“Where have you been, young lady?” my dad’s deep voice says sternly the second Chase and I walk in the door.
“Uh, out,” I reply.
“Just because you’re in college and you can do whatever you want there, it doesn’t mean when you come home, you don’t have to let us know where you are.”
I roll my eyes at him. Then hold my hand up, almost like I’m flipping him off, but instead, I’m showing off the shiny, new engagement ring on my left finger.
The grandmas notice it first and start screeching, then everyone else is wondering what’s going on.
“We’re engaged,” Chase says proudly.
Haley gives me a big hug. As do Chase’s parents. The grandmas are crying. Even my dad looks a little teary. And I have a moment of worry. Did Chase not ask him in advance?
But then he starts laughing and claps Chase on the back.
Needless to say, everyone is excited. We are wished well, and before I know it, I’m handed a mimosa that is light on the OJ.
I tilt my head at my mother. “Is that why he winked at you last night?”
“Yes, it is,” she whispers.
My dad holds up his flute and says, “Congrats to Devaney and Chase.”
Everyone goes, “Hear! He—”
But my dad interrupts them and says, “And to a very memorable and surprising weekend.”
“What’s the surprising part?” Madden asks.
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” my dad says with a grin.
And I can’t help but wonder what all he has planned. Probably another pirate scavenger hunt or a water gun fight.
“And I might be able to help with that,” Jennifer says, wrapping a hand around my elbow. “Miss Newly Engaged, please come with me.”
“Yes,” my mom says. “We have much to discuss.”
The tone in their voices makes it sound like I’m in trouble, but the smiles on their faces suggest otherwise. They look sneaky.
“Come on, Jadyn,” my mom says.
“I think I should be in on this,” Chase says to my mom.
“Nope,” she replies. “You did your part and proposed. Let us walk her through the options you came up with and—”
“But—” Chase says.
“You’ve trusted me this far,” my mom says to him. “She’s going to need to hear it, then think about it. I’ll text you when we’re ready for you two to chat.”
Chase nods in apparent agreement, but he looks concerned.
I turn to him and say, “What’s going on here?”
“That’s what you’re about to find out,” Mom says, answering for him and leading me out to a line of golf carts in the drive.
Chase follows us out to the carts, and as soon as I sit down, he pulls me back up into his arms. “Just remember that I love you. Very, very much. And I’ll be happy with whatever you choose. I promise.”
I squint my eyes at him. “I wish I had that penny right now.”
“I’d tell you the same thing,” he says with a grin. “Trust me, it’s going to be fun. And although I know you don’t like surprises, I think—well, I hope—you’ll love this. Almost as much as you love me.”
I swoon a little. I don’t know what he has planned, but I can tell he’s excited about it.
We kiss goodbye, and he puts me back into the cart, then gives everyone a salute before Mom hits the gas and we’re off.
My hair blows in the breeze as we head toward the resort. I can’t help but wonder what I look like. I just woke up after a night of passion in the back of a truck. I haven’t brushed my hair or my teeth or even looked in a mirror. And I really don’t know what’s going on. Because why aren’t we back at the house, celebrating with the family? I just wanted to stay in a Chase-wrapped bubble of happiness for the rest of the day.
Having my family celebrate with us.
Instead, it’s like, Yay, you’re engaged. Let’s go. It’s weird.
But I trust Chase. He wanted me to go with them. Which must mean that he planned whatever this is. And clearly, the three women in this cart are in on it. Maybe we’re going to have a spa day or something girlie to celebrate. But I think if that were the case, he would have invited the grandmas and Haley.
“Does someone want to tell me what’s going on?” I turn around in the cart, looking at Jadyn and Jennifer.
“Honestly,” Jadyn says, “I’m in the dark about all this. I knew Chase bought a ring and was planning to propose, but I didn’t know when or where.”
I squint my eyes at Jennifer.
She grins back at me. “I might know a little more than that. But not everything.”
I turn my attention to my mother. “Mom?”
She screeches to a halt, not in front of the spa, but rather at a nondescript office-type building I’ve never noticed before.
“Where are we?” Jennifer asks.
“Corporate office,” Jadyn says. Since she just finished the remodeling of the resort, one would assume she knows this for a fact.
A gorgeous, tall, dark-haired woman greets us at the door. I know I’ve met her before, but I can’t place where. Standing next to her is a waiter with a tray of mimosas.
“Ariela Ross,” Mom says, “I’d like to introduce you to my daughter, Devaney.”
“You’ve actually met Ariela before, Dani,” Jennifer says to me. “At my wedding.”
“Nice to see you again,” I say even though I’m still clueless as to why she’s here.
Ariela hugs Jadyn like they are old friends, too. I give up on trying to figure things out, so I grab a mimosa off the tray and consider asking the guy if he has a brush handy.
“A toast, shall we, before we get started?” Mom says. “To my daughter, Devaney. Congratulations on your engagement to the boy who has grown from your childhood best friend to the man of your dreams.”
What she said immediately brings tears to my eyes. Her acceptance of Chase is still such a surprise.
Jennifer wraps her arm around me. I can see she is crying, too, as is Chase’s mom. We toast. Take a drink.
Ariela says, “Please follow me.”
We enter a lush conference room and are motioned toward seats. Everyone sits but Ariela and Mom. I’m looking between the two of them, trying to figure out why I’m in a boardroom on the morning of my engagement.
“Congratulations on your engagement again,” Ariela says. “In case you don’t remember, I’m an event planner, and we brought you here to get your direction on the event that we’ll be holding this weekend.”
“It’s the resort’s grand reopening and our joint family reunion, right? I’m sorry, but I’m confused.”
My mom smiles at me. “Those events were planned that way for you.”
