Page 191 of Between Secrets and Obsession

“What time is it?” he asks, and I realize I need to go back to the dressing room.

“I need to get back to Soph.”

“You should. Love you.” We kiss again, and I pour myself into him.

“Love you too.” I wink before walking away.

By the time I get back to the room, Sophie’s slipping on her dress and Mom and Lennon are helping with the buttons inthe back. The photographer is busy taking photos, and once Sophie’s all dressed, I stand in front of her, and we exchange a big hug.

“You look so gorgeous!” I beam. “Mason’s gonna pass out in shock,” I tease, wiping the corners of my eyes.

“Don’t you dare cry,” she says. “If you start, then I’ll start, and we don’t want to ruin our makeup.”

“I know. I’m just so happy for you guys.”

Lennon pats Sophie on the shoulder and my mother and her step to the side, grinning proudly. “You’re all ready to go,” Lennon announces.

“Okay, can we get the four of you together,” the photographer asks, and we happily pose. The camera clicks a few times, and when she’s done, she shows us some of the shots she’s gotten so far. Already they look so good, and I can’t wait to see them all.

“Sophie, I have my partner bringing Mason so we can get a few before the wedding shots, but I’ll make sure he doesn’t see you yet.”

“Oh my God, I love pictures like that!” I exclaim. “There are so many creative ones on Pinterest.”

“Then you’re gonna adore what we have planned,” she replies, and Sophie follows the photographer.

“Guess we should start getting lined up then?” Lennon asks as soon as our father walks in. My heart is racing thinking about the ceremony, and I can only imagine how Sophie feels right now. The photographer positions Sophie against the door and tells her to wrap her hand around the door, and when Mason gets closer, she directs him to the other side of the door so he can’t see Sophie. It’s such a cute pose, and I can’t wait to see the shots. Once they’re done, I tell the soon-to-be-married couple we’ll see them at the altar before we make our way to the back of the church.

As soon as Hunter sees Lennon, he greets her with a kiss, and Liam is hesitant, but I kiss him anyway. I might be more brave because I know my Dad is with Sophie and my mom isn’t around yet. My parents will find out sooner or later, and while I don’t want to explain everything right away, I’d rather not hide the way I feel about Liam either. We did that for way too long already. We’re laughing and goofing off when Mason arrives with my bouquet I forgot in the bridal suite.

“Ooh, thank you. You’re a lifesaver.”

Mason laughs. “No problem.”

“You nervous?” I ask.

“Nah. I’m ready.” He grins.

The music starts, and when Alison comes around the corner, I get all emotional again. She’s the cutest flower girl in the world as she walks down with Bentley, one of our cousin’s sons. Liam places his arm around me, and I lean into him, feeling his warmth.

“I’ll see you soon,” he tells me, kissing me sweetly before he and Mason walk to the side door. They wait to enter the front of the room.

Mason didn’t invite his father because there’s still too much bad blood between them but his mother is here. She walked out with his stepdad after all of our grandparents. Mom is ushered down next, and when she takes her seat, the big show is about to start.

Once the assistant pastor from my parents’ church comes into view, so do Liam and Mason. Lennon is the matron of honor and glides down the aisle alone with her beautiful bouquet of red roses. I take a deep breath and look behind me when I see Sophie and my dad. I wave at her, then turn around and walk.

My eyes land on Liam as I make my way down, but he’s already staring at me. My body heats, and though fifty peopleare staring at me, the only person who matters is Liam. The smile never fades as I make it to Lennon, who wraps her arm around me and squeezes.

Alison moves forward throwing the flower petals on beat, and Bentley holds the cutest little sign that says “Here Comes the Bride.” My heart melts. Lennon stands so proud as Alison continues forward, then goes and sits by Mrs. Locke. For being only two, she did a great job. When “Canon in D” starts and Sophie and our father appear, that’s when the tears I was holding back begin to fall.

Sophie glides toward us, and while we stare at her, her eyes lock on her man. I catch a glimpse of Mason’s face, and he’s in complete and utter awe of his bride. When she greets him, he whispers something in her ear, and Sophie blushes. I glance at Liam, and our gazes lock, electricity streaming between us. I want to tell him how much I love him and how I want to spend forever with him, but I think he already knows. Something flickers in his eyes, and I can’t stop thinking about how handsome he is. And that he’s mine.

The ceremony runs smoothly, and everything about their love is admirable. Sophie and Mason say their I Do’s, and soon they’re sealing their love with a passionate kiss. Thank God for waterproof mascara and the tissues Lennon gives me because I’m overcome with emotions. They’re finally starting the life they always dreamed of having together.

After the photographer takes more pictures, the reception begins, and I look out the window to see a layer of powdery snow covering everything. Sophie got her dream wedding. The party is quaint and doesn’t last as long as most receptions, and I imagine it’s because the married couple is ready to bang each other’s brains out. I’m laughing at the thought of it as we all say our goodbyes. I wait for my parents to leave before Liam and I do so they don’t get suspicious, and I won’t have to answer anypersonal questions. The last thing I need is to be added to the prayer list or be given “the talk.”

Liam opens the truck door for me, and I climb inside. He holds my hand and kisses my knuckles before we drive the short distance to the small cabin he rented that overlooks the lake. We had the rehearsal and dinner last night but were too tired afterward to enjoy the space, but now we’re both buzzing from the wedding and can’t keep our hands off one another.

As soon as I walk inside the cabin, I look around and gasp. Music plays softly, and wood crackles in the fireplace as the flames dance. Chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne sit on the small coffee table in front of the couch. I glance back at Liam, who’s watching me intently with a smirk on his lips.