He told me a little about what happened with Haley. My heart broke for her. I couldn’t and didn’t want to imagine the terror she felt in those moments. Her rage I could imagine and understand. My sympathy for my little sister tripled when Chase told me Eric said goodbye to her. The thought of Chase saying goodbye had me warning him never to do that to me. Ever. Because as soon as Haley healed him, I’d be kicking his ass.

It seemed fitting that we start Valentine’s Day off with a bang. I wrapped my legs around him then kissed him softly. He unzipped the back of my dress, and I stood letting it fall to the ground. He undressed himself.

I pushed back on his chest, and he smiled falling back onto the bed. I straddled him and slowly slid onto him. We stayed like that for a while. I fell asleep on my side. My alarm went off early and I quickly hit it so I wouldn’t wake Chase up.

I stood and stretched instantly feeling a pain in my back. I rejected that feeling. I didn’t have time for this today. I needed to go make sure everything was set up for Ted and Matt’s wedding. I took a hot bath and felt much better. I dressed in some sweats and went outside. I made it to the building where we'd had Sally’s wedding. Ted and Matt were getting married in the same place. I’d arrived at the same time as our crew to set up.

They were surprised to see me. One even commented, “I didn't think we’d see you here this early.” I said, “It’s a special event.” Carry agreed, “Yes, it is.” I smiled at her. She bit her lip before admitting, “Kincade is going to flip out that you’re here alone and not guarded.” I pointed out, “I’m in the territory and slightly offended that no one knew I would be here.”

Kincade came through the door wearing only sweatpants. He groaned, “Why Lexi? Where is Alpha Chase?” I answered, “Sleeping. Now hush while I get everything ready.” Carry and I made sure everything was set up and perfect. There were Cupid’s arrows and pink, red, and white heart decorations.

Once we were done, we sat down in two chairs. My back was killing me, but it was worth it. Heath complimented us, “It looks very nice, ladies.” I smiled greeting, “You are very early.” Heath smiled at me. Carry said, “Well, I’m going to get ready.” I nodded.

Heath came in and sat down. I asked, “What’s up?” Heath said, “We never talked about me knowing about the fact that Chase was married. Or that I knew he was your string since you turned eighteen.” I admitted, “It makes sense to me now why you told me it was ok if Noah wasn’t my string, That I could still be with him if I wanted. I was very confused by that statement at the time, but you knew he wasn’t my string.”

Heath acknowledged, “Yes, that’s why I said it. I thought Noah made you happy, but that wasn’t even a quarter as happy as you are with Chase. I’m sorry.” I turned assuring him, “Heath, you have nothing to be sorry for. I wasn’t ready to meet Chase the day my heart was broken. You were in a bad place too. I’d have liked to help you, and if we are going to split hairs; I’m most upset you didn’t let me in to help you.” He looked surprised.

I gave him a look continuing. “We both know I couldn't have handled knowing Chase was married. Hell, I handled it badly when I did find out. The entire situation was close to getting to where Chase could just tell me he got an annulment and explain the whole shebang to me. That would’ve been the best way. Maybe it’s not the most mature way to handle things, but that’s how I would’ve preferred it had happened.”

I admitted, “I know that that’s not great. I should’ve just wanted to know upfront, but I can’t say that I wouldn’t have taken a bad turn. I could’ve decided the tail and getting sick was worth taking pills. I wish I could say I wouldn’t have made that choice, but I can’t. I don’t think I could’ve handled it before I found out about the twins.”

I took both his hands assuring him, “I’m not mad at you for keeping that to yourself. You did the right thing. I couldn’t have handled it then. I would’ve felt weak for wanting drugs, which is exactly what I thought about when I did find out. I just had two very good reasons why I couldn't give in to that.” Heath sighed and hugged me. He said, “No one could ever call you weak, Lex. I thought you just didn’t have time to feel how mad at me you were yet.”

I shrugged admitting, “I honestly can’t think of when you could’ve told me. After the whole thing, I was broken. Then I decided I wanted to meet my string organically. How were you supposed to come say ‘Hey Lex, our strings are married to each other? We are going to have a very weird family life situation.’ You could’ve told me knew when I told you I’d met my string, but we were taking down walls between us at the time. I can’t fault you for that. We both kept secrets.” Heath smiled at me and kissed my forehead.

I pulled back and looked at him in warning, “If you do something like that now, and I’ll kick your ass.” Heath laughed, “I promise no more big secrets.” I nodded, “I’ll take that.” Then winced. Heath was instantly concerned, “Lexi?” I confessed, “So, it might have been a bad idea to insist on setting up everything myself. My back is unhappy about it.”

