Page 40 of The Way We Collide

Hayden Lucille Bradford is completely unexpected and very cool.

Raven named her after my mother, which kind of touched my heart. I didn’t even know she knew my mother’s name was Lucille. Dylan must’ve told her.

When I woke in the middle of the night and saw Raven sleeping on the couch, I quietly carried Haddy to her crib. She didn’t even wake up when I slid her from my chest to her mattress. Her little mouth began to move rapidly, sucking herpacifier, but she hugged Axel over her face and went right back to sleep.

Still, I was nervous to leave her there with me on the other side of the house and Raven in the home theater. So I crawled into the queen-sized bed in her room and went to sleep.

As soon as my eyes opened this morning, I slipped out before Raven could come in and check on her. Call me old-fashioned, but I didn’t want bad luck.

This might be a fake wedding, but I know the groom isn’t supposed to see the bride before their wedding.

Okay, technically I saw her in the home theater after midnight, but it was dark, and I’ve chosen not to count it.

I texted her first thing.

I’ve got a car service arriving here at ten-thirty. He’ll be waiting in the driveway.

Raven

Are you sure they can take us at eleven?

I think so. I think it’s a first-come, first-served type of thing.

Maybe I should’ve done a little more than half-assed research on that point. Still, how many people are showing up to get married on a Thursday morning around here? It isn’t Vegas.

Raven

We’ll be ready. I got Hads this cute little dress… Where are you?

Running errands—need to grab a few things. I’ll meet you downtown.

Raven

Wait! Haddy and I are going by ourselves? We can’t ride together?

I can’t see you til the wedding… it’s tradition—don’t be late!

Raven

Why are you being traditional? Are you dressing up? Are you renting a tux?

It’s not prom… I’m not sixteen. I own a tux.

Raven

Are you wearing it to our fake wedding?

Our wedding isn’t fake. It’s temporary, and no, I’m not wearing a tux. I do plan to wear a suit, tho.

Raven

So business casual? I can do that. Now I need to grab a few things Do you have a car I can borrow?

The fob is on a hook in the kitchen.

Raven

Hope I don’t get lost.

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