Bonus Chapter - One

One year later.

The birds were singing, the bells were ringing, and the wedding party was filing into the ceremony room. The whole room is glowing, it's a golden hue, coming from the candles and the fairy lights that twinkle from the Christmas trees.

I lean against Wrens arm, and she practically shivers "This is romantic... a Christmas wedding. Why didn't we think of this first" I whispered against her ear.

She smiles, her fingers slipping between mine on her thigh. "Probably because you haven't proposed to me yet Dawson"

I widen my eyes "Perhaps I'm waiting on you, Nomikos"

Veda peeks around me, having overheard "This could have been yours" she commented, soothing as ever. "But you are both waiting for the perfect time" she mocks, with hand actions and a goofy voice.

Wren and I share a look. Guilty as charged. The perfectionist and the dreamer.

She shakes her head at us "And now your romantic Christmas wedding is being stolen from under your noses" and she gestures around the room to the magical ambiance "and it's perfect"

Josie shuffled forward to the edge of her seat beside Veda "I can't believe they only met last summer. It's totally romantic, to think, that when you know you know, and to hell with the aspect of time and societal expectations"

Veda turned back to Josie and wrinkled up her nose affectionately "Why are you so cute"

Josie's lips lifted into a contented smile, and her hazel eyes twinkled in the reflection of the fairy lights. "I told you before... DNA"

Veda sat back in her seat and took Josie's arm in hers, pulling her back into a close sitting position. "Cloning you" she whispered. "The world needs more"

Wren and I share another glance as we observed them, and this time Wrens eyebrows rise up and down at the twosome. Veda and Josephine had been inseparable since the day they had met, but nowadays it seemed to be a little more like they were sweethearts. I wasn't sure if it was romantic, or just a great affection for one another, and I'm not sure they did either. We all loved to see their bond grow though. If anything, it was clearly a friendship that would go the distance.

Soon, if I got my way, we would also be family. The engagement ring I had bought for Wren this summer on our Greek vacation, it was hidden in a box of pop tarts at the back of the kitchen cupboard. Nobody ever reached for my breakfast poison of choice, Veda being a vegan, and Wren being an athlete who looked after her diet and nutrition. There wasn't much nutritious about a pop tart apparently, who knew?!

Harper and Teddy are sat the other side of us with Bastion squeezed between them in his gorgeous mini black tux with the red Bow Tie. He was matching the theme perfectly.

Harper had been listening to Vedas commentary "I did think it would be Wren having the Christmas wedding. I can't lie"

"Mama" Wren responded surprised, turning to acknowledge her "you know I'm a destination wedding kinda girl"

Teddy looked over the top of Bastion "I love the idea of that too"

Harper looked back surprised "Then why didn't we" she asked her. "I would have been totally up for a beach wedding"

Teddy laughed "Babe, I was carrying a watermelon up my dress, remember?! And we didn't organise a thing of it. My sisters did. We can have a redo though. Fancy it?!"

Harper leant over Bastion, whom squirmed beneath them as they shared a quick kiss. "Moms" he protested "embarrassing"

They laughed, and parted. Harper sitting back against her chair "I'm not getting married again Theodora...but I'll happily go on a vacation and play pretend"

"Good" Wren added with relief "I've had my Christmas wedding thieved. I can't lose my beach wedding too"

I couldn't help but shake my head at her as I listened, we weren't even engaged yet.

"Talking of the watermelon" Harper mused, standing up and looking around "where is Olympia"

Harper looked down to Wren for the answer. Wren shrugged in response, her beautiful black tux sequins were twinkling a little with the movement.

"O's plane came in right on time. I checked" Wren explained.

"I can't understand why she wouldn't let anyone come and pick her up" Harper said, sitting back down.

"She knew it would be cutting it fine, and she didn't want anyone else to miss it" Teddy reminded her. "She will be here. She would never miss it"

I placed my arm around Wrens shoulders and looked sideways to her, catching her little smile "You look so good in this" I whispered.