“Because I got engaged?” I ask, not following.
“Yes. We know everyone who will be arriving today. They are just our friends and families. The kind of people we might, say, invite to your wedding,” Mom says.
“My wedding?”
“Yes,” Ariela says, “or your engagement party.”
“My engagement party?” I mimic.
“Or,” Jennifer says, “a very extravagant hotel reopening.”
“So, which one will it be?” I ask, still clueless.
“That,” Mom says, “is up to you.”
“Wait a second. Are you saying that Chase and I could get married this weekend?”
“That’s what we’re saying,” Mom says. I notice that Chase’s mom is wide eyed and I think she’s as confused as I am.
“But I don’t have a dress. Or anything planned.”
Mom nods toward Ariela. “Maybe we should just show her.”
“This way,” Ariela says as I down my mimosa.
Could I really marry Chase this weekend?
Ariela opens a set of double doors to a banquet-sized room. In it are racks of clothing. Tables filled with different place settings. Chairs. Floral arrangements.
My eyes get huge. “What is all this?”
Mom hands me an envelope. “Open it.”
I rip the top open and find a note.
Dani,
You once said that if I could conjure up your dream wedding, you’d marry me right away. Check out everything and let me know if you still feel that way.
Chase
My mind immediately goes back to that morning in the condo when he got down on two knees and asked me if I’d marry him. How I said I would if …
I look around me again, feeling a little shook.
I could marry Chase this weekend.
And I think I’m starting to understand.
“All the people who are coming here today, what do they think they are coming for?” I ask.
“That, I know,” Jadyn says. “An exclusive event, hosted by our families. The idea was that they could all see why we love this place so much. The resort hosts celebrity golf tournaments often, but the celebs tend to fly in for the event and right back out. We want them to see what it would be like if their families were with them. The privacy they could have by renting the new family spaces as well as what the resort has to offer.” She narrows her eyes at Ariela and my mom and folds her arms across the front of her chest. “Are you both telling me that much of what I’ve been planning has really been for my own son’s wedding?”
“If that’s what Devaney wants,” Ariela says.
“And if I don’t?” I ask.
“We could announce your engagement and have a party one night. Or it simply stays as advertised,” Mom tells me before turning to Ariela. “Let’s start with the dresses.”
I’m led over to a rack full of wedding dresses.
“That’s my dress!” I practically scream, dashing toward it and running my hand gently across the lace. But then I see the next dress. “And this one!” I move down the rack, finding all the dresses I loved when we went shopping for my mom over spring break as well as other beautiful options.
Next to it is a rack full of veils, a table of accessories, and one with shoes. Another rack holds dresses that look like ones that bridesmaids might wear. The rack after it is full of tuxedos and suits.
My mom starts to say something, but I hold my hand up in the air at her to make her stop as I work my way through the room by myself, soaking it all in. There are multiple options for flowers and place settings. There’s a board on the wall with menu options and photos of altar designs. I’m so incredibly overwhelmed that I run toward the door.
I hear Ariela say, “That’s not a good sign.”
But I don’t care. I leave the building without a word.
Because I have to find Chase.
Cupcake dreams.
Chase
This was the only part of the plan Dani’s mom and I didn’t agree on. I wanted to be there to tell Dani everything that we’d planned. Show her. Give her the options.
I thought we could choose what’s best together.
Her mom thought it would be less pressure if I wasn’t there.
Jennifer agreed because she didn’t want to risk me seeing Dani’s wedding dress in advance.
So, I acquiesced.
But the second I see Dani coming out the door in tears, I know they were wrong.
“Chase!” she sobs the second she sees me.
I’ve been sitting in a golf cart by myself, trying to patiently wait for them to call me in.
I get out and am just standing up as she throws herself into my arms.
I’m afraid to say a word. I just hug her tightly and pray. Pray she’s not mad at me. Pray she still wants to marry me. Pray she isn’t going to tell me I’m crazy and break up with me. Pray I didn’t just screw everything up.
But then she looks up at me. “I have a few questions for you.”
I decide to try to make light of the situation by grabbing her left hand and holding it up, showcasing the ring still sparkling on her finger. “Can I be in trouble already?”
“Yes, Chase! You can,” she says. “When did you become a liar? You’ve never been able to not tell me everything. Especially something this big!”
Shit. She thinks I’m a liar?
“This is different. It’s for you. For us. For our future.”
“How long have you been planning this?” she says, softening.
“Since you said you’d come to the Ozarks this year.”
“That was at Christmastime.”
“Yeah. I knew then that I wanted to propose here.”
“What about all the other stuff?”
“Well, it started that day we had the snowball fight, and you said this would be a pretty place to get married. Then the day at the condo—”
“The day you sort of proposed?”
“Yes. You were sitting sideways in a chair, legs dangled over the edge, mug in your hand. And there was something about the sight of it. Of you. My past, present, and future, inexplicably tied together. And it just hit me with such an overwhelming force that I walked straight up to you, dropped to my knees, and asked if you wanted to marry me. Because it’s all I want. You. Me. Together forever.”
“That’s how you felt?” she asks, tears filling her eyes again.
I nod. “And then I started thinking more seriously about actually proposing, so I called my dad and asked about when he proposed to my mom. Did you know they got engaged on their first date? After dating for a week?! And that he took her straight to their surprise engagement party?”
“I knew about the engagement party. That it all happened fast.”
“Anyway, I thought things over for a few more days. I decided instead of a surprise engagement party, what if it was a surprise wedding? So, I called your mom. Told her what I wanted to do. I wanted the engagement to be a surprise, but I didn’t want to spring a party or a wedding on you, like my dad did to my mom, so that’s when I came up with the different plays.”
