“Believe it, sweetheart, because it’s real and you’re going to become Mrs. Ian Braxton.”
“I love you so much,” I said as we kissed.
I couldn’t stop looking at my ring. It was stunning and elegant. Ian did the best job picking it out.
“You had this all planned out, didn’t you?”
“I sure did and I have another surprise for you, sweetheart.”
I didn’t know if I could handle another surprise. I was already on Cloud Nine.
“I professed my love for you in front of this beautiful tower once before, and now I asked you to marry me in front of this tower. Tomorrow at noon, you and I will be getting married and becoming one in front of the Eiffel Tower.” He smiled.
“What? Tomorrow? Are you serious, Ian?”
“Yes, sweetheart. I have everything arranged. Tomorrow at this time, you will be Mrs. Ian Braxton.”
“Oh my God, there’s so much to do. How did you—”
“Shh, I’ve taken care of everything. Adalynn and Daniel are already here in Paris and they’re going to be our witnesses.”
“But you said you had a meeting here in Paris.”
“I do, and that meeting is with you and our nuptials.” He smiled. “I had some wedding dresses sent over to Adalynn’s place and they’re there waiting for you to pick one that you want to wear. So, I think we should head over there so you can see them.”
I couldn’t stop smiling. I was in awe of this man and how much he’d changed since the first day I met him. We climbed into the limo and headed to Adalynn’s apartment. As soon as she saw the limo pull up, she ran to the door and hugged me, but then she pulled back.
“You said yes, right?” she asked.
“Of course I did.” I smiled as I showed her my ring.
Ian and I followed her inside and Ian stayed with Daniel while I went to Adalynn’s bedroom. “Tell me he said the most romantic things to you.”
“He did. He literally took my breath away and I’ll never forget this night. I can’t believe he arranged for us to get married tomorrow. That’s the most romantic thing in the world.”
“Can I be honest with you? I didn’t know he had it in him and I know he was worried you were going to say no,” Adalynn said. “Oh, and by the way, I know nothing about the wedding. The only thing he told me was the he needed Daniel and me here to be your witnesses and he was having dresses sent over. Speaking of which, let me show you these beauties.”
She opened her spare closet and it was filled with beautiful white wedding dresses. I felt like I was at the bridal store. I walked over and started to look at each dress.
“This is going to be too hard. I think I love them all,” I said.
“Here, let’s pull one out at a time,” Adalynn said as she stood next to me and pulled the first dress out.
After trying on the first four dresses, and loving each one, it was the fifth dress that made me feel incredible the moment I put it on.
“Oh, Rory. You look like a total princess in that dress. It’s gorgeous on you.”
I looked at myself in the mirror and stared at the white princess ball gown wedding dress with the sweetheart neck line. Even being pregnant with twins, this dress made me feel as if I was the most beautiful woman ever to wear it.
“This is the one, Adalynn.” I smiled.
“Beautiful choice, Rory. Here’s the veil they sent with it. It would look perfect with your hair up in curls.”
“What are you wearing?” I asked her.
“I’ll show you. It’s stunning. Ian picked it out and said it would be perfect for me and he was right.”
She showed me an empire waist, princess line, strapless dress in a light pink. She was right, it was perfect. We walked out into the living room and Ian smiled at me. I sat down on his lap and put my arms around his neck.
“Did you pick a dress?” he asked.
“Yes and I can’t wait for you to see it.”
“Tomorrow, sweetheart,” he said as he kissed me.
Something dawned on me. “Ian, I don’t have a ring for you,” I said with worry.
He laughed. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. When I picked yours, I also picked my three favorite rings and someone from the jewelry store will be by tomorrow morning for you to pick which one you like the best.”
I hugged him and buried my face in his neck. “You’ve thought of everything. I love you.”
“I love you more, sweetheart.”
“Okay, you two, time to say goodbye to each other,” Adalynn said.
“What?” I asked in confusion as I looked at Ian.
“You’re going to stay with Adalynn and Daniel tonight because it’s bad luck to see the bride before the wedding and I don’t want any bad luck.”
“That’s not true and I know for a fact you don’t believe that,” I said.
“Listen, sweetheart. I don’t want to be away from you and the babies any more than you do. There will be many people here tomorrow to help you get ready. So, I’m going to go back to the hotel and go to bed, while you’re here with Adalynn and Daniel.”
I pushed out my bottom lip and gave Ian my sad eyes. “I’ll miss you too much.”
“I’ll tell you what. I’ll stay here until you fall asleep. Okay?” he asked as he tapped the end of my nose.
“Okay. I’d like that. I didn’t bring any of my things.”
“I packed you an overnight bag and had it sent over while you were asleep,” Ian said.
This man, my fiancé, my future husband, and my best friend, formulated a plan and executed it with perfection. He was my hero and he’d also be the hero of his daughters. I climbed into the bed I slept in when I stayed here the first time and Ian climbed in next to me. He put his arms around me, kissed me, and softly rubbed my tummy as I fell asleep.
Chapter 40
Ian & Rory
It felt like the longest night of my life. I couldn’t sleep a wink because I couldn’t wait to make Rory my wife. After tossing and turning, I finally got up and poured a few shots of whiskey. Whiskey always helped me sleep. I felt like I’d only been sleeping a couple of hours before the alarm went off. I got up, showered, made some coffee, and sat down at the table with my phone.
“Good morning, my future wife. I hope you slept well.”
“Good morning, my future husband. I didn’t. I hope you did.”
“I didn’t either. Too excited about today.”