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“Geez! He’s a keeper.”
“I know, right.”
“Who would have ever guessed? I’m so happy for you, Ems.”
“How are things back home? Anyone special in your life?”
“As a matter of fact.”
“What? Who is he?”
“His name is Adam. He’s a math professor.”
“He must be so intimidated by you,” I smirk.
“Oh, totally. I mean, I am the smartest math nerd on the West Coast,” Dannie grins.
“Correction. You’re the horniest math nerd on the West Coast.”
“You got me.”
“I’m sorry you couldn’t bring him along to the wedding, Dannie.”
“That’s okay. I understand. As it is, I had to do quite a bit of globe trotting to get here. Talk about zig zagging. No one would ever have guessed where I was going.”
“Yeah, we’re being careful.”
“Hey, I'm not complaining. I love traveling. Gotta use up those frequent flier miles somehow, right?”
“Is my veil okay?”
“Stop faffing. You look gorgeous. Lucas is going to trip over his tongue when he sees you in this dress.”
“Ah, thanks, Dannie.”
“Okay, ladies. It’s showtime,” says Joanne. “The sunset is upon us. Oh, my word, Ella. You are a vision.”
Dannie and I share a quick glance.
“Let’s go,Ella,” Dannie teases as soon as Joanne is out of earshot. “Time to make an honest woman out of you.”
* * *
“Welcome to your new home, gorgeous,” Lucas says as he pulls off my blindfold and carries me across the threshold of the most beautiful house on the beach.
“What? How did you manage to sneak this one past me?” I cry out in delight.
“I get up to all sorts of things while you and Davie have your naps.”
“Oh, wow, Lucas! It’s beautiful.”
“I thought we needed a fresh start. And what’s fresher than a brand new home for our little family?”
“Oh, Lucas. You’re so adorable.”
“Wait until you see the main bedroom. It has a stunning view of the ocean. You can watch the whales and dolphins from the comfort of our bedroom now.”
“Thank you, my love. For everything. Thank you for loving me enough to leave LA behind. Thank you for bridging Dannie to our wedding. Thank you for a beautiful baby boy. And thank you for this. I love it.”