“Plays?” She shakes her head and smiles at me. The smile that lights my world.
“Well,” I say, pulling her closer, “play charts are filled with Xs and Os, so it kinda fits. But when my dad surprised my mom with an engagement party, her first reaction was to be pissed. Called Dad a bad name, gave him the ring back. I know you aren’t big on surprises, so I didn’t want that. I was pretty sure you’d say yes to marrying me, but not so sure about just popping a wedding on you.”
“So, you conjured up my dream wedding?”
“Possible wedding,” I tell her. “Possible engagement party. Or just what everyone thinks it is. A get-together at the lake.”
She narrows her eyes at me, then holds up her left hand, eyeing the diamond as it catches the sun. “And what about this ring? Who bought it? My dad?”
I roll my eyes and sigh. “I bought it myself. Which was a feat in and of itself. Your mom, your dad, and my dad all wanted to pitch in. I said no. I wanted it to be just from me. I’m pretty sure that’s what I’ve been saving all my modeling money for anyway. While I paid for it, I did ask for guidance in picking it out.”
“From who?”
“Well, it was supposed to be just your dad and my dad and Van. But Van asked Tripp, and of course, I couldn’t leave your brother out.”
“Oh my gosh. When did you do all this?”
“When you were on spring break in LA. That was planned, too. Specifically so you could look at dresses. Your mom isn’t really getting married again.”
Her eyes get huge. Again. “Wow. So, does that mean when you were being sneaky, you were planning this and not my birthday trip?”
I laugh. “Yes, actually. That’s why I don’t lie. I’m not good at it, so I got caught. Then I had to lie again. And plan a surprise birthday trip.”
She laughs wholeheartedly, and it’s beautiful. God, I hope she will choose the wedding.
“I know we are young, Dani. I know there’s always going to be reasons not to. We’re too young, we don’t know what we’ll do for careers, we don’t know what the future holds. All I know is that I want to be your husband more than anything. And we’ll figure out the future together because we’ll keep dreaming together.”
“Cupcake dreams,” she says, grinning.
“Exactly. So, last night, we didn’t really talk much after the proposal. Tell me, what do you think of the ring I chose for you?”
“Chase, it’s the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen, and I love it almost as much as I love you.”
“And what kind of event do you think should take place this weekend?” Because I am dying to know what it will be.
She wraps her arms around my neck, but before she can answer, I need her to know something.
“Just for the record,” I say, “I’m happy we are engaged. It doesn’t need to be more than that right now if you aren’t ready.”
“But you planned my dream wedding,” she counters.
“Yeah.”
“Because that’s what you want, right?”
“Most definitely.”
“Good, because what I want more than anything is to marry you this weekend, Chase Mackenzie.”
I’m instantly overwhelmed by the moment. Tears spring up in my eyes. I feel like I just won the Super Bowl of life.
“Chase,” she says, tears threatening when she sees my face, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
And I seal it with a kiss.
Then hear clapping.
We turn and see the moms standing outside. I was so engrossed in my conversation with Dani that I didn’t even notice when they came out.
Dani’s mom says, “All right, now that that’s settled, Chase, why don’t you go—”
“Just wait a second,” Dani says, causing me to have a momentary heart stoppage. “He’s coming with me to make the selections.”
Jennifer says, “We sort of assumed you wouldn’t want him to see your dress before the wedding.”
“Oh, I don’t want him to see the dress, but I want him to see everything else. And I want him to have a say in it.”
I break out into a wide smile and notice that her mom is just staring at her with a smirk on her face.
Dani puts on a little fake pout and rolls her eyes. “Oh, I get it. You already chose everything, right?”
“Kind of, yeah,” I tell her.
“And,” Ariela says, “you might want to decide on your dress before you choose anything else, as the dress often sets the tone for the event.”
“The dress,” Dani mutters with a dreamy smile on her face.
She turns back to face me, grinning. “I am going to go try on wedding dresses. Why don’t you go golf or something? Keep your phone with you. If I text you for backup, I need you to come running.”
“I’ll always come running for you,” I whisper in her ear. I get in the golf cart, give her a quick wink, and then hightail it out of there.
Been dreaming.
Devaney
As soon as Chase leaves, I look at the women assembled. “All right, I’m ready to try on dresses and choose everything for the wedding. But we’re missing a few people whose opinions I value.”
“You’d better mean me,” my brother says, sneaking out of the building, and I wonder how in the world he knows already, but then Haley sneaks up behind me.
“And me,” she says, and I have my answer.
I rush over, wrap my arms around them, and squeeze them tightly.
“Devaney,” a deep voice says, and I look up to see my father.
“Yes, Dad?”
“Can I talk to you for a moment?”
“Am I in trouble?” I ask.
Jadyn calls out from behind us, “The trouble with trouble is it always starts out as fun.”
Which causes my dad to laugh out loud.
But then he takes my hand in his. “Are you sure about all this? Really sure? Marriage is a big step.”
“I know it is.”
“I also know it’s easy to get wrapped up in the hype, the excitement. You got engaged. That might be enough for now.”
“Are you opposed to me marrying Chase this weekend, Dad?”
“I didn’t say that,” he says. “I’m saying, they just sprang all this on you. I want to make sure you’ve had enough time to process it.”
“Dad, I’ve been dreaming about marrying Chase since I was a kid. I’m more than ready. But I do appreciate what you’re saying. And I hope you’re here to help me decide on a dress.”
“I most definitely am. Let’s just hope I don’t bawl like a baby.” He gives me a hug. “I can’t believe my baby girl is getting married.”
“Neither can I. This all feels like a dream. Also, Dad, are you sure about this? I don’t know what it must have cost to bring all this stuff in, but it couldn’t have been cheap.”
