Page 82 of Four Fiances & I

I nod through my own tears whilst smiling.

“Absolutely. You have still been with us every step of the way, and I can’t imagine you not standing with these two when I marry my men.”

Abbi squeals before throwing her arms around my neck. I hug her back, desperately trying not to cry.

“Thank you, Jaz.”

“Don’t ruin your makeup!” Danielle laughs behind me. Abbi and I step apart, grabbing tissues from Verity as she waves them at us, giggling as we dab under our eyes.

“I’m so happy right now!” Verity giggles excitedly as she throws her arms around Abbi, who hugs her back. Considering they only met one other time before tonight, they instantly became friends. Danielle and Abbi have known each other for years, thanks to their fathers knowing each other, but they never really talked before we started planning the wedding.

Looking around the room at my three bridesmaids, I realise just how much my life has changed for the better since the O’Reillys made me theirs and as much as I love them for saving me, I love the strength they have given me as well. I would never have had the guts to stand up for myself against Danielle or anyone before them. There really is nothing in this world that would make me give up those four men.

I go to pick up my phone, feeling the need to tell them how much I love them, but Danielle grabs it and places it in her bag.

“That is being confiscated for the night. You can have it when we are on our way home,” she declares. Abbi laughs a little too loudly next to her, making me wonder just how much she has had to drink today.

“You know they will freak if they can’t get hold of me,” I point out.

“They already know you won’t have it. None of us will.”

“What?” I ask, confused. Danielle smiles at me before turning to Verity.

“You and Christian worked out the rules, so you can explain.”

Verity smiles as she turns her attention to me.

“Because the O’Reillys have upped security, there have been a few changes to tonight. But don’t panic. I ensured they were all good and wouldn’t impact the amazing time we will have.”

Taking a deep breath, I sit on the edge of the sofa and try to prepare myself.

“Okay, hit me with them.”

“Okay, so rule number one, which you already know, is no social media.” I nod, as we had all promised not to share our locations today in case my socials were being watched.

“Rule number two: no phones. I don’t think you’ve noticed, but we haven’t had our phones all day, only you. Tonight, no one other than Layton and two other security guards will have their phones. Everyone’s meeting us at the club and has already agreed, and we have told them it's due to publicity and the O’Reillys having designated photographers there, which they have organised. Luckily, Layton’s sister took photography in college and still does it on the side. So, all moments are still going to be captured.”

I look at Danielle, who lives on her phone. She rolls her eyes, shaking her head, and I can’t help but laugh.

“FYI, I don’t like that rule. But I will do it for you,” she sighs, sipping her drink, but I don’t miss how one side of her mouth lifts.

“Rule three,” Verity announces, returning my attention to her. “The venues for tonight have changed, and no one is to know where until they arrive.” I’m not even surprised by that one.

“Let me guess, it’s one of their clubs, which they closed for the night to ensure they can control who goes in and out of it.”

“Ding. Ding. Ding. We have a winner!” Danielle announces loudly as the rest of us laugh.

“Yes, even I don’t know where it is. All I know is a chef is there to make our food for tonight, as well as bar staff, waiters and plenty of security.”

“So, how does everyone know where to go if you don’t even know?” I ask, frowning. Nearly all the other dancers from the school and a few people who work backstage and costumes are coming.

“I have been busy organising pick-up times from people's houses the last three days. Security is helping to pick people up and deliver them to the club. They also know to hand their phones over to security if they feel the need to bring them. They will all be searched before getting into the cars, so they don’t try to sneak any phones in. They have all agreed and know that if they don’t comply, then they will be removed.”

“Which none of them want because they know they are having a night in an O’Reilly club with a free bar!” Danielle smiles, turning to Abbie as they tap their glasses together.

“I’m sorry you all had to go to so much trouble.” I look around at my friends before focusing purely on Verity. “You have so much going on, and you have still organised all of this for me.”

“You deserve this, Jaz, more than anyone we know. Your men agree, which is why it’s been worth every moment of stress. Plus, it was nice to have something different to focus on.” I can only imagine what's been going through her head with everything. I’m about to tell her how much I love her when there is a knock at the door.

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