Liam and I join the others for lunch around one-thirty. After spending the whole morning at the privacy of our romantic chamber, all I desire is real food to replenish my body. My subtle glance toward my fiancé doesn't go unnoticed by him, and a small smile is my reward from his lips.

"I imagine you're still thinking of me," he whispers in my ear, taking my hand in his as we march toward the table.

"Dream on." I blush and my gaze catches a sight of someone unexpected from where our group is seated.

"What?" Liam inquires.

"Look over there." I point out at the man sitting next to Sam. "It's Jonathan! He's here." I'm grinning ridiculously at Liam.

He shrugs, a tiny smile touching the corners of his lips.

"Hi, guys," I greet them, Roshni and Malik included as it's the four of them around the table.

"Kira." Jonathan gets up abruptly, happy to see me I suppose. "How are you?" He's still full of novelty and his manners are ever pleasing.

"I'm great, Boss. You?" My tone is placid as I tease him.

"Boss?" He laughs shyly. "You won't ever quit calling me that, will you?" he asks, his voice condescending.

I guess my Mr. Darcy isn't the only time-traveller from an old dynasty, where people cared about speaking manners. Jonathan is almost the same.

"Only when I'm happy." I plop down onto the chair Liam has just pulled out for me. "Thanks, babe," I mouth.

"Anytime." Liam uses the last chair right beside me before sharing his greetings to everyone.

Further greetings follow, in which Liam and Jonathan are officially introduced. They exchange a cordial handshake, and everything feels fine despite Liam's grudge against the Krugers regarding Jeremy and the incident back in Los Angeles.

I'm just happy he's not irrationally condemning Jonathan for his brother's mistakes. That's my hubby to be. I smile softly, watching him nods at whatever they're talking about. He, Malik, and Jonathan seem to have found something interesting.

We order our food and eat in peace and harmony while having a few stories to hear. The men are mostly engaged into a business conversation, as it's apparently the first thing they share in common. It doesn't take a grand effort for Jonathan to fit in with the boys.

"Hey, have you been locked up in your room all this time?" Sam asks me blatantly.

Roshni chuckles. She's softly chewing her velvet cake for dessert.

"Yeah?" I say truthfully. "And I wouldn't be here if it weren't for food because it was an exquisite morning." I taste the apple pie I've been craving from the moment I saw someone next table having it.

"Ew. I didn't know it can get this uncomfortable to hear about one's sexual endeavors!" Sam grouches and I burst into laughter.

"Now you can understand what I've gone through being your best friend," I remark and our chat turns sleazy but meaningful for our heart's complacency.

We all needed this moment after whatever we've been dealing with, consciously and subconsciously.

After eating I get a private audience with Jonathan. He gives me a bashful smile while adjusting his chair. I believe we haven't talked in a good while despite the fact that he's almost my brother in law. I smile back at him and he clears his throat, ready to speak his mind.

"I just wanted to say thanks," he starts, his calm looking green eyes glowing fondly.

"For what?" I ask.

"For taking care of Sam, Kira. I know you've always looked after her like her real sister, and that's why I want to thank you for that."

Well, she is a real sister to me. I've got no one else for that matter and taking care of each other is what we've been doing since we were young girls.

"You're welcome, Jonathan. Although you have nothing to thank me for, really." I sip my drink nonchalantly, locking my eyes briefly with Liam's.

He's now talking seriously with Malik, and it's probably about work. Sam and Roshni have gone to the ladies' room, hence the reason why I'm having uninterrupted moment with Jonathan.

"Also, I'd like to ask you for a favour," says Jonathan, seemingly a little nervous as he rubs his fingers together on the table.

"What is it?" I urge curiously.

"It's about Sam," he says vaguely. I narrow my eyes quizzically. "Kira, I want to do something and I'd like to hear your opinion before I go through with it. You're the only one who knows Sam better than anyone."

Okay, this is . . . interesting? I'm not sure but my subconscious can't sit her ass down from the curiosity.