Tripp and Van pop out of somewhere. I swear, it’s like they are all hiding in the woodwork.
“My dear,” Van says, “this wedding is on me.”
“Uh,” Tripp says.
“Okay, us,” Van says.
“But—” my dad says.
“No buts about it, Danny,” Tripp says. “This is still our grand reopening. And not only am I hosting it”—he turns to me—“but if you and Chase would allow me to include photos from this weekend in our hotel brochures and website, I’ll also be cutting you two a check.”
“For what?” I ask.
“This event is going to be a showcase to our many celebrity guests, who I have a hard time getting to the middle of Missouri, why our resort is for them. The new retreat Jadyn and I have built together is just the place for people like them to have some relaxing, old-fashioned, truly-getting-away-from-it-all family time. We will ban photography at the ceremony itself, but other than that, if you approve, you can expect to see a lot of relevant hashtags trending. You and Chase have a bright future, and the social media coverage from this weekend alone will be worth more than I could have spent on paid advertising. However, if you want it to be a private affair without that, your mother and father have approved all charges in advance. You’re their baby girl, Devaney, and they love you so very much.”
Damon leans over and says to me, “It will also help our brand.”
“Social media fame, here we come,” I say with a laugh.
My dad fake wipes his head and goes, “Whew.”
Everyone laughs, including our grandmothers, who also just seemed to show up.
“All right, people,” Ariela says loudly, “we have a lot of decisions to make and a short amount of time to make them. It’s time to get to it. I know you all want to help, but we’ll need to make quick decisions. So, if it’s okay with the bride, I suggest you all get comfy in the conference room. If and when Dani needs your help, we’ll come and get you. Once she’s made her choices, we’ll need to get you all outfitted as well. Sound okay?”
Everyone nods their heads and files into the room.
I grab Haley’s arm. “Don’t you dare leave me. I need your help on everything.” I smile at her and get tears in my eyes. I swear, I feel like all I’ve done today is cry. Happy tears, but still. “That is, if you will be my maid of honor.”
She gets choked up. “Are you sure? I’m in a boot, and my gait is awkward.”
“I want you, boot and all.”
She grabs my hand and holds on to it. “Let’s go do this then. But, I’m curious. Why the rush?”
“Because I can’t wait to be your sister, of course,” I say lightly.
“Or should we start calling me Auntie Haley?”
I can’t help but laugh when I realize that’s probably the first thing that everyone will think when they learn of our very short engagement. “I’m not pregnant, Hay.”
Ariela returns, ending our conversation and leading us into the conference room again. “First things to consider are your dress, the colors for the wedding, and the wedding party.”
Regardless of the decisions I have to make first, I find myself wandering over to one of the tables to look at the flowers. I can already tell which was my mom’s choice and what was Chase’s, but I say, “Daisies. We have to incorporate daisies. But I also really love these purple and green hydrangeas.”
“Keep that in mind when you try on dresses,” Ariela says. “Anyone else you want here to help you choose?”
“I think your father would love to be a part of this,” my mom says.
“He would,” Jennifer agrees. “Although ten bucks says he’ll cry.”
“No, he won’t,” I scoff. “But, yes, please ask my brother and my dad to join us.”
“All right,” Ariela says.
“I can’t believe my baby sister is getting married.” Damon fake cries into a hankie as he drinks a glass of champagne.
“Stop it,” Haley chastises as we go through the rack of dresses. “This is serious stuff.”
I want to try on a lot of these dresses, but truth be told, I knew which dress I wanted the second I tried it on over spring break.
“This is my ceremony dress,” I say, pulling it out.
Jennifer’s eyes get big. “Look at all these gorgeous dresses. Don’t you want to try them on?”
I look at the rack again after handing Ariela my favorite and comparing it to the dresses I haven’t seen yet. “Hmm,” I say, considering, before pointing out three more that are almost as pretty.
A few moments later, I’m in a makeshift dressing room. Ariela introduces me to another woman named Maria—who is apparently an expert tailor and who will, along with a team, be in charge of making sure my dress fits perfectly.
“I’d suggest trying on the ones you haven’t tried first. Save your favorite for last. See if it’s still the one.”
Quickly, I’m in a beautiful gown, looking at myself in the mirror. This dress definitely has a wow factor. It has the long sleeves and high neck that I like and a sheer nude bodice, covered with a bold Venetian lace. It’s got a prominent waistband that separates the top from the long, slim skirt. The skirt is tight but is covered by a sheer overlay that makes it look wispy, almost angelic.
“What do you think of this one?” Maria asks me. “If you want to show your family, I will add the matching veil for the full effect.”
I look at myself again. The dress is very beautiful, but at the same time, I feel a little naked. A little exposed. Even though I’m not really. I nod at Maria anyway.
My brother lets out a whistle the second I walk out. “Damn. Chase would love that one.”
My father and Jadyn look slightly horrified.
Dad goes, “Uh, is it maybe a little too sexy?”
I step carefully up onto the pedestal and look at myself in the mirror.
“What do you think, Haley?” I ask.
“I can see both sides,” she says. “The real question is what do you think?”
“It’s tight around my legs and sort of hard to walk in. I could never dance in this.”
Ariela studies me and then says, “It’s beautiful on you. And I’m not sure it’s what you want, but your mother and Jennifer suggested that you have a couple of different dress changes throughout the event. What we are choosing first will be your ceremony dress. Many brides change for the reception and often change again for the afterparty.”
“I think it’d take me forever to get down the aisle because I’d have to take tiny steps. And I think I agree with my dad. I know everything is covered, but I still feel a little exposed.”
“All right then,” Ariela says. “Let’s see you in dress number two.”