Her eyebrows wiggled a little "Is that so Ms Dawson"

I nodded "mmhhm"

Wrens finger tips brushed my cheek, her light blue eyes trailing my lips "If you behave... I'll let you take it off of me later"

Felt.

"But first" she said, standing, and leaning down again to kiss me quickly "I have to go and check on the groom. He shooed me out of there so quickly just now, so that he could make a call. Probably calling Mila knowing those two, they are so codependent. I need to find that sister of mine too"

I reached for her hand as she stepped away, forcing her to stop "you think she's okay" I asked quietly.

Wrens eyes dropped to the floor for a moment "no" she confessed, looking back to me "I shouldn't think so"

***

The plane landed three hours ago from LAX. I had come straight from University. My Christmas break had officially begun, a few days early. I had always been due home this week for Christmas break, but I didn't expect my first visit back home to Oregon to be for a wedding I'd been dreading my entire life, Cams.

It was a last minute wedding, and followed their engagement by only six short weeks.

Six weeks.

Six weeks to process an unimaginable feeling, of letting something go that wasn't meant for you.

Someone...That. Wasn't. Meant. For. You.

It's weird you know, telling your heart it's got it wrong, and that it's got to stop. Stop loving that man, stop waiting for him, and stop making him the one, when he's found it in another.

I had made great strides in my personal life, getting into the university I wanted, playing on a team I loved, and meeting new people and friends that I was already starting to care about. I even had someone, already, that called me late at night to meet up. It was the casual intimacy I needed and required, and she wasn't someone who wanted commitment either. We met in secret, perfect for me. Nobody knew of our relationships existence but us, mostly because she would be fired, but equally because she moved in the same circles as my Mom.

Was it a good match?! No! But we didn't need to be, she wasn't my person, and she never would be... but she helped me to grow, to discover, and to progress on the court. I was Eighteen, and she was... well, older, it's not like I've asked. I don't care for the details, only that she makes me feel good, and helps me to forget a little.

I liked how she didn't remind me of anyone, not Cam, not Daisy, and not home.

Daisy. I'm still half crazy... all for the love of you.

Daisy hadn't spoken to me in over a year, but I would pick up my phone to text her every now and again. I would always lose the battle of my courage though, before I sent a text, and retreat back to my decision. Focus on the basketball. The success. Focus on me. I thought about her though, and hoped that she was happy.

Cameron and I, it was different. Cam would always be in my life, and I wouldn't ever escape from the feeling I had when I was with him. I couldn't ignore Cam, he was one of my best friends. We spoke on the phone multiple times a week, and text regularly, well we had done. I think I was even one of the first people Cam announced to that he was going to propose to Camilla.

C- Lym, I miss you :) how's your weekend looking?! I saw the pics online of your night out. You looked happy, and really pretty too. It made me miss you more than ever. I tried to call a few times tonight but I think you must be at practice or something. I'm seeing Mila later, and I think I'm going to ask her to marry me Lym. I want to talk to you about it. Pls call me back. X

C- Lym it's 6.30pm. I have an hour before I see Mila. Pls call me!! I really need you to tell me I'm not insane. Wren says I shouldn't rush it. She thinks I should chill and just enjoy the relationship. I want to though. I want to marry her.

C- Lym, I really need to hear you say it's okay, and that I'm making the right decision.

O- it's 7.30 pm. I know I'm too late. I'm sorry. I hope that whatever happened, that you're happy :) x

C- We are engaged!!! 💍

O- Congratulations 🎉

A few days later...

C- Lym?!

O- Cam?!

C- What would you have said?!

O- It doesn't matter.

C- It does to me.

O- Why?

C- Because YOU, you matter to me Olympia.

O- When's the wedding?!

C- December 18th. Wrens being my best 'man' and I hoped you would too?! Please.

O- I don't know if that's the best idea. I think Wrens got it covered, but I'll be there Cam. It's in my diary already 😇

C- 😕 Why wouldn't that be a good idea?!

