Page 76 of Love Me Like You Do

“I can always convince Konrad, Michael, and Finley to call you Grumpy?”

“I’m not Grumpy,” he sneers with a scowl.

“Case in point, old man. Now, gimme my present.” I stretch out my arm and wriggle my fingers in the ‘gimme, gimme, gimme’ kind of way.

“Finally, bridezilla appears.”

“Hardy har har, Daddy.” It’s been a running joke lately, everyone waiting for me to flip my lid because I’m so meticulous with everything. But that’s why lists were made and I made deadlines early. It’s like fate is on #TeamKanopie or would we be #TeamCalane? Nickname aside, everything has been smooth sailing and in a few short minutes, I will officially become Calliope Heatherington.

Daddy hands me the box, I’m about to lift the lid when there’s another knock. Once again, Dad answers and once again it’s the same kid. “I have another delivery for the bride?” he shyly says.

Without saying anything, Dad outstretches his hand and the kid places a smaller box on Dad’s palm. The kid is looking directly at me and he smiles. “You make a stunning bride,” he quickly throws toward me before he hightails it out of here.

Earning himself a growl from Dad, I shout out a “Thank you,” as Dad slams the door closed.

“Little punk-ass, flirting with a woman on her wedding day.” Laughing at Dad, I hold out my hand for present number two. He hands the new gift to me and since it’s smaller and currently in my hands, I open it first.

Inside is an envelope with my name handwritten and beneath that is a beautiful silver key ring. My eyes well with tears when I see ‘Mrs. Heatherington’ engraved on it. Wiping at my eyes, I open the envelope and pull out the notecard, and as I begin to read, my eyes once again well with tears.

Cali,

You have made our dad happier than we’ve ever seen him before. Sure, one of your new stepsons is older than you, but age is just a number.

We’ve been the awesome foursome for a while now but after today, we’ll be the awesome fivesome … welcome to the family Momma Cal.

Love

Konrad, Michael, and Finley

PS. We promise never to say Momma Cal again

A laugh spills free and I run my finger over the engraving on the key ring.

“You okay, Princess?” Dad asks, handing me a tissue.

Nodding, I dab at my eyes, careful not to smudge my makeup. “Yeah, my new step kids are pretty awesome.”

“Well, they had a good role model in their dad … and his best friend.”

“That they did, but I think it’s mostly from my future husband.”

“Let’s agree to disagree.” We both laugh. “What’s in the other one?” He points to the bigger box.

“I’m not sure. How about I open it?”

“That’s generally how presents work.”

Lifting the lid my eyes widen when I see the logo on the box inside the box—Christian Louboutin—and I immediately know what this gift is from Kane. Opening the second box, I reveal my new shoes. My breath hitches and my eyes once again well with tears as I lift one of the gorgeous shoes. Before me is a pair of “Very Lace” Louboutin open-toe pumps. The off-white lace and mesh upper matches my dress perfectly and are the perfect accompaniment to my dress, with the red sole offering a splash of color just for fun.

Seems my fiancé has been sneaking a look at my browsing history. I found these dream wedding shoes a few months ago but I would never spend that much on myself. However, it seems, my almost husband does. Instead, I spent more than ever on the pink lingerie and garter set that I’m wearing underneath my dress. I cannot wait for Kane to see the latest pink set I bought. Over our time together, I think Kane has bought me every available pink set from Monty’s and by now, he’s probably a major shareholder in the company.

Placing the stunning pumps back down, I pick up the card, flip it over, and read.

My Sunshine. My soon-to-be-wife,

Every girl deserves a gorgeous pair of shoes on her wedding day.

Hope they’re the right ones.

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