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CHAPTER ELEVEN

ALEX

“ I can’t believe how beautiful it is here. It’s like I always forget until I come back.” Smiling, Alex stood at the window that overlooked the grounds, now decorated for the wedding, and the ocean beyond. “The lawn looks amazing! Your wedding is going to be spectacular.”

Lacy grinned. “It was a lot of work, but I think we finally got everything sorted. Thank God, Logan and Dani were able to get Gage off the hook for the break-in.”

Alex shuddered. “I still feel awful about that.” She went over to the coffee carafe that Drake’s housekeeper had sent up to their suite and poured herself a second cup. “Did you see the video once Dani had a chance to work on it? How did she manage to get a copy?”

Lacy stretched out on the soft white sofa.

“I have no idea. I suspect Detective Connors sent Logan a copy because his tech team was having trouble with it. Logan didn’t say who, but that was the gist of it.

And yes, I saw the real video with all of the fake stuff removed.

It was creepy. The guy really did look like Gage, well, what you can see of him.

The hat was pretty low, but the jawline was the same. ”

Alex took a long sip of coffee and swallowed.

“I’m just glad it all worked out in time for your wedding.

” She glanced at her watch. “We need to get moving. The hair and make-up people will be here in a few minutes. I can’t believe how late it is.

We really slept in. It was so nice of Drake to let us stay here last night. ”

“Yes, it was kind of him,” Lacy agreed as she climbed to her feet.

“No going to see the groom before the wedding and all that? Glad you’re sticking to at least one tradition. I cannot believe you wouldn’t let me throw you a bachelorette party.”

“What do you mean? We went to the spa and had a fantastic time, and then went shopping in Milan. I think that qualifies as a bachelorette.”

Alex grinned. “Okay, true. Still, should we have gone out dancing or something?”

Lacy shrugged. “We tried, remember? And the guys showed up, so I think we just have to let it go.”

“Fair enough.” The knock at the door startled Alex, and she bustled over to answer it. The housekeeper was standing outside.

“The hair and make-up ladies are here.”

“Right. Tell them we’ll be down in a minute.” Alex whirled around. “This is it. Time to get ready.”

Lacy crossed the room, linking her arm in Alex’s. “Let’s do this.”

Two hours later, Alex walked back into the suite to find Lacy lounging on the sofa. “What are you doing? You need to get dressed. Let me help you.”

Lacy smiled and got to her feet. “Are you ready?”

“Do you know me?’ She scoffed. “My bridesmaid dress is in my bedroom. Your hair looks fabulous. I love how you left it down to curl around your shoulders.” Alex narrowed her eyes at her friend. “I am still annoyed that you haven’t let me see the dress. I can’t believe you picked it out without me.”

“You were there,” Lacy said. “You saw all the dresses I tried on. I just went back later and picked one.”

“Yes, but I’m dying to see which one. I know the one I would’ve picked.” Alex loved the strapless gown with the sweetheart neckline and exquisite beading on the bodice. It was exactly the type of dress she would like to get married in someday.

Lacy started toward Alex’s bedroom. “Let’s get dressed. I want to see you in your dress, and then I’ll slip into mine.”

Alex frowned. “Shouldn’t the bride get ready first?”

“Come on,” Lacy grabbed her hand and let out a little squeal of excitement. “I can’t wait any longer.” She tugged Alex into the bedroom and went right over to the dress bag hanging on the closet door. “Open it,” she demanded.

Alex frowned. “This isn’t the bridesmaid dress we picked out.

I know because that garment bag is black.

” She reached up and unzipped the bag all the way to the bottom.

Her heart gave a small lurch as she realized that Lacy had picked the dress she had wanted.

“Lacy, this was my favorite. It will look divine on you. I am so happy for you.” Alex shot her friend a smile.

The gown was strapless, with a fitted bodice that curved into a soft sweetheart neckline, flattering her shoulders and collarbones.

She’d tried it on at the store. Lacy had insisted that they both try some on.

This one looked amazing on her, and Alex had fallen in love with it.

Tiny crystals and delicate sequins were stitched into the bodice, catching the light with each subtle movement, adding a hint of sparkle without being overpowering.

The smooth ivory silk mikado was cinched at the waist before flowing into a full A-line skirt that moved gracefully as she walked around the store.

The subtle train trailed behind her, giving the gown a touch of drama that felt just right.

She sighed. It was her dream dress, and it would look stunning on her best friend. “Let’s get you into it.”

