Just then, Mascot returned, looking more formal than usual. "Sir, your guest is here," he announced with a slight bow.
"Finally!" Lexie exclaimed, barely containing her excitement.
"Please, show her in," I said, my heart pounding in my chest. This was it. The moment I had been waiting for.
Mascot turned and left to escort Licia in. I could barely contain my excitement. In just a few moments, I would be proposing to the woman I loved.
It had been a long time coming, and I wanted it to be unforgettable.
Chapter Twenty Five
Licia
Kevin proposed in the most magical way ever. Tears kept streaming down my face uncontrollably, falling freely like a rainstorm I couldn’t contain.
It felt like I was living in a dream, a fantasy spun from the deepest corners of my heart—but then I realized this was my reality. My heart swelled with gratitude that I hadn’t given up on love, hadn’t given up on Kevin.
Now, it was settled. I was getting married to my one true love. Was it worth the wait and the tears? The joy welling up inside me far outweighed any pain I had suffered before. Every trial, every moment of doubt had led me here, to this perfect moment.
Everyone was on deck for the wedding planning. Joey, Melony, Lorenzo, and even Avery, who almost declined the invitation because he didn’t want things to be awkward with Kevin. Their first encounter had been far from friendly.
But then came the grand planner, Lexie. You would think she was planning her wedding! She was on the phone every minute,ensuring nothing was missed—from the concept to every event leading up to the big day. Her enthusiasm was infectious, pulling everyone into the whirlwind of preparations.
I also asked Dr. Shepherd to walk me down the aisle. I knew it would be an honor to have him by my side, but I wasn’t sure if he would agree. To my surprise, not only did he agree, but he also insisted that I be relieved of all hospital duties until the wedding was over. I protested at first, but he simply waved his hand and said, “Consider it the father card, Licia.” And I couldn’t escape it any longer.
“Licia, you can't be late for the gown fitting,” Lexie chided, stomping into the room with a fierce determination in her step. “Jackson is waiting downstairs, and the designer has been blowing up my phone with incessant calls.”
“Exactly what I was just telling her,” Joey chimed in, her voice filled with mock exasperation. “At this rate, I have a feeling she might be late on her wedding day.”
“Dark,” Lexie sniggered, exchanging a conspiratorial glance with Joey.
“But she is never late for work,” Melony added with a playful grin.
“So true,” Joey agreed, and they both burst into a fit of laughter.
“Even you, Mel? I am so heartbroken right now,” I said, scrunching up my face in mock pain, though I could barely keep from smiling.
“You don't fool me. Not one bit, so quit the act and finish up,” Melony teased.
“Fine, I'm ready,” I announced, grabbing my purse from the dressing table and leading the way, my maids of honor trailing behind in a cacophony of chatter and giggles.
The fitting was quicker than I expected. We barely spent three hours at the bridal shop before heading out to pick up someitems for the bachelorette party that was happening in two nights.
“Don't forget the lingerie we talked about earlier,” Melony reminded Joey as we browsed through the racks.
“The ones you showed me on your phone?” Joey asked for clarification.
“Yes, those.”
“Most certainly, I won't forget. I am sure Kevin would give anything to see Licia in them,” Joey said with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
“And to think that I almost hated the dude for his unbearable attitude,” Melony giggled, shaking her head.
Joey grinned. “I heard about that.”
“Um, I’m standing right here, you know,” I interjected, waving my hand in front of them, but they ignored me.
Melony pretended to look around, “Joey, are you seeing another person with us?”
