“Are you serious?” I ask, surprised by the story.
Marcus nods. “Yeah, that about sums it up.”
“Wow,” I breathe. “And you’re better now?”
“Oh yeah.” Marcus gestures to Leigh. “Besides, if anything goes wrong down the road, I have the best cardiothoracic surgeon in the world.”
“She’s that good?” I ask as my eyes go to Leigh.
“She’s a genius.”
“Oh, we have one of those too,” Kingsley pops in. I wasn’t even aware she was listening.
“Yeah, Preston. His specialty lies more in computers,” I say, and then I wonder why I haven’t seen him around.
“Where is Preston?” I ask no one in particular.
“He’s writing exams,” Falcon answers.
“Already?” I ask.
“Didn’t I tell you? Preston’s doing his four-year degree in two years so he can finish earlier. I need him full time for the new business.”
“You started a new business?” Carter suddenly asks.
Knowing where this conversation is going to go, I stand up and offer Carter my chair. “Take the seat.”
I walk over to where Lee is talking to Layla, then Kingsley bumps me as she darts by me, and she teases, “Thanks for leaving me at the business meeting.”
Wrapping my arms around Lee from behind, I look at my group before I glance at our new friends and it feels like I’m getting a preview of our future.LeeIt’s the night before our wedding, and even though I’m happy to marry Lake tomorrow, I can’t help but feel down.
My mom won’t be there, and it won’t be traditional.
It just doesn’t feel right.
My phone beeps, and when I unlock the screen, I see a message from Layla.
Can you please come help me with something in my suite?”
Glad for the distraction, I practically dart out of my suite, and within seconds I’m knocking on her door.
Layla opens the door and grabbing my hand, she yanks me inside.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
Layla takes hold of my shoulders, and she pushes me toward her bedroom. When I walk through the door, both my hands fly up to cover my mouth and tears push up my throat.
“You got me a hanbok,” I whisper in awe. Walking closer, I brush my fingers lightly over the silk. “Where did you get it?”
Layla places her arm around my waist and hugs me. “I went looking for it when we were in Jeju. I wanted you to have a traditional wedding gown.”
“Layla, it’s so beautiful.” I turn to her and hug her with all of my strength. “Thank you so much.”
I pull back and kneeling down at the foot of the bed, I brush my hand over the dress. The light pink material shimmers in the electric light.
“You better get dressed,” Layla says.
“Now?” I ask, climbing to my feet again.
“Yes.” Layla takes a deep breath, and her eyes begin to shine. “We’re having a private ceremony tonight. Just our group.”
In a daze of wonderment and pure bliss, Layla helps me get ready. Every couple of seconds, I have to cover my mouth and take deep breaths, so I don’t start crying.
After I’ve pinned my hair up, and Layla’s changed into a flowing lilac-colored dress, she holds her arm out for me. I swallow hard as I take hold of her arm, and we leave her suite.
When we walk out of the building, my breath catches in my throat. There are little lanterns all along the path, and as we follow them, Layla says, “Thank you for loving Lake.”
I nod because I’m too emotional to say anything.
The lanterns lead us into the woods, through the tunnel of trees and when we reach the open space that looks out over the valley, I see Falcon, Mason, and Preston standing by Lake’s side. He looks devastatingly handsome in his dark suit.
When my eyes move to the left, and I see Kingsley, I can’t hold the tears back. I glance away and take deep breaths before I walk closer to her. I incline my head to her, and then my eyes go to the beautifully framed photo of my mom that they’ve put on a stand.
I kneel down in front of my mother, and I bow to the ground, showing her that I will always respect her.
“Eomeoni salanghaeyo,” I whisper before I climb back to my feet with Kingsley and Layla’s help.
I keep my eyes lowered as I walk to Lake, and when I stop a few steps in front of him, my heart takes flight like a lantern set free with all my wishes written on it.
I bow low to Lake, showing him how committed I am to him, and I have to take deep breaths when Lake bows to me.
We straighten up, and he gives me the gentlest of smiles. “Park Lee-ann, my life changed the day you walked into it. You’re the greatest source of inspiration I have ever known. You inspire me to follow my dreams. You inspire me to fight for those I love. Mostly, you inspire me to be a better man. I will do my best as your husband.” He takes a deep breath, then he repeats my words from the other night, “I’ll love you so much in this life, the deities will have no choice but to give you back to me in the next life.”