“Wow,” Haley says when I come out in the next dress. “That is gorgeous. Look at your waist in that!”
“It’s got kind of a fairy-tale vibe,” my dad says.
And I admit, I do feel a little princessy in this one.
Ariela says, “Corseted top, covered with floral lace. A-line skirt that is easier to walk in. Adorable lace straps with a flutter cap.”
“It is easier to move around in, for sure,” I say. “Honestly, both dresses I’ve tried on are beautiful, but … can I try on my dress now?”
“But of course,” Maria says, leading me back in the dressing area.
She doesn’t even have the dress fully on me, and I’m crying. When I put it on the first time, I had a strong reaction to it, but I thought that it was a someday dress. And it hits me full force that someday is this weekend. That I’m actually going to marry Chase wearing this dress.
I realize I don’t care what anyone else thinks. I don’t care if Haley or my dad or Damon or the moms approve. In fact, I’m not sure I want them to see me in it.
What I want is for Chase to see me in it before anyone else.
Maria is getting ready to add the veil when I go, “Uh, do you think you could ask Ariela to come here?”
Maria nods, then pokes her head out of the curtain, and moments later, Ariela is in the dressing room with me.
“This is my dress,” I tell her. “I want you to see it, so you can help me choose the rest of the wedding, but I changed my mind.”
“About what?” she asks, looking concerned.
“I don’t know what all is planned, but I want to get ready, put my dress on, and have Chase be the first person to see me in it. Before my family, before my maid of honor. Can I do that?”
“It’s your wedding, honey,” she says. “Some brides prefer for their groom to see their dress for the first time as they walk down the aisle. Others prefer to do a first look, where the bride and groom have a few private moments before the wedding together. He will see you in your dress and be able to tell you how beautiful you look, which is harder to do in front of everyone at the altar.”
“That’s what I want.”
“Then, that’s what I’ll build into the timeline. And for the record, I was hoping you’d choose that dress. It’s so classically elegant but with a modern flair. And you look amazing in it.”
“Thank you. You don’t think it’s too much for a lakeside wedding? Like, will I be walking through the grass or anything?”
“In that dress? I don’t think so. And if you want to surprise everyone with the wedding details as well, I’m happy to help you. I think it’s going to be pretty easy now that we have the dress.”
“Haley is going to be my maid of honor. I sort of asked her to help me with everything.”
“There’s plenty to keep her busy. Once you decide on your decor and colors, we’ll need to find her a dress as well. And Chase and your brother will need their own fittings. We’re going to be outfitting the whole family.”
“How are you so calm?” I ask her.
“I’ve done a lot of events. But I will admit, a surprise wedding for the bride is a first for me. And I’m pretty excited about it.”
“Can you tell everyone that I want to surprise them? I don’t want them to be mad at me.”
“It’s your wedding, Devaney. No one is allowed to be mad at you.”
“Sweet. I like that. And thank you.”
“Stay in the dress. I will be back shortly with shoes. Maria will get you fitted. The alterations on your dress will be the most time-consuming, and she’s ready to get her team started.”
She leaves and comes back with three shoe options. “Your father picked these crystal-encrusted ones because he said they remind him of your dance recitals when you were little—he might have gotten a little teary over that—your brother chose the something blue shoe, and Haley suggested the more classic white pump.”
I take the crystal ones from her and slip them on. They are surprisingly comfortable, as the toe is slightly more rounded and the heel isn’t as high as the other ones. “Definitely these,” I tell her.
After my fitting, Ariela gives me a pretty sundress to wear, then allows me to brush my hair and teeth, and then we jet off in a golf cart to the venue she thinks I will like the best.
And I do.
When we went to a wedding here that summer, the dancing was in the sand. The reception mostly outdoors.
“This is a new addition to the resort,” she says, showing me the inside of a stone chapel. It sits atop a hill and features stunning views. “The chapel was placed so that you have the view without the direct sunlight. The photos will be amazing. Three hundred people were invited to the event. Two hundred and eleven have RSVP’d. This space will comfortably hold two fifty.”
“It reminds me of being in Italy,” I say, taking in the fresco ceiling paintings set between massive wood beams. “It’s stunning.”
“Other options are outside by the lake, a glass-enclosed pavilion, or even a ballroom.”
“I don’t need to see the other options. This is perfect.”
She smiles at me. “It was your groom’s first choice as well.”
“You know what things he chose versus what my mother chose?”
“Honestly, your mother might have helped set it all up, but Chase and I had some very long conversations and emailed back and forth on all the details he thought fit the two of you. You’ll notice that the choices range from formal to more casual.”
“And he liked the more formal?”
“He liked a mix. Would you like to include him in the rest of the decisions?”
I shake my head. “No, actually. He got to surprise me with all this. The least I can do is surprise him with my choices.”
“Very well. Let’s continue.”
What follows is a whole lot of decisions. By the time we are done, we have a full weekend timeline and have chosen locations, attire, colors, food, drinks, flowers, music, place settings, and everything in between.
It’s nearly two o’clock in the afternoon when I get back to the house. I considered texting Chase to let him know I was done, but I assumed he was out golfing. I’m surprised to find him waiting for me.
“Are you the only one here?” I ask him.
“Yeah, everyone else is either out golfing, at the lazy river, or at the conference room, choosing their attire for all things wedding-related.”
“And what have you been doing all day?”
“I golfed. Checked in with Ariela a few million times. She told me things went well.”
I can’t help but grin. “I seriously can’t believe we’re getting married in a few days. Or that in a few hours, I chose everything for not only the wedding of my dreams, but also a whole weekend of events to go along with it. And just so you know, I figured since you already did so much, the least I could do was surprise you with my choices.”