O- because knowing me I'll miss my flight or something. You know I can't be trusted with something like that. Wren though, she will be perfect to get you to the church on time.

C- Okay, well I love you Lym. Call me sometime. I miss your voice.

That was six weeks ago. Cam and I hadn't spoken much since, he tried, and I did text back sporadically, but we were both busy. I was settling into my new dorms, and my new life in LA, and Cameron and Camilla were neck deep in wedding plans.

Truth be told, I avoided him. Six weeks wasn't long enough, and now that I was here back in Oregon, I felt torn once again.

Mary was in my ear the moment I touched down.

"Tell him"

"I can't" I kept repeating, to the voice that only I could hear

"Don't live with regrets Olympia. Let him know, before it's too late"

And so I finally opened that door, to the room that the groom was waiting inside of, passing Greer, who left as I came in. She hugged me tightly and told me he was ready, and I think she asked me about college, but I was already too far gone to hear her.

Cameron appeared in the doorway, having heard my voice, and my heart... it stopped.

He was so unbelievably handsome, his eyes lit up, and his lips lifted into a smile that made my heart jump start back to life. I had imagined this moment so many times, seeing him in his tux, his gorgeous fair hair, grown out once again, and tied up handsomely. Uff, the cute crinkle in his ear that would forever make me smile.

The warm tone of his voice, broke my focus from his lips "Lym"

I looked up, mirroring his gaze "Hi cowboy" I finally greeted.

His smiled widened "Hi dimples"

He reached out and brought me into his arms, letting out a relieved sigh "I've been calling you"

I placed my hand against the breast of his jacket, and inhaled him and his cologne "I know" I confessed right back.

"Why don't you ever answer my calls" he asked. He tried to pull back, but I wouldn't loosen my hold of him. I didn't want it to end.

"Lym" he asked.

"Mmm" I hummed in reply.

"Tell me what's wrong" he asked.

It had felt most recently, like Cam knew, and I don't know if it had been Camilla who told him how I felt, but my intuition told me that he had found out. Every time we had spoken the last four months, I could almost hear by the end of the call that he wanted to ask me something. There was an underlying current that had been running beneath our daily chit chat, and as time passed it had got more obvious, until the engagement. The engagement was a full stop in the odd vibe, but that day that they got engaged, I had sensed that Cam had wanted to talk about my feelings, before he proposed. I just didn't know why, why he would torture me further by making me say it only moments from taking another's hand forever.

"I think the time for that has passed" I finally replied, releasing him from my arms.

I step back, and he takes a deep breath, biting the corner of his lip anxiously.

He knows.

"Maybe, but you're one of my best friends Lym, and I need to know..."

I cut him off before he can finish his sentence "How I feel" I ask.

He suddenly looks like the weight of the world has fallen onto his shoulders. He takes a few steps back and sits down on an arm chair.

His trousers rise slightly, and I catch sight of the socks I had bought him for good luck when he started university. I gesture to them, appreciating his shiny black dress shoes too. "For good luck" I ask.

He looks down, and nods "I didn't know if you would come. I wanted to feel that you were here in some way"

"Ask me" I demand bluntly.

My question comes out of the blue, throwing him into a spin. "Ask you what?"

I take the seat opposite him, adjusting the material of my tight red dress, so that it's not cutting off my circulation at my thighs.

"The question that's been on your lips for months. I know you want to ask... so before you are married, and before it's weird and any more inappropriate... ask me Cameron Olsson. What is it that you want to know"

He takes a breath, his hand smoothing over his chin, anxiously debating his next move.

"Do you think I should be marrying Mila" he finally asked.

I frown, it's not quite the question I expected, in fact it was the cowards way of asking.

I stand up, and move to the door, not wanting to do this. If he couldn't even ask me, then I wasn't doing this with him.

"Lym" he called, coming after me and grabbing my hand "stop"

I had barely opened the door when I was turned around to face him by the tug of his hand "No, Cameron. I don't want you to marry Camilla. Is that what you want to hear?" I ask, getting a little louder with my frustration. I yank my hand out of his.

