Page 111 of Forever Mine
It’s from Fallon.
Taking it, I pull the tab and rip it off. Inside is a plain white envelope.
April hops around me like a human pogo stick. “What does it say?”
I wonder if she’ll get over her Fallon crush someday. Unlikely, but a brother can hope.
“It’s none of our business,” Dad kindly interjects and guides her to sit down on the chaise lounge.
Wondering what Fallon could have sent, I slide my finger under the flap and open the envelope.
El,
I wish I could be there to see you and Jules tie the knot, but we both know it’s best for Elizabeth’s sake that I’m not. Africa is a wonderful place to find yourself when you need to do some serious soul-searching. We’re almost donewith the framework for the women’s center. You and J should make a trip out sometime. On my dime, of course.
Speaking of dimes, I’ve set up a joint trust in your and Julien’s names. Just a little something to help make things easier. Spend it however you like. And fuck you if you don’t like it. Friends support friends, and you’ve been the best goddamn friend I’ve ever had. Don’t tell Ry.
Love you.
Fallon
My brainshort circuits when I look at the attached bank summary he included—and all the zeros. So many zeros.
“So?” April says.
My face blanches. I look at Dad, and his brow draws down in concern.
April huffs. “Elijah, come on! What did Fallon send you?”
My mouth opens. Closes. Opens. Closes. I glance down at the letter again to make sure I’m not hallucinating. I’m not.
Holy shit.
Holy fucking shit.
“He sent me two million dollars.”
Chapter Thirty-Two
JULIEN
The viewfrom outside my open window frames the outdoor wedding setup perfectly. A light sea breeze brings the sweet floral fragrance of plumeria. Late afternoon sunlight sparkles like glitter over the surface of the sapphire Pacific as waves furl and crash onto the black sandy shore. Tiny ball lights hang down from strings stretched from pole to pole. A bright silver satin runner cuts a path under an archway made of chiffon fabric. Rows of chairs are dressed in flowing crimson and silver chiffon bows on either side. Beautiful, lush bouquets of red and white roses traverse along the outside and decorate the garden arch where I will soon be standing, waiting for the love of my life to make his way to me.
“Stop it.”
I pull my gaze from the gorgeous scene. “Stop what?”
“Fidgeting,” Ash says.
“I’m not fidgeting.”
I am, but I can’t help it. It’s my wedding day. I’m about to watch Elijah walk down the aisle. Elijah and I decided to gosemi-traditional with a bridal procession, man style, and I can’t fucking wait to see him in his tuxedo jacket and tailored shorts. Elijah said why wear a full suit when we could go beach chic.
Ash lifts his eyes and rolls them in the biggest way possible. “I’m almost done, so sit still.”
He goes back to painting my nails, each one a different bright color.
“There. Finished. Now blow. And don’t touch anything for five minutes.”