He pulls me into his arms. “Is it really going to be the wedding of your dreams?” he asks seriously.
“Most definitely. To the boy of my dreams.”
Chase gets an aw-shucks look on his face. And it’s adorable.
I give him a kiss, then say, “But your girlfr—I mean, your fiancée—needs to get ready for tonight’s festivities.”
“I’d say we both need a shower after spending last night in the back of a pickup.”
“I’d say you’re right. Wanna join me?” I ask as I lead him toward the stairs that go up to my room.
“Absolutely.”
I did it for us.
Chase
Taking a shower anytime with Dani is amazing, but knowing that we’re engaged and will announce the news of our wedding tonight makes it even more special.
I wash her hair as she gushes about everything. Somehow without sharing any real details with me.
“Okay, so do I at least get an itinerary for the weekend?” I tease.
“Yes, you do. And from what I understand, it will be pretty detailed. Your outfit for tonight has been chosen by yours truly and will be delivered to your room—it’s probably already there.”
“And the event for tonight?”
“Well, as you well know, the guests are all set to arrive. And of course, we cannot be expected to announce our engagement without lots of fried chicken and champagne.”
I grin.
“Stop smiling,” she says even though she is doing the same.
“I was hoping,” I admit.
“And there might be a few surprises for you. Things you didn’t think of.”
“I love that. Actually, I love you,” I tell her.
“I know. It was on full display today, Chase. I literally can’t believe you did all this for me.”
“I did it for us.”
“Even better,” she says, planting her wet lips on mine.
After a shower that is steamy in more ways than one, I go to the boathouse to get ready. There’s a rolling rack in my room with all my clothing for the weekend’s festivities, pressed and ready to go. I put on my assigned outfit for tonight and check out the itinerary that I know got finalized and printed today and will be hand-delivered to all our guests’ rooms along with a welcome basket after the big announcement.
Welcome to the reopening of The Archibald Lodge. We are so happy you are here and can’t wait to share a weekend of events that will showcase all this resort has to offer. There is nothing better than time spent with family and friends!
Tripp Archibald
Von and Lori Archibald
Danny and Jennifer Diamond
Phillip and Jadyn Mackenzie
I tuck it into my bag carefully and go to meet Dani. I can’t believe in a short time, everyone will not only know that we got engaged, but that we’re also getting married.
Honestly, I can barely believe it.
But I can’t wait.
Trade secrets.
Devaney
The space for tonight’s event is an amphitheater, which, once the resort reopens, will hold nightly concerts or host family movie nights. It’s surrounded by trees, giving it a secluded vibe. The lawn area is synthetic grass, which is awesome. It’s dry and there won’t be any ants trying to share our meal. But as we get closer, I notice something has changed since I saw it earlier today.
There’s a huge pole in the middle of the space. I noticed it but forgot to ask what it was for. Sort of thought maybe it was used when they hosted movie nights or something. And now, I realize what that something is. Centered on the top of the pole is fabric that expands out and comes down onto poles surrounding the area, creating one massive tent made out of mosquito netting.
It’s super cool because you are protected from the mosquitoes but can still see all the gorgeous scenery that surrounds you.
Also, it’s kind of a tent.
“Chase,” I say.
“Yes, baby?”
I give him a little elbow to the side. “You never call me baby.”
“I know,” he says with a grin. “And the answer is, Yes, baby.”
“You don’t even know what I was going to ask you.”
“Sure I do.” He points up at the tent.
“Are you telling me that the netting is your doing?”
“I most certainly am. Although, apparently, Tripp loved the idea so much that it will be put up for all outdoor events going forward. Especially ones after dusk. They don’t have the twinkle lights on yet, but they will be on later. Can you see them, all strung above the netting?”
“I can see them. A tent, huh?”
“Yep. It’s part of our story. We had to have a tent.”
“Hmm,” I say. “Great minds.”
“What does that mean?”
“Oh, nothing.”
He grabs my hand, pulls me into a kiss, and says, “I’ll get you to tell me later. Let’s go inside.”
We go through the flap in the tent and survey the area. A band is playing country songs on the stage, but it’s more background music, like if you had the radio on at your little picnic.
The weather couldn’t be more perfect. Soft breeze blowing off the lake and warm sun still on our faces.
Chase whispers to me, “I’m so glad you chose the picnic for tonight. It’s going to be fun.”
“I don’t know if it will be once we announce our surprise wedding. Your sister asked me if I was pregnant. That’s what everyone is going to think, you know.”
“While it would be cool if you were pregnant, ideally, I do want to wait a while before we have kids. How do you feel about that?”
“I agree. I want to finish college, get our careers going. Figure out where you will play and everything before we take that step.”
“We are in agreement then,” he says, sealing it with a kiss.
For this event, we simply arrive like we would for any party. We mingle and talk to old family friends. Meet some of the extended Archibald family.
Chase looks handsome in a pair of tan baby corduroy shorts, a long-sleeved cream polo, and light-brown leather sneakers. I’m wearing a pretty tan-and-white striped sundress that features threaded embellishments on the tan stripes, giving it a casual vibe. But more importantly, it has pockets. And I purposely keep my left hand in one of them. Which I discover is sort of hard because I like to talk with my hands. Especially when we’re chatting football with some of my dad’s friends and former teammates. And it’s awesome that so many of them even watched the spring game and are commenting on how well both of us did.
Our parents seem to be herding us around, which is okay. There are a lot of interesting people here, like Dad’s agent, Carter Crawford. It’s fun to catch up with him and discuss all the stuff going on with collegiate players—like name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. Many players sign with him when they start college. Carter represents my brother and Chase and wants to wait and strike when the fire is hotter, meaning once they are back together and winning a lot of games.