"Why" he asks, his blue eyes searching my features intensely "why not"

"You know why" I reply, feeling the emotion rising up my throat, trying to recapture my words.

"Tell me" he asks, almost begs.

He takes my wrist in his hand and turns it over, his thumb caressing my flesh there.

"Because I am in love with you" I finally reveal, "but you already knew that...didn't you"

He looks away, loosening his grip of my wrist until it falls back to my side.

The door behind me knocks, and Wren appears.

She looks surprised to find me here "O, I've been calling you" she says with relief.

It's only momentary relief though, because within a couple of seconds she's assessed the looks on our faces and realised what's transpired.

"Olympia, please come with me" she asks, taking my arm and removing me through the door "I'll be right back Cam" she calls behind us as we exit "don't go anywhere"

She takes me down the hall and into another empty room, closing the door behind herself and taking my hands in hers. "What happened" she asks urgently "are you okay? Is he okay? What can I do?!" She panics.

A tear falls down my cheek, and I wipe it away, annoyed at its existence and my weakness.

"Someone told him how I felt" I reveal, looking to her to see if her guilt was evident.

It wasn't.

Wrens frown is deep "Who would do that... nobody even know-"

"Mila" I interrupt "clearly Mila"

Wren releases my arms, and instead hugs me tightly "I'm sorry O, she shouldn't have done that. She's put you both in a terrible position"

I nod against her shoulder, but am irritated by the sequins on her suit. I pull myself away and remove my strands of long dark hair from them "this suit looks great, but it's going to scalp someone"

"I know, I've caught Millie in it four times"

"I bet you have" I joke, to relieve the tension.

Wren doesn't smile though, she's still looking at me like I'm her kid sister who just skinned her knee. "How can I make this okay" she asks me.

"You can't" I answer honestly. "It had to be said, it just didn't need to be today. I need him to just follow his heart and get married. Despite how I feel, I will always support Cam in what he wants. He doesn't feel that way about me Wren, and that's okay"

"I'll go and see him" Wren replied "Please, take a few moments and then go find Moms. They are waiting on you. But O, if you can't sit through this... don't"

"I wouldn't miss it. Not his big day" I tell her.

"I love you Olympia" she says, hugging me quickly. "I love you both"

***
Olympia returned to my parents, and I headed back to Cam. His Mom Greer was at the door knocking "Wren" she observed with relief "Cameron won't let me inside"

I place my hand on hers on the door and give her a calming smile "it's okay, he's just nervous. Go sit down, I'll bring him out"

"Are you sure" she asked, clearly worried.

Ria, Cams other Mom, walked toward us with urgency "Camilla's sister wants an update and I don't know what to say. Is he still not coming out"

Greer shook her head "No, but he will. Our son has never not opened a door for Wren" she said, gesturing for me to go ahead and knock. "Please"

Ria and Greer stood side by side and watched, as I nervously knocked the door.

"Cam" I asked quietly "are you okay"

There was a silence, followed by some movement, and then the door creaked open.

Cams features were awash with anxiety "Bird, I don't know what to do"

Ria and Greer shared a look of confusion. In the weeks after the engagement, both had sat down with him and checked he was ready for such a big commitment to someone. Their own marriage had ended in divorce, after infidelity and pain, and they didn't want their son to marry so young, not unless he was certain. Cameron had been so sure of himself, on his decision to marry Camilla. So sure, that none of us could even question it. Cameron loved Camilla, and his decision to wed her never wavered. He had even gone to her father and asked for his blessing, knowing very well he would get a door shut in his face. Cam adored that girl, which was why as we stood here now seeing his anxiety, and him questioning his decision, his parents were lost, and confused.

What changed?!

Of course I knew, what, or rather, whom. If Cam had found out about Olympia, I imagine it threw his world into disarray. He, to my knowledge, had never looked at her this way, but it's true is it not?! That sometimes you don't see it, until it's too late, and once you do... it can't be unseen... and it can't be unfelt.

