Page 135 of Dirty Husband

I can't stand up and screamthis is a normal marriage, really. Orfor God's sake, stop telling me how my wedding dress should make me feel. And don't add the pressure of pleasing my late mother on top of it.

Well, I can. But I'd rather not hear their frustration.

I can find a compromise. Something that honors my history, and my mother, without looking like I'm in a costume.

"I have an idea." For the first time, my heart swells at the thought of the wedding. It's perfect. "I think you're going to like it."

Chapter Thirty-Four

Jasmine

Lock works with me immediately. He whisks me to visit with a designer. I explain exactly what I want.

My aunts start issuing orders to the designer—their mom, my grandma—was a seamstress. I let them run with it. As long as they promise they won't tell my dad until it's ready.

The designer promises three days.

I spend most of my time with them. We walk around the Met, take in the sights of Times Square, watchWickedandPhantom of the Opera.

We eat real New York pizza. Good bagels. Vietnamese iced coffee and pho from a place in Chinatown. Of course, Mai hates it. She hates everything that isn't from her restaurant.

We even manage to bring Dad out one day. And walking around the park with him, seeing him laugh with his sisters-in-law, listening to them reminisce about his and mom's wedding—

It's worth everything.

The quiet dinners I have with Shep are nothing.

The three-day trip we plan to Rome is—

Well, I'm not exactly dreading it. Even if I'd rather not leave my family. Even if I have no idea why we're jumping through these hoops to impress someone as bland as Jeff.

I can't imagine his business partner Marcus is any more interesting.

Why do we care what they think?

I suppose it's above my paygrade.

For once, I don't worry about it. I enjoy the fresh air, the strong tea, the sunny skies.

For once, life is good.

Easy.

And when the dress finally arrives and I bring it to Dad's apartment and show it off to him—

He cries and hugs me and says, "Your mother would be so proud of you."

And I believe him.

If she knew the truth… It's like Quyen said. She would be proud of me for doing the practical thing, even if she secretly wanted me to follow my heart.

But hearts are silly things.

Sometimes, it's better to ignore them.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Shepard