Page 48 of Wanting Alex

“What are we going to do?” I whispered, unsure if it was to myself or to Dec.We needed to end the engagement without bringing shame to either our family or Tori’s.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “We know Alex feels just as strongly about us as we do her. Even if she hasn’t said it yet. But I don’t know if she’ll ever want to remarry. Her ex-husband was a real piece of work.” Declan had filled me in on the conversation he’d had with Alex.

“I guess let’s take it slow for now. We continue to show Alex how much we love her and ask her to marry us in a few months. It’s up to us to show her that marriage, to the right people, makes all the difference. If she turns us down, then we will at least have tried.” My throat tightened. I couldn’t think about losing Alex. If she rejected us, I’d hate myself and my mother forever. Her for pushing this situation on us and ruining any chances we might have with Alex, and myself for agreeing to the arrangement in the first place.

“She said yes to the gala. Let’s make sure it’s a night she’ll never forget. I told her we’d have Martin take her shopping, but I promised she’d get help.” Declan rubbed the back of his neck.

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle the help. You go tell Martin to be ready to take her.”

I wasn’t sure who had the easier task. Declan was the one who volunteered him for the job, so he was the one who needed to break the news to him. The poor guy didn’t know what was coming. All day with a group of women, shopping.Not Martin’s favorite thing.

Checking the time, I threw on my coat and made my way out to the indoor arena. Blake and Grace would finish up a workout soon. I’d catch them at the end.

Opening the door, I was hit by the warmth of the space. It was almost too hot with all my layers. We needed to make sure it was warm enough for the rider and the horses. It was too brutal to train outside with the cold winds and ice. Although, they were used to training in the summer heat, the heat of the indoor arena was a piece of cake.

Sweat immediately rolled down my spine as I peeled off a layer. Rounding the corner, I spied the girls in the center of the sandy space.

Grace dismounted, and they began walking in my direction.

“Looks like I missed practice.” I stepped onto the sand.

“Hey, Thomas. Sorry we just finished. Did you want to see anything?” Blake asked. “I can have Grace do another round if you’d like.”

I held my hands up. “No. No. I’m here for a different reason. I need a favor.”

“From us?” Grace laid her hand on her chest in mock surprise.

“Yes. Well, and from Jessie,” I said. There was no way they didn’t know how serious we were about Alex, but us taking her to the gala solidified it.

“Present!” Jessie’s voice rang out, and she jumped down from the viewing perch to join the other two.

“What can we help you with, boss?” Blake’s forehead creased.

“I was hoping you three might go with Alex to pick out a dress for the gala. She’s going as my date, and said she has nothing to wear.” I raked my fingers through my hair.

The girls all smiled at me.

This couldn’t be good.

“What?” I asked.

Jessie squealed, jumping up and down.

“You really like her,” Grace stated.

“Yes. I do.” I let out a deep breath. “I want to make sure she enjoys the event. If she accepts us, then there will be many more in the future.”

“Awww. That’s so sweet.” Jessie leaned against Grace. The two of them wrapped each other in a hug, rocking back and forth.

“When did it hit you?” Blake asked.

While what she was asking was personal, I didn’t mind sharing with her. These three came to us and embraced our culture. If they could trust Declan and me enough to let us support them, then I could openly share my feelings.

“When Grace got hurt.” That was when I knew. The first time I saw Alex, it felt like I’d been hit in the chest by a bull.

The three of them swooned.

“And I hope you don’t mind me taking up one of your Saturdays. You can blame Declan on that one. He promised her tomorrow morning. Martin will take you all to pick her up, and you can decide where to go from there. Jessie?” I pointed to the dreamy eyed blonde and tried not to laugh. “You know what the event will be like. I assume you have a dress already.”

---