Cameron was free falling right now, and I might be the only person close enough to catch him.

"Let me in" I told him, pushing against him.

He allowed my entry and closed the door on his parents, behind me.

I shook my head, as I observed his solemn expression, his eyes a little red, perhaps from tears. His eyes are glassy and wet as he leant back on the wooden door frame "What do I do" he asked me "how do I do this and not hurt her. How do I make it okay"

"For whom" I ask him, taking his forearms and holding him in place "Cameron you were certain on Mila, and that she was the one for you. Is that not so"

He nods "I love her. I do. I want her to be my wife. But... Olympia... how did I not see it?" He asks, and his entire face falls, a tear falling down his cheek, and into his neatly groomed facial hair.

"She did her best to hide it" I comfort him "and she's going to be okay. You haven't done anything wrong. She knew you didn't feel the same way. She doesn't want anything other than you to be happy, and for you to marry Mila if its what you wish"

"I must have hurt her" he says to himself "So many times, I must have hurt her, and I didn't even see it. She's one of the closest people to me, always has been, and I didn't see it. I feel horrible. I'm a horrible friend, and a terrible person, and I don't feel like I can go out there and marry Mila with Olympia sat there, it feels wrong"

I tighten my hold of his arms as he begins to spiral "Stop. Cameron stop it. This isn't fair to either of you. Do you think it would make Olympia happy if you didn't marry Camilla today, because you felt bad for her?! No, it would be horrible. You shouldn't have ever found out, it's cruel and torturous and it could seriously damage your friendship. I can't imagine who told you this... and what good they thought it would do. It's not right. Some things should only be shared by the person feeling them, and this was one of them. Olympia should have been the only person who ever revealed it to you. She didn't though, because she wanted your friendship more, and she didn't want it destroyed. So, stop it, stop spiralling and getting in your head. Don't worry about Olympia, she's okay. This isn't new for her. It's just new for ... well, for you. If you want to be with Camilla, and marry her, then that's what we are going to do"

He nods, and I release him. He wiped his eyes dry and shakes it off, dusting down his suit. "You're right. It's only new for me. I need to man up and continue the day, marry the love of my life, and not let this change the way I see Lym. I can't have this change our friendship. I won't. I just love her so much Wren, and I hate that I've hurt her"

"We are all going to be fine" I promised.

I shouldn't have though, because I knew that would be a lie. This was seeded now, and it had taken root. We all know who told Cam, and if I hazarded a guess, part of the reason for it, was to place a wedge between he and Olympia. Camilla was clearly threatened by Olympia's feelings for Cameron, and I couldn't blame her either. Olympia was one of the closest people to Cam, and she was out of this world beautiful. Any woman might be a little threatened by Olympia being best friends with her guy, and then add the fact that she knew Olympia was in love with him. Mila had no doubt told Cameron, so that she could see if he felt the same way too.

There would be some distance, for a while, but Cameron and Olympia were not about to lose their bond, it had been forged in childhood innocence after all. Nothing would break it. This was family.

***

A week after the wedding, and we were all getting regular honeymoon updates on the Cam's social media. They looked happy, and beautiful too, sat there on the tropical beach. A vision of Young love.

The wedding had gone to plan. Everyone was present apart from Camilla's parents, their choice not hers. Cameron had got himself together, refocusing on the bride, and seemingly forgetting Olympias presence entirely. I knew he didn't though, but he sure made it appear that way. It was magical and sweet, romantic and cute. Despite how I disliked what Camilla had done, in telling Cam, I could see these two were head over heels in love with one another, and there had been method to her madness. Camilla wanted to be chosen, and that's exactly what Cameron did.

Olympia stayed for the ceremony, and then headed out. I would find her a couple hours later, up on the roof of the family home. She didn't want to talk, but we sat there for a good few hours in silence, and I held her hand. She is staying put now for Christmas break, and my parents and grandparents are thrilled to have her back home.

