Page 44 of Forbidden Obsessions

“Hey, Mom. We decided we’re getting married today,” I call in.

Mia and Lex arrive within two hours, equipped with dresses and an arsenal of hair products. Brayden and Tim follow with clothes and champagne. We have been planning this since the engagement. I wanted it to be feasible at a moment’s notice.

“You’re stunning,” Mom says through ragged breaths. I bend and sit in front of the couch, letting her pin my hair.

“I’m so happy we’re doing this.” I choke back a sob.

“Me, too. The greatest work I’ve ever done is raising you, Olivia. I am so proud of you for choosing who and what makes you happy.” She wraps me in a hug. Her labored breaths break my heart over and over again. I understand why she wants to get hospice involved. She must be in a debilitating amount of pain.

“Mom, I know I keep telling you that I want you forever. I do. But please, if you’re ready, don’t stay on my account or Dad’s or anyone’s. Do what’s best for you.”

Mia, Lex, and Mom squeeze me tightly. It’s reminiscent of the night Tomas initially proposed. Lex peeks her head into the hallway.

“Judge Adams is here,” Lex calls.

“It's time,” Mom says. Mia’s eyes are brimming with tears, but they don’t look happy.

“Mia?” I ask, rushing to her side.

“It’s nothing. Seriously,” she says, wiping her eyes.

“It’s not nothing. Talk to me, babe.” Lex watches us with concern.

“It can wait. I’m not about to ruin your wedding day with my bullshit,” she cries.

“Sweetie, we’re in our house and on our time. Let Olivia help you instead of being the one to fix everyone else all the time,” Mom says.

Mia looks at her, shell-shocked. “Damn, she’s good,” she admits. Mom and I tag team her with a glare, silently demanding answers.

“Okay, okay. I’m in love with Matthew,” she yells.

I look at her, wondering how she’s just figuring this out. “We know,” I say slowly,

“Let’s start working on some commitment and we’ll get there, yeah?”

“I know. We should have just dropped it.”

“If it’s important to you, it’s important to me. We wouldn’t be here if it wasn't for you, Mia.” I pull her into a hug. Lex watches us with a weird look on her face. Her eyes flit to mine, and I recognize it:guilt.

“Let’s go get your groom, bestie,” Lex shouts excitedly.What the fuck did you do?I mouth to her silently. She pretends she doesn’t see me and walks out first. Mia follows her. Mom walks slowly ahead of me. I control my breathing, hoping to get my nerves under control. All of it goes out the window when we lock eyes.

Olivia DeLuca has a nice ring to it.

Chapter Nineteen

Tomas

My palms sweat. My knees tremble. My mind races. When Olivia descends the staircase, in a mix of white lace and tulle, everything else ceases to exist. Brayden and Tim shake each of my shoulders excitedly, silently telling me how well I did.

Truthfully, I don’t know how I managed to get Olivia. She was supposed to be forbidden—the apple hanging in the garden of paradise that I oh so desperately wanted to take a bite of. And I did. I took five too many bites, to the point she consumed me, and well, here we are today.

Olivia’s mom, Mia, and Lex take their places opposite of us. Brent plays the grand piano in the foyer as Olivia continues walking straight to me. My stomach remains in my throat, watching the most beautiful person in existence ready to take my name.

My wife.I swell with pride at the thought. Olivia walks toward me in a sea of white lace, and tulle. James cries as she takes her place next to Mia and Lex.

“Dearly beloved,” Judge Adams begins, and I’m already on the verge of tears. Olivia fishes for my hand as we stand face-to-face, listening to the ceremony.

“May I please have the rings?” We hand them over hastily. “Olivia, please repeat after me,” Judge Adams prompts.

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