"Well, I'll be more than happy to help you if you need me to," I say matter-of-factly. "Just tell me what you want to know and I'll see if I can do a thing or two about it." I sit straight.

Smiling with relief, Jonathan leans closer so that our conversation stays between us. When he shares his thoughts with me, I turn awed and speechless. I fail to respond right away, but my big smile does it for me.

"So . . . what do you think?" he asks hopefully.

I sit straighter. "I think it's brilliant, Jonathan!"

"Really?" He seems unsure.

"Really. Although, I think I have a better idea," I tell him. He nods sharply for me to proceed. "Well, it may sound strange, but if you're willing to accept it-"

"What is it? Just tell me," Jonathan says, a display of excitement hinted on his smile.

I wait no more to share my shenanigans with him. I just hope Samantha Ford won't skin me alive when she learns of this.

***

Mr. Darcy is once again glued to his MacBook. I sigh heavily while sauntering toward him. As much as I'd want to refuse being a nuisance to him, I still need his attention for my plan to bear fruits. Gingerly, I climb into bed.

"Hey." He smiles briefly and I do the same. I think he knows I'm up to something judging from an abrupt scowl he suddenly throws my way. "Say it," he utters.

I grin innocently. Here goes nothing.

"I need your help on something. But before that, can we postpone leaving tomorrow and do it on Friday instead?" I gaze up at him while lying to his side.

"Why? Is there any problem?" he queries, his tone wary.

"No. Not at all."

"Okay," he replies, eyes back to the MacBook on his lap as relief washes over him.

On the screen I see a blue print or sketchy design of a boat, and as curious as I may be, I'm not going to pry on his business right now.

"Well, tomorrow I need to do something very important for Sam, and I'll need everyone's help-including yours, of course," I state calmly.

Liam's gaze finds me. "Something important?" He frowns.

"Yeah," I whisper. "I'll just need one day, Liam, to something important go as planned. So, can we do it? Leaving on Friday instead of tomorrow, I mean," I plead.

After a short thoughtful pause, Liam nods affirmatively. "Okay, we can leave on Friday. But what exactly do you have to do for Samantha?" He continues with his work, partially gracing me his attention.

"I'll tell you the details later. Finish your work first," I reply and again he stares at me. "What? Do I have some cream on the lips?" I giggle.

"Instead of working," Liam utters, putting his laptop aside, "how about we go out on a date?" He rolls sinks down onto the bed and scoops me in his brace.

I squake with excitement as he rolls over, pinning me beneath him.

"A date you say? Where?" I bite my lower lip, butterflies doing their flight in my stomach.

"I don't know, Kira. I just want to hold your hand and walk side by side with you, to wherever." Liam smiles down at me, stroking my hair gently. "With you I can always go a place without destination. Let us walk around and enjoy anything Las Vegas has to offer."

Oh my. My smile widens and felicity blooms inside my heart. Palming his face, I kiss his lips stoutly as my response.

"Is that a yes, Ms. Jones?" He's enticed.

"It is, Mr. Darcy. I surely like the idea of going on a date with you. Let's do that."

Spending time with my fiancé is an errand I will never get tired to do-I believe. We spend the rest of the day strolling around Las Vegas strip, promenading. I've never felt so alive as I do now, and there's no place I'd rather be if he's here with me.

It's the feeling of belongingnnes that makes me smile each time Liam holds my hand, asking what I want to buy in the mall, where we should go next, and what I want to eat at the restaurant. He doesn't fancy having his pictures taken, but with me he's becoming a model and photographer.

"One more," he says, holding my old camera perfectly for the shot he's about to take.

We're seated across from one another, having a shared ice cream sundae.

"Okay." I lick my spoon with a smiley face, and he takes my picture with pleasure.

"Nice. Now, give me the spoon." He puts the camera aside, demanding his fair share of the ice cream that I've been eating nonstop.

