Page 113 of The Pact
She smiles, and I swear something in my chest cracks wide open.
“Hi, wife.”
“Hi, husband,” she whispers.
Alie bursts into tears, and Liam sighs and hands her a tissue like he expected this to happen.
“Congratulations, you two!” Alie throws her arms around both of us, and Liam closes in behind her.
We break apart, and Alie wraps Presley in a hug and whispers something in her ear that I can’t hear.
“Okay, newlyweds, we have a reservation to get to.” Liam ushers us out the door.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders as the girls walk ahead of us.
“You know what you’re doing?”
I nod. “I think this is the only thing in my life I haven’t second-guessed.”
“Does she know this is real for you?” he asks.
“I think she does, but I think it’s a truth she doesn’t want to face yet. But I’m a patient man. And she’s my wife.” I smile.
Our walk to the restaurant is short, since it’s near the courthouse. It’s the kind with white tablecloths and old brick walls, and waiters that don’t blink an eye when Alie orders champagne for us.
When the cork is popped and our glasses filled, Alie lifts up her flute. “To the new Mr. and Mrs. St. Clair!”
Presley gives her a look, but is smiling. “Don’t make it weird.”
“Why is that weird? You are married now, Pres.”
Liam interrupts, raising his glass. “To Saint and Presley.”
“See?” Presley says. “That was normal.”
Liam looks at her. “If this had been a traditional wedding, I would have given a weird toast at the reception.” He winks, and Alie laughs.
Presley groans.
I laugh too, which earns me a look.
“You think that’s funny, huh?”
“Hey, I’m just here for the ride. I got married today,” I say, tipping my flute to her. “I’m in a good mood.”
Her expression softens.
We continue conversation and drink champagne.
“Question,” Alie says, holding up a finger. “Do you plan to tell the team or let them find out dramatically, like they found out about me and Liam?”
“I vote dramatically,” Liam says.
“Of course you do,” Presley replies. “Not sure yet about the team, but we’ll figure it out.”
Alie leans toward me. “How are you telling the kids?”
I look at Presley. “I think we’re going with a simple approach so they don’t get confused.”
