Page 21 of Seven Year Itch

Mia nodded, agreeing. "I don't think he realized how much your thoughts had snowballed. I'd cut the guy some slack. Actions speak louder than words and by the look of this," she again waved her arms, "he loves you to distraction."

The wedding planner called to them from across the room. Mia gave her another smile in the mirror. "You ready to become Mrs. Evans, Mrs. Evans?"

Grabbing Mia's hand, Ali gave it a squeeze. "Let's do this."

≈≈≈≈

The large banquet room Serena led them to was full of people. Ali recognized the faces of family and friends, sitting in rows, creating a makeshift aisle. Looked like everyone had been in on the surprise but her and Mia.

Mia stood by her side ready to walk with her down the aisle. Emma and Noah—who upon Ali's arrival had excitedly gushed aboutDaddy's big surprisefor her— stood in front of them, looking adorable in a pink fru-fru dress and mini tux.

And waiting at the far end of the aisle, was her husband. Standing tall, looking incredibly handsome in a tux, Garrett had his eyes trained on her. She could feel the heat of his stare even from so far away.

Music started, the traditional wedding march, and all eyes in the room turned her direction. Her kids took a forward step, and Ali followed as they made the slow trek to the waiting groom and officiant who stood by his side.

Mia veered off and took a seat in the front row next to her husband, Mark. Noah took his place beside his father and Emma stayed at Ali's side.

Garrett reached for her hand, entwining their fingers and pulled her close. He leaned down, whispering in her ear, "I'm so fucking sorry. I know toward the end my actions seemed suspicious, but I couldn't find a way to reassure you without ruining the surprise. You mean the world to me, and I don't want you to ever doubt that. I love you so damn much."

Ali tipped her head back, saw the sincerity in his eyes, and hers filled. "I love you, too." She gave him a watery smile and giggled. "Remind me to tell you the story of my escapades, someday."

He gave her a small grin. "I'm not sure I want to know." His eyes traveled the length of her. "You look absolutely ravishing."

Ali gave him a slow smile. "You look pretty good, yourself." She looked around. "I can't believe you did all this." Shaking her head, still a little dazed, she continued, "Why did you do all this?"

Leaning down, he kissed her forehead, then spoke at her temple, "That, you'll find out in a minute."

The officiant cleared his throat. "Family and friends, we are gathered here today for the vow renewal ceremony of Garrett and Alison Evans. The couple will be reciting their own vows. Mr. Evans." The minister tipped his head Garrett's direction.

Garrett took one of Ali's hands in his then turned them to face their audience. "As most of you know, Ali and I met in college." He swung his gaze to her. "I couldn't keep my hands off her—some things never change." A smirk played on his lips as their guests laughed.

When the laughter died down, he turned back to the audience and continued, "As a result, we ended up with an unexpected surprise. I was a pushy bastard, even back then, and I dragged Ali to Vegas for a quickie wedding. She never once complained, not then," he looked at Ali, his expression serious and full of love, "not now.

"Fast forward seven years." He turned and captured both of her hands, so they now faced each other. "You asked me to turn the spare room downstairs that we used for storage into a playroom for the kids."

Ali smiled. "I was tired of looking at their mess all over the house and wanted a place to contain it."

Garrett nodded. "What you didn't know, I found a box of your childhood things."

Ali frowned wondering where this little story was going. She didn't have long to find out.

"In the box was an old diary." He gave her hands a squeeze. "And I'm not ashamed to admit, I took a peek."

Ali felt her cheeks grow hot, and she knew her face must be flaming. Oh, God, she remembered what diary he was talking about because she'd only ever had one. Back in tenth grade, her then best friend who had been an avid diary writer, had insisted she start one. Not knowing what one put in a diary, she'd written about all her fifteen-year-old hopes, fantasies, and dreams. How embarrassing.

"And in that diary—among other things I won't mention but will forever be ingrained in my head," the audience laughed again, "was a detailed description of your dream wedding." He took a step closer, regret filling his eyes. "A wedding I denied my beautiful, loving, and sexy-as-hell wife." He raised their joined hands and kissed the backs of hers. "A wedding so meticulously planned even your clueless husband could follow along."

Ali looked around the room with new eyes. She noticed her favorite flowers in large vases scattered around the room, and the colors her fifteen-year-old self had loved were prominently displayed. Her eyes swiftly zeroed in on Mia. Horror filled her then laughter bubbled up her chest as it became clear why she wore a tacky, pink dress. Ali smiled at her best friend, hoping to impart the love she felt for her in that moment.

The smile she received in return spoke volumes. She understood.

Garrett let go of her hands and turned to their son. He bent down and whispered something to him before Noah handed him a small square box.

Turning back to Ali, he picked up her right hand. "I know you and knew you wouldn't want to part with your original wedding ring however small the diamond is."

Ali shook her head vigorously and giggled through her tears.

"Right. So I settled on an anniversary ring." He let go of her hand and raised the lid of the box, revealing a gorgeous band encrusted with diamonds and topped with a princess-cut ruby—her favorite stone.

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