Page 127 of Crash

“Why?” My voice came out barely above a whisper. “I mean, I told Blake I’d bought a gown.”

“Off the clearance rack, I know.” The pink-haired woman, whose name was Lily, I’d learn later, softened. “Dr. Morrison said, and I quote, ‘Tessa’s about to show the world what she’s capable of. Make her feel as extraordinary on the outside as she is on the inside. Whatever she wants, the sky’s the limit.’”

My throat tightened as warmth bloomed in my chest.

“Nope, no crying.” The hairstylist tsked. “We can’t have those pretty eyes getting puffy. Now, where can we set up? I still need to bring up your shoe options.”

The next hour passed in a whirlwind of pampering. Scarlett perched on a nearby stool, thoroughly enjoying the show as the team worked their magic. I kept my best friend’s perfect manicure but accepted a heavenly pedicure that had me practically melting into the chair. The makeup artist, who apparently worked for the city’s top fashion magazines, transformed my face with expert touches that somehow made me look like myself, only … more. My light-brown hair, usually falling in whatever way it pleased, was styled into elegant waves that caught the auburn highlights perfectly.

And then there was the gown.

“Holy shit,” Scarlett breathed as I emerged from the bedroom.

The emerald silk hugged every curve like it was made for me, which, given that Blake had somehow gotten my measurements during last week’s shopping trip, it probably was. The fabric cascaded to the floor like a waterfall, a daring slit revealing glimpses of the crystal-studded heels below. The sweetheart neckline made my neck look longer, more elegant, while the off-shoulder sleeves showed off collarbones that were no longer sharp with illness.

I barely recognized the woman in the mirror. Gone was the tired entrepreneur who’d spent a year fighting her own body while trying to launch a business. In her place stood someonewho radiated health and confidence. My skin glowed with vitality, my eyes bright with possibility rather than fever. The mistakes and setbacks of the past year didn’t feel like failures anymore; they were just steps on the path that led me here.

Until this moment, it hadn’t really bothered me that Blake had to work today. I told myself I’d be busy the entire time at the wedding and reception anyway. But now, looking at my reflection, I wished we could have had one dance together tonight. Just one. To celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another in my career, my health, and us.

“Ready?” Lily asked, smoothing an invisible wrinkle from the dress. “Dr. Morrison hired a car for you. It’s waiting downstairs.”

I took one last look in the mirror, seeing not just how far I’d come, but how far I could go.

“I’m ready.”

It wasn’t until I took the elevator down and stepped outside into the crisp air that I saw him.

Dressed in a tuxedo, looking handsomer than I had ever seen him, Blake pushed off from the black sedan behind him and walked up to me.

“You made it,” I whispered. “I thought you had to work?”

“I rearranged my schedule a week ago. Do you really think I would miss the most important moment of your career?”

My eyes stung.

“I was given strict instructions by your makeup artist to not allow you to cry. So, suck it up, Cupcake. We have a wedding to get to.”

“I guess youcanhave it all,” I mused to myself. Your dreamsandlove.

64

BLAKE

SINNERS & SAINTS GROUP CHAT

Axel: HOLY SHIT, HOLY SHIT

Axel: Our boy Blake is trending on Instagram???

Axel: Dr. Death actually owns a tux and knows how to smile???

Me: It’s called a wedding, jackass. Rich people post everything. You, of all people, know that.

Axel: I wasn’t invited to a wedding with hot, emotionally vulnerable women in formalwear??? This is a crime against humanity.

Axel: Wait.

Axel: IS THAT …