Tears gather in her eyes as I bring her hand up to my lips, kissing it ever so softly. I let her go to reach over to where my guitar is waiting for me. I put the strap over my shoulder as I meet her gaze. “I wanted to sing for you tomorrow, but I chickened out. Unlike you, I can’t sing in front of a crowd.” There is laughter as I strum my fingers along the strings. “So, I want to sing to someone whom I respect, whom I love, whom I am so proud of, and whom I am bursting at the seams to scream ‘I do’ to at exactly four thirty tomorrow.”
Shelli’s lip quivers as I start to play “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” in an arrangement I made. Very acoustic and romantic. I don’t use the mic; I sing just for her. My eyes lock with hers as I sing the words I feel with everything in my soul. She inspires me daily, and I want her to know how much she means to me. By the looks of it, tears falling down her round cheeks, I know she feels what I feel. Complete bliss.
When I tear my gaze from hers, it’s to look out and see our family members have all paired off, dancing. I watch as my mom lays her head on my dad’s chest, swaying. I wanted nothing more than to be loved and to love someone the way my parents love each other, and here I am, singing to the woman of my dreams. I close my eyes, emotion choking me as I sing for my bride. When I open them, she has her hands folded under her chin, her eyes focused on me. I finish the last note, and I want nothing more than to kiss her. But instead, I lean into the mic and say, “I can’t wait to marry you, Shelli Grace Adler. You are my forever.”
She hiccups a sob before we embrace, her lips coming for mine. I meet her earnestly, our lips moving together in such harmony. When we part, her eyes meet mine as we press our foreheads together. “I love when you sing to me.”
“I only want to sing to you.”
“Promise?”
“Forever, because I’m yours.”
Her lip wobbles, and I smile before our lips meet once more.
Funny how I never saw myself saying that to anyone before Shelli. But then, Shelli isn’t just anyone.
She’s the only one for me.
Chapter 10
Shelli
Much to my surprise, Aiden has been pulling out all the stops all week. When we arrived at James Place, Grace led my bridal party and me upstairs to the spot where Aiden had the bathtubs a week ago. But it had been changed over into a setup with a gorgeous table covered with flowers and a beautiful brunch spread. I’m in awe of him. He was so hard to pin down, but when I did, he became completely mine. I sit down to a plate with a blue Tiffany box in the middle of it. Under the box is a little note, so I open that first as everyone watches me.
Shelli Grace,
We’re hours away from becoming husband and wife. I’m ready to see you. I’m ready to hit that nacho bar, but most of all, I’m ready to be your husband. I’m so lucky to have you.
I love you.
- Aiden
My lips curve as I open the little blue box to find a diamond-encrusted four-leaf clover ring. I wiggle with excitement as I slide it onto my right-hand ring finger, gawking at its beauty.
“He’s amazing,” Mom says, and I nod.
“Agreed,” I say on a sigh. “I love him so much.”
“I know,” she says, cupping my hand. “I’m so proud of you, Shelli.”
I grin over at her. “Not mad I’ll be leaving you high and dry?”
She shakes her head. “Never, not when you have to shine, my love.”
My heart is full as Posey says, “I’m just glad Aiden is cool with you leaving.”
Amelia nods. “Me too. That was stressing me out. You deserve that role, Shelli. And he’s right, you’re going to kill it.”
I chew on my lip, running my thumb over the ring my groom just sent me. I look up at my mom, and she gives me a concerned look.
“What?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t do it.”
All three of their faces change. Gone is the giddy excitement, morphed into uneasiness.
“What do you mean?” Posey asks, her eyes trapping mine. “This is a dream part. The show is sold out months in advance.”
“I just worry that leaving him for six months for rehearsals and the show’s run will put a wedge between us. And it blows that I’m feeling that way when I was so excited, and after I got him on board.”
Amelia slowly nods in agreement, but my mom and sister aren’t convinced. “I couldn’t just up and leave Chandler like that, but we have kids, Shelli. It’s just you two, and y’all are good. Great, even, so connected.”