“We want a lot of hype surrounding these two before we consider any offers,” he says, which causes Chase and me to laugh.
“What’s funny about that?” Carter asks.
“Because some of the team called me Hype at the beginning of spring. And not in a good way,” Chase says.
“Whatever,” Carter says, just as it’s announced that dinner is served. “You’ll show them.”
But just as we move toward the food line, Jennifer grabs us and shows us that Keatyn and Aiden Arrington are here. We’ve met them numerous times, as Dad is one of their wine ambassadors. Keatyn works in the movie industry with Jennifer, and Aiden runs a vineyard, which is supplying the Moon Wish wine we’re offering tonight as well as some of their estate wines, which will be served for the rehearsal dinner and reception. I will admit, I’m a little bummed their kids aren’t with them.
“I’ll tell you what my moon wish is,” Damon says, a naughty tone in his voice the second they all walk away.
“Damon,” I warn, “behave.”
“Sis, I don’t need to wish for that,” he says with a smirk. “I just gotta open my mouth. You know I talk as good of a game as I play.”
“Yeah, we know you are quite the player—on and off the field,” I say, rolling my eyes at him.
“Except I’m broken,” Damon says.
“What do you mean?” Chase asks. “Like brokenhearted?”
“Well, hopefully not.” He leans in toward Chase and me and whispers, “Don’t look now, but she just got here.”
Of course, both Chase and I turn our heads, wave, and go, “Ainsley!”
I mean, she’s now my, like, stepcousin or something. And we’ve had a couple of spa days with our moms over the past few years.
“Ugh!” Damon says. “I told you not to look. Or call her over. You guys suck.” But then his face brightens slightly, and he says, “Although I appreciate the engagement and wedding stuff that’s happening this weekend. Weddings make girls feel romantic. Make them imagine their own special days. And we are going to be here together for a few weeks. And I’m going to make her fall in love with me. Just wait. Oh, and don’t tell her. I want her to find out with everyone else tonight.”
“Ainsley, it’s so good to see you,” I say when she gets over here.
We share hugs, and I can see why Damon is obsessed with her. She looks gorgeous in a pretty floral mini sundress that highlights her already-tan legs.
“How are you?” Ainsley says to me. “How does it feel to be done with your first year of college?”
“Really good,” I say.
She gives Chase a little punch on the shoulder. “And I heard you had a good spring game. My uncles are suddenly Nebraska fans. I suspect we’ll all be coming up to see some of your games this fall.”
Damon clears his voice, and she turns toward him.
“I apologize. I mean, both of your games. I know you have told me many times that you’ll both be starting come fall.”
“We hope so,” Chase says.
“We will,” Damon counters, winking at her and saying, “And you are welcome to come up to Lincoln anytime, preferably without your parents.”
She looks at him kind of funny.
“We were just going to get our food. Would you like to join us?” I ask, trying to be nice to my brother, but he’s shaking his head at me.
“Ainsley,” he says to her, “would you do me the immense favor of joining me on a blanket and sharing a bucket of chicken with me tonight?”
“Uh, sure,” she says.
I make a little pouty face.
Damon says, “Don’t worry, sis. We’ll park our blanket next to yours.”
“Good.” I like Ainsley and hope to get to know her and the whole Archibald family better.
But then I realize we might not be here for the reunion.
When the two of them walk toward the food line, I ask Chase, “Um, in all the planning I did today, we didn’t talk about a honeymoon.”
“That’s because I planned it,” he says.
“I assumed you probably had, but I was just thinking if we leave after the wedding, we’ll miss the family vacation time. And I was looking forward to that.”
He gives me a wink.
I roll my eyes. “You really aren’t going to tell me?”
“That depends,” he says, sliding his arms around my waist and leaning close to my face. “You willing to trade secrets?”
“About what?” I ask.
“What you chose for the wedding.”
“Hmph. Nope.”
“Well then …” he says with a shrug.
I stand on my tiptoes, give him a kiss, and then turn and walk away.
A few seconds later, he’s next to me, holding my hand.
“Fine,” he says. “I’ll give you a hint. Much like the wedding planning, I have three options regarding our honeymoon.”
“And when do I get those options?”
“On our wedding day, I think,” he says.
“Oh. Well, just so you know, I changed up the wedding-day schedule a little,” I admit.
“Really?” he says. “How?”
“Remember when we pretended to get married and I’d never let you see me before the ceremony?”
“Not until you walked down the aisle. You were adamant about it.”
“Well, I changed my mind. We’re going to do a first look. When it is time for me to get dressed, everyone but the tailor and Ariela will leave. You and I will meet. I won’t have on my veil. That you will see when I walk down the aisle, but I just wanted to—”
“Have a special moment? Just the two of us? That actually makes me really happy,” he says sweetly, his face beaming with a smile.
“It does? I was worried since I’ve practically beaten you over the head with that tradition and how it’s supposed to be bad luck.”
“Not for us,” Chase says. “We’d better go get our food. Once everyone is served, they’ll do the toast and make the announcement.”
“Hey, wait. Don’t I get a hint about the honeymoon options?”
“Not yet. And here’s why.” He holds his hands out and motions toward all the people gathered around.
“Our parents went a little crazy with the guest list,” I agree.
“Exactly. And after being around all the family and guests, your idea of the perfect honeymoon might change slightly. You might be ready to get away from it all.”
“Hmm, I suppose that’s true.”
We walk up to where the food is being served. It’s super cute. You go through the line and choose a bucket of food—whether it be fried, grilled, or vegan chicken—then grab a blanket and another bucket with drinks. We, of course, opt for the champagne, then take it close by the stage and spread the blanket out. Even though we’re surrounded by people doing the same, I am transported back to the time I learned about his family’s tradition of celebrating.
