Page 103 of Vain
“I don’t want it aired until I fly back home. The media will swarm this place, looking for me, and this weekend is about Blake and Callie.”
She swallows. “Would it be weird if I told you I really like you?”
I chuckle, relaxing further. “Not at all. I think it will make the whole thing go a lot smoother.”
I look at Aiden. “Think Tom will mind if we film at the house? I want to do it somewhere private, and that way I can start getting ready when we’re done.”
He pulls out his cell phone. “Only one way to find out.”
I walk down the hallway just as Kellen pulls up. I hear Tom open the door for him and Aiden say something that makes him laugh.
I’m running slightly late, thanks to the interview, but Aiden has the patience of a saint. I slip my earrings in and stand back to look in the mirror. I take in my reflection and do a little twirl. I opted for a deep burgundy tie-back maxi dress with a plunging V-neckline. It has long, sheer sleeves with elastic cuffs that are dark enough to cover the scars underneath. The mermaid-style skirt skims the top of my strappy sandals. The dress is secured at my neck with three buttons and a wide sash is tied at the base of my back to keep everything in place while leaving the back completely open. It’s a daring look for me, given how much I usually cover up. But nothing is on show that I’m uncomfortable with, and I want to knock Aiden’s socks off.
My hair is in an elaborate updo, held in place with a million pins. A few curls frame my face, and as the dress is such a striking color, I’ve kept my makeup light.
“Hey, Tilly, you ready?” Aiden calls.
I take a deep breath and ensure I have my clutch with my phone and money before heading down to meet them.
Kellen spots me first, his mouth dropping open before he wolf whistles. “We have Hollywood royalty in the house tonight!” he calls out, making me blush.
Tom walks over, looking dapper in his suit, and kisses my cheek. “You look beautiful, sweetheart. My ride is here so I’ll meet you there. Make sure you save me a dance.”
“You got it.” I watch him leave before turning to find Aiden.
I freeze solid when I see him on one knee, with a ring box in his hand. “I planned to do this a million different ways, but youwalked out here looking like an angel, and I can’t wait another second to make you mine. Matilda Carson, will you marry me?”
“Oh god, I’m gonna cry,” Kellen whispers. I walk slowly toward Aiden in shock before bending down and kissing him. “Is that a yes? Please say that’s a yes,” Kellen whispers.
“For the love of god, Kellen!” Aiden snaps.
“It’s a yes,” I choke out.
Aiden’s head whips back around. “You said yes?”
I nod, tears springing to my eyes. “I said yes.”
He’s off his feet and swinging me around moments later to Kellen whooping and hollering. He places me back on my feet and gently slides the ring onto my finger.
“It’s beautiful.” And it is. It’s a Primrose diamond with floral clusters that enhance the center gemstone.
“As soon as I saw it, I knew it was the one.”
“I helped,” Kellen chimes in.
Aiden shakes his head as I laugh. “That’s where you disappeared to yesterday?”
“I did meet up with the guys and do everything I said. I just went ring shopping first.”
“Wow. I don’t even know what to say. I’m still in shock, I think.”
“Good shock, right?”
“The best.”
“I hate to break up the happy tidings, but we have another wedding to get to first. Move it or lose it, kids. Congratulations, sweetheart.” Kellen kisses my cheek before heading out to the car.
“We better go, too,” he says, sliding his hand around my waist to the small of my back. He freezes.
