Page 139 of One Time in Paris
ISLA
Paris, France
“Remindme why I agreed to this whole spectacle again?” Isla asked, eyeing herself in the full-length mirror. “I feel ridiculous.”
Mum came up beside her and made a small adjustment to the birdcage veil pinned into Isla’s hair. “To make me happy,” she said with a wide smile. “Estás bella. No te preocupes.”You’re beautiful. Don’t worry.
“Actually, it was because millions of viewers demanded it,” Callum said dryly from his perch by the balcony. “And because getting out of that Travelog contract was a nightmare.”
At his side, Liddy rolled her eyes, poking him in the ribs. “You’re so romantic.”
“I’mhonest,” Callum said with the hint of a grin, then kissed his wife on the cheek. “Which is something to be said among this group.”
From the other side of the room, Elle dropped her mouth open in mock offense as she fixed the white headband that Tara had pulled off her head again. “I resent that,” Elle said. “Tara did nothing to be lumped in with the rest of us.”
Megan came into the room then with a bottle of champagne in her hand and Davy at her heels. “Can I get one of the guys to open this for me? I’m always afraid I’m going to break something when the cork pops out.” She looked hopefully at Callum and Kyle.
“Megan’s not a liar either,” Isla pointed out as Callum took the bottle.
Megan laughed. “What’s that?”
Callum sighed. “Apparently, Megan, it turns out that you and I are the only ones in this wedding who don’t struggle with the truth.”
A loud pop sounded as the cork flew across the room, landing harmlessly on the floor. Kyle snapped it up. “In my defense, I was barely involved. No one bothered to ask me anything, so I didn’t reallylie.”
Davy cringed. “Do we really have to have this conversation now?”
Isla left her mother’s side and went over, holding a hand out for Davy.
The first time they’d talked in Paris—a month ago—had been tough. But things felt almost back to normal now.
Isla knew how much she needed her friendship. And despite not being completely honest, Davy had fought with Antony and Boyd about the final cut of the show—resulting in the romantic version that had enraptured viewers so much that a larger network was now streaming their little travel show.
Davy had been promoted—which she’d only accepted under the condition that she be moved to executive producer for future episodes of the series—and Tomas and Kyle had been offered a contract for more cities and spinoffs.
Isla had turned the offer down.
Acting would always be there if she wanted it, but the truth was that she had moved on. Maybe an occasional job would be fun to keep her creatively energized, but she didn’t want to pursue it full-time anymore.
As Davy slipped her hand into Isla’s and squeezed it, they shared a smile. “You look beautiful. The perfect bride.”
Isla glanced back at her reflection. Rather than a traditional wedding gown, she’d chosen a tea-length white dress with a soft, floaty skirt and off-the-shoulder ruched sleeves. Delicate pink silk flowers trailed the hem like something from a dream. She felt—finally—Parisian. And just a little chic.
A tap sounded on the suite door, and Elle hiked Tara onto her hip, then went over to it and opened it. “Can I come in?” Aiden asked.
“No!” the women in the room—except Isla—all called collectively.
“Oh, it’s fine,” Isla said, rolling her eyes at them.
“It’s bad luck,” Mum said with a warning look. “Wait until after the wedding.”
“Is it any worse luck than not actually even remembering the wedding?” Isla asked with a laugh, then crossed the room despite their protests. She nudged Elle to the side and opened the door fully.
Aiden stood there, her dad and Quinn with him. “We’ve come to collect the women,” Quinn said flatly. “Everyone is ready and waiting.”
Isla’s eyes collided with Aiden’s, and her heart skipped a beat.God, he’s so sexy.
And he was hers. Herhusband.
