Honestly, I just have no idea.
Gilbert leaned back in his chair and asked, Where do you want to have it?
Huh? Sherilyn blinked, a little confused. Aren’t we having it here in Sunhaven?
Not necessarily, he replied, his eyes twinkling. The world is a big place. Pick any city you love, anywhere you want.
It was in that moment that the reality of her upcoming wedding truly hit Sherilyn. And she was marrying into Sunhaven’s most elite family.
She shook her head, turning the question back on him. Do you have a favorite city?
I’m easy, Gilbert shrugged, suggesting, How about Bali? Maybe the Maldives? Ireland? Bordeaux?
All of these were popular wedding destinations.
Sherilyn couldn’t help but remember their first attempt at getting married. Shortly after they registered, Francis had an accident, and their wedding was naturally put on hold…
Sensing her thoughts, Gilbert leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. Our wedding is going to be grand, as grand as it gets. I want you to be the happiest bride in the world.
With that, he reached for the zipper on her dress. Is it a zip-up today?
Her shoulders barely covered, Sherilyn suddenly became aware. Isn’t your headache bothering you anymore?
Hmm… A hug cures everything, he grinned.
Sherilyn rolled her eyes, exasperated. Can’t you take a day off?
Nope. I can’t. I feel terrible if I do, and then my head starts to hurt.
…
A few days later.
Evening.
The storm outside raged on as Jenna and James played in the toy room, with Sherilyn keeping them company.
Her phone buzzed.
It was a message from Gilbert.
[I’ve just landed at the airport.]
Sherilyn quickly typed back.
[It’s pouring outside. Tell the driver to take it slow and stay safe.]
[Got it, don’t worry.]
Putting down her phone, she glanced at the clock and murmured, Big brother should be here soon, right?
Yesterday, they received word from Francis that his flight back to Sunhaven was today.
Gilbert had gone to the airport to pick him up.
From departure to return, Francis’s trip had gone exactly as planned, lasting just a week.
Sherilyn gazed out the window, lost in thought.
The week had passed uneventfully, peacefully even, but she couldn’t quite let her guard down.
Had Caroline really left for good?
Was everything going smoothly with Francis?
Her phone buzzed again.
Another message from Gilbert.
[Picked up big brother. We’re on our way back.]
[Okay, got it.]
Sherilyn put her phone away, stood up, and went outside.
She instructed the housekeeper, Please bring down all of James’s things.
Once Francis arrived, he’d be taking James home.
Yes, Ms. Gomez.
Mommy!
Jenna came bounding out, wrapping her arms around Sherilyn. I’m hungry.
All that playing worked up an
appetite? Sherilyn chuckled, gently pinching her daughter’s increasingly chubby cheeks. She turned to
James with a smile. How about we have some snacks?
Yes, please!
Sounds great, Aunt Sherilyn.
Let’s go.
Sherilyn took Jenna by the hand with her left and James with her right, leading
them to the dining room.
As the sky darkened and the rain
intensified, Gilbert and Francis arrived just as the kids finished their
snacks. Sherilyn was busy wiping their faces and hands.
You both have food all over your faces… Sherilyn laughed, tapping Jenna and James on their noses. Two little kittens.
Mommy. Jenna lifted her small, chubby hand. Can I have another piece?
No more, sweetie, Sherilyn said with a playful pout, shaking her head. You won’t have room for dinner later.
Okay.
Not far away, Francis glanced at
Gilbert, sighing enviously, You’ve et . Even a god venet
got it
wouldn’t
trade places with you.