Page 167 of Jace
She and my mom fit right in. It seems they’ve been having a covert party in my house, helping Jace’s family set up this surprise today.
Southern morsels and Russian treats are served. We raise a champagne and sparkling lemonade toast. Babies fill arms. Music croons. Laughter floats into the perfect night as stars emerge, twinkling above, like the hundred little string lights decorating my courtyard.
It’s magical.
We joke with the kings and hug the queens. Jace won’t stop smiling, watching me hold my future nieces—Lyona, Bluebell, then Zarina—cherishing their sweet cheeks before Lev, my future nephew, innocently touches my belly.
“Dad says there’s a baby in there, but I don’t see it. You’re not fat.”
Axel waves at me, mouthing, “Sorry,” but I laugh. It’s too cute how Jace lifts Lev, resting his nephew on his hulking arm. “Give it time, little lion. You’ll have another cousin soon.”
“Can it be a boy?” Lev rolls his icy eyes. “There’s too many girls.”
I gaze at Jace, holding a little boy, and even the perfect picture couldn’t capture this pure moment.
One where every star aligns.
Illuminating your path.
All you have to do is be brave enough to follow it.
“Let’s do it now.” I exhale excitedly. Jace looks at me, a tender smile tugging at his lips. Like he wants to believe me, but… “Yeah.” I nod. “Right now. Let’s get married. Why wait anymore?”
He sets Lev down. “Viv…” He cradles my cheeks. “Viv, baby, don’t tease me. Are you for real?”
I nod, blinking back happy tears. “Very real because it feels so right. Everyone we love is here. This is all we need, Jace. Just me and you and?—”
“And your brother, who’s a pastor.” Sire, standing feet away, grins, hearing us.
“And your dress is beautiful!” Wren gushes. “Your ponytail’s on point; you’re glowing.”
“I will take the pictures,” Delphine offers.
“I’m the best man,” Grant insists.
Axel grins. “I’ll take care of the marriage license.”
“Please do it.” Alena claps, her brown eyes pleading. “It’s so romantic: a surprise weddinganda surprise baby.”
“We already have a bouquet and a cake inside.” Vale surprises me.
I look at Jace. A sexy blush paints his face. “A bouquet and a cake?”
He smirks. “With sixteen candles like the movie because…” He laughs softly, grabbing my waist. “Who are you about to marry, Smokeshow?”
“A hopeless romantic?”
“Hopeless?” Nadine joins us. She stands arm in arm with my mom. “You two youngins’ need to realize there’s always hope.”
“Live long enough,” my mom concurs, “and it’ll find you.”
They’re right.
Mothers always are.
And that’s how I find myself marrying Jace Ryan under white jasmine stars.
“You sure about this?”
