Page 247 of The Re-Proposal

Now that he’s no longer using a wheelchair, Joel towers over me.

He leans in to give me a hug and whispers in my ear. “There’s still time to run away together.”

I swat at him.

He chuckles. “If I have to concede to someone, I’m glad it’s Cody.”

“You should tell him that. I’m sure it’ll mean a lot.”

“Nah. I’ll let him stew a little more first. Can’t let him think I’ll go easy on him just because we share the same last name now.”

I grin.

Mimi storms into the room, looking amazing in a silver sequined dress. Her eyes cut to my face. She scowls in disapproval. “You were crying.”

“One little tear.” I cringe, showing her how small the tear was by hovering my fingers apart.

Mimi narrows her eyes. I don’t mind her pushiness. Like Cody, that cold exterior covers a warm heart. She’s been helping our entrepreneurs at the co-op dress for success. She’s also the one who found me this gorgeous mermaid silhouette dress.

“Come, come. No more tears or you’ll smudge the eyeliner.” She gestures forward in that rough way of hers. “And you. The son.” She snaps her fingers at Joel. “Time to go. The groom is ready.”

“That’s my cue.” Joel waves at me.

Regan and Abe stay behind since they’re the ring bearer and flower girl.

In the distance, I hear the live orchestra start up.

“Are you ready?” My mother offers her elbow.

“I’ve been waiting on this day for ten years.” I wink. “Let’s do this.”

* * *

The ceremony is beautiful.With the price tag attached, I expected nothing less.

Cody kept his promise to give me the wedding of my dreams—which to me means having all the people I love close. He flew in friends I hadn’t seen in years and even paid for their hotel stays so I could have them around me.

In exchange, I made sure to say yes to all the grand, expensive gifts he showered on me.

It’s a compromise we wouldn’t have been able to make ten years ago.

Looking back, I can agree with Cody and say we weren’t ready for marriage. Now, Cody’s priority is me. And now, I’m not afraid of his world, of the people who want to judge me for my past, where I come from, and the scars I’ve earned.

I’m proud to be me.

And I’m proud to be his.

They both co-exist peacefully.

“You may now kiss the bride,” the priest announces.

Cody dips me and lays a flaying-hot kiss on my lips that sends all his friends cheering. I feel dizzy when he sets me on my feet again.

“There are kids, sir,” I whisper, trembling still.

His lips nip my ear and his hot breath blows over my skin. “Don’t test me, princess.”

“And what if I do?”

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