts her eyebrows. “I’ll go check!” She moves to the door, giving me one final moment.

“I’ll follow her because Rhett is hot,” Mia whispers.

Tamara rolls her eyes. “She’s harbored this crush for far too long.”

This time, Annie does laugh. “I hear that. Having older brothers is a curse.” She tilts her head and grins at me. “And at times like these, a blessing.”

I smile back. Then, I take a deep breath and stare at my reflection. My dress is perfect. The seamstress executed my design perfectly and I revel in the fact that I’m wearing a custom-made design by moi. Leif thinks I should pursue fashion design on the side, since it’s something I love so much. It’s a path I’d like to consider in the future but right now, I enjoy working with Maria, Tarek, and Sam too much to let those social connections ease.

Besides, I want to settle more firmly into my life, my new beginning, in Knoxville. And I don’t want to miss any of Leif’s games or opportunities to wear his jersey.

I sway from side to side, my hands clutching at the delicate lace of my gown. My purple ring is on my right ring finger, my diamond engagement ring on my left. “Happy wedding day,” I tell myself. Then, I turn away from the mirror and walk to the door. I’m ready to surprise the groom.

I pull open the door to the cottage my parents rented for the wedding, and step into the hallway. “Where is he?” I ask Jenna.

She points toward a room down the hallway that serves as a library. “He’s waiting for you there.”

I grin and walk into the library.

Leif is standing by the window with his back to me. He’s surrounded by sunbeams and books and it’s a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life.

“You ready?” he asks.

“I’m ready.”

He turns and I revel in the emotions that cross his face. Joy, disbelief, happiness, love.

He blinks back tears, which causes my own emotions to rise to the surface. I blink rapidly.

“Don’t make me cry, Ten.”

Leif clears his throat and shakes his head, coming toward me. “You’re so beautiful, Knox.” He takes my hand, cups my cheek, and gazes into my eyes. “I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” I place a hand on his hip and lean forward to kiss him.

When he pulls back, he keeps my hand in his. “Give me a spin, let me appreciate all your hard work.”

I do as he says and love that he studies the details of my dress. “It’s stunning,” he murmurs. “You’re stunning.”

“I’m yours,” I remind him.

He chuckles. “I know. I can’t wait to officially make you Mrs. Bang.”

“I’ll never hear the end of jokes, will I?”

“Nope! And if we have kids, oh, get ready,” he warns me, lacing our fingers together.

“I’m ready for anything if we’re doing it together,” I tell him seriously.

“Me too, Cami.” He brushes his thumb over my knuckles. “Let’s go get married.”

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