Page 6 of From Us, Forever

“Look here!”

Heat blossomed on my cheeks as I aimed my eyes at him. With one look at those blues, the air in my lungs evaporated, and I couldn’t stop the genuine smile that tugged up my lips.

He looked at me with so much love that it sparked my soul.

“I love you,” he whispered in my ear before his soft lips swept across mine in a faint kiss. Even though it was chaos on the outside, the world around us went dead quiet.

I didn’t care that a thousand cameras were trained on us. At that moment, it was just him and me, and that was all that mattered.

It wasn’t long before Jay nodded to the cameras, and a publicist led us farther away from the carpet. I stuck to Jay’s side as he greeted a few people but kept walking toward the entrance.

“That was… blinding.”

He chuckled. “That wasn’t what I expected you to say.”

“Is it always like that?”

“Most times.” He shrugged. “Will you be okay from here? I see Gabe around the corner. Why don’t you chat with him while I finish some interviews with the boys?”

I nodded as I placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Go on, I’ll be fine.”

He grinned, giving me one last squeeze on my waist as he glided away, leaving me alone by the entryway.

Sucking a deep breath, I stepped inside, ignoring the hushed whispers surrounding me. The adrenaline from earlier made me braver and less intimidated.

The glittering lights flickered through the crystal drops of the chandeliers, the shades casting a soft glow of gold andamber. Murmurs of pleasantries and deep conversations leaked into my ears as I walked farther, trying hard not to limp.

Everything was elaborate, from the decor to the lighting and immaculately dressed crowd, with the air carrying a deep sense of approval from the smiles apparent on everyone’s faces.

“Evy, there you are,” a familiar voice called out before a hand clamped over mine and pulled me to a table at the far right.

“Gabe,” I said as I came to a stop before his anxious face. “How are you?” I greeted him with a tight hug.

“Nauseous,” he answered, looking pale.

“Why?” My brows knotted.

“Have you forgotten!? I’m the event planner, Evy, and it’s my first big event.” His eyes were wide, filled with panic as we parted. “I have no clue what’s happening. Are the centerpieces perfect? The seating arrangement? The lights? The decor? Is everything working out fine because I’m losing my fucking mind?”

“Gabe,” I insisted, my hands going straight to fix the crooked bow tie he had probably wrung with worry. “You’re fine, and everything is perfect. Stop worrying.”

An audible sigh left his lips. “I know, but it’s my first time planning something like this for someone so big. I’m a nervous wreck at the moment.”

“It’s understandable.” I gave his shoulder a tight squeeze. It was his lifelong dream, and to have a start at this scale could definitely be nerve-wracking. “But you’ve done an exceptional job, so all you have to do now is relax and feel proud. Let the team handle the rest.”

“You’re right,” he mumbled as he visibly relaxed, and a small smile lifted his lips.

“Fuck, thank God, Evy. That’s the first smile I’ve seen on his face ever since he started complaining last night. I didn’t catch an ounce of sleep,” Rory pitched in from Gabe’s side, blowing out an exasperated breath.

“Oh, shut the fuck up.” Gabe rolled his eyes but pressed a kiss on Rory’s cheek, and he pulled him close in his arms.

I shook my head, grateful he was back to his usual self.

“Hey, guys.” A soft voice reached our ears.

My head snapped back. “Lily.” My smile widened at the sight of her, and I pulled her into a tight hug. “You look gorgeous,” I whispered, taking in the tight black dress flowing overher petite frame. Her short ink-black hair swept over her shoulders, and her violet eyes glimmered under the golden lights.

“You’re more pretty, E,” Lily muttered.

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