Heath offered, “Let me get you back to the house.” I said, “I need to get to Ted’s. I’m helping him get ready.” Heath frowned, “If you’re sure.” I confirmed, “I’m sure.” Heath helped me to Ted’s. Ted came out frowning. I said, “I’m fine. I just had to make sure all your decorations for the wedding were just so.”

Ted gasped, “Lexi Scott, you were not to lift anything!” I defended myself, “I only did a few!” Heath, Ted, and now Matt staring at me, brows raised. I sighed, “What do you people want from me? They were doing it WRONG! No amount of instruction was going to help them. I HAD to do it WITH Carry’s help.” They stared at me.

I clapped, “Kincade helped too! Does that count for anything with any of you?” Matt sighed, “I’m going up to the main house so this can become your central hub. I’ll tell Chase you’re here, Lexi. He’s going to lose his mind about you helping set up without bothering to wake him up for help.”

I commented, “For someone who should be a light sleeper all I’ll say is my alarm went off, I took a bath. I waddled around, and don’t tell me I’m quiet. I’m a giant elephant right now. Maybe he was ignoring me.” Matt snorted, “He wasn’t.” He left.

Heath said, “Take care of her, Ted.” Ted answered, “Always.” Sally zipped up to us. I argued, “We are taking care of Ted right now, Heath.” Heath ordered, “No more lifting and or moving things.” I conditionally agreed, “If everyone leaves the event space like I left it I have no reason to lift things.”

Heath rolled his eyes, “I’ll see you guys later. I’m sure you’ll make a handsome groom, Ted.” Ted agreed, “I’ll look fabulous. Let’s just hope Hanshit doesn’t ruin my damn wedding.” I said, “I hope he’ll re-group longer. Haley is coming to the wedding. I can’t imagine they want to see her again so soon.”

Ted laughed, “If she manages to get off her FINE specimen of a man. Did you guys SEE his abs through his torn shirt yesterday?” I said, “I’ve seen him shirtless.” Ted gasped, “BITCH!” I laughed, “Ted, they are constantly naked. You’ll see him without a shirt eventually.” Ted fanned himself, “So very true.” We went inside.

Ted walked into his bathroom and turned on the water for his tub. He turned to me, “Get in. Don’t think I don’t see you wincing.” I rolled my eyes. Sally told us, “I’ll bring brunch in here for us to eat.” I said, “Thanks, Sally.”

I got into the tub. Sally came back and handed me water and a chicken Caesar salad wrap. I smiled, “You are amazing. Never believe anyone who says otherwise.” I ate it and got out of the tub. Ted had robes for us.

I admitted, “I haven’t even asked about our dresses.” Ted smiled, “Well, they aren’t the same.” I laughed, “Alright.” Ted assured us, “You’ll both love them.” He sipped on his mimosa. Ted had so much fun helping us do our hair. He did my make-up and Sally’s. He was better at putting it on than we were ourselves.

Ted handed me a garment bag and stood back clapping. I smiled and opened it. I looked up, “Ted.” He clapped again, “It’s fabulous right?” I agreed, “It’s perfect.” The top was black and right where my bump was, there was a bow that flowed out into red. Ted squealed, “IT EVEN HAS POCKETS!” I smiled, despite the fact that my back was killing me. I hope he got me flats.

He came back with a shoe box. I laughed, “You got me slippers?” Ted tisked, “Of course!” I laughed and got up to kiss his cheek. I declared, “I love you so much, Ted.” He and Sally held the dress up so I could put it on over my head. Ted zipped me up and I was relieved it fit. I actually felt sexy in it. I said, “Sally’s turn!”

Ted zipped out and back with another garment bag. Sally’s dress had a sweetheart neckline and a halter top to it. It was tight until right before her bump and flared out. Ted and I helped her into it. I smiled, “You look beautiful.”

Sally shimmied saying, “LOOK AT MY BOOBS!” Ted yelled, “I KNOW, RIGHT? I decided it was past time for the world to see them.” Sally laughed, “Ted, you are so bad!” I said, “Ok, let’s get you in your suit.”

Ted nodded and grabbed his suit bag, opening it up. He had a white dress shirt with a red jacket with black on it and a vest topped off with black shoes and black pants. He put everything on. I stood back and fanned my face. “You look amazing!” Ted questioned, “Do I? I thought the red might be too bold a choice.” I shook my head reiterating, “No, go look. You look amazing!” He flashed out then agreed, “I do look great.” We all laughed.

We walked outside and found Frank pacing. I told them, “I’m sure I’m in trouble.” Ted agreed, “You did lift things.” Both Ted and Sally flashed back inside, and I stepped outside the barrier. I asked, “Frank?” He jolted, “God, that’s weird. Chase sent me to check on you. He’s none too happy hearing about you lifting things and whatnot.”