Page 74

“I know this isn’t real, but we should make it look real. Plus…I want to get to know them. I only know Jude. He’s so great, funny and so kind and—”

“I get the picture.”

She laughs softly. “I know there’s no notice, but if even one of them could come, I’d be honored. I really want to get to know them. Maybe we could throw a party here or something to thank them.”

“Let’s not go overboard.”

“We’re going to have a party here at some point, Griffin, mark my words.”

I groan, but my heart’s fucking singing. This woman.

“And what about Chester?” she asks.

“He won’t come.”

“You sure?”

“The man hides when the mail delivery comes. He’d sooner publish his social security number online than go to a wedding in town.”

Sasha gives me the side eye but reluctantly agrees we’ll leave poor Chester out of it. She forces me to land on a time—four o’clock—to give everyone a chance to rearrange their days if they can. I don’t tell her I know all four of my siblings would quit their jobs if it meant seeing me get married. The only one who might not make it is Eli, who’s visiting Reese right now on tour somewhere in California.

“I’m sorry we can’t have your family here, too,” I say, seeing the sadness pass over her expression.

“It’s fine. I know it’s too risky.”

I feel like an asshole. I could get her whole family here. I have the resources, even if they need persuading. But I don’t want Sam Macklin anywhere near here, even if this marriage does make Creelman back off. Not until I learn just how closely the two of them are tied.

“You said there were two things,” I remind her.

“Oh. Right.” She stands up, and that’s when I see what she’s wearing. I hadn’t noticed before—I was too absorbed in her face. She’s got on a form-fitting white blazer, a lacy, silky top underneath, and trim white pants that hug every gorgeous curve. The pants end just above her ankles, and when I look to her feet, I see glossy white high-heel sandals that show off her bright red toes. That must have been what she was doing when she was in the bathroom all afternoon.

My throat goes strangely thick when she doesn’t say anything, just looks at me expectantly, and I realize she bought it minutes after I asked her to marry me.

“You look beautiful,” I manage, my words coming out stiffer than I want.

She smiles, looking almost bashful. “I was never going to say no, Griffin.” Then she goes back to my bedroom, the door clicking softly behind her.

CHAPTER21

Sasha

“Ahh! You’re here!” Chelsea Reilly, Griffin’s little sister and the baby of the Kelly clan, practically drags me inside her house. “She’s here!” Chelsea shouts over her shoulder.

This morning, approximately five minutes after sending a group text to his family letting them know he was getting married—today—Chelsea called Griffin demanding to speak to me. She very sweetly asked if I wanted help getting ready.

I really hadn’t thought everyone would be available to come to the quick wedding, let alone help me get ready.

“Hi,” I say, feeling a little shy. I’m not used to feeling shy.

Chelsea embraces me, hard. I’m not expecting it, but I can’t say I don’t love it. Her arms are tight, and she keeps making this little squealing sound.

“Sasha. We’re so, so,sohappy for you.” She holds me at arm’s length, her eyes wet.

“Oh,” I say, my throat growing tight. If only I were really getting married. I mean, I am, but for real. Chelsea’s acting the way I would have wanted Leila to if she knew I was getting married. And if she hadn’t fled from home when I was only eight years old.

“Well, if I’m being honest, I’m mostly happy for Griff,” she says, finally letting me go. “From what Nora tells us, he’s the luckiest man alive for having scooped you up. I still can’t believe he never said a word until now! Actually, never mind. I can believe it. Anyway. You look amazing.”

Chelsea’s clearly full of nervous excitement, which I absolutely get.