Total pages in book: 136
Estimated words: 132951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 132951 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 665(@200wpm)___ 532(@250wpm)___ 443(@300wpm)
She’s mentioned wanting to pretend it’s real, so maybe if I do things right, she’ll want more than just pretend. Then she could be mine forever.
CHAPTER 23
DRED
“You look stunning.” Lexi adjusts my dress, fussing over me in a way that feels maternal.
“I cannot believe I’m getting married.” I turn to face her.
“As in, you want to do a runner, or you’re excited, or somewhere in between?” She holds up a finger. “And let me preface this by saying that any of those, or a combination, or an alternate version, is completely acceptable. And whatever you need from me, I’m right here with you—getaway car, hug, emotional support.” She opens her arms, and I step into them.
“I don’t want to run.” I squeeze her and step back. “Thank you for being such an incredible friend.”
“You’ve done the same for me. How are you feeling? Honestly.”
“Nervous. I care about him, Lexi.” These past weeks have shown me a different side of hockey’s most-hated player. He’s someone else when no one is watching.
“He cares about you, too.” She takes my hands in hers. “Even villains have a heart.”
The knock on my dressing room door startles us both. “Your bridal party is here!” Rix calls.
It’s really happening.
Lexi opens the door, and the girls flood in. Everyone has their own style of dress, but they’re all wine red.
“Oh wow! You look like a princess, Dred!” Callie’s eyes are wide with wonder.
Lexi steps in front of her before she can throw herself into my arms. “Are your hands clean?”
She gives her sister a look.
“Roman made her wash them before she came in here,” Fee assures us with a wink.
I bend to hug Callie. “Are you having fun this morning?”
“So much fun! I love weddings! Essie did my makeup, and they have the best snacks, and I love my dress, and we all look like we’re straight out of a fairy tale!” She barely takes a breath before she continues. “Will Connor be my uncle Connor now, like you’re my aunt Dred, even though we’re not really related?”
“I think Connor would love to be your honorary uncle.” I’m on the verge of tears.
Lexi must realize it, because she asks Callie to get something from her purse, and then I’m enveloped in more hugs and my hand is wrapped around a glass of something bubbly.
“Take a deep breath,” Hemi says.
I suck in some much-needed air.
“Your mascara is waterproof, so you’re all good,” Essie assures me. That she managed to do all our makeup and be part of the wedding party makes her a superhero.
“Take a sip.” Hammer taps the edge of my glass with a manicured fingernail.
I do as I’m told. It’s a mimosa, and mostly orange juice by the taste of it, with a hint of champagne.
“You look stunning, Dred.” Rix squeezes my free hand.
“You all look beautiful,” I tell her. “Where’s Flip?”
She smiles. “Waiting outside the door for you.”
I look around the room, grateful for their friendship. “We should do this, then, shouldn’t we?”
“Just let me touch you up.” Essie steps in to dust my face with translucent setting powder.
I give myself a quick mental pep talk. I’m securing my future, saving Meems and Connor from heartache, keeping my family close, and for a year, this beautifully broken, misunderstood man will be mine. And I’ll be his—maybe even kind of for real. I’ve at least glimpsed that possibility. No matter what happens, I don’t think I’ll make it out unscathed. But I’ll take the risk.
We make sure I have everything I need, and then Tally throws the door open. The girls file out, moving aside to reveal Flip. He’s dressed in a black tux, hair styled. He looks like he stepped out of the pages of a magazine. His expression warms when he sees me. “You are a vision.”
“You clean up pretty good yourself.”
Lexi touches my elbow. “We’ll just give you a minute.”
“Thanks.”
My friends move down the hall to a beverage and snack station—they seem to be everywhere.
“Seriously, Dred, you are beautiful beyond words.” Flip takes my hands in his. “You want this, right?”
I nod. “I want this.” More than I realized maybe. I get the fairy-tale wedding I never dared to dream of, and my family stays close.
His eyes search my face. “I believe you.”
“I know this hasn’t been easy, but I appreciate you so much, Flip.” There’s so much more I want to say, but the words get caught in my throat.
“I’m always going to have your back.” He kisses me on the cheek. “You’re my family. Nothing will ever change that, okay?”
“Okay.” Tears well, all my emotions bubbling to the surface. “I really needed to hear that.”
He wraps his arms around me. “I will always be your brother, Dred, and I will always stand up for you, no matter what.”
“I love you,” I whisper.