Page 71 of Forever with the CEO

Nick: By amazing, you mean sexy?

Allison: Nick!!!

Nick: Just trying to get the facts.

Allison: No, you’re trying to get a rise out of me.

Nick: Is it working?

Oh, it definitely was. The impulse to flirt almost took over, but I fought it bravely and decided to switch topics.

Allison: I’ll tell Bob & Sophie.

Though I planned to do it literally at the last minute on Friday so they wouldn’t be tempted to come.

I spent a lot of time looking at bridal websites for my fake ceremony attire before deciding on a gorgeous dress from a local designer. He made what he described as “nontraditional” wedding dresses because they were colorful.

Mine was light pink with flowers of black lace sewn on the top. I splurged a bit on it, but I could afford it. I was so short on time that I didn’t even go to pick it up myself and instead had it delivered to the house. It arrived three days before the big event. When I came home with the twins from daycare, a huge box was sitting on the doorstep.

“What’s inside?” Annie asked.

“My dress for Saturday. Want to see it?”

“Yes!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands.

Jack didn’t seem to understand what the excitement was about, but he dutifully followed his sister, and they both sat on the couch, watching me as I opened the box.

“It’s a princess dress,” Annie said, “like mine.”

“Yours is more beautiful,” I told her.

I’d splurged on their outfits too. They were so damn cute. Jack had a little tuxedo, and Annie had a gorgeous gold dress because that was her favorite color right now. I loved spoiling her. Both of them, really.

“Do you want me to put it on?” I asked them.

“Yes!” Annie clapped her hands again.

Jack looked confused, but he clapped as well.

Oh, my darlings.I loved them so much.

“I’ll be right back.”

I changed in the bathroom with the door ajar so I could still hear what they were up to. I’d sent in my measurements, and the designer promised me that the dress would fit perfectly. I was usually skeptical about these things, but I figured, why the hell not? Thankfully, it fit like a glove.

I hurried back to the couch, and Annie giggled as I approached, but then her smile fell.

“You look like Mommy, Auntie Allison.”

My heart gave a mighty sigh.

“Thank you, Annie. Your mommy was very beautiful.”

I sat between them. They both instantly put their heads on my lap, and I caressed their hair. It was part of our everyday cuddle routine. Suddenly, I wondered what it would look like with Nick here, considering this was going to be his bed. But I had too much to think about to worry about logistics right now. It would all work out one way or another, as Nick insisted.

“All right, it’s time for dinner.”

“Can you wear your dress the whole night, please?” Annie asked.

---