Page 12 of Returning to Rockport

“Morning.”

“What’s got you looking so chipper? Are you that excited for house shopping?”

Honestly, I had forgotten about our plans for the day, but I won’t tell him that. “Of course. Who wouldn’t be excited to go buy a house?”

He chuckles and stretches before sitting up. “Well, try not to get your hopes too high. It’s only our first time looking and I don’t want you to settle on something you don’t absolutely love. I want you to have everything you have ever imagined.”

My heart swells in my chest and I realize everything Tatum said was right. This man would hand me anything I asked for on a silver platter. I smile brightly and move to wrap my arms around his shoulders from behind.

“I already do. I have you.”

The memory of Colton’s hands on my waist still lingers in the back of my mind, but I do my best to push it away. I’m marrying Parker and he loves me. That should be enough, right?

4

I pull down the mirror to mess with my makeup for what’s probably the 100th time in an hour. Ivy chuckles from the driver’s seat, causing me to roll my eyes at her. I don’t wear much of this stuff often, so when I do, I never think it looks right.

“Will you stop? You’re going to end up resembling a raccoon if you keep fucking with it.” My best friend chastises me as she switches her focus between me and the road.

“I just need to look as good as possible.”

She hums. “Why? A certain brunette you need to impress?”

My blood runs cold at the mention of Colton. I never did check with Tatum to see if he was invited, but judging by our talk on Tuesday, I doubt she would allow him to attend.

“No. Some of Parker’s close family friends are going to be there and I’ve never met them before. I want to look my best.”

If she doesn’t buy my excuse, she doesn’t mention it. That’s one thing I can say about Ivy. If I need to lie to make myself feel better about something, she usually doesn’t call me out on it. She only voices her opinion if she knows I’m going to regret whatever it is I’m about to do. She’s the total opposite of Tatum.

Pulling up to the outdoor venue, I’m blown away. The sun is just barely beginning to set. Twinkling lights hang all around while other soft lanterns help illuminate the place. There are pink and white lace accents that work well with the ivory decorations. Teagan and the staff she’s hired did an amazing job.

I’m in awe as I climb out of the car and grab onto Ivy’s arm, using her as support while I take in the scene in front of me. Even she seems to be a little shocked by it all. As soon as we get close enough, someone comes to hand us each a glass of champagne. We thank them and both take a sip.

“This is incredible.” I mumble, slightly unable to speak. I can’t believe this party is for me.

“Well, this is what happens when you get engaged to one of England’s elite.”

I snort. “You make it sound like he’s part of the monarchy or something. He’s not.”

“Mhm, and how many vacation homes did you say his family owns again?”

“Twenty-three.”

Her eyebrows raise. “Oh, that’s all? I take it back then. He’s a total peasant. You could do better.”

I can’t help but laugh and shake my head. There are two things about Parker that make Ivy absolutely swoon whenever he’s near. The first is his accent. I never knew the girl had such a thing for British men. The second is his family’s wealth. She knows I’m not using him for his money, but she does envy the fact that I’ll never have to worry about finances.

“Now, if only I could find him.”

The two of us look around the venue which is already starting to fill with people, but none of them are my fiancé. He’s been at Harvard all day dealing with stuff for his upcoming semester, but he promised he would be here. I can’t exactly celebrate an engagement without the man I’m engaged to.

“Tatum!” I shout, getting her attention. She glances over at me for a second to wave, then excuses herself from the cater waiter to come our way.

“Hey, you’re here. What do you think? Do you like it?”

I nod enthusiastically. “It’s gorgeous! You’ve really outdone yourself.”

“Well, it was easy with the endless budget your fiancé was kind enough to give me.”

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