Freshman in high school. Supposed to go to homecoming with the hottest senior guy. Ended up eating in Chase’s decorated garage.
I pop the champagne and pour us each a glass, hold mine up in the toasting position, and catch Chase’s eye. “To traditions,” I say. “And making a few of our own for our future family.”
Chase doesn’t clink my glass. Instead, he leans over and seals the toast with a kiss.
“Ugh,” Chase’s little brother Madden says. “They are kissing again.”
Ryder, who is putting down their picnic blanket, laughs. “You won’t say that when you are older.”
“Agreed,” Damon says, high-fiving Ryder and grinning at Ainsley.
A short time later, Haley comes over by herself. And it makes me realize that the only people who are here are families and friends of our parents.
“Chase,” I whisper, “I thought some of our friends would be here. Haley mentioned that Treyvon was invited.”
“I’m sure they are around here somewhere,” he says vaguely.
I’m about to ask how they could all be around here somewhere, yet I still haven’t seen them when the music stops and the hosts—Tripp, my mom, Van, Dad, Jennifer, Phillip, and Jadyn—go out onto the stage.
Tripp starts by saying, “Howdy, everyone! We are so happy to have you all here! My name is Tripp Archibald, and I’m the owner of this resort. As a kid, my family used to come here for a week every summer. But then it changed hands a few times and suffered a bit from neglect both in hospitality and accommodations. What hasn’t changed is the way I feel every time I step foot on the property, and six years ago, I was lucky enough to acquire it with the dream of keeping the charm while updating it to fit the needs of today’s families.
“I’m sure many of you know the talented Jadyn Mackenzie, who has been my partner in crime over the last few years. We’ve been working on what I call passion projects together, bringing former gem properties back to life. What you will experience this weekend at our grand reopening is the culmination of our efforts here.”
He hands the microphone to Jadyn and says, “Why don’t you say a few words?”
“I’d love to, Tripp,” Chase’s mom says. “My family along with Danny, Jennifer, and their family visited the resort just three years ago. We spent three glorious weeks here with no electronic devices, which about killed all of us the first few days, but after that, we grew to love it. Grandparents fished with their grandsons at sunrise. Kids learned to ski. We played in the lake. Ate amazing meals together. When it was time to leave, we weren’t ready to go home. To face reality.”
And I swear, when she says this, she looks straight at me and Chase.
“Everything at the resort has been rethought, revamped, and renovated, but what hasn’t changed is the magic of the grounds, the beauty of the lake, and I hope your time here will allow you to experience what this resort has to offer.” She hands my dad the microphone.
“Hey, everyone. I’m Danny Diamond, and I agree with everything Jadyn said. If you have some time this weekend, take the tour, see all there is to do, and if you aren’t here with your families now, we hope that you come back with them. And for the people in attendance who, due to their occupation, find themselves needing a little extra privacy, be sure to check out the private area within the resort. It’s where we enjoy vacationing.”
Chase’s dad steps over next to my dad and says, “We thought we’d kick off our time here with a celebration. The way we always have done—with fried chicken and champagne. So, everyone, raise your glasses in the air.”
Everyone does. I look into Chase’s eyes, and we both mouth the words along with them.
“Here’s to the good life!” my dad toasts.
“And all the fixings,” Phillip adds.
Tripp says, “As you might have noticed on your invitations, we asked you to spend the weekend with the Mackenzie, Diamond, and Archibald families as we celebrate life and love. Three years ago, a couple you all know fell in love at this very resort. And I’m excited to announce that not only did they get engaged last night, but … well, Chase and Devaney, maybe you should tell us what’s really happening this weekend.”
A microphone is shoved in our direction, and Chase stands, pulling me up with him.
We swing our hands up in the air like champions and yell, “We’re getting married! On Sunday! And you’re all invited!”
This seems to momentarily shock everyone.
“And in case anyone is wondering,” my dad sort of whispers into the microphone from up onstage, “she’s not pregnant.”
My mom takes the microphone from my dad, rolling her eyes at him. “Itineraries are waiting for you back in your rooms, but tomorrow will be filled with all sorts of pre-wedding activities, followed by the ceremony and reception on Sunday. Thank you so much for being here to celebrate with us. It’s going to be a fun weekend!”
At this point, Ariela and my sorority sisters, Lauren, Amber, Britta, Steph, who have sorta appeared out of nowhere, rush over to where Chase and I are.
“Now, I understand why they made us hide until after the announcements,” Lauren says.
“Oh my gosh, Dani! Congratulations, but, people, we need a candle, stat!” Britta says.
Ariela’s coworker, a guy name Kyle, hands a ribbon-festooned candle to my big sister, Steph. My mom, Jadyn, and even Jennifer, Haley, and the rest of my college and high school friends who were invited form a circle around me.
And although most of them don’t know the songs, there, in the middle of all the people eating their fried chicken, I listen to the soft sounds of my sister’s voices, and on the third go-round, I blow out my very own candle.
“Usually, the groom isn’t here for the candle passing,” Amber says.
“That’s not true, girls,” my mom interjects. “I got engaged during my own candle passing!”
“And by passing, she also means that Danny passed her the ring box. Literally threw it in the air to her,” Jadyn goes on while Jennifer is right in the mix, clapping away over the fun of it all.
I’m looking around for Chase when I hear new voices singing from behind us. I turn around to find Chase, Damon, Eddie, the dads, grandfathers, Chase’s little brothers, and a bunch of guys from both Chase’s college and high school football teams.
Tears fill my eyes as they serenade me.
I swear, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world today.
