Page 63 of Dex

Later, when he kissed me, that kiss stole my breath away.Not just because of how it felt, but because he made the first move.I hadn’t expected it.There’s only so much of an act we can put on in front of Raquel, but it’s clear Dexter wanted me to believe it, too.

Why did she have to show up?

I don’t know if things would’ve gone further between us tonight if she hadn’t, but now I’ll never know.

The car is silent as Dexter drives through the dark streets.He hasn’t said a word, and the tension in the air is suffocating.I glance down at my phone, desperate for something to do.That’s when I see the email.

I gasp, my eyes widening, because I don’t believe it.

“What is it?”Dexter glances at me in concern.

I swallow hard.“Your father.”

“What’s he done now?”

“He copied you in on it, too.”

“What has he done?”Dexter asks, his fingers tightening around the steering wheel.

“He sent an email to both of us.”

“What does it say?”

I hesitate before reading it aloud.“Subject: Wedding Arrangements.”

He makes a disapproving sound.“Go on.”

I clear my throat, feel the blood rushing to my ears as I stare at the email.It looks so formal.Like a work email.An agenda.Not something for a wedding.I start to read.

Subject:Wedding Arrangements

Dexter, Daniela,

I have spoken with your parents, Daniela, and we have finalized the necessary arrangements for the wedding.The details are as follows:

The marriage will take place 2 weeks from today.Daniela, this allows you some time in which to return home and make necessary preparations for your wedding dress, etc.

The civil ceremony will be conducted privately, on the same day, to ensure legal formalities are completed without unnecessary delays.I have expedited the marriage license and secured a judge to officiate.

The public ceremony: the event the media and guests will see, will follow in the afternoon.It will be held at an appropriate venue with a carefully selected guest list.If you so choose, you may elect to get married at your family home.I believe this is something your parents would prefer.”

The wedding details, including logistics, press coordination, and venue selection, are being handled between myself and your parents.There is no need for additional involvement on your part.

---