Millie and I have come to stay at my parents for Christmas too. It wasn't much of a drive from our own home, which was thirty minutes away. Millie had insisted on buying something as an investment property, despite there being a chance we could have to move in a couple years for my Soccer career. She needed a sense of permanency for Veda, and the psycho that is Norman. I enjoyed it too, coming home when I could from school, and knowing it was our place to put down roots. Millie was still at the high school, but part timing now in her carpentry career, in a workshop built from the ground up by her and my grandmother Willa. She was gaining clients, and traction too, as someone with great skill.

We are staying for two nights at my parents, starting tonight, Christmas Eve. My birthday.

I am unpacking our little suitcase, when I feel Millie's hands wind around my stomach from behind "Twenty two" she mused, kissing my cheek, and then she broke out into song "I'm feeling twenty two..." which made me laugh.

"Who knew you were such a swifty, Millicent Dawson"

I pulled away from her and threw the suitcase down onto the floor, regretting it instantly. It sounded like a refrigerator fell from the roof and hit cement.

Millie and I both look down to it accusingly, and my Mom calls up the stairs "Who died"

"Nobody Mom" I call back, looking up to Millie amused "Millie just over packed as usual"

Millie threw a teasing punch at my shoulder "Stop throwing me under all the buses"

I laughed and pulled her to me, pecking her lips on impact "I do no such thing" I retorted, nuzzling my nose against hers.

She lifted her brows "you told my Mother last week that I have never switched on our oven"

I lifted mine right back in defiance "And have you" I questioned.

She rolled her eyes a little "well no... but we've only been there..." and she mentally began to count the months.

"Four months babe" I tell her, putting her out of her mental arithmetic misery.

I leant forward and kissed her again, this time with intent. Her fingers dug into the flesh at my hips, and a small moan escaped her lips.

"Knock knock" Came Olympias raspy voice.

Worst timing ever.

"Can I borrow Wren for a sec" she asked.

Millie and I parted, my lips leaving hers regretfully behind. The look I gave Olympia was read correctly, and she looked to me apologetically for interrupting.

Millie's fingers slipped from my hips "Of course" she told O as she passed her through the door. "Take all the time you need" she whispered, somewhat out of ear shot, like I wasn't meant to hear her.

I sat on the end of the bed and patted the empty space beside me. Olympia jumped eagerly up beside me, her gorgeous dark curls thrown over one shoulder as she took me in affectionately "I can't believe you are so old" she teased "and here's me... still a teenager"

I shook my head jovially "Haar haar. Now talk to the OAP. Whats up"

She lied back down, sighing, her hands resting on her stomach. I looked down to her, and did the same. Our heads resting side by side. Imitating one another's position.

"Everything" she confessed "and nothing" she contradicted.

She turned to look to me "I'm okay. He's happy. It's really all I want. I think it's good that I finally told him, it's like all the power came out of it the moment I confessed it. I handed it to him, and released it. I feel better. I think it will be good for me, to help me move on. I feel lighter. I just hope Cam and I, that our friendship will be okay"

I sighed, and took her hand beside me, again. "You're so brave O. I hope it will be okay too. I love you, you know that right"

She nods, her dimples deepen with her smile "I do. You are stuck with me sis. Which is why it's the perfect time to drop some illicit news on you"

I rolled my eyes "noooo" I groan "already" I whisper. "Who is it. Don't fuck with the team Olympia" I remind her.

Olympia laughs, a deep and husky joyous laugh. I was glad to hear it. Her sadness wasn't even evident right now. She was right, telling Cam had helped. She seemed so much lighter already.

"She's not on the team" she confessed, her smile widening, and her white teeth showing.

I lift my eyebrows, and can't help but smile at her naughty little grin "O" I poke "spill"

She hesitates momentarily, and then whispers a name in my ear that I recognise instantly.

My eyes widen as she leans away, her smile infectious and laced with rebellion. Olympia to her core.

