Page 86 of Forever to Fall
CHAPTER 28
“Are you sure I shouldwear the ring?” Mallory asked Beckett for the fiftieth time in as many minutes.
Beckett fidgeted as she pulled him closer, holding him in place with her one hand while the other rummaged in her makeup bag. “I don’t think this is necessary,” he muttered, angling his face away from her foundation sponge. “And I told you yes, wear it please. I’m not going out with my fiancée without the engagement ring.”
Mallory swiped a blob of foundation under his eye before Beckett could wiggle free. “Hold still,” she ordered, wiping the excess off and attempting to blend. “I won’t have you looking like a hooligan who gets into bar fights at their rehearsal dinner.”
“Pfft, I’d probably get a little more respect from your father if I did,” Beckett grumbled, but it was half-hearted. They both knew her father, while not a fan of most humans, loved Beckett.
“Uh-huh, I’m sure you want to look like that when we tell my family.”
Mallory had been uncertain about when to tell her family about their engagement. Her parents didn’t really know their full history, and her sisters would likely bombard her with a million asinine questions. More importantly, she didn’t want to steal CeCe and Evan’s thunder. This was their weekend, after all.
Beckett finally stopped fidgeting and sat still while Mallory smoothed out the foundation. While still obvious to her, it was harder to see the bruise. “At least your face isn’t swollen anymore.” She slid his glasses back into place and nodded. “That’s actually not too bad.”
“Just what every man wants to hear from the woman he loves,” he droned, but winked to soften the blow. “Can I kiss you now?”
“Nope,” Mallory said with a smirk. “I just put on my own makeup. You’ll have to wait until tonight.”
“Wow, tonight is going to be torture.” Beckett pouted, but she knew there was no heat in his words. He was just as excited to celebrate Evan and CeCe as she was. Plus, they were about to go public with their own news.
When they’d gone over to CeCe and Evan’s place the night before, they both agreed that Mallory and Beckett needed to share their engagement while everyone was together. Yet again, Mallory was touched by CeCe’s willingness to share her happiness with others. She was no bridezilla, and if anything, she appreciated slightly less attention on her.
“Shoot, we need to go.” Mallory checked her smart watch and grimaced. She forgot they had an extra thirty minutes to drive now that they were at the farm house.
Beckett had canceled his lease and already had most of his stuff back at the house. Mallory reached out to her landlord and got a deal on breaking her lease. Fortunately, Janis knew a former patient that needed a place ASAP. Within a week, Mallory—and Fernando—would be living with Beckett full time at the farm.
No more secrets.
No more hiding.
Just a future with the man she loved.
How on earth did she get that lucky?
Beckett snagged her purse and held the front door open. “Your chariot awaits, Ms. Lawson.”
Mallory checked her hair in the mirror by the door, pausing to tuck a rogue lock back into place. She’d spent nearly an hour braiding and curling her hair for the evening. “You know what I’m looking forward to?”
“When I get to call you Mrs. Foxy?” Beckett smirked, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
“Um, maybe we’ll work on the married nicknames. Evan gave his blessing for us to live happily ever after. Let’s not take the poor guy’s nickname, too.”
Beckett chuckled. “Fair enough. C’mon, the future Mrs. Fox.” He looped his arm in hers and strode to the car.
By the time they made it to the diner, the place was bursting at the seams. Max had shut down for the night, and Ginny and Natalie had decorated. When they entered the space, it smelled like garlic and cheese, yet the lighting was low and the tables had votives and tasteful flower arrangements. Mallory couldn’t wait to see what the ladies had in store for the wedding day, because this was already stunning.
“Mal, over here!” Emily waved from across the diner. Tyson toddled around her, talking to himself while Zach tried to catch him. Their eldest sister, Sophie, emerged from the kitchen with an armful of wine bottles.
Beckett took Mallory’s jacket and hung it by the door. “I’ll go help Sophie before she drops one of those.” He stepped forward before Mallory could say a word. Damn this thoughtful man. It was nearly impossible not to kiss him when he acted this way.
“Hey, Em.” Mallory greeted her sister with a quick hug before squatting down to grab Tyson. “Got you,” she teased as she held her nephew, his legs kicking for purchase.
“Hey, Mallory,” Zach said, handing his wife a glass of wine before offering one to Mallory. “I’ll take this goober. You ladies enjoy.”
Mallory raised her hand to wave at Tyson, but Emily snatched her forearm. “Ouch,” she huffed as her sister tilted her hand and squinted.
“What. The. Hell. Is. This?” Emily’s question was slow and deliberate, and Mallory had to fight from squirming free. Her voice even lower, she hissed, “Did you just steal the bride’s ring? Ev’s going to freak out.”
