Page 35 of Secrets and Lies

The gown was strapless, with a fitted bodice that curved into a soft sweetheart neckline, flattering her shoulders and collarbones. She’d tried it on at the store. Lacy had insisted that they both try some on. This one looked amazing on her, and Alex had fallen in love with it. Tiny crystals and delicate sequins were stitched into the bodice, catching the light witheach subtle movement, adding a hint of sparkle without being overpowering.

The smooth ivory silk mikado was cinched at the waist before flowing into a full A-line skirt that moved gracefully as she walked around the store. The subtle train trailed behind her, giving the gown a touch of drama that felt just right. She sighed. It was her dream dress, and it would look stunning on her best friend. “Let’s get you into it.”

Lacy’s lip quivered, and her eyes filled with unshed tears.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Lacy shook her head. “Nothing. Nothing is wrong.” She reached over and tugged slightly on the dress. “This isn’t my dress. It’s yours. All this time and effort was for your wedding. Yours and Mitch’s.”

Alex stared at her friend as her heart pounded against her rib cage. “I— What do you mean? Don’t be silly. This is your wedding. You and Logan have been working on it for months.”

“Yes. For you and Mitch. We knew you both wanted to get married, but you were so afraid of getting a license because the paparazzi would find you and blow up your lives.” Lacy grinned. “You know when Logan and I disappeared a couple of weeks ago for a few days? Well, we went to Guam and got a wedding license in your names. It wasn’t strictly legal because we aren’t you, but once you’re married, we’ll send the paperwork off, and you will be legally married without the world finding out.”

Alex felt her knees wobble. “Seriously?” she whispered. “Guam?”

Lacy laughed. “Yes, seriously. You and Mitch deserve all the happiness, and Logan and I wanted to give you the wedding you both wanted.”

“Oh my God,” Alex breathed and then threw her arms around her best friend. “This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Oh my God, I’m going to cry.”

“No! It will wreck your make-up,” Lacy chided, but hugged her friend hard. “I’m so happy for you.”

Alex pulled back and stared at the dress. “I just can’t believe it.”

Lacy caught sight of the clock over her friend’s shoulder. “Ack, we need to get moving. Let’s get you into the dress.”

A half hour later, Alex stood in front of the three-paneled mirror alone. Lacy had left to get dressed, and the truth was, Alex needed a couple of minutes to take it all in. It was such a shock. She was getting married!Married! She never thought it would be possible without her family’s sordid past being splashed all over the gossip sites and newspapers.

Yet, here she was dressed in her dream gown. She turned slightly so she could see the whole gown. It was so beautiful.

Her long blond hair had been swept into a soft updo, leaving her neck and shoulders bare, and allowing the row of pearl buttons down the back of the dress to shine. Lace appliqués with a hint of shimmer edged the hemline, tying in with the beaded detail above. A sheer veil, trimmed in matching lace, had been pinned into her hair with a simple crystal comb. The look was polished, timeless, and quietly stunning—just like she’d always dreamed it would be.

The whole thing took her breath away. She blinked back tears. Never had she ever thought she would be loved so much by so many people that they would do this for her. She was truly fortunate in so many ways, and she was forever grateful for finding this love.

She moved to the window, fingers resting lightly against the glass as her gaze swept over the estate grounds below. The late afternoon light bathed everything in a golden glow, soft and warm, as if the entire scene had been dipped in honey.

The lawn stretched out like a manicured carpet, vibrant green and impossibly perfect. Rows of white chairs werearranged in graceful arcs around a floral-draped arbor that stood like a promise at the edge of the bluff. Pale blush and cream roses twisted through the archway, their petals trembling as they caught the breeze that rolled in off the ocean just beyond.

Round tables, each draped in crisp linen, were scattered farther back, their centerpieces already gleaming with crystal and soft candlelight, waiting for dusk to fall. Strings of lights hung from wooden posts, ready to flicker to life as evening settled in. Waitstaff moved with quiet precision, placing final touches, while musicians tuned their instruments beneath a white tent set just off to the side.

Beyond it all, the ocean shimmered. Endless and blue, it stretched toward the horizon, where the sun was just beginning its slow descent. The waves rolled in gently, their rhythm like a heartbeat in the distance.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured to herself, voice barely above a whisper. “Like something out of a dream.”

“Yes,” Lacy agreed as she came to stand beside her friend. “I have one more surprise for you. The reason you couldn’t reach Leo is because he’s here. He’s going to walk you down the aisle. He couldn’t answer your calls because he said he can’t lie to you and you would know right away that something was up.”

“Oh my God!” She hugged her friend hard. “You have made my dream wedding a reality. I can’t ever thank you enough for this.” She swallowed the lump of tears building in her throat.

Lacy eased out of the hug. “This is my thanks to you for all those times you saved me from extreme loneliness when we were at boarding school. You are part of my family. I would do anything for you.” She offered her best friend and true sister a smile. “And now it’s time to go get married. Are you ready?”

Alex’s smile was so wide, her cheeks hurt. “So ready. Let’s do this.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

MITCH

“Thanks.” Mitch accepted a glass of champagne from Logan.

They were standing in a large suite, one floor below the ladies, that had the same view of the lawn below. He called over his shoulder, “What’s taking so long? Do you need help, Gage? Been a while since you put on a suit?”

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