Chocolate and vanilla, I can't deny my food goddess this exquisite pleasure.

"Can't we just order another?" I tease, taking a spoonful.

"No, Kira!" he rebukes. "Do you want to leave with a cough or something? You've had all this?"

"Hey, I can eat the whole thing and catch no cold. You wanna see?" I tell him.

He huffs a small laugh. "You expect me to fall for your scheme, Ms. Jones? Enough ice cream." He grabs the spoon from my hand and I know he's being serious.

The following day turns pretty hectic as far as my secret mission is concerned. Fortunately, I have support from everyone. Liam and I spend the entire morning running a few errands, and the others one their own task.

I don't know if what I'm doing is right, but I believe it's something I must do as Sam's best friend. It may backfire, that I can't deny, but at least I'll say I've tried. Liam finds the whole idea insane, and that's whole point.

Something insane.

"Are you sure about this, Kira?" Liam asks for the umpteenth time as we drive back to the hotel. "It all sounds crazy to me," he repeats his comment.

"I'm very sure, Liam. I know Sam much better to do something as crazy as this." I smile from ear to ear.

Hopefully.

"As you wish, my love." He continues driving. "But I need one hour out of your schedule. Is it possible?" He glances at me.

"Depends. What for?" I demand calmly.

"I have to work on something urgent. I'll be in our room, you don't need to put a leash on me." He smiles ingenuously, fully aware of my wild imagination.

Oh, he better be.

"I'd never put a leash on you, come on!" I chuckle, and deeply subconscious rolls her tired eyes. As if you can do so! She mumbles. "But well, you've done enough, Mr. Darcy. Thank you for playing along with my craziness."

"What can I do," Liam utters with a sigh, "I'm madly in love with all of you. Even the craziest part."

"Such a flatterer." I recline back and smile at him.

After dropping the shopping bags in the room, I meet Malik and Roshni at the lobby. As agree, I've left Liam in our suite, granting his wish to have a moment alone with his work.

He's a workholic, isn't he?

"So, we managed to get everything you asked us to," says Malik while shoving his cellphone into the pocket of his jeans. "Now, can I know what exactly is happening here?" he asks curiosity, impatiently even.

"Are you really that dense, Malik? Can't you tell what's happening already?" Roshni asks him, and it seems like they've been arguing for a good while.

"Uh, my bad, Lightness! Why don't you enlighten me since you're such a luminous soul, huh?" Malik replies, sounding sarcastic.

"Why would I do that? Keep staying in the dark." She crosses her one leg over the other, arms folded on the chest.

"Ugh." Malik rolls his eyes.

I laugh heartily. "Okay, lovebirds. I just-"

"Loverbirds!" Both Malik and Roshni gasp.

"Woah!" I laugh harder.

"We're no lovebirds!" Roshni denies stoutly.

"I was just kidding," I state and she glances away in a flustered manner.

Gosh, they're so cute.

"Okay, Malik. Here is the thing." I turn serious. "Do you remember the wedding we attended in Montana during summer?"

"Um . . . yes?" He nods after a brief moment.

"Do you recall Sam's dream wedding?"

"A crazy wedding?" He laughs.

"Exactly. And we're going to give her that," I finally enlighten him.

"Holy Moly!" Malik murmurs, utterly stunned. "We're marrying her off?"

We all laugh at him reaction.

"Well, if you decide to put it that way, then fine," I say. "I'm leaving the rest in your hands, Malik. I know this is uncalled for, and I'm probably being a pain in the ass by asking you for such a favour, but-"

"Professor, it's alright." Malik gives me a genuine smile. "I don't have any problem helping you because I know why you're doing this. Liam and I will take care of the rest, trust us."

"I do. Thank you." I smile gratefully.

"Natasha is here," Roshni says, and we all turn to face the smiling blonde approaching.

A/N: Now let the wedding start! Thanks for reading.

Will try to update twice a week if I get enough votes. C'mon, touch the little 🌟