Chapter 256

“Hey, don’t go.” Latham reached out and caught her wrist.

Dorothea let out a soft sigh, a little impatient. “Stop it. The wedding’s tomorrow and we have to get up early p>

“I’m not joking,” he said, his voice quieter than usual.

“Tomorrow’s going to be chaos. So many people, all the noise and excitement, everyone there to wish us well. But there are some things I want to say to you, just you. Think of this as a little rehearsal p>

There was a gentle smile in his eyes. His fingers traced along her wrist, lifting her hand. He looked at her with that soft gaze and slowly dropped to one knee.

“I’ve been waiting for this day for so long. I want everyone to know you’re my wife. My wife, Dorothea. You’re the one I love the most p>

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a little red velvet box. His eyes were so full of affection it almost hurt to look at him. “Dorothea, will you marry me p>

Dorothea’s eyes suddenly stung with tears. She looked from the ring to his face, her heart thudding.

She nodded hard. “Yes, I will p>

Latham slipped the ring onto her finger and stood up, gently wiping away the tears at the corners of her eyes.

“Alright, rehearsal’s over. Give me the ring back for now, okay? I’ll give it to you again tomorrow p>

Dorothea sat on the bed with her veil over her hair, bouquet in her hands, waiting for Latham to come get her.

Carmen had spent all night coming up with games. “Dorothea, just follow my lead, alright? I’ve got a bunch of tricks to mess with your husband p>

“Just let him play a couple of games, that’s enough p>

“No way. If we don’t make it tough for him, he’ll think marrying you is a walk in the park p>

Suddenly, there were loud footsteps in the hallway and a heavy knocking at the door. Latham’s voice came through, warm and a little playful. “Babe, it’s me. Open the door. I’m here to take you home p>

Carmen and the bridesmaids pressed against the door, grinning. “No can do. Show us you mean it first p>

“Check your phones p>

The bridesmaids and groomsmen had a group chat going. When Carmen saw a transfer of ninety-nine thousand, nine hundred ninety-nine, her resolve started to crack.

She cleared her throat. “Hold on, let me check with Dorothea p>

“Dorothea says I can’t be the only one getting a gift. Got anything else for the rest of us p>

Three more transfers popped up in the chat, each for the same amount.

“Split this with your friends. Can I come in now p>

Carmen was beaming. At this point, not opening the door would be just plain mean.

As soon as the door opened, Latham’s eyes went straight past everyone else and landed on Dorothea.

“Quick, find the shoes p>

Latham didn’t look away from her. “Babe, where are the shoes p>

Dorothea wasn’t planning to make it hard. Sh

lifted her chin and pointed to under the bed. “You’ll hav

for yourself p>

Wade spotted them right away. “Got it! Latham, they’re under here p>

Carmen pouted. “Dorothea, you traitor p>

Latham just grinned. “Don’t be jealous. My wife’s on my side p>

He knelt again, just like the night before. “Babe, ready to go home p>

Dorothea’s eyes were clear and soft. Her answer was steady. “Ready.” Everyone around them cheered.

He wrapped his arm around her

waist and lifted her up, smiling

brighter than ever

Wol

“Okay

home p>

Dorothea lost her composure while serving tea to her grandma. She’d promised herself not to cry today so

she wouldn’t mess up her makeup,

but she couldn’t help it.

Sitting in the wedding car, she checked her reflection on her phone. “Did my makeup smear p>

“Nope, you’re good p>

She could fix it up at the venue anyway.

The driver glanced at them in the rearview mirror. “Latham, ready to go p>

Latham smiled, calm and content. “Let’s go p>