Lacy’s lip quivered, and her eyes filled with unshed tears.

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

Lacy shook her head. “Nothing. Nothing is wrong.” She reached over and tugged slightly on the dress. “This isn’t my dress. It’s yours. All this time and effort was for your wedding. Yours and Mitch’s.”

Alex stared at her friend as her heart pounded against her rib cage. “I— What do you mean? Don’t be silly. This is your wedding. You and Logan have been working on it for months.”

“Yes. For you and Mitch. We knew you both wanted to get married, but you were so afraid of getting a license because the paparazzi would find you and blow up your lives.” Lacy grinned.

“You know when Logan and I disappeared a couple of weeks ago for a few days? Well, we went to Guam and got a wedding license in your names. It wasn’t strictly legal because we aren’t you, but once you’re married, we’ll send the paperwork off, and you will be legally married without the world finding out. ”

Alex felt her knees wobble. “Seriously?” she whispered. “Guam?”

Lacy laughed. “Yes, seriously. You and Mitch deserve all the happiness, and Logan and I wanted to give you the wedding you both wanted.”

“Oh my God,” Alex breathed and then threw her arms around her best friend. “This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Oh my God, I’m going to cry.”

“No! It will wreck your make-up,” Lacy chided, but hugged her friend hard. “I’m so happy for you.”

Alex pulled back and stared at the dress. “I just can’t believe it.”

Lacy caught sight of the clock over her friend’s shoulder. “ Ack , we need to get moving. Let’s get you into the dress.”

A half hour later, Alex stood in front of the three-paneled mirror alone.

Lacy had left to get dressed, and the truth was, Alex needed a couple of minutes to take it all in.

It was such a shock. She was getting married!

Married ! She never thought it would be possible without her family’s sordid past being splashed all over the gossip sites and newspapers.

Yet, here she was dressed in her dream gown. She turned slightly so she could see the whole gown. It was so beautiful.

Her long blond hair had been swept into a soft updo, leaving her neck and shoulders bare, and allowing the row of pearl buttons down the back of the dress to shine.

Lace appliqués with a hint of shimmer edged the hemline, tying in with the beaded detail above.

A sheer veil, trimmed in matching lace, had been pinned into her hair with a simple crystal comb.

The look was polished, timeless, and quietly stunning—just like she’d always dreamed it would be.

The whole thing took her breath away. She blinked back tears. Never had she ever thought she would be loved so much by so many people that they would do this for her. She was truly fortunate in so many ways, and she was forever grateful for finding this love.

She moved to the window, fingers resting lightly against the glass as her gaze swept over the estate grounds below. The late afternoon light bathed everything in a golden glow, soft and warm, as if the entire scene had been dipped in honey.

The lawn stretched out like a manicured carpet, vibrant green and impossibly perfect.

Rows of white chairs were arranged in graceful arcs around a floral-draped arbor that stood like a promise at the edge of the bluff.

Pale blush and cream roses twisted through the archway, their petals trembling as they caught the breeze that rolled in off the ocean just beyond.

Round tables, each draped in crisp linen, were scattered farther back, their centerpieces already gleaming with crystal and soft candlelight, waiting for dusk to fall.

Strings of lights hung from wooden posts, ready to flicker to life as evening settled in.

Waitstaff moved with quiet precision, placing final touches, while musicians tuned their instruments beneath a white tent set just off to the side.

Beyond it all, the ocean shimmered. Endless and blue, it stretched toward the horizon, where the sun was just beginning its slow descent. The waves rolled in gently, their rhythm like a heartbeat in the distance.

“It’s beautiful,” she murmured to herself, voice barely above a whisper. “Like something out of a dream.”

“Yes,” Lacy agreed as she came to stand beside her friend.

“I have one more surprise for you. The reason you couldn’t reach Leo is because he’s here.

He’s going to walk you down the aisle. He couldn’t answer your calls because he said he can’t lie to you and you would know right away that something was up. ”

“Oh my God!” She hugged her friend hard. “You have made my dream wedding a reality. I can’t ever thank you enough for this.” She swallowed the lump of tears building in her throat.

Lacy eased out of the hug. “This is my thanks to you for all those times you saved me from extreme loneliness when we were at boarding school. You are part of my family. I would do anything for you.” She offered her best friend and true sister a smile.

“And now it’s time to go get married. Are you ready? ”

Alex’s smile was so wide, her cheeks hurt. “So ready. Let’s do this.”