Page 33

Nathan grins. “Yeah. Because I knew I was in love with you, and I just had to have it because it was in your hands. I even thought about not washing it. But I did, just to be clear.”
“Wow, that is so sweet and yet also so creepy.” I laugh.
“Sweet and creepy, that’s my brand.”
This man, I swear. Every time I think I’ve revealed the innermost layer of him, there’s another one hidden underneath that takes my breath away. What amazing deed have I done in past lives for me to deserve him? I must’ve been a nun. Or maybe a war martyr. Or a really good, loyal doggo. Because this, right here, me and Nathan as a couple, this is a reward of some sort, and I don’t want to lose it. Shit, could I be any more selfish?
But is it selfish to want what I’ve dreamed of for years? I’ll just—I’ll go along with my family’s strategy. It’ll be fine. We’ll totally be able to outsmart the actual mafia and foil Staphanie’s plan without anyone finding out.
“I have a gift for you too.”
Nathan grins and rubs his palms together, and I punch him on the arm before giving him the box. I watch his face as he opens it, smiling as his eyebrows raise at the sight of the beautiful midnight-blue watch inside.
“It’s not a Chopard or a Patek Philippe,” I say apologetically.
“Those are overrated.” He takes the watch out and turns it over. The back has been engraved with just one word: “Meddy’s.” He laughs and puts it on immediately. “I love it.”
My chest constricts at his unabashed, boyish grin. I should tell him the truth. Even though it’ll ruin everything and land us all in prison, I don’t want to start my marriage by lying to Nathan. This is not how weddings are supposed to go: with the bride’s family plotting against their own wedding vendors, who are planning to murder someone. I should end the charade now.
“Nathan, there’s something I—”
There’s a commotion, a sound of rushing footsteps and vague shouts, and we turn just in time to see Ma and Second Aunt run out from the cloister, both of them gasping for breath.
12
“Meddy, ah, you are here!” Ma says, as though I would be anywhere else. “Ah, hi, Nathan, wah, you looking very handsome today, ya?”
Nathan’s eyes are as wide as I’ve ever seen them, though I’m not sure if that’s because of Ma and Second Aunt’s sudden appearance or because of their appearance, period. The latter is a lot to take in. Even for me, and I’ve already seen their outfits. The violently violet dresses, combined with the Komodo dragons and the huge hairdos and the stark makeup and matching sequined heels, are even more overwhelming than before. I nudge him and he blinks.
“Thank you, Ma,” he says, recovering quickly. “You and Second Aunt look... um, very fascinating.”
“Is called a fascinator, luv,” Second Aunt says, primping her Komodo dragon. “Very English, ya? You tell Meddy, she not believe this English tradition.”
“Um...” Nathan turns to me with wide, slightly panicky eyes. “Yeah... it is a fine English tradition...”
“Anyway,” I hurriedly cut in, “did you need me for something?”
“Ah, yes,” Ma says. “Meddy, you come up to the room, okay?”
“Uh, sure. I was just—when I’m done, I’ll come up.”
“Okay, sure, of course, yes, yes, you take time, yes,” Ma says, backing away with a manic grin.
I turn back to Nathan.
“Okay, no more time!” Ma says, rushing back to us.
“What?” I say.
“What your mama trying to say is, we got a bit makeup problem upstairs,” Second Aunt says.
Uh-oh. I’ve got a real bad feeling about this.
“Wait, but aren’t you the makeup expert?” Nathan says.
“Ah, yes, but the thing is...” Second Aunt falters. I can practically see her mind working frantically to come up with a convincing lie. “The makeup problem—the problem is Meddy face.”
Nathan looks at me. “Her face looks fine. Better than fine,” he says with a tender smile.