Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 85135 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85135 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 426(@200wpm)___ 341(@250wpm)___ 284(@300wpm)
“I’m pretty sure today’s the day. It definitely said Christmas Eve on the invitations,” he says, turning to me and lifting up either end of his bow tie. “I can’t get it to look right.”
“I’ll do it,” Tommy says, racing toward Beau. “I’m a pro.”
“But can you tie a bow tie?” Beau asks, chuckling.
“It’s a good thing I like you so much,” Tommy says. “I don’t think it’s tradition on either side of the Atlantic for the Man of Honor to get into a fight with the groom.”
Dax comes through the door of the hotel suite at the Dorchester, where we’re getting married, looking immaculate as always.
“Who did your bow tie?” Beau asks.
He shoots Beau a look that says you’re an idiot. “I did, of course.”
Tommy does Beau’s bow tie perfectly on the first try. “There,” he says.
“Wow,” Beau says. “Looks good. Where is everyone, Dax?”
“Waiting for you,” he says. “Both of you.”
“I’m nearly ready, right?” I ask the people flitting in front of me.
“Ten minutes,” they chorus.
“Are you two supposed to be in the same room before the ceremony?” Dax says.
“Would never have taken you for a stickler for tradition.”
“I guess whatever floats your boat.”
“I’m excited to marry Beau,” I say. “And I want to share that with him. I don’t see why I shouldn’t spend as much time as possible with my favorite human on my wedding day.”
“When you put it like that,” Dax says, “it’s logical.”
I laugh. “Exactly. And logic is the reason we’re all here on Christmas Eve.” It was the only date we could do this year that everyone we loved could make. I didn’t want to spend another Christmas, or another New Year’s, not being married to Beau.
“I’m excited for my first Cove Christmas,” I say.
“It’s going to be weird this year,” Beau says. “All of us here and not in the kitchen peeling potatoes with Dad screaming at Dog.”
“But at least you can spend it with Vivian’s family?” Dax says.
My family are staying into the new year. Although they’ve all met Beau before, we haven’t spent much time together.
“It’s only for one year,” I say. “Until they’ve finished the work on the house.”
John was persuaded to build a larger house on the grounds of their current house, and the current house will serve as a guest house for extended family who need a little separation from the Cove chaos, like my parents. This year, we’re all staying at the hotel, along with Madison’s mom, Kate’s granny, and various other family members and friends.
“And this year I get to celebrate Boxing Day,” I say excitedly.
Beau smiles. “You need to manage your expectations on that front. Boxing Day isn’t…well, what is it?” He turns to Dax.
“The day after Christmas Day?” Dax suggests.
“We usually just go for a walk and then eat leftovers. Play board games.”
Beau and I share a look. Where would we be without board games?
“Sounds like my perfect day,” I say.
“Apart from today, right?” Beau says, laughing.
I grin. “Well let’s see. It’s time for me to get into my dress.”
Beau presses a kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you down there. Ready for the beginning of the rest of our lives.”
“Can’t wait,” I reply as my makeup artist reapplies my lipstick.
This morning has been chaotic and joyful and just about as perfect as a wedding morning could be. I have a feeling that’s what life has in store for me from now on. A beautiful, joyful life with a fake fiancé I almost never met—and almost never married.