Page 141 of Fall I Want
Winter bumps my body with hers. “How are you?”
“Happy,” I whisper.
The helicopter pads, where we land, are housed on the other side of the property. Once we’re back on the ground, I watch someonewalk across the grass like it’s a runway. By the gait alone, it’s obvious it’s Harper. When she is close, she smiles wide.
“Wow,” she says. “My brother won’t be able to hold it together when he sees you. And vice versa, he looks handsome.”
I blush. “I had a dream he was wearing a steel-gray tuxedo.”
“Recently?” She tilts her head at me and narrows her eyes.
“No,” I laugh. “Years ago.”
“Ah. I guess we’ll see.” She scans my face. “Makeup is still good. I told Oliver to make sure it was waterproof. He guaranteed you could go swimming and still have a face.”
I chuckle. “I’m grateful.”
“It’s the least I can do.”
We continue walking toward the staging area for me and find my father standing patiently in place, waiting for me. The sound of warming string instruments drifts quietly in the chilly mountain air. Harper checks her watch. “We’re right on time. Are you ready?”
I shove my hand in my pocket and feel the letter Zane gave me. “I will be in just one second. I have to read this.”
“I’ll give you some privacy,” she says as I unfold the paper and turn my back. My eyes scan over the handwriting, which looks like an elegant script.
Pumpkin,
My beautiful bride. How is this my life? It’s a question I’ve asked myself since the moment I saw you.
While you were sleeping this morning, I wrote this for you. Right now, you’re lying between the silk sheets, breathing softly, with your hair splayed across the pillow as sparkling sunlight leaks through the windows... I wish you could see how fucking gorgeous you are.
When our eyes meet, I know you’re the woman I’m supposed to be with for an eternity. Things are moving fast; I don’t care. I’ve waited a lifetime for you.
Itry not to cry, not wanting to ruin my makeup. “Harper. I’m sorry, do you have a tissue?”
“Of course,” she tells me, pulling a package from the pocket of her burnt-orange dress with a swoop in the front. “I never attend weddings without them. Five minutes,” she says with a wink. “Time to get you hitched, sis.”
I nod, soaking up the tears that threaten to spill and continue reading.
Unfortunately, Harper’s prophecy was wrong for once. She said that I’d marry the love of my life in Cozy Hollow. This will bother her for an eternity, and I won’t ever let her live it down. I hope you don’t either.
“What?!” I say out loud, rereading his words.“Harper.”
“Yes?” she singsongs.
I turn to face her.
“You knew I’d change my mind?” I study her, goosebumps covering my skin.
“Of course. How do you think all this happened so flawlessly? Booked it all on a hunch. I was waiting for you to wake up and realize it.”
“How?” I burst into laughter.
She shrugs. “Sometimes when you know, you just know. And oh, God, there is tons more to come.”
“Good stuff?”
She smiles wider. “Wonderful, beautiful, incredible, life-changing things. I’m fucking excited for you and my brother. Now,you have to speed-read so you can exchange vows at the perfect time.”