"She's ... too old for you" I remind her "and" I say a little shrilly "she knows Mom" I accuse. "What is she thinking. You're way too young for her. Mom would kill her, you know that"

Olympia chuckles "She will never know Wren. It's all completely under the radar. It's nothing serious. Nobody ever needs to know. She's incredible though. I'm enjoying it. No strings. No feelings"

"Not yet" I warn her. "They come sometimes O whether you agreed it would be no strings or not"

She brushes it away "they won't for me" she returns confidently. "Unlike you guys, I'm
Not getting hit with the ball and chain the moment I hit my twenties. I don't even want to get married"

I frown, she's observes it and bares her teeth like she fucked up.

"Im not married" I retort. "Im not even-" and I pause and see it in her face.

I reach out and grab her face, squeezing her cheeks in my hands, my eyes boring into hers "am I getting engaged" I whisper breathlessly.

Olympia's smile fights my hands upon her cheeks for freedom "Mmhmm" she confirms, rather pleased with herself.

She jumps up, and bats my hands away, taking them instead once she's up on her feet. She pulls me to mine. "Come with me" she says excitedly, and she guides me through the net curtain at the window, and up onto the roof, weaving a familiar path over the roof tiles, until we are over the opposite side of the house, and overlooking the back yard.

My hand leaves hers, I drop to my heels, my mouth covered with it instantly. Olympia looks down, and a little laugh leaves her as she smiles with her whole face "Surprise" she announces.

There in the expansive yard below, was a question, lit in lights, held by the family, all of them there, looking up to the house, and to Olympia and I.

Olympia lifts me back to my feet and gestures to the love of my life, on bended knee in the middle.

Millie.

She is holding up a ring, with a rather wonderful smile lifting her ruby red lips, apprehensive and cute.

I look to the words, one at a time. My grandparents are holding up the "WILL"

Kate, Moira, Kai and Avery are under the "YOU"

My Mom, Mama, Bastion, Josephine and Veda are under the "MARRY"

And finally, my cousins, my aunties, and the Nomikos crew are all crowded around and jumping up and down with the "ME"

There was also two question marks that seemed to be moving around the darkness beneath us, and I couldn't understand what that was about until I saw that they were attached to the backs of Henrietta and Mr Darcy.

I looked back to Millie. I was nodding profusely before I could even find the word.

"YES" I called down. "YES I'll marry you"

Millie jumped up and ran for the house "I'm coming up ... don't move" she called up.

The entire family cheered and Hollered beneath as Olympia hugged me tightly.

My Mamas pleading came through the joy "Get off of that roof now... Olympia Maria and Wren Helena"

We made our way back over the roof, the sounds and voices beneath still joyous and loud. Millie met us at the window, and she pulled me through it in one swift movement.

"To confirm" she asked kissing me quickly "you said yes, right. You will marry me" she double checked.

I nodded and jumped at her, sending her backward into my old dresser, my lips against hers. "A million times yes" I promised against her red lips.

She broke away and took my hand, pushing the beautiful diamond onto my finger. It had a Greek key design engraved around the platinum band.

"Did you get this in Kos" I asked "this summer" I added, surprised.

Millie nodded and smiled broadly "of course" she told me, admiring the ring on my finger before she embraced me.

"Love you guys" Olympia said, interrupting our embrace and hugging us both from behind.

She herself was interrupted by Bastion, Veda, and Josephine, who ran in and joined her, followed by Mama and Mom who were crying tears of joy.

"Our first is getting married" Mama sniffled as she kissed my forehead and lifted my finger "I can't believe it" she said, admiring the ring.

"We are getting old" Mom added from behind her.

Mama turned and playfully nudged her with her hand against her chest "speak for yourself Theodora"

Mom took her and hugged her playfully "say it again" she teased. "I dare you"

My grandparents were right behind them, embracing us with a kiss and a squeeze "So proud of you granddaughter" My Gaga whispered.

"We both are" Lala added, following my siblings back out of the room to allow others space.

