Page 45 of Break: Vol. 2

I quickly flipped through my text messages, responding to Roxi to tell her about the place the guys had picked out … and how we were apparently already moving in. Then I found the messages from my parents and reassured them that I’d be there to pick them up when they got to the JFK Airport.

“Silk & Co. right?” Cody asked as he pulled into the parking lot of the bridal gown company I’d purchased my dress from a few months ago.

“Yeah, stay here. I’ll be right back.”

I popped the door open just as he turned off the car. “Wait, I’ll—”

“Nope,” I stopped him before he could say anything more as I turned and planted a kiss right on his mouth. I backed up as he blinked at me. “The groom isn’t supposed to see the dress before the ceremony.”

He grumbled. “You’re already married,” he reminded me. “This is just for everyone else.”

I shook my head. “That was just a piece of paper; this is the real deal,” I replied.

“But—”

“Don’t worry, I’ll be back before you know it!” I slammed the car door shut on my way out, leaving him gaping after me as I traipsed inside.

I rushed through the hallways leading to the floor my bridal gown company was on, and after that, it was a really fast last fitting and final payment. I winced as I slid the card Dex had given me for this purchase across the countertop. The lady smiled at me as she rang me up, but my eyes avoided the price tag tucked neatly in a folder of all of my measurements and notes from previous fittings.

“Congratulations on your nuptials, Mrs. Smythe” she said as she filed the receipt into the folder and handed me a copy along with my dress in a white opaque bag.

I nodded, taking the bag from her, satisfied that it was at least hidden from view so the guys would have no clue what they were getting into tomorrow. I headed back out into the parking lot and found Cody sitting in the car with the phone pressed to his ear.

“Yeah, no, we’ll be there anyway. Yeah, we have to pick up her parents,” he was saying as I got in and shut the door.

He glanced over at me and turned the ignition, starting the car. “We’re on our way to the airport now. I haven’t heard anything from … uh huh … yeah, I’m driving. Talk to you soon. Bye.”

“Who was that?” I asked as Cody set the phone into the console and turned out onto the highway.

“Taylor. He’s got everything moved over to the Balden,” he answered. “We’re meeting him, his parents, Dex, and Dare and his parents tonight at theLancasterfor dinner.”

I took a deep breath. “Wow, this is really happening, isn’t it?”

Cody glanced over and reached out to take one of my hands from my lap. “It’ll be okay, Jamie. Whatever happens. We’re here with you.”

I nodded, but that still didn’t relieve me of feeling like the world was about to explode. Who knew how all of our parents were going to take the news that they weren’t just here to see me and Dex get married, but to see me and all of the guys get married. I sucked in a breath and held it for the longest time—until I felt faint and the only comfort I drew came from the hand Cody squeezed. I prayed that everything worked out and nothing that happened tonight would ruin tomorrow’s happiness.

* * *

"Mom! Dad! We're over here!"I lifted my arm and waved it back and forth as I saw the top of my Dad's graying head with his signature Indiana Jones hat. I sighed. Of course, he'd bring that thing. My mom trailed behind him, almost a foot shorter than his six-three frame.

"Jamie." My dad spread his arms wide and lifted me up against his chest. "How's my little girl?"

I laughed, pressing against his chest to get him to let me down. He did so with a grin as my mom circled his side and swept me up once more, smothering me down into her giant chest. I gasped, pushing against her, but unlike my father, she was less willing to let go.

"We've been so worried!" she cried. "Moving to New York City of all places!"

"Mom!" I winced as she squeezed me even tighter. "Can't breathe here!"

"Cody?" My dad turned as Cody approached with a small smile.

"Hello, Mr. Houston, I hope you don't mind that I'll be your driver today."

"Of course not, son." He clapped Cody on the shoulder. "We appreciate you taking the time to help out. I'm sure you're ready for your friend to get married so you don't have to do stuff like this anymore, am I right?"

I finally managed to escape my mother's grasp as I pushed away, gasping for air. "Why don't we go ahead and head out," I said quickly, halting any further conversation. "Here, let me get your bag for you." I snatched up my mom's carry-on and started towards the exit.

In the background, I heard Cody chuckle as he responded to my father—taking his extra luggage as well. "It's truly no problem."

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