Page 140 of Tears of Gold

“Apparently you told him you would only marry him once Aiden was in jail.” Abi cocks her head and appraises me.

“Yes, but… that was ages ago. We didn’t know he was going to be found guilty until last week.”

She shrugs. “Eli did. He had faith in you all along.”

“I’m getting married today?” I can’t believe it. This is insanity on every level.

They all nod. “But who has been invited?” My heart drops. What if Dan has been left off the surprise guest list because Eli can’t get past everything that’s happened?

“Everyone will be there, I’m sure.” Abi’s eyes meet mine. “So are you going to leave him waiting on the pier or are you going to get into that dress and go meet him?”

Everything spins around me. I’m getting married today?

This is insanity.

Then I’m kicked sharply on the inside and I rub the spot with the palm of my hand, my baby rubbing back from the other side.

“I’m getting married today.”

In the recess of my mind I can hear the wonderful rumbling laughter of Al; Go get them, Faith.

I did. I did.

Abi reading my face steps up. “He’d be bloody proud of you.”

“I know.”

By the time I’m dressed, and Abi has slipped on a dress that matches Tabitha’s, and Jennifer has stopped fussing, it’s been longer than half an hour. My phone pings.

Your timekeeping sucks.

I chuckle, but tears start to build. I can’t cry on my wedding day. I can’t cry on my wedding day.

My wedding day.

Like fuck I can’t.

I walk along the promenade uncaring of who is watching. The moment I spot him in a tuxedo, I start to blub. Big fat rolling tears fall down my face.

When I get to him, he brushes at them with his thumbs, his fingers anchoring around my jaw as he kisses me so deep I almost swoon.

“For the record, this isn’t our first date.”

“No?” He arches a dark brow.

“No. Our first date was at Whitlocks when you surprised me with my exhibition. Cheese and wine.” My heart stamps in my chest.

“Sunshine, that wasn’t a date, that was me just showing you what I was capable of.” He lets go of my face and drops down onto one knee. “Faith, free of the shackles of the past and facing what the future sends our way, will you marry me and be my wife until the day I die?”

“I’m not wearing this dress for nothing.”

“Say it.”

“I already said yes.”

“No. I said yes, now I need you to say it.”

“I will.”