Kate and Moira arrived into the space my siblings had just vacated with Veda, and they each hugged us too.

"I'm so happy" Kate cried, wiping her eyes.

Moira rolled hers "she's been a snivelling wreck for thirty minutes. Thank goodness you said yes Wren. I might have had to commit her otherwise"

Moira made me laugh all the time, but never more than when she acted like she was trying to keep Kate at arms length. It was a useless exercise. Kate proving that as she wrapped her arms around Moira teeny waist and cried into her red cashmere sweater.

Moira rolled her eyes back once more and patted her on the back with one hand limply. "There there" she mocked.

This amused Kate. She wiped her nose on the back of her hand and pushed her away, smiling through the emotion "Nothing as cold as hugging a dead soul"

"Remember that" Moira urged her "and never hug it again"

"You two" Millie gestured toward them and placed her arms around both of their shoulders "I love you" she said lovingly "Thanks so much for being here. I know it's Christmas Eve and you both have lovers to attend to"

Kate curled her tongue "Lovers" she enthused "we do indeed. But I wouldn't have missed my besties engagement"

"And I would never miss any of my daughters moments. Big or small" Moira told her. "Avery and I are flying out later tonight. I'm meeting the parents" she reveals awkwardly "imagine how I'd love to put that one off" she confessed, lifting her red lips into a teasing smile.

"Mother...they will love you"

Kate screwed up her nose, clearly unsure about that one. Millie shook her head, and Moira raised her eyebrows, daring her to continue.

"Let's go celebrate" I interject, casting aside the awkwardness of their conversation.

My own parents call us from the stairs "Wren... Millie... come down. We have a surprise"

We step down the last step, and are met with Charlie and Daniel, Millie's brothers.

Millie follows Veda over to hug them "What are you doing here" Millie asked, tearing up "we thought you guys were still abroad"

"We got back two days ago" Charlie told them, kissing them hello, and greeting Moira too. "Teddy called me, she wondered if we liked the idea of a crazy family Christmas we wouldn't ever forget. She wasn't clear on if that's a good or bad thing" he laughed.

"It's to be decided" My Mom called over the family with a warm smile.

I turned to My Mom, she came over and wrapped her arm around the back of my shoulders "Your first Christmas engaged should be spent with family. I wanted it to include Millie's family too"

Millie came over and hugged her "thank you" she whispered.

"That's what family do" My Mom told her. "And you're family now. Millie Nomikos has a certain ring to it don't ya think" she teased.

Moira appeared beside me, and wrapped her arm around me lovingly, leaning into the conversation "Wren Dawson, I think you'll find"

Avery swept in beside her and pulled her into her body, resting her chin on Moria's head from behind. "Come on my love, don't get into the details. Wren and Millie have plenty of time to decide on that before the wedding I'm sure"

Moira leant back into her, and succumbed to Avery's soothing embrace. I'd never seen anyone tame Moira that way, with only her presence.

I took Millie's hand "when will it be" I asked. "Have you thought about it"

"Destination wedding... it screams summer" Mama added, joining us all in the middle of the foyer.

"Summer sounds good" Millie asked me "too soon" she questioned, eying me for the answer.

I shook my head "Vacation wedding. It sounds perfect. And no, it won't ever be too soon"

"Here's to another Nomikos wedding" Aunty Demitra called over the noise, her champagne flute poised in the air "we won't stop until we take over the world" she laughed menacingly.

"Everyone please take a glass" My Mom added "let's toast mine and Harpers eldest baby... our Wren. Wren and her soon to be wife, Millie..." and then she looked to Moira tauntingly and added "Nomikos"

All the adults went to the table and grabbed a glass of champagne, everyone except Mom and Mama, with their sparkling apple juice.

Moira clinked hers against my parents "to our daughters" she toasted "finding one another against all odds. To the... Dawsons" she announced defiantly.

Millie and I both rolled our eyes. This merging of families, it would be fun... I'm sure 😬😜

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