Page 22 of Holiday Hijinks

Her bestie ignored her, sending another message, and Ashleigh’s heart began to pound. She recalled the gifts that Slate had given her during this trip—the sexy white lingerie, the beautiful diamond necklace that he’d said would be for their wedding. She was wearing it now, the delicate chain of diamonds lying flush against her skin.

Even the damn stockings that had been hung from the mantle said bride and groom on them. But….

“Anna,” she said again, her voice rising. “Am I getting married today?” She looked at her best friend with wide eyes, her palms suddenly beginning to sweat.

Anna set down her cell phone, pouring them each a glass of bubbly, then flashed her a victorious look as she handed her an elegant flute of champagne. “Congratulations, soon-to-be Mrs. Hutchinson!” Anna declared, holding up her own glass. “Today you’re becoming my sister—oh, and marrying the man of your dreams!”

She clinked her glass against Ashleigh’s, beaming. “Cheers!”

“Oh my God!” Ashleigh shrieked, nearly spilling her flute of champagne. “I’m getting married today? Who planned this? You? Slate? Oh my God,” she said again, her hands beginning to shake. “I can’t get married today. What about my parents? My sister?”

“We’re headed to Bentley’s place now,” Anna reminded her. “Your parents already flew in to town. Our other friends have arrived. Slate’s SEAL team is here—at least one of the teams, at any rate. Some of Jett’s Shadow Ops Team guys are here providing security—just in case,” Anna added.

“Holy shit.” Ashleigh immediately covered her mouth and giggled. “I never swear. I just can’t believe this.”

“Believe it, sister,” Anna said with a wink.

“But how is this even happening? My dress—the cake—the flowers—there’s a million details to work out!”

“All taken care of,” Anna assured her. “Slate and I have been working with a wedding planner for the past few months. He wanted to surprise you since you’ve both been too busy to actually plan a wedding. Isn’t that romantic?” she addeddreamily. “Who would’ve thought such a gruff, hard-ass like him would surprise his fiancée with her own wedding?”

Ashleigh took a sip of the champagne, suddenly feeling light-headed. “Should I call him? Tell him I figured it out?”

“No! Let him think he pulled this one off. Stroke his male ego a bit. I think your man is dying to see you walk down the aisle in a white wedding gown.”

The limousine they were riding in exited the city, heading toward the suburbs where Bentley lived. Realization suddenly dawned on Ashleigh. “Everyone knows about this. Every single guest. Did they all know Slate was surprising me? No one told me a thing!”

“They were sworn to secrecy.”

Ashleigh shook her head, smiling despite herself. Now that the shock was slightly wearing off, she was getting excited. She was getting married. Tonight! There was no need to stress over planning or invitations. No need to get RSVPs from guests or select appetizers and cocktails. Everything was ready.

“I’m getting married today,” she said, slowly looking over at Anna.

“You’re getting married today,” Anna confirmed.

“But what about our time at the cabin? Our honeymoon?”

“Slate’s got some more surprises in store. You will eventually go back to the cabin for some cozy, romantic nights together. But once you’re back in San Diego, he’s whisking you off to Hawaii.”

“That’s why he’s taking two weeks off,” Ashleigh said. “I couldn’t believe he’d take so much time just for the holidays. Oh my gosh. He planned this entire thing. I can still hardly believe this is real.”

“You’re going to love the dress,” Anna gushed. “I also picked up some sexy come-fuck-me heels for you to wear.”

Ashleigh nearly choked on her champagne.

“And the lingerie to go beneath the gown. It’ll look great with just the heels,” Anna teased. “You’ll stay at your hotel tonight. Didn’t you notice it’s the honeymoon suite?”

“Is Slate getting ready there now?” Ashleigh asked.

“I assume so. The wedding planner is handling the last-minute details at the venue. Jett’s there at the hotel with Slate, too.”

Ashleigh frowned as the limo unexpectedly began slowing down when they turned into her sister’s neighborhood.

“Why are we stopping here?” she asked in confusion.

Anna glanced outside, not seeming worried in the least. The privacy partition was up, and Anna leaned forward, pushing the button to lower it. Nothing happened, so she began rapping on it with her knuckles. “Excuse me! Why are we stopping? The house isn’t on this street!”

Ashleigh peered through the window, knowing anyone out there wouldn’t be able to see her through the tinted glass. The street was calm, the houses decorated for the holidays. Most people were probably still at home given it was the day after Christmas. It was a time for celebrating, spending the day with your family, and apparently, having a wedding. Did Bentley know she was coming? No doubt. Ashleigh was the only one in the dark.

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