Page 81 of A Little Bit Engaged
“Is that a yes?”
Unable to speak, she nodded.
“Thank you.” He rose and kissed her again. Hard and fast. “I’m the luckiest guy in the world.”
Her lips tingled. “So what do we do now?”
“I’ll call Sariah and tell her we’ll be getting married, but not yet.”
Cara was confused. “Why wait?”
“So you can have the wedding of your dreams.”
“Marrying you is my dream come true.” Her heart sighed. “I love our picnic theme, and my dress is to die for. But if you’d rather wait—”
“I’d rather say I do right now, but I can hold off until tomorrow.”
Cara didn’t think she could be any happier than she was at this moment. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you.” He cupped her face in his hand. “But we’d better get off this plane and find a place to stay tonight so we can let Loki out of his crate. Poor guy is miserable.”
She brushed her lips across his before staring at the ring on her finger. “I wonder how different being really engaged feels from being fake engaged.”
“You have less than twenty-four hours to find out.”
“That should be long enough.” Then she would be walking down the aisle in her beautiful wedding dress. Someday had arrived. She was getting her happily ever after.
She’d take it. And Brody.
For better, for worse.
For always. Forever.
EPILOGUE
While Ainsley strolled down the aisle to music played by a harpist, Cara stood behind a wall covered with flowers—gorgeous, colorful blossoms that kept her hidden from the guests. Most importantly, they concealed her from the groom. She didn’t want Brody to see her until she was heading toward him. Clutching her bouquet of white and pink roses, she couldn’t believe she was marrying her best friend today after only being proposed to yesterday.
Well, proposed to for real this time.
Standing next to her in a tuxedo, her father wiped his eyes. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to apologize enough.”
“I’m just happy you and Mom are here today.”
Cara was. Her parents had called after they’d learned the truth from Caitlin. It still upset Cara they’d taken her sister’s side so readily—that hurt would take time to heal—but she realized people weren’t perfect, including parents. Despite everything, she wanted them at her wedding. She wanted her dad to escort her down the aisle. And Caitlin…
After footage from the wedding rehearsal had been released last night, her “new” publicist had released a statement from Caitlin, one that Cara had read so many times she’d memorized the words:
To my dearest fans, especially my beloved Braits. I can’t tell you how much your support these past two weeks has meant to me, but I must put an end to an elaborate publicity stunt for my new movie TROUBLE IN TULLE that has spiraled out of control. What I said about my sister, Cara O’Neal, and Brody Simmons were lies concocted by my now-former publicist and PR firm. My sister never stole Brody from me, nor is she pregnant. Brody never cheated on me, either. He and I broke up two and a half years ago, but we were advised to remain a “couple” in order to help our movie franchise. Being desperate for success, we followed this misguided advice. I’m sorry for deceiving you, but I couldn’t allow the lies to continue and hurt others. That’s not who I am. I hope you will find it in your hearts to forgive me. Love to all of you, my darlings! Yours, Cait.
Caitlin had also sent a text to those closest to her saying she was taking a much-needed vacation, but she hadn’t mentioned the location. As Brody had said, Caitlin was an adult, and this was her choice.
Cara agreed. She was making her own choice—to forget everything else and make the most of her wedding day.
The harpist played another song. Sariah motioned Cara forward. “It’s time.”
Her dad extended his arm. “You’re a beautiful bride.”
“